PG Clamps FAQ - The Ultimate Guide

PG clamps have become a necessity for power transmission.

Therefore, the right knowledge about PG clamps can save you from losses and the company will have a strong impact on its competitors.

Our technical team has designed all possible queries related to PG clamps for you and we have tried to answer them in a way that will remove all your doubts and misconceptions.

When you say the word "PG Clamps" and want to know everything about it, this guide is your ultimate stop.

Q1. What is a PG Clamp?

PG clamps are often used for connections between conductors, such as aluminum-based conductors and ASCR-based conductors.

PG clamps have features such as high corrosion resistance.

It consists of hot forged aluminum alloy construction, hot dipped galvanized stainless steel bolts and nuts.

It provides gasket support protection to prevent corrosion.

PG Clamp is manufactured with spring washers along with a hot dipped galvanized finish. It provides great accuracy for pressure washers.

High strength aluminum alloys are also used to make bolts, which help maintain high contact pressure during heating and cooling cycles.

It provides an excellent electrical connection between different types of power conductor combinations.

The PG clamp is very easy to install and remove without damaging the conductors.

It tolerates high electrical and mechanical stresses, resulting in low electrical losses and efficient and stable current flow.

Q2. Are your PG clamps coated with oxidation inhibitors?

Yes, PG clamps are coated with an oxidation inhibitor, often referred to as grease, to prevent oxidation at the copper-aluminum joint.

Corrosion inhibitors have a broad role in slowing down the rate of corrosion of metals, and they enhance the life of metals in many industrial applications.

Our technical team defines a corrosion inhibitor as a substance contained in the corrosion life cycle that reduces the corrosion rate of a metal at the appropriate concentration.

This all happens without any significant changes to the corrosive agent.

As a result, conductors are prevented from rusting due to the presence of corrosion inhibitors. As a result, the connection between the conductors is not disturbed, which means that there is no loss of power and the efficiency of the product is not compromised.

If the PG clamps are not greased, then the clamps will react with moisture in the air and start to produce rust on them.

This will reduce its efficiency and in the long run, will weaken the clamp and possibly break.

Q3. What is the alternative to PG clamps?

The alternative to PG clamps is the wedge connector.

Wedge connectors are boltless.

They control all stress limitations, including physical and electrical stresses that other connectors cannot withstand or control.

It allows as little power loss as PG clamps and produces a steady and efficient flow of current throughout the line.

The acceptable temperature rise means there will be less technical losses.

As a result, the contact area between conductor and wedge connector is increased, which in turn increases efficiency.

There is no oxidation at the connection interface.

Very little time is required for installation.

There is a locking tab that will not loosen once the wedge has been driven into position.

The installation method is very simple and foolproof; therefore, the operator is not fatigued during a series of installations; this means that the repeatability and reliability of the installation process is guaranteed.

Q4. What are the common materials used in the manufacture of PG clamps?

PG clamps are often referred to as tension-free bolted connectors and they are commonly used in overhead transmission networks.

Here, they are used for load-free connections of conductors consisting of various materials.

Different materials are used to manufacture PG clamps, among which aluminum, copper, stainless steel or galvanized steel are common.

Other parts of the clamps, such as bolts, nuts and all types of washers, should be made of grade 316 stainless steel.

Generally, no or very little current can enter through the nut or bolt of a PG clamp.

Copper parts must have guidelines related to AS2738.

For stainless steel parts, AS2837 for Grade 316 should be followed.

Q5. How do I install PG clamps on the cable?

First of all, we need to have the right size of PG clips, if we don't have the right size, we should not cut the strands on the conductor.

Then comes the preparation of the correct set of PG clamps and conductors.

This is done by brushing (white brush for aluminum clamps, black brush for copper clamps) to remove the oxide layer from the contact surface.

Immediately, we need to move on to the next stage, applying grease to the brushed areas to make sure the contact surface is completely covered.

Now we need to mount the conductor on top with the right side of the clamp.

Make sure that the conductor is fully installed in the notch of the clamp.

