Electricians working with power cables face a serious risk: some wires may still carry dangerous voltage, even if they appear off. If touched accidentally, it can cause electrocution. Existing safety methods for shorting or grounding these wires are often complex, require tools, or may not secure the connection reliably.
Solution
& Core Features
This invention is a small, clamp-like safety device made to quickly and securely short the wires inside flat, three-core electrical cables—typically used in homes and buildings. It looks like a plastic clip with two hinged arms and side ratchets that snap shut. Inside, there's a sharp conductor blade that pierces through the cable's insulation when clamped shut. This blade connects the live, neutral, and earth wires, equalizing their voltage or grounding them for safety.
Inventive
Step (What’s New)
Unlike traditional grounding tools, this clamp requires no external tools or wires. Its unique design includes:
- A piercing conductor that automatically connects the cable's cores upon closure.
- A secure ratcheting mechanism that holds the clamp shut without needing manual pressure.
- A user-friendly release tab to reopen the clamp if needed.
- Visual inspection windows and a snap-together hinge that makes manufacturing cheap and efficient.
Benefits
- Keeps electricians and workers safe by instantly reducing the chance of electric shock.
- Saves time with its tool-free application.
- Fits different cable sizes and is reusable or disposable.
- Made from injection-molded plastic, it’s affordable and scalable.
Broader
Impact
This clamp could become standard equipment for electrical work, improving safety protocols worldwide. Its simplicity and low cost make it ideal for both professional and emerging markets, reducing workplace injuries and advancing safety standards in the electrical trade.