This set consists of three line clamps and a ground clamp all connected together through a junction block.
An optional neutral clamp, earth spike and equipment bag can be added.
It’s our most popular PED configuration. It has the benefit of being significantly lighter than three separate single phase PEDs.
3-Phase 1-Earth Portable Earthing Set
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A form of contractual agreement between an issuer and a recipient for access to and work on, or within the relevant minimum approach distance of, equipment that has been isolated for work other than under a test permit. Under an access permit, the recipient and their work party have temporary access for work activities to specific isolated equipment, which is in a defined state. (Relevant minimum approach distance is that which would apply if the equipment was live).
A bayonet mount (mainly as a method of mechanical attachment is a fastening mechanism consisting of a cylindrical male side with one or more radial pegs, and a female receptor with matching L-shaped slot(s) and with spring(s) to keep the two parts locked together.
Bayonet mounts are used to attach clamps to operating poles via an adapter.
Our clamps come with spindles that support the standard bayonet or the Pfisterer bayonet mount.
See also
Bayonet Adapter with fixed handle
Spindle Type – KP Pfisterer Bayonet
Bayonet Adapter for PED handles
Electrical bonding and grounding are crucial safety measures in electrical systems, with bonding ensuring electrical continuity and equal potential between metallic parts, while grounding provides a path for fault currents to flow safely to the earth.
For line mechanics, cluster bars, also known as grounding clusters, are used to facilitate the safe application of multiple grounding assemblies on a three-phase system, ensuring a secure and efficient grounding process.
A cluster bar typically consists of a series of grounding clamps or assemblies that are connected to a central grounding bar. This allows the worker to connect multiple grounding assemblies to the cluster bar, which is then connected to the pole or structure.
When working on a pole, the cluster bar should be installed below the line worker’s feet to ensure that the worker is within the Equi-Potential Zone (EPZ) during de-energized and grounded line maintenance. This helps to reduce the current flow through the worker’s body in the event of a fault current.
They work by reducing the length of cable between the overhead line and the earth. A reduced length means that the resistance of the line between the overhead line to the connection to the earth is much less than if it was one long cable extending from the overhead line to the ground.
Distribution Cluster Bar
Transmission Line Cluster Bar
Consumer Energy Resources are resources/ equipment owned by the consumer, that can generate, store or change when energy is used.
Electrical earthing, also known as grounding, is a safety measure that connects the non-current-carrying parts of an electrical system to the earth, providing a safe path for fault currents to flow and preventing electric shocks.
The Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA) is a professional association for Electricity Engineers based in New Zealand.
It acts as an advocate for the electricity supply industry to government, regulators, stakeholders, other professional bodies and media.
The EEA also facilitates independent forums to enable debate and engagement on industry, engineering, technical, and safety issues.
It publishes technical guides, safety guides, standards and industry reports.
The EEA represents New Zealand in the national and international standards development process.
An equipotential zone (EPZ) is an area where all metal work is at the same electrical potential. This will prevent alternative current paths through personnel by eliminating voltage differences.
Fault current is the abnormal, high current flow through an electrical system that occurs during a fault condition, such as a short circuit, and is significantly larger than the normal operating current.
n the context of line mechanics working with live lines, “glove and barrier” refers to a safety method where workers wear insulated gloves and protective barriers to work safely on energized high-voltage lines.
Ground Clamps are clamps used to secure a cable to the earth. Often a line clamp is at the other end of the cable, connected to an overhead line.
At Betacom Earthing our ground clamps have screw type spindles. These spindles support t-handles or screwdriver handles. All our clamps are tested to IEC 61230 standards.
Ground Clamp 27
Ground Clamp 15
Ground Clamp 42
These are used to provide a safe working area by dissipating electrical charges. They are often used in conjunction with other grounding equipment.
Electrical grounding, also known as earthing, is a safety measure that connects an electrical system to the earth, providing a safe path for excess current to flow in case of a fault, thus preventing electric shocks and equipment damage.
An operating pole designed to be permanently attached to a line or ground clamp.
HSE stands for Health, Safety and Environment.
