The Critical Role of Clamps & Cables in Static Electricity Control Whitepaper
A newly released white paper from Newson Gale, Inc. describes the too-often ignored critical role played by grounding & bonding clamps and cables in a reliable static electricity control system for hazardous locations. Drawing upon static control failure incidents data collected in the United States, the UK and continental Europe, the paper notes that the incidence of static electric system failure is far more common than one might expect, and that the root cause of many of these failures can the traced to the clamps and cables, either as a matter of incorrect selection or of neglected maintenance.
After a discussion of the sort of applications that require static electric control, mainly those involving flammable or explosive substances or atmospheres, the author proceeds to an in-depth review of the factors that must be considered in the design of a reliable system, including the importance of the use of ATEX and FM approved clamps. Referring to studies conducted by his own company's R&D, he also reports on the often unexpected ability of thin films and corrosion to reduce or actually eliminate the ability of some clamps to channel static electricity to ground.
Multi-strand steel cables are highly recommended as opposed to commonly used copper braids or cables. In corrosion prone applications stainless steel is usually the preferred option. Steel cables provide longer life and heightened resistance to work-hardening. Also commended is the use of brightly colored cables in accordance with IEC 60446 and the use of Hytrel® coverings where abrasion or chemical corrosion can occur. Finally, the need for routine inspection and maintenance is stressed.
Copies of the paper are available from the Newson-Gale website's On-Line Knowledge Center (registration not required) or by telephone or e-mail request to the company.
