Best Earth Clamps for Safe Bonding: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician
If there is one thing that causes confusion during a Consumer Unit upgrade, it is earth bonding. You might have the fanciest new RCBO fuse board, but if your gas and water pipes aren't correctly earthed with a solid clamp, the installation is technically unsafe.
In my rounds across Leeds, I often find 'earth clamps' that are essentially jubilee clips wrapped in tape, or old clamps sitting on top of ten layers of gloss paint. This effectively does nothing. A proper BS 951 clamp makes a low-resistance connection that ensures safety devices trigger instantly in a fault.
In this review, I'm looking at three earth clamps handling different needs: a standard BS 951 clamp for plumbing bonding, a multi-pack for full system upgrades, and a heavy-duty option for temporary site welding tasks.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "BS 951 Compliance"
"The clamp guarantees a safe earth connection simply by being attached."
The clamp is useless if the pipe isn't prepared. In Leeds' older houses, you must remove all paint, oxidation, and limescale to bare bright copper before the clamp will work.
The Spec: "Universal Fit (12-32mm)"
"Fits any pipe in the home."
Whilst they fit standard 15mm and 22mm copper, they often struggle on old Imperial lead incoming mains found in Victorian basements. Those often require specialist larger clamps or careful tensioning.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
K M Electronics® Alto EC15 AL0049 Earth BONDING Cable CLAMP Strap
K M Electronics
This is your bread-and-butter earth clamp. If you have spotted a broken or missing earth on a single radiator pipe or gas meter during a renovation, this is the cost-effective solution requiring minimal fuss.
The Good
- Fully compliant with BS 951 (Safety Standard)
- Safety label included ('Safety Electrical Connection - Do Not Remove')
- Standard size screw terminals ease termination
The Bad
- Strap can feel a bit stiff on smaller 12mm pipes
- Single unit is less economical for full house rewires
Installer Tip:
This clamp comes with the standard 'Safety Electrical Connection' tag. Ensure this is visible once installed. If you're fitting this in a cupboard in Headingley under piles of coats, position the tag so the next person knows exactly what it is.
Priced at £3.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonAdjustable Earth Bonding Clamps, 12-32mm Pipe Size, Pack of 5
ÉABCON
When we perform a Consumer Unit upgrade, we often need to redo the bonding on the gas, water, and sometimes heating systems simultaneously. Buying these in a pack of five is the logical choice for larger projects, offering consistent quality across all bonding points.
The Good
- Excellent construction; feels robust in the hand
- Pack of 5 is perfect for full CU upgrades or rewiring jobs
- Terminals hold 10mm² earth cable securely
The Bad
- Slightly more packaging to dispose of
- Overkill for a single minor repair
Installer Tip:
Use a proper wire stripping tool for your 10mm² earth cable. When terminating into these clamps, ensure you double-fold the copper strands if the terminal is large, to guarantee a solid mechanical grip that won't loosen over time.
Priced at £9.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonParweld 400A Earth Clamp - Heavy Duty 400AMP Crocodile Welding Earth Clamp
Parweld
Important distinction: This is NOT a BS 951 clamp for household plumbing. This is a heavy-duty welding clamp. I've included this for site safety contexts. If you are doing fabrication work or temporary repairs, this clip solves the issue of poor conductivity causing arc issues.
The Good
- Strong spring provides excellent bite for temporary earthing
- Handles high current (400A) without overheating
- Robust copper braid strap
The Bad
- NOT suitable for permanent household gas/water bonding
- Bulky compared to permanent clamps
Installer Tip:
Do not confuse this with a permanent earth bond. This is strictly for temporary connection during welding. If you use this on a gas pipe as a permanent solution, you are non-compliant and risking safety. Use it only for its intended fabrication purpose.
Priced at £7.50 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why do I need earth clamps on my gas and water pipes?
Can I install an earth clamp over painted pipes?
What size earth cable should connect to the clamp?
Where should the earth clamp be positioned?
Can I simply use the welding clamp for my home earthing?
How much does it cost to fix missing earth bonding?
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