HSEQ stands for Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
Any voltage exceeding 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.
Hydrovac excavation is a means of soil extraction through vacuum when using pressurized water or air for breaking ground. This method of excavation is referred to as “soft excavation technology” and is commonly accepted as being equivalent or safer than hand digging around underground facilities.
Equipotential bonding is the preferred method of protecting workers and members of the public from injuries due to electrical contact and step voltage potential when working on energised electrical apparatus. The aim is to keep all workers, equipment and plant at the same potential to mitigate the risk of current flow by establishing an equipotential zone.
Equipotential bonding is required if electrical underground cables are shown:
IEC 60855 is a standard applicable to insulating foam-filled tubes and solid rods, of a circular cross-section, made of synthetic materials with reinforced fibreglass and intended to be used in the manufacture and construction of tools, devices and equipment for carrying out live working on electrical systems operating at voltages above 1 kV.
Operating Poles – Top Section
Operating Poles – Extension Section
Operating Poles – Bottom Section
IEC 61138:2007 is an international standard that applies to flexible cables used for portable earthing and short-circuiting equipment. These cables are insulated with materials such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or silicone rubber (SiR).
The standard specifies the types of cables and their code designations, as well as the test methods to ensure their reliability and safety. These test methods are detailed in other IEC standards like IEC 60227-2, IEC 60245-2, IEC 60811, and IEC 62230.
See also IEC 61230.
The IEC standard that governs portable equipment, with or without matching connection points, for temporary earthing or earthing and short-circuiting of electrically isolated or de-energized a.c. and d.c. installations, distribution and transmission networks, whether they are overhead or underground or of low or high voltage. This standard covers equipment comprising an earthing or a short-circuiting or an earthing and short-circuiting device and insulating component. The performance of equipment, devices and components covered by this standard is based on electro-dynamic and electro-thermal effects acting during short-circuit. It includes requirements for inspection, testing, and equipment marking (including labelling).
It represents the energy dissipated as heat due to the resistance of the PED during a fault.
The Joule Integral, often written as I2t, is crucial for portable earthing devices because it measures the energy dissipated in the device during a fault condition. This value helps determine the device’s ability to withstand high fault currents without failing.
In practical terms, the Joule integral ensures that the earthing device can handle the thermal and mechanical stresses caused by short-circuit currents. This is essential for maintaining safety and preventing damage to both the device and the electrical system.
A jumper is a single cable with connecting devices, such as clamps or bolts, at both ends. The connecting devices don’t have to be the same.
Depending on its application, it can be called different names.
When one end is connected to a de-energised line and the other to an earth, then it can be called a “single phase earthing device”.
When it is used to electrically connect two metallic objects so that they are at the same voltage, then may be called a “bonder”.
5-way junction block
6-way junction block
A junction block is a device used to connect two or more cables together.
Betacom Earthing’s standard junction blocks are made from cable lugs bolted together encased in a transparent polycarbonate housing.
Sometimes called a junction plate when it is made from a single metal plate.
Betacom Earthing’s junction blocks come in two models.
The 6-way model allows six cables to be connected together and supports 35mm2 and 50mm2 copper cables.
The 5-way model allows five cables to be connected together and supports 70mm2 copper cables.
Junction Block
Line Clamps are devices used to secure a cable to an overhead line.
Line Clamp designs can use different mechanisms for securing the cable to the line.
There are generally two types of securing systems:
Screw types: Where the clamp is tightened by turning a screw or threaded spindle. The end of the spindle can be tightened using different systems.
At Betacom Earthing, our spindles can be fitted with bayonet fittings, shotgun fittings, t-handles or screwdriver handles. Screw type systems reliably secure the cable to the overhead line.
Snap-on types: The jaws of the clamp are spring loaded and quickly activated by hooking the upper jaw over the overhead line.
Clamps that are attached to de-energized parts of the electrical system to create a secure connection to the ground. They are usually connected to ground clamps via cables (and depending on the configuration, via junction blocks).
