Useful junk BS-951
Installing a clamp in an inaccessible position
Likeall types of electrical connection that are not excused by Regulation - 526.3of BS 7671, the electrical connections between a BS 951 clamp, the pipe (or other tube) to which it isattached, and the protective conductor connected to its terminal must beaccessible for inspection, testing and maintenance (Regulation 543.3.3 refers).
Failing to fit a warning label
It is adeparture from Regulation 514.13.1 of BS 7671 to fail toinstall a suitable ‘SAFETY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - DO NOT REMOVE’ label in avisible position at the connection of an earthing-conductor to an earthelectrode or of a bonding conductor to an extraneous-conductive-part. Such alabel is normally supplied with each BS 951 clamp. Misuse of BS-951 clamps Casesof misuse of BS 951 clamps are occasionally found Fitting a BS-951 clamp to the armour or metallic sheath of a cable BS-951 states that clamps to this standard are notintended for connection to the armour or sheath of a cable and requires thepackaging of the clamp to include the warning “ Notintended for use on the sheath or armour of a cable ”. This is becausethe action of tightening the clamp is liable to damage the cable, for exampleby crushing the bedding or insulation or by causing the metal in a lead sheathto cold-flow. Such damage may result in high resistance and unreliability in theelectrical connection between the clamp and the armouring or metallic sheath,and may even result in an electrical fault within the cable, with thepossibility of serious injury to persons. Fitting a BS951 clamp to the armour or metallic sheath of a cable is thereforeunacceptable. Fitting a BS 951 clamp whichis unsuitable for the pipe diameter and/or cable size.
A BS 951 clamp must be correctly selected for both thesize of pipe or tube to which it is to be fitted and the size of cable. Fittinga clamp which is unsuitable in either of these respects is liable to be adeparture from the requirements of Regulations 526.1 and/or 526.2 of BS 7671 relating to durable electrical continuity,adequate mechanical strength, and appropriate selection of a means ofconnection.