Factors to Consider When Purchasing Dead End Clamps

Vanessa Ngethe
4 min readJan 17, 2023

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· Dead end clamps are used on the transmission and distribution lines to ensure the electric current passes through the right and intended lines.

· There are various tests that are performed on the dead end clamps during and after manufacturing to ensure reliability of the products.

· The major components of the dead end clamp include the wedge and body, straps, washers, threaded inserts, bolts and nuts.

· The various factors to be considered when purchasing the dead end clamps include the mechanical strength, simple installation, anti-theft, the material used to make the product and the manufacturer of the product.

Dead end clamps are devices that are used on the overhead transmission and distribution lines that ensure the current is delivered to the intended destination. This also makes the current to pass through in a straight line. The dead end clamps are used for keeping the overhead lines organized by keeping the cables, wires and ropes in the right places to prevent overcrowding on the overhead lines. There are various characteristics that make the dead end clamp the preferred device to use on the overhead lines. These include the material used to make the clamp, material strength and simple installation. The material used helps the device to resist corrosion and rust caused by the different weather conditions.

There are also other tests done on the dead end clamp during and after manufacture that make it the most common used for the protection of the conductors. These tests include mechanical tests, dimension verification, galvanizing tests and routine tests. These tests ensure that the dead end clamp operates fully in the work intended for it. The dead end clamp is used to provide mechanical support, protect the conductors and also limit the movement of the conductors on the overhead transmission lines.

The design of the dead end clamp should allow it to move freely along the conductor. The movement should however not cause any exhaustion on the conductor. This factor helps the conductor to function smoothly without interruptions. The hole where the straps are attached should be of reasonable size and should not cause any damage to the conductors.

Components of a dead end clamp

The dead end clamp may appear a single unit but it is actually composed of different components that ensure the efficiency of the device. These components are as discussed below.

1. The wedge and body — this is the main part of the dead end clamp that supports the conductors of the transmission lines.

2. Washers — this part is next to the body and its function is to protect the exterior of the conductor when the bolt is tightened.

3. Straps — the straps are responsible for the relocating of the load from the axis of fluctuation to the insulator ring.

4. Threaded inserts — these parts are also known as the threaded bushing that are used to protect the conductors from vibrations. They also help to fasten the object by adding a threaded hole in an object.

5. Bolts and nuts — these helps to complete the connections of one or more components on the overhead transmission lines. They ensure that all connections are secured and prevent loose connections which may lead to electric shocks.

Factors to consider when buying the dead end clamps

The market can be a huge place to choose from when planning to purchase dead end clamps for your overhead installations. However, there are many factors that may help when selecting the types of clamp to use for your installations and they are as discussed below.

· The mechanical strength of the clamp should be great to help in transferring the overhead load.

· The clamp should be simple and easy to install.

· The material used to make the clamp should be able to resist the different weather conditions such as high temperatures and storms.

· They should also be made from galvanized steel to help in resisting corrosion and rust to help to prolong the serviceable life of the devices.

· The devices should be able to resist electric shocks to protect the people living or working around the connections.

· The manufacturer of the dead end clamp should also be considered to help when purchasing. The manufacturer should be in the industry for a long time and should be referred by other clients who have prior purchased the devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dead end clamp?

A dead end clamp is a device that is used on the overhead transmission lines to protect the conductors and the cables by insulating the areas.

What are the parts of the dead end clamp?

The main components of the dead end clamp include the wedge and body, washers, straps, threaded inserts, bolts and nuts.

What are the function of the dead end clamp?

The main function of the dead end clamp is to provide electric passage, protect the conductors and to provide mechanical connection.

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Vanessa Ngethe
Vanessa Ngethe

Written by Vanessa Ngethe

Vanessa excels in content distribution & promotion, leveraging digital marketing tools to reach the right audience through the right channel & maximizing impact