Line Clamps are secured to overhead lines using two types of systems:
Screw-type spindles: With this system, the line clamp is tightened by turning a threaded spindle. Our spindles support a number of attachments and adapters, including bayonets, Pfisterer type bayonets, shotguns and fixed PVC or fibreglass handles. Screw-type fastening systems reliably secure clamps to overhead lines.
Snap-on mechanisms: These clamps have a spring-loaded mechanism which is triggered by hooking the top jaw over the overhead line. These snap-on clamps enable the PED to be quickly secured to an overhead line.
All our line clamps are tested to IEC 61230.
See also:
Line Clamp 38
Line Clamp 55
Line Clamp 80
A line mechanic, also known as a lineman or linesman, installs, maintains, and repairs overhead and underground power lines, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electricity.
Electrical lugs are essential components used to connect electrical cables to equipment, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. They come in various types and materials, such as copper and aluminum, and in portable earthing devices, are used to connect cables to clamps, adapters and other accessories. Lugs should be carefully selected as they will affect the overall resistance of the overall portable earthing device.
Lugs
Any voltage exceeding 50 V a.c. or 120 V ripple free d.c. but not exceeding 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.
An approved device used to electrically interconnect all de-energised LV conductors.
The deliberate act of interconnecting de-energised LV conductors together to bring conductors to the same potential.
In New Zealand, the minimum safe approach distance for work near overhead power lines is generally 4 meters (13 feet) for 110kV lines and 6 meters (20 feet) for 220kV lines, unless a reduced distance is permitted by the line owner.
Minimum safe approach distance means that portable earthing devices are applied with non-conductive operating sticks (aka operating poles, hot sticks and earth sticks). Operating poles allow line mechanics to apply PEDs while still maintaining minimum safe approach distances.
At Betacom Earthing our operating poles come in three types, the top section, the extension section and the bottom handle.
The top section is either fixed to a line clamp, or has an adapter to allow different attachments, such as a bayonet adapter to be used.
The extension section allows the operating pole to be lengthened to suit the task.
The bottom handle section prevents damage to the end of the foam filled PVC or Fibreglass pole.
All our operating poles are tested to IEC 60855.
Operating Pole – Top Section
Operating Pole – Extension Section
Operating Pole – Bottom Section
Operating poles for portable earthing devices are insulated tools, typically made from materials like fiberglass or PVC, designed to ensure electrical safety. They are used to install and remove portable earthing devices, operate disconnect switches, and perform maintenance tasks such as tree trimming and conductor cleaning.
They come in various lengths and configurations, including telescopic and sectional designs, and are manufactured to meet specific technical standards like ENA 41/21, IEC 60855, and ASTM F711, ensuring reliable performance and safety in their applications.
Ratio of the maximum peak current to its rated current.
A portable earthing device in the power industry is a safety tool used to temporarily connect electrical equipment or conductors to the ground (earth) during maintenance or repair work. This ensures that any residual electrical energy is safely discharged, protecting workers from electric shock and preventing equipment damage.
These devices are designed to withstand high fault currents and are typically used in situations where permanent earthing systems are not available or practical. They are essential for ensuring safety in electrical installations and maintenance operations.
PPE is anything used or worn by a person (including clothing) to minimise risks to the person’s health and safety.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions for performing a routine activity, ensuring consistency and compliance within an organization.
The sunrise (aka universal) adapter uses a mounting system common in the power industry for mounting adapters to operating poles and earth sticks.
It allows attachments to be mounted at an angle.
Universal Adapter (Aluminium)
Universal Adapter (Bronze)
Hook Disconnect Adapter
Starlogixs 240V-220kV Contactless Voltage Detector
Low Voltage Disconnect for NZI LV Porcelain Fuses
A restricted area, enclosed by a security fence or other secure boundary, containing normally live conductors and/or other exposed live equipment.
The permit for work on equipment that has been isolated for work where the modification of safety measures may be necessary and where procedures are required to control hazards created by the introduction of energy sources for the work, e.g. testing. Under a test permit, the recipient and their work party have temporary access for work activities to specific isolated equipment, which is in a defined state.
