EZYBOND earth clamp

[theocoles]

Has anyone seen these products before. I found them at www.hclfasteners.co.uk and it seems that Eaton MEM are selling them through various wholesalers including Wilts & Denmans. They look like an excellent idea and I think they will save me loads of time but I was wondering if anyone had used them and what they thought of them?

any advice gratefully received!

 

[RF Lighting]

We got a couple of bags of these on trial from our wholesaler.

Absoloute s***e

Every single one we fitted has been removed and replaced with a 'proper' earth clamp.

 

[theocoles]

Hi RF

any particular reason why they were so bad?

 

[Pensdown]

Extract from ECA Circular No. 73 Dated 9th August 2005
Nylon Earth Clamps (EZYBOND11")

Several members have raised concerns over whether nylon earth clamps manufactured by Baton MEM Circuit Protection and Control meet the requirements of BS951, BS7430 and the IEE regulations.

The manufacturers have stated that these clamps have been tested to the 'relevant parts' of BS951:1999; the 'relevant parts' being those concerning electrical testing and pull tests on the conductor, etc.

BS951 requires that all components of the clamp, with the exception of the label, be made of metal. These clamps therefore do not currently meet this standard. However use of equipment not conforming to a standard is allowable provided that the designer of the installation is satisfied with the safety of the product. Prior to their use therefore, confirmation should be sought from the designer. An appropriate note should also be formulated and recorded on the electrical installation certificate.

Regulation 511 -01 -02 of BS7671 states that 'where equipment to be used is not covered by a British Standard or Harmonized Standard or is used outside the scope of its standard, the designer or other persons responsible for specifying the installation shall confirm that the equipment provides the same degree of safety as that afforded by compliance with the Regulations'.

any particular reason why they were so bad?

Is that a good enough reason?

 

[theocoles]

Have just checked online and although the product does not comply due to it being plastic Eaton seem to have come up with a certificate of conformtity and a pretty decent FAQ. I viewed these at www.hclfasteners.co.uk I'm not at all worried about confirming degree of safety etc I have confidence in the product on that side.

So basically it doesn't really answer my question of why RF thinks they are rubbish.

 

[Pensdown]

So basically it doesn't really answer my question of why RF thinks they are rubbish.

Like RF we have tried these so I would suggest you do the same. All of the illustrations you see only show 1 cable but in reality they need to hold 2 most of the time and they don’t do that very well at all. But that said, if you like them, there is no reason not to use them as long as you note their use on your test documentation.

 

[RF Lighting]

You can't get them tight.
I can't get the cable to pass a pull test.
They are even more arkward to fit than standard clamps.
You can't run unbroken cable through them (like with cross bonding).
You have to use a different clamp for each size of pipe. (you have to carry more stock)
They could melt (when the plumber comes along with his blow torch & maybe even on hot pipes)