Now it's time to tighten the bolts to the desired value as described on the PG clamp nameplate.

For clamps with a single bolt, apply the above torque values.

For clamps with two bolts, you should tighten the bolts step by step in sequence.

It is best to tighten the middle bolt first and then the outer bolt.

You should tighten them at least four to five times in this order.

Q6. What precautions should I take when installing PG clamps?

Installing PG clamps is not a difficult task once you have the correct clamp size required.

It is recommended that a professional or qualified person install the PG clamps; this person should follow the safety protocols of the job to withstand the integrity of the product.

A technically qualified person installing PG clamps should understand the procedures associated with installation, hazards, and operation.

Also, this technically qualified person should understand the technical terminology of PG clamps and he/she should refer to the safety protocols for the job.

According to the criteria, this person should be capable of completing the installation process in an appropriate manner.

Q7. What factors can affect the performance of a PG clamp and its reliable connection?

This depends mainly on the characteristics of the material (metal).

In addition to the material of manufacture, there are different factors that determine the performance of a PG clamp and its reliable connection, such as pressure, temperature, tension and time.

Wire creep is produced under high pressure and in those PG clamps the high pressure makes the wire quite thin.

As a result, the grip of the PG clamps is reduced, making the connection unreliable.

All of these factors have a direct relationship. As the pressure on the wire increases, the temperature automatically increases.

If the temperature increases, it means that more creep is created, which ultimately leads to a looser grip and connection of the PG clamps on the wire.

To ensure adequate performance and greater grip, sufficient external force should be applied during installation.

This is necessary because enough force is needed to create the proper pressure to prevent the wire and PG clamps from loosening.

When the external force disappears, the PG clamp will create a consistent pressure between itself and the wire to avoid creep of the wire. The less creep in the wire, the stronger the connection will be.

Q8. What are some common practical uses of PG clamps?

Parallel groove clamps are used to connect small wires, such as aluminum strand or steel strand, in places where high stresses or strains cannot be tolerated.

PG clamps are useful for jumper connections on bent towers and poles.

They are used for T-wiring at the free end connections of the mains.

PG clamps are part of the complex wiring of switches, transformers and branch lines.

You have seen a small box on the overhead power line, and this small box is the PG clamp.

These clips provide consistent pressure and current to the connecting wires, and they are also easy to install and uninstall.

Q9. What is the recommended method for selecting PG clips?

Unfortunately, no.

You don't have any recommended method to choose the right PG clips.

It is entirely your engineer's decision after checking and analyzing which type of clamps are suitable for the connection.

You can simply consult and ask a professional to help you decide on the right parallel groove clamps.

However, there are standard manufacturing measures for PG clamps and it is necessary for companies to keep these measures in mind to produce PG clamps accordingly.

Q10. What tools should I use to install PG clamps?

The installation tool for PG clamps consists of a connector frame and a support bar attached under the frame.

The connector frame has a mount consisting of two mechanisms including a lead wire and a PG clamp.

The PG clamp mechanism has a bracket, arm, cleat and rod which are fixed to the connector frame.

The lead wire mechanism has a linkage, an operating arm, a bolt to connect the linkage, and a support bracket attached to the connector frame.

As the name implies, the support bar for the mounting tool supports the entire mechanism.

The support bar helps bring safety because it is made of a non-conductive material, meaning that electricity cannot pass through it.

All of these structural parts must be high quality aluminum or aluminum-silicon alloy so that electrical leakage is minimized.

Q11. What different sizes of PG clamps are available?

PG clamps are available in different sizes, but most commonly, they are available in sizes 0-5 inches.

For ACSR conductors, the optimal PG clamp size range is 7 mm to 18.2 mm in diameter, while for AAAC conductors, the PG clamp size range is 9 mm to 13.2 mm in diameter.

You can get different sizes and varieties of parallel slot clamps from suppliers depending on your needs.

Please look for a reliable company product such as YIPENG that manufactures and supplies the best quality PG clamps in various sizes.

