Custom Ground Straps
When not constrained by a closed circuit, electricity follows the path of least resistance toward the ground. When electronics are functioning properly, conductive wires direct current along a defined path, preventing electricity from following its natural tendency. However, when power surges or a circuit breaks, electricity immediately seeks the easiest route to the ground. Unfortunately, the human body is an excellent electrical conductor, so the easiest route may be a fatal one through the operator’s body. Alternatively, the current may move through nearby equipment, burning through any electronics in its path.
Ground straps, also known as bonding straps or earthing straps, mitigate these risks by providing escaped current with a highly conductive route to the ground. With a ground strap in place, power surges and short circuits are far less harmful. Since the strap becomes the easiest route to the ground, the current can flow safely to a neutral surface instead of frying electronics or burning nearby users. Additionally, because they use many small wires braided together, ground straps allow for greater heat dissipation and support higher amperage than standard wires.
At ABL Electronic Supplies, we offer a full range of standard and custom ground straps designed to protect your employees and minimize avoidable downtime.
EXTRA & ULTRA – FLEXIBLE GROUNDSTRAPS
GS15-GSI15 Series – Flat Braid, Crimped Ring Terminals, Insulated or Non-Insul.
Crimped Termination
GS16-GSI16 Series – Flat Braid, Solder Dip, Holes Punched, Insulated or Non-Insul.
Solder Dipped Ends With Punched Holes
GS14-GSI14 Series – Rope Braid, Crimped Ring Terminals, Insulated or Non-Insul.
Crimped Termination
GS-9, GSI-9, GS-8, GSI-8 Series – 1” Wide Copper Foil, Holes Punched, Insulated or Non-Insul.
Copper Foil With Punched Holes
GS-10, GSI10 Series – 3/8” Wide Copper Foil, Holes Punched, Insulated or Non-Insul.
Copper Foil With Punched Holes
GSI-13 Series – 3/8” Wide Tin-Plated Steel, Holes Punched, White PVC Insulation
Punched Holes
Our Custom Ground Strap Capabilities
For optimal safety, ground straps should be customized to suit their application. For instance, vibrating or moving applications should use ground straps that can handle flexion, while high-voltage applications should use straps with higher wire counts. ABL Electronic Supplies can tailor almost any aspect of a ground strap to your specifications, ensuring that your earthing solution holds up to all applicable environmental constraints.
Materials
Our ground straps are available in a range of materials, depending on your needs. Options include:
- Tinned Copper
- Nickel Plated Copper
- Bare Copper
- Copper Foil
- Stranded Wire
- Stainless Steel
In addition, we offer both insulated and uninsulated straps, with a variety of color options for clients requesting coated wires. Our standard insulation options are green and yellow, black, and more.
AWG Size
Our braided ground straps are available in the following AWG sizes:
- 4/0
- 3/0
- 2/0
- 1/0
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 6
- 7
- 9
- 10
- 12
- 14
Non-insulated, braided strands have amperage ratings ranging from approximately 390 amps for AWG 4/0 wire through 32 amps for AWG 14 wire. Additional sizes may be available on request, depending on our stock.
Terminal Types
Ground straps join at either end via metal terminals. Our straps are available with the following terminal configurations:
- Ring Terminal
- Square Lug Terminal
- Fork Terminal
- Alligator Clamps
- High Temperature Terminals
- Solder Dipped and Punched
- Crimped Ring
Choosing the right terminal types ensures that the strap is compatible with your equipment.
Special Requirements
In addition to standard customization options, we are also happy to accommodate specialized requirements such as laser part marking. Our team can discuss these requests during the design and RFQ process.
Materials for Ground Straps
The primary consideration for a ground strap material is its electrical properties. To effectively redirect current, the metal must be highly conductive. For this reason, copper is the most popular ground strap material, being second only to silver in conductivity while still being extremely affordable.
Stainless steel is another common choice for ground straps. Although not as conductive as copper, stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance, withstanding exposure to moisture, saltwater, and chemicals. Therefore, stainless steel is a more suitable option for equipment that is sanitized frequently or used outdoors.
Other options include:
- Aluminum
- Tinned copper
- Nickel-plated metals
- Silver-plated metals
The cable and wire experts at ABL Electronic Supplies can help you determine the most suitable metal for your particular application.
Ground Strap Types and Variants
Although ground straps tend to take similar shapes and materials, there are several variations to suit different applications. These include:
- Flexible Braided Ground Straps. Flexible braided ground straps consist of thin metal wires interlaced with one another to form a flexible strap. The braiding may create either a rope or a flat shape. Braided straps are suitable for heavy-duty applications because they create greater heat dissipation, allowing them to safely carry higher amperage.
- Insulated Ground Straps. The wires in an insulated ground strap are typically covered with a polymer film or rubber, keeping current and heat contained for exposed straps or those that contact other conductors. The insulation is sometimes provided as wire marking, bundling and color coding a product, such as green/ yellow to specify grounding.
- Automotive Ground Straps. Ground straps function slightly differently in vehicles than in stationary equipment. Instead of connecting to the ground, these straps link the engine block to the chassis or a negative battery terminal, which completes the engine’s electrical circuit. This type of ground strap typically features pressed ends.
The best ground strap for you depends on your desired length, thickness, and amperage rating, among other specifications. Our team can help you identify a strap that suits your specifications, or design a custom strap tailored to your needs.
What is the Difference Between Bonding and Ground Straps?
Although some people refer to ground straps as bonding straps (or vice versa), these components do not serve the same function. Bonding straps join two pieces of metal equipment so that they have the same electrical potential. In doing so, they prevent electrostatic buildup and protect users from shock. By contrast, ground straps’ sole purpose is to redirect current in the case of a short circuit or power surge. Once a bonding strap links multiple machines, the ground strap provides a safe route to the ground, preventing an electrical fault from causing a chain reaction of shorts.
Quality Ground Straps at ABL Electronic Supplies
With over 45 years of cable and wire experience, ABL Electronic Supplies, Inc. is on the cutting edge of ground strap design. We offer durable and affordable ground straps for clients from diverse industries, including automotive, renewable energy, and general industrial clients.
Along with our selection of ground straps, ABL Electronic Supplies, Inc. also offers an abundance of stock and custom cable and wire solutions. Whatever your needs, we can deliver a solution that suits your budget, timeline, and application constraints. Contact us today to learn more or to get started on your custom ground strap solution.