Best Earth Bonding Clamps for Electrical Safety: 2025 Expert Review
OR Electrics
18th Edition Qualified Electrician
If you've recently had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) done on your property, you might have seen a code C2 or C3 regarding 'main protective bonding'. In plain English, this often means the clamps connecting your gas and water pipes to the main earth terminal are missing, loose, or corroded.
In Leeds, particularly in the damp cellars of our older back-to-back houses, I see failing earth clamps daily. It's a critical safety feature that ensures the metal pipes in your home don't become live during an electrical fault.
Replacing these is a straightforward job, but you must use the right kit. In this review, I'll compare three BS 951 compliant earth bonding clamps suitable for getting your system up to scratch, covering a budget single option and bulk packs for larger renovations.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Adjustable 12mm - 32mm"
"One clamp fits every pipe in the house."
Whilst they fit standard copper pipes (15mm and 22mm) easily, older houses in Leeds sometimes have oversized lead incoming pipes or painted layers that make fitting tricky. Always clean the pipe back to bare metal first.
The Spec: "BS 951 Compliance"
"Any clamp with this code is safe to use anywhere."
BS 951 clamps are graded. Most sold online are for 'dry conditions' only (EC14). If your cellar is damp—common in Victorian terraces—you need to check for corrosion regularly or use specialist moisture-resistant clamps.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Earth Clamp Red - Adjustable Internal Earth Clamp Bonding Straps 12mm - 32mm
Generic
If you just need to replace a single corroded clamp to clear an observation on an EICR, this single pack is the most economical route. It meets the essential BS 951 standard and features the required safety labelling.
The Good
- compliant with BS 951 regs
- Includes the vital 'Safety Electrical Connection' label
- Stainless steel strap resists snapping
The Bad
- Only contains one clamp
- Generic branding means quality can vary slightly
Installer Tip:
Do not over-tighten the screw on the strap mechanism, or you'll thread it. Tighten until it bites firmly into the pipe for a good electrical connection, then stop. Remember to scrape any paint off the pipe first.
Priced at £4.72 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonAdjustable Earth Bonding Clamps, 12-32mm Pipe Size, Terminal A-D EC14, Pack of (10)
ÉABCON
For landlords managing multiple properties or HMOs in Leeds, buying in bulk is the only way that makes sense. ÉABCON offers a solid quality clamp in a pack of ten, ensuring you have spare stock for future maintenance or full rewires.
The Good
- Excellent price per unit
- High-quality construction suitable for professional use
- Standard EC14 rating for domestic dry areas
The Bad
- Too many for a single DIY repair
- Requires dry environment (standard for this type)
Installer Tip:
When working on older properties, you might find the main earth cable is 10mm or even 16mm. These terminals (A-D) handle the standard 10mm G/Y earth wire comfortably. Ensure the wire is doubled over if it's smaller (4mm or 6mm) to ensure good contact in the terminal.
Priced at £15.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonAdjustable Earth Bonding Clamps, 12-32mm Pipe Size, Terminal A-D EC14, Pack of 5
ÉABCON
This is the 'problem-solver' not because of a unique design, but because of the pack size. Typically, a house needs bonding on the Gas and Water services (2 clamps). A pack of 5 covers the job plus spares for the inevitable mistake or drop, without the expense of a trade box.
The Good
- Perfect quantity for a standard house upgrade (Gas + Water + spares)
- Same high quality as the larger trade packs
- Easy to install on standard domestic pipework
The Bad
- Slightly higher cost per unit than the 10-pack
- Packaging is basic
Installer Tip:
Always locate these clamps within 600mm of the meter or stopcock, before any branch pipework. This is a strict requirement in the regs (BS 7671). If you can't get that close due to boxing in, fit it as near as practical and ensure continuity is verified.
Priced at £9.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is earth bonding and why do I need it?
Does my earth clamp need a tag that says 'Do Not Remove'?
Can I fit these earth clamps myself?
Why did my EICR fail on bonding?
What is the difference between EC14 and EC15 clamps?
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