Q12. How do I know that enough torque has been applied to the PG clamps during installation?

It is mentioned on PG clamps how much torque they can withstand.

PG clamps consist of different parts, each of which needs to be bolted and slotted with a high degree of precision.

During installation, the operator uses one hand to hold the clamp in place and the other hand to hold the bolt. This is also with a balanced body weight and posture.

This is not easy for the operator to do.

For proper tightening, use a torque wrench rather than a power gun.

Adjust the torque wrench to the stated torque value prior to use.

Note: If your PG clamp has 2 or 3 bolts, then do not tighten the bolts one by one. Do tighten all the bolts at the same time because if you turn and tighten, the first bolt will come off and you will lose the connection.

Q13. What is the quality of a good PG clamp?

The quality of a parallel groove clamp depends on the material it is made from, which in most cases is an aluminum-silicon alloy.

The amount of impurities and the silicon content determine not only the electrical efficiency but also the mechanical efficiency.

The overall quality of parallel groove clamps is reduced due to defects in the casting of some PG clamps, shrinkage, irregular shape and uneven surface appearance.

Also, the grooves of some PG clamps are quite deep compared to the thickness of the wire, which makes them of low quality and inefficient, as the wire cannot pass through the grooves.

The connection point must be rust and dirt free to ensure less friction between the contact point and the wire.

Q14. What are the benefits of PG clamps?

PG clamps function best to transmit the correct amount of current between two wires that are parallel to each other.

Not only do they serve the purpose of connecting wires where the load is unbearable, but they also provide low resistance.

Less resistance means less power loss.

The reduction in power losses improves the efficiency of working machinery and appliances.

The output power is improved, thus increasing the efficiency of transformers and direct power supply stations.

Q15. Is it possible to reuse PG clamps that have already been installed?

No, PG clamps cannot be reused.

Unfortunately, you cannot reuse an already installed PG clamp, even if it has a small defect.

The main reason behind this is that the grooves wear out over time and the smoothness of the clamping surface decreases during the unloading process.

We always recommend buying a new PG clamp rather than using one that is already installed, as it will work less efficiently.

This makes PG clamps not as economical, but not as expensive overall.

This means that they are affordable and you can easily buy them with each new installation.

Q16. How do PG clamps withstand physical damage?

Aluminum tape or wire is wrapped around the lead or copper wire to reduce friction and prevent damage to the PG clamps.

We know that due to the increased pressure and high creep of the wire, the temperature can become very high, resulting in the wire being burned and the PG clamps being melted.

To avoid this, make sure that the grooves are rust free and that sufficient external force is applied during installation.

The correct installation torque/force determines the fate of the PG clamps, making them more or less efficient.

Aluminum bands, rust-free grooves and external forces all play a role in reducing physical damage to PG clamps.

Q17. What is the range of loads that PG clamps can withstand?

The grip of an unloaded parallel groove clamp on a conductor is always a value 10% less than the conductive force of the conductor.

However, the electrical conductivity should be higher than the resistance of the contacting conductor.

The resistance variation index is set by electrical standards for the maximum stability of PG clamps.

This index ensures that the power supply is working properly.

Whenever there is a short circuit, the circuit is safe because the PG clamp will not fail before the wire.

These measures are recommended by the international standards for manufacturing appliances.

Q18. What technical measures need to be taken into account for the commercial use of PG clamps?

There are four points that must be present in the operating mechanism of a commercial PG clamp, which are

The sleeve of PG clamp

The insertion unit. It contains the first and second insertion sections, and a removal section. Both insertion sections are connected by a removal section.

Support bar. the PG clamp is attached to the support bar, which is placed on the mains.

Operating lever. It has two ends, each with a different section. One end is the fastening part and the other end is the pulling part.

The PG clamp is fixed in the sleeve of the PG clamp by the operating device to prevent the slot clamp from sliding during work.

This also ensures that the PG clamps are easy to install on the circuit.

Whenever you purchase a PG clamp, be sure to check its technical features.

