The 400A Earth Clamp is a high-performance grounding accessory engineered for the South African structural, agricultural, and general fabrication sectors. Featuring a robust, high-tension spring-loaded design, it is the primary choice for workshop and onsite welders who require a quick and secure electrical connection to mild steel, stainless steel, or aluminum workpieces. This 400A-rated clamp is the "sweet spot" for industrial use, providing the thermal capacity to handle continuous high-amperage welding on heavy-duty 220V and 380V inverter machines.
Key Performance Features
- High-Conductivity Copper/Brass Jaws: Equipped with precision-cast alloy jaws that ensure a low-resistance electrical path, preventing "arc-blow" and overheating at the connection point.
- 400A Heavy-Duty Capacity: Specifically designed to manage the heat and current of 3.15mm to 5.0mm electrodes and 1.0mm to 1.2mm MIG wire without "fusing" to the metal.
- Reinforced Steel Spring: Features a high-tensile, shielded spring that provides massive clamping pressure, ensuring the clamp won't slip or vibrate loose during heavy fabrication.
- Flexible Copper Shunt: Many professional 400A models include an internal copper braided shunt between the jaws to ensure maximum current transfer even if the hinge becomes worn.
Ideal Applications
- Structural Steel Construction: The industry standard for grounding I-beams, trusses, and industrial carports during onsite assembly.
- Agricultural Equipment Repair: Perfect for high-strength repairs on plough frames, tractor hitches, and cattle handling equipment where a reliable ground is essential.
- Heavy-Duty Workshop Fabrication: A reliable primary earth for manufacturing trailers, security gates, and large-scale metal furniture.
- Mobile Welding Units: The go-to clamp for bakkie-mounted repair units due to its quick-release "crocodile" action and rugged durability.
Product Benefits
- Wide Jaw Opening: Designed to clamp onto a variety of profiles, including thick plate edges, large-diameter piping, and angle iron.
- Ergonomic Insulated Grips: Features heat-resistant handle covers that protect the operator and provide a non-slip grip, even when wearing heavy-duty leather gauntlets.
- Secure Bolt-On Cable Connection: Includes a heavy-duty terminal with a copper sleeve and large bolt to ensure a 100% tight connection for 35mm² or 50mm² welding cables.
Pro Tip: To prevent the clamp from running hot and losing its spring tension over time, always grind a small "bright spot" on the workpiece before attaching the clamp. A clean metal-to-metal contact reduces resistance, which prevents the clamp from acting like a heating element. For high-production environments, check the cable-to-clamp bolt weekly to ensure it hasn't vibrated loose.
