Products and Assemblies for Industrial Grounding and Bonding
“ Over a Century of Quality Reliability & Innovation ”
Mueller Electric Europe Tel : 0115 9933300 Email : thearn @ muellerelectric . com www . muellerelectric . com
pipes , probes , spray nozzles , etc ), should be bonded . Should an item become isolated from either a ground or bond , it can become charged enough to cause a static spark .
GROUNDING CLIPS , CLAMPS AND ASSEMBLIES .
The conductivity of items such as drums and tanks can be affected by paints , coatings , build-up of product or corrosion . These coatings can prevent the dispersal of electrostatic charges . The solution is to use grounding assemblies with clips or clamps that pierce paints or coatings , to create a good metal to metal connection . The photo below shows one type of Mueller Electric grounding assembly , having a paint piercing clamp on one end and a copper clip on the other end .
Mueller Electric manufacture many different types of clamps , clips and assemblies , which are selected based on the items and materials to be bonded and grounded .
Some important criteria to consider when selecting a bonding / grounding assembly include :
• Does the object being grounded have a paint or other coating that requires piercing ?
• In what environment is the assembly to be used ; how rugged does the assembly need to be ?
• What type and size of clip is required ?
• Are the objects being grounded stationary or do they need to move ?
• What length of wire is required ?
• Should the wire be insulated or noninsulated ?
HUMIDITY
Static has a tendency to accumulate more in dry environments , because any moisture in the air can help disperse the static charge on an object . Increasing the humidity in an industrial environment is not always feasible , but it is an option to consider . It is advisable to maintain a humidity level above 60 % though the use of industrial humidifiers .
ADDITIVES
Antistatic additives to liquids such as fuel , can increase conductivity , helping to reduce electrostatic build-up .
MATERIALS , FLOORING AND CLOTHING
Conductive flooring , shoe soles , and special clothing can help dissipate static charges from a person as they walk or move around . The type of container should be a safety consideration when storing and handling flammable materials . Insulated and non-conductive materials increase the risk of static accumulation .
CONTROLLED FILLING SPEED AND RELAXATION TIME
The higher the flow rate of liquids , the higher the generation of static charges . Once dispensing is completed , it is best to wait before doing anything further to the equipment , such as opening lids , moving objects or cleaning . This relaxation time depends on the type of liquid .
SUMMARY
Static electricity is an invisible hazard in many production , manufacturing and industrial environments . To protect workers , the equipment and the facility , proper bonding , grounding and other antistatic measures are of critical importance .
Mueller Electric is an Industry leader in the field of bonding and grounding and offers a wide range clips , clamps and custom grounding and bonding assemblies , to meet the majority of industrial applications .
For further information , please visit www . muellerelectric . com
Issue 54 PECM 39