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FAQ
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
  Why would I need this clamp?
  This clamp is especially designed to solve a problem commonly faced in the industry when it comes to grounding Live Front Equipment. There is a need for cabinet doors to be closed at all times to make sure equipment is dead and grounded, otherwise linemen have to stand nearby to supervise the equipment 24/7. Using the current solutions, closing the doors is either impossible or hardly feasible due to awkward manipulation required and, above all, personal safety is put at risk. This clamp proposes an original solution that allows containing the whole grounding set within the cabinet, maintaining linemen safety and ergonomics.
   
  What safety problem does this clamp solve for me?
  As per OSHA 1910.269, any electrical equipment/line is to be considered as live until proper protective grounding equipment is installed…even if it has already been de-energized. As per the same OSHA Standard, minimum approach distances (clearance) for workers on live lines/equipment are about 3 feet on medium voltage (see OSHA 1910.269 Standard).
This distance is defined as the “furthest reachable point by the operator’s body.” As a consequence of these rules, the grounding set needs to be completely installed and tightened by the linemen while respecting the clearance required. In other words, any manipulation of the ground set near to the equipment to contain it within the cabinet is an infringement of the clearance rules. The BURNDY® GTC1AC34RA Clamp allows tightening the clamp from the safe zone without the need for further manipulation from the linemen.
   
  Can I retrofit your clamp onto my existing grounding sets?
  Sure! You can retrofit this clamp on any grounding set compliant to ASTM F855 classification. To choose the best retrofitting option, do not hesitate to contact BURNDY® for support.
   
  I don’t buy clamps alone; I prefer to buy assembled sets. Could I find sets with your clamp on it?
  Sure! BURNDY® can propose solutions integrating this advanced clamp for Single and Triple Phase sets. If you want to purchase through your own assembler, you can specify our clamp and simply inform BURNDY® who to contact, or have your assembler contact BURNDY® in order to make sure you receive assembled sets with this new advanced design.
   
  Is the right angle feature the only design advantage of this clamp?
  No, in addition to the right angle feature, this design integrates a “reverse eyebolt.” This original design offsets the “C” shape groove on the same side as the eyebolt itself. It offers a more compact configuration helping to close cabinet doors easily. This innovative “reverse eyebolt” is currently patent pending.
   
  What do we risk by continuing to use our current solutions?
  The new BURNDY® Clamp sets a new safety standard in the way to ground Pad Mounted Equipment. It gives utility Standard Engineers a way to protect their crews from a previously unsolved “at risk” situation. It’s always important for utilities to provide their crews with the “best in class” safety solutions to avoid accidents or situations where a problem may be encountered.
   
  How did the idea for this clamp come to BURNDY®?
  In keeping with our traditional intimate relationship with utilities, BURNDY® made note of a repeated expression of such need from several utilities. Then, with our experience in grounding applications and a passion to solve customers’ needs, our engineering team developed this original solution.
   
  Do the added benefits of the clamp justify the price difference when compared to the current solutions?
  Yes, this product brings an obvious value to utilities, both on the safety side as well as limiting time and money wasted in having to pay personnel to watch open cabinets. Any price differential versus the current solutions is offset by the value brought to the customer thanks to this advanced design. Also, this clamp is only a component of the grounding set. The overall price difference of a complete grounding set with our clamp versus the existing solutions would be minimal. With the cost savings to the utilities by no longer needing 24/7 supervision, the installation costs would be greatly reduced, making our clamp a cost effective and safer choice.
   
  What is the clamp rated for? What does Grade 3 mean?
 

This clamp has been formally tested to meet Grade 3 as per the ASTM F855 standard. This means the clamp can withstand 27kA for 15 cycles/250 ms without damage (reusable) and can ultimately protect up to 37kA for 15 cycles/250ms. (See table below for more details.) On top of those fault current capabilities, a Grade 3 clamp has passed a 300A RMS heat cycle test and is able to withstand 330 inch pounds of torque. Our clamp has also been tested beyond the standard and can protect up to 43kA 15 cycles/250ms.
   
  What other protective grounding components can I use with your clamp?
  The clamp works with threaded ferrules. Regarding the cable, the minimum size to be used in a “Grade 3” assembly is 2/0. Any other Grade 3 clamp can be used in the other side of the ground set (contact us to design the best configuration). If you use a cable smaller than 2/0 or a component rated below Grade 3, the overall set will be rated at the level of the lowest rated component.
   
  Should I put the clamp at both ends of a ground set for Pad Mounted Equipment?
  This clamp provides a specific solution with the right angle ferrule side entry. The greatest benefit of this feature is gained when clamped directly on the grounding bar. We recommend that utilities use our clamp on the side with which they will realize the most benefit of the product’s value. There is no additional benefit putting this clamp on the phase end of the ground set. A more common “C” shape clamp on the phase end of the ground set would be a more economic answer.
   
  I don’t need specific grounding sets for Pad Mounted Equipment… I don’t have any “specific” ground sets for live front applications. I just use the overhead ones and they work perfectly…
  In emergency cases, conventional OVH protective ground sets can be used. However, it necessitates keeping the doors open because the linemen are unable to close the doors without infringing the OSHA Standard using such material. Additionally, cable length of these assemblies is often too long. The use of dedicated ground sets is much more convenient and safer.
   
  What standards apply to this type of equipment?
  The main standard that applies to Protective Grounding Equipment is the ASTM F855-04. This standard is imposed by the OSHA 1910.269 standard regarding Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution. Other standards applicable to this particular area are IEEE 1048 which covers Overhead Lines Protective Grounding or ASTM F2249-03 dealing with in-service testing of Protective Grounding Equipments.
All of these standards have been taken into account when designing this product.
   
  Could you explain the ASTM classification of this clamp?
  In addition to the previously explained Grade 3, this clamp has the following attributes allowing ASTM F855 classification:
• Design c : for the “C” shape of the clamp
• Style 5 : describes the specific cable termination design
• Type I : for the eyebolt configuration
• Class A : for the smooth jaws
   
  What does the Catalog Number of this Clamp (GTC1AC34RA) mean?
  G = Grounding
T = Temporary
C = Clamp
1 = Type 1 (as per ASTM F855)
A = Class A (as per ASTM F855)
C = “C” shape (as per ASTM F855)
34= 3/4 in. maximum main conductor
RA = right angle (distinctive attribute for this clamp)
   
  Could I try the clamp in the field to assess the features and cost-saving benefits?
  Yes, BURNDY® has assembled some demo grounding sets. Please contact your salesperson if you would like a demonstration.
   

For more information, please contact our sales office

 

 
 
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