Earthing clamps: characteristics and selection

Grounding clamps are used in many cases, and, moreover, very actively. Among them there are tape and clamping options, a clamp with a clamp for pipes and other types. You need to know about the features of products of different diameters.

The very name "earthing clamp" eloquently characterizes the essence of this product. It is needed not only to secure the pipe, but also to divert electric current from it. Mounting is usually done on a wall or ceiling. The main function of grounding elements is to prevent electric shock to users. At the same time, prevention of electrochemical degradation of the pipeline is also achieved.

The universal grounding clamp (abbreviated as UHZ) definitely deserves attention. This metal unit is made of stainless steel of the corresponding category AISI 201. The terminal is made of galvanized steel. The width of the clamp of the UHZ earthing switch is exactly 12 mm. The largest cross-section of the contact wire is 6 mm².

Mounting can be performed:

• on a steel pipe;

• steel sleeve;

• copper pipe;

• copper sleeve.

A cable can be laid inside the serviced communications. But you can also use the clamp on pipes that carry liquid or gas. The UHZ worm gear unit guarantees the best thread angle and the required clearance between the screw and the tape. As a result, the compressive force is evenly spread around the entire perimeter, and the maximum tightening torque increases. The tightening itself is smooth, stepless.

The UHZ was designed in such a way that it could be put and removed many times. The edges on the tape were deliberately smoothed out. This protects both the hand and the mounting surface from injury. Usually the package contains 3 pieces of such products. And yes, this is a completely domestic product that meets all the requirements of Russian standards.

The 927/0 band clamp is also a good example. It is optimally suited for cold and hot water risers. This is already a high-quality German development from OBO Bettermann. One package contains 10 of these clamps by default. Their brass bodies are coated with a protective nickel layer; a combination of brass and nickel is also used for bolts, and the tape is made of stainless steel.

Clamping clamps for grounding are produced by the "KBT" company. Such products are designed for grounding, zeroing and balancing the electrical potentials arising on the steel pipe. Both the clamp and its terminal in the case of the THZ model are made of galvanized steel. Hardware in width reaches 2 cm. The largest cross-section of the wire used is 6 mm².

Other parameters:

• the section of the served pipes - from ½ to 2 inches;

• fastening to pipes with a pair of screws (maintaining uniform pressure around the entire perimeter);

• calculation for multiple installation and dismantling;

• smoothed edge surface.

Products from 25 mm to ¾ inches are popular. Such products can be presented, for example, by the DKC company. The steel has an outer zinc layer that is applied to an electroplating bath. Connection of conductors up to 16 mm² is allowed. The product is optimally compatible with steel pipes.

If you need to use a structure with a variable diameter of 10-50 mm, it is worth considering that in this case the terminal will reach 16 mm². Compatible with longitudinal and transverse wiring. The clamp fits easily over copper pipes.Can also be used on galvanized steel pipelines. Excellent examples of such products are supplied, for example, by Werit.

For pipes 5-48 mm, the EBS1 model is optimal. It is represented by F-Tronic. The main construction material is stainless steel. As always, the connection of a conductor up to 16 mm² is provided.

The tightening effort is critical. But one must understand that an excessive level of such an effort is undesirable. He cannot fully compensate for the poor quality of the material in individual models. Modern high-tech modifications require relatively little application of forces and allow you to achieve excellent results. Extremely important: do not try to "save money" by using a conventional clamp instead of a grounding sample.

It is useful to listen to the recommendations of the direct manufacturers, of course. The decisive role here will be played by the cross-section of the products. It is definitely not necessary to select it "back to back". It is imperative to check whether the hardware has mechanical defects - the presence of such deformations means that the product is dangerous to use.

Special pipe clamps - both metal and plastic - are attached in two key ways. In a rigid scheme, the tightening is as tight as possible. At the same time, the shift of the pipeline being created is completely excluded. The floating system means that the clamp is not fully tightened. There is no need to rely on special mechanical stability, but there is a guarantee against damage due to temperature changes.

Corresponding copies are in demand:

• in the oil industry;

• in the extraction of natural gas;

• at oil refining and gas processing facilities;

• in the housing and utilities sector.

You can learn how to ground non-metallic pipes in the video below.