SM136 suspension clamp with standard hook attachment

What is a Suspension Clamp?

A suspension clamp is a fitting that is designed for suspending or hanging cables or conductors to the pole. In other cases, the clamp can suspend cables to the tower.

Since the cable is directly connected to the conductor, its specifications need to match with that of the cable so as to create a perfect connection.

A suspension clamp hangs the cables at different points and angles depending on the requirements of the project.

What are the Uses and Applications of a Suspension Clamp?

While the primary use of suspension clamp is to suspend hang or suspend a conductor, there are other roles that it plays.

A suspension clamp protects the conductor during the installation of the transmission line onto the pole.

The clamp also provides a mechanical connection by ensuring that there the right longitudinal grip on the transmission line.

Suspension clamps also control the movement of cables against external forces such as wind and storm.

From the above listed uses, suspension clamp is applicable in different projects that have conductors hanging from poles.

The most common applications are electrical pole overhead lines and telephone transmission lines.

Parts and Components of Suspension Clamp

From a distance, you can easily assume that a suspension clamp is a single homogeneous accessory. The truth of the matter is a suspension clamp comprises of different parts which include:

1. The Body

The body is the supporting frame of a suspension clamp for the conductor. It supports the whole fitting.

The body is made of aluminium alloy which apart from being strong is also resistant to scratches and corrosion.

2. Keeper

The keeper of a suspension clamp plays the role of connecting the conductor of a transmission line to the body of the suspension clamp.

3. Straps

These are string-like structures that are responsible for transferring the load from the axis of oscillation straight to the insulator string.

These straps are capable of playing this role because they are made of coated zinc material.

4. Washers

The washers of a suspension clamp are usually put into use when the clamping surface is not rested perpendicularly.

They are made of steel to provide the necessary support while at the same time resist corrosion.

5. Bolts and Nuts

Since a suspension clamp is also a mechanical device, there will always be a need to secure all the connections.

This is where the role of bolts and nuts come into play. Any connection that is made to a suspension clamp is completed using bolts and nuts.

Bolts and nuts are also made of steel for strength and resist corrosion.

6. Threaded Inserts

When you see threads or bushings on a device, the first thing that should come into your mind is the device needs to be fastened.

The threaded inserts of a suspension clamp are simply fastening elements. They are inserted to elements that have threaded holes to complete the connection.

Threaded inserts are also made of stainless steel.

Mechanical Requirements of Suspension Clamp

The mechanical requirements of the suspension clamp for the conductor define the operability of the suspension clamp.

How does a clamp operate or behave after it has finally been installed?

One of the most basic mechanical requirements is the suspension clamp should be able to withstand deformation load without snapping or undergoing physical damage.

Also, the clamp should sustain the force of bolts and nuts when they are being tightened.