Earthing Cables and Earthing Clamps
(34 Article in 133 versions)Earthing cables and clamps are effective safety devices that prevent the accumulation of static electricity, enabling safe dissipation to reduce on-site risks. Any environment where static electricity could become an ignition source may require earthing clamps or cables, where identified as an appropriate control measure through a workplace risk assessment, particularly in areas subject to DSEAR.
DENIOS supplies a wide range of earthing systems and cables to suit different applications and workplace safety requirements.
28 from 34 products shown
Earthing cables and systems from DENIOS UK
How do earthing systems work?
As powders, gases or liquids move through hoses, containers and pipes, friction generates a static electrical charge. Earthing cables and clamps safely carry this electrical charge away. An earthing system provides a conductive path for static electrical charge to dissipate safely into the earth, helping to protect people, equipment and buildings from dangerous voltages.
Earthing systems are particularly important during the transfer of flammable liquids, where an electrical charge can become an ignition source. Earthing systems comprise a range of different devices, including earthing clamps, cables or magnetic grounding devices.
Bonding and earthing systems both help control static electricity, but they do so in different ways. While earthing removes the charge by dissipating it, bonding connects multiple conductive objects together to maintain equal electrical potential.
When are Earthing Cables Required?
Earthing cables are frequently advised as part of a workplace risk assessment in industries where static electricity presents a risk as an ignition source, particularly around flammable substances.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) require employers to control or eliminate ignition risks through suitable control measures. Preventing the discharge of static electricity is one of these recognised measures.
Some of the applications that require these stringent control measures include:
Transferring flammable liquids
Loading and unloading road tankers
Chemical processing
Fuel handling
Solvent dispensing
Powder transfer
Pharmaceutical production
Paint manufacturing
Choosing the Right Earthing Cable and Clamp
Choosing the right clamps or earthing cables for your specific application can help to improve safety and ensure reliable static dissipation. Some of the factors you should consider include:
Container type: Metal tanks and drums can be bonded and earthed, while plastic containers require different control measures, as the container itself is not conductive.
Clamp type: The chosen clamp should provide a secure connection to the equipment to ensure reliable conductivity.
Cable length: Equipment should be connected safely without being stretched to reduce the risk of trip hazards or damage.
Fixed vs portable: Fixed earthing systems are a permanent installation, while portable systems are flexible for use in temporary applications and for multiple locations.
Monitored vs standard: Monitored systems verify the connection before a transfer can begin and can provide an additional level of protection in higher-risk applications.
Environmental factors: Moisture, corrosive chemicals, mechanical wear and temperature should all be considered when choosing the appropriate cables and clamps.
ATEX requirements: Where flammable materials may create an explosive atmosphere, earthing and bonding may form part of the wider explosion protection measures identified through a DSEAR risk assessment.
Why choose DENIOS earthing equipment?
DENIOS provides high-quality safety equipment that meets the high standards of a wide range of industries. Our earthing equipment is constructed from high-quality components and designed for hazardous environments, with durable solutions available in a wide range of configurations to suit your specific application requirements.
FAQs
What is an earthing cable?
An earthing cable is a conductive cable used to safely dissipate static electricity from equipment such as drums, tanks, IBCs and road tankers. By connecting conductive equipment to a suitable earth point, it helps reduce the risk of static electricity becoming an ignition source in hazardous environments.
Why are earthing cables important?
Earthing cables help prevent static electricity from building up during processes such as transferring flammable liquids, handling powders or loading tankers. By safely dissipating electrical charge, they reduce the risk of sparks that could cause ignition.
What is the difference between earthing and bonding?
Earthing and bonding both help control static electricity, but they work differently. Bonding connects conductive equipment together to maintain the same electrical potential, reducing the risk of sparks between objects. Earthing provides a path for static charge to dissipate safely into the ground, preventing it from accumulating.
Do I need an earthing cable for solvent transfer?
Solvent transfer can generate static electricity, particularly when flammable liquids are pumped or poured between containers. Whether an earthing cable is required depends on your workplace risk assessment, but earthing and bonding are commonly used control measures where static electricity could become an ignition source.
Can earthing cables be used with IBCs?
Yes, earthing cables can be used with conductive IBCs or IBCs fitted with suitable conductive components. However, standard plastic IBCs cannot be made conductive by attaching an earthing cable, making other control measures necessary.
What is an ATEX earthing cable?
An ATEX earthing cable is designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres where static electricity could ignite flammable gases, vapours or dusts.