XGH Type Aluminum Alloy Suspension Clamp
The XGH type aluminum alloy suspension clamp is an envelope-style overhead-line fitting used to support a conductor at a suspension point. It is normally connected to an insulator string, suspension link or other approved tower hardware on straight-line poles and towers.
The clamp body and keeper are manufactured from aluminum alloy to reduce weight and provide good compatibility with aluminum-based conductors. Bolts, nuts, washers, connecting plates and locking components are selected according to the required mechanical performance and corrosion-protection specification.
This suspension clamp can be supplied for AAC, AAAC and ACSR conductors. The exact clamp model must be selected according to the conductor outside diameter, conductor construction, mechanical load, suspension angle and the dimensions of the associated insulator-string hardware.
Important: This product is intended for suspension and conductor-support applications. It is not a dead-end or strain clamp and must not be used to terminate the full longitudinal tension of a conductor.
Key Features
- Lightweight aluminum-alloy clamp body and keeper
- Envelope-type structure for overhead conductor suspension
- Smooth conductor-contacting surface
- Bolted keeper provides secure mechanical retention
- Available for AAC, AAAC and ACSR conductors
- Steel connecting components with corrosion-protective finish
- Locking pins help prevent accidental loosening of the assembly
- Multiple conductor ranges and mechanical-strength classes available
- Dimensions, attachment arrangement and packaging can be customized
Typical Technical Specifications
| Product Type | Envelope-Type Suspension Clamp |
|---|---|
| Series | XGH Series |
| Clamp Body Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Keeper Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Bolts and Nuts | Carbon steel, normally hot-dip galvanized |
| Locking Components | Stainless steel or galvanized steel, subject to specification |
| Compatible Conductors | AAC, AAAC and ACSR |
| Representative Conductor Diameter | Approximately 5–35 mm, depending on model |
| Representative Mechanical Classes | 40, 50 or 60 kN, depending on model and verified test data |
| Installation Position | Suspension point on overhead lines |
| Connection | Clevis, link fitting or compatible insulator-string hardware |
| Application | Overhead transmission and distribution lines |
| Customization | Conductor range, body dimensions, connection size, hardware and marking |
The conductor and mechanical ranges above are representative selection references. Final values must be confirmed using the approved product drawing and mechanical test report.
Representative Model Selection
| Model | Representative Conductor Diameter | Representative Failure Load |
|---|---|---|
| XGH-2 | 5.1–12.5 mm | 40 kN |
| XGH-3 | 12.4–17.0 mm | 40 kN |
| XGH-3A | 12.4–17.0 mm | 50 kN |
| XGH-4 | Approximately 19.0–23.5 mm | 40 kN |
| XGH-5 | Approximately 24.2–28.0 mm | 60 kN |
| XGH-6 | Approximately 25.0–35.0 mm | 60 kN |
Published XGH model dimensions vary among manufacturers. Model numbers must therefore not be selected solely from the table above. The conductor diameter, groove dimensions, connecting dimensions and required mechanical load must be checked against the manufacturer’s approved drawing.
Materials and Construction
The envelope-shaped clamp body provides the main conductor-supporting surface. A matching aluminum-alloy keeper closes the conductor groove and is secured by bolts and nuts. The body profile should be free from sharp edges, cracks and casting defects that could damage the conductor.
Ferrous components are normally hot-dip galvanized for outdoor corrosion protection. Stainless-steel locking pins may be supplied where specified. The exact aluminum-alloy grade, steel grade and coating thickness should be confirmed before ordering.
Compatible Conductors
- All-Aluminum Conductor – AAC
- All-Aluminum Alloy Conductor – AAAC
- Aluminum Conductor Steel-Reinforced – ACSR
- Other conductors approved by the project engineer
The clamp groove must match the conductor outside diameter. Armor rods or other conductor-protection components may be required by the line design and should be treated as separate items unless they are explicitly included in the supply scope.
Applications
- Straight-line transmission towers
- Overhead distribution poles
- Suspension insulator strings
- Substation conductor-support assemblies
- AAC, AAAC and ACSR conductor suspension
- Utility construction and grid-upgrade projects
Installation Guidance
- Confirm the conductor type and outside diameter.
- Select the correct XGH model and verified mechanical rating.
- Inspect the clamp groove and remove dirt, burrs or foreign material.
- Position the conductor correctly in the supporting groove.
- Install the keeper without twisting or pinching the conductor.
- Tighten the bolts evenly to the specified installation torque.
- Install all washers, nuts and locking pins in the correct orientation.
- Connect the clamp to the approved suspension-string hardware.
- Inspect the completed assembly for alignment and unrestricted movement.
Installation must follow the approved line-design drawing and the manufacturer’s instructions. Excessive bolt torque can deform the clamp or damage the conductor.
Quality Inspection
- Material and dimensional inspection
- Conductor-groove profile inspection
- Casting-surface and defect inspection
- Bolt, nut and locking-pin assembly inspection
- Galvanized-coating inspection for ferrous components
- Mechanical failure-load test when specified
- Slip or holding-performance test when applicable
- Marking, quantity and packaging inspection
Reference Standard
IEC 61284 specifies requirements and tests for fittings used on overhead lines. Compliance must be demonstrated by test documentation for the exact clamp model; merely using the standard as a design reference does not constitute certification.
- IEC 61284 – Overhead lines: requirements and tests for fittings
- Applicable utility technical specifications
- Approved customer drawings and inspection requirements
Ordering Information
Please provide the following information when requesting a quotation:
- Required XGH model
- Conductor type and designation
- Actual conductor outside diameter
- Required mechanical failure load
- Permitted suspension angle
- Insulator-string connection dimensions
- Required aluminum-alloy and steel grades
- Galvanizing specification and coating thickness
- Required tests, certificates and inspection reports
- Order quantity, marking and packaging requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this clamp be used with ACSR conductors?
Yes, provided that the selected clamp groove matches the actual ACSR conductor diameter and the required mechanical performance is verified.
Is this a tension clamp?
No. It is a suspension clamp intended to support a conductor at a suspension point. A suitable dead-end or strain clamp must be used for conductor termination.
Are armor rods included?
Armor rods are not necessarily included. The quotation and packing list must specify whether conductor-protection components form part of the supply scope.
Does the product comply with IEC 61284?
Compliance can only be claimed when the exact model has been tested and documented according to the applicable requirements of IEC 61284.