Q19. What specific external factors can cause damage to PG clamps?

The main reason to prevent damage to PG clamps is that we should apply a carefully calculated external torque to the PG clamps.

If there is any rust in the grooves, an antioxidant should be used and make sure the grooves are dry as this will directly affect the wire connections.

The current load from the power source must be within the limits of the circuit or driveway.

Q20. Can PG clamps be used for both overhead and underground connections?

Yes, you can use PG clamps for both overhead and underground connections.

Because they are made of aluminum-silicon alloy, both types of connections can be used.

They conduct current well throughout the line and circuit.

Q21. Why choose you over other PG clamp manufacturers?

YIPENG is a reliable and trustworthy company that produces high quality products and its PG clamps meet the standards of the General Technical Requirements for Power Accessories.

Our products have specific advantages over those of other competitors, as follows.

The body of the parallel groove clamps is made of stretchable malleable material.

The bolts are manufactured according to the strict specifications of international standards and are rust-proof.

The nut of the bolt is also a hexagonal nut in accordance with international standard measures.

The simple washers of PG clamps are manufactured without the inclusion of an oxide layer.

The spring washers also meet the standard values, making PG clamps a reliable product.

Q22. What are the specifications of PG Clamps?

PG clamps should be made of high quality oxidation resistant metal alloy or pure metal.

For overhead connections, they must function in all types of weather.

Arcing should not allow the connection to loosen, so be sure to look for high quality PG clamps.

The size of the groove and the size of the wire must be complementary to each other. If the wire is not the correct size, it will not fit through the notch in the clamp.

The required external force or torque must be mentioned on the parallel groove clamps.

The nuts and bolts should be hexagonal.

Most importantly, remember that the PG Clamp you get has to meet the standard conditions and be tested before use.

Q23. Is a PG Clamp Suitable for Panther Conductor?

Yes, you can use a PG clamp for panther conductors.

Panther conductors are basically ACSR conductors having a standard value of BS-215.

They are made of aluminum, and the aluminum that is used to make these conductors is around 200mm2.

Panther conductors also have steel content in the form of 7 sheets along with 30 sheets of aluminum.

These conductors are suitable for high power supply and can easily adjust a PG clamp.

Q24. What are some common applications for PG clamps?

PG clamps have a variety of applications due to their reliability and easy-to-adjust construction.

There is nothing complicated about them, and they allow current to flow smoothly between different conductors.

PG clamps are best suited for the following applications.

For connecting ground wires

Suitable for all types of ACSR conductors

Can be used in transformers

Works great in the entire transmission line

Q25. Can you use PG clamps for optical fiber grounding wires (OPGW)?

Yes, you can use PG clamps for optical grounding wires (OPGW).

Optical ground wires are the best when it comes to conducting power from one place to another.

They are best because they supply power quickly and more efficiently because there is relatively little power loss due to leakage in this type of wiring.

PG clamps achieve the purpose of withstanding high voltage where the optical ground is needed.

Q26. Can you purchase different designs of PG clamps?

Yes, you can definitely request different designs of PG clamps.

They are available in three forms; single bolt, 2 bolt, 3 bolt, and up to 8 bolt PG clamps.

The installation procedure, working principle and base material are the same for all these types.

The most common and available PG clamps are the single bolt, 2 bolt, and 3 bolt PG clamps.

Remember, do not rotate and tighten the 2 and 3 bolt PG clamps.

They need to be tightened with both hands of the operator at the same time.

Q27. What types of conductors are best suited for PG clamps?

The PG Clamp is 100% suitable for all types of conductors, including zebra, leopard, rabbit, dog, wolf and mouse wire.

It works exactly the same for all of these types of conductors; however, their installation may vary.

Although these conductors have different names to distinguish each of them so that they can be quickly and easily remembered, they belong to the same category.

Most of them are made of aluminum and steel and have different current-carrying capacities.

The different current-carrying capacities of these conductors do not limit the use of PG Clamps for them, which actually adds to its versatility of use.