A Line Mechanic reports that ramp personnel do not connect the ground power electrical cords to their A319/ A320 aircraft correctly. Ramp also leaves the hoist cable connected and raised off the ground; putting strain on the electrical power cord; pulling the power cord sideways. If hoist motor switch failed; the lift cables could rip power cord from aircraft.

Narrative

This has been an ongoing issue with myself and a few others. Ramp does not connect the ground power [electrical] cords to the aircraft correctly. The Airbus series uses a yellow stress relief strap to keep the ground power cord held in place. Seventy percent of the time these yellow straps are not attached; or attached improperly. When the aircraft is fueled and being loaded with cargo and passengers; the aircraft will move about; even though it may not move much; the power cords very often lose connection and the aircraft loses power. Ramp personnel also leave the hoist cable connected and raised off the ground from a few feet to as high as the jetway bridge. This puts a strain on the power cord; pulling it sideways from the aircraft; over time the power cord plugs are weakened and fail. It is also a safety hazard for those working around the aircraft as the steel cable and [electrical] power cord are in the way. If the switch on the power cord plug failed; with the lift cables still attached; and it reeled in the cable; the power plug would be ripped from the aircraft. I have spoken to the Ramp Supervisor several times on this matter and it still has not been addressed.