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Glossary entry

English term or phrase:

clip | clamp

English answer:

clip = spring action connection, no tools required | clamp = screw-type device, requires tools

Added to glossary by David Russi
Dec 31, 2008 09:46
15 yrs ago
12 viewers *
English term

clip or clamp

English Tech/Engineering Electronics / Elect Eng Potential Equalization Connection
From source text:

'Connection to the XXX can be by earth clip or clamp.'

I am ignorant and I don't understand the difference between 'clip' and 'clamp' in this context (Potential Equalization Connection).

Source text is Australian English.
Responses
4 +3 clip = spring action | clamp = screw device
5 +1 clamp
Change log

Jan 5, 2009 15:01: David Russi changed "Edited KOG entry" from "<a href="/profile/7599">Sven Petersson's</a> old entry - "clip or clamp"" to ""clip = spring action | clamp = screw device""

Jan 5, 2009 15:02: David Russi changed "Edited KOG entry" from "<a href="/profile/1325">David Russi's</a> old entry - "clip | clamp"" to ""clip = spring action connection, no tools | clamp = screw-type device, requires tools""

Discussion

Gary D Jan 1, 2009:
But you can't clamp on a clip! (use that clamp to crimp..) Clips are the lighter versions of clamps and both clips and clamps can be spring loaded or screw and threaded components.
Gary D Jan 1, 2009:
An earth requires a good connection, so it is always called a clamp. If it is a earth clip, it would be called an alligator clip or have a name in front of it identifying it by type. Even in medical terms it is called a clamp, but you may clip on a clamp,
Demi Ebrite Dec 31, 2008:
Sven, I might advise you to post this question in the 'medical' (broad) and 'medical cardiology', or 'medical general' (specific) category. It has been directed at Tech/Engineering professionals. Please offer the clarification info there, in the question.
Sven Petersson (asker) Dec 31, 2008:
To Tony M (2) The 'equipment' is an angiographic contrast media injector.
The connection is normally temporary; the connection is done during the prepation for an angiographic procedure and the disconnection is done after the procedure, to prevent that the cleaners fall over the cable and/or pull over the injector.
Sven Petersson (asker) Dec 31, 2008:
To Tony M It's a connection between the injector and the potential equalization bar.
Sven Petersson (asker) Dec 31, 2008:
To Tony M The 'equipment' is an angiographic contrast media injector.
The connection is normally temporary; the connection is done during the prepation for an angiographic procedure and the disconnection is done after the procedure, to prevent that the cleaners fall over the cable and/or pull over the injector.
Tony M Dec 31, 2008:
Sven, in order to be able to answer your question properly, we need more info. What SORT of equipment is the XXX? Is this an actual EARTH connection that is being made? Is it a temporary or permanent connection?

Responses

+3
3 hrs
Selected

clip = spring action | clamp = screw device

I would say that generally a clip connecting device would have some spring action (like alligator clips), whereas a clamp would be tightened by means of a screw or bolt.

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Note added at 4 hrs (2008-12-31 13:46:40 GMT)
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Here are Websters general definitions, and whiles they do not make the difference I explained, in my opinion they do imply stronger, more binding properties for clamping.

Websters

clamp
1 a : a device (as a band or brace) designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly in their relative position

clip
any of a number of devices which grip, clasp, or hook or with which one grips, clasps, or hooks

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Note added at 9 hrs (2008-12-31 19:01:56 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Yes, I agree, the use of tools is the key difference.
Peer comment(s):
agree Jennifer Levey : I would just add that a clip is often used in preference to a clamp in situations where a temporary connection must be made/unmade frequently, or without special tools (where a monkey-wrench counts as 'special' and the human hand does not).
1 hr
Thank you, especially for putting your finger on the need for tools as the key difference.
agree Ken Cox : and with mediamatrix: a clip connection can be made by hand without using any tools, while a clamp conneciton normallly requires a tool
5 hrs
Thank you!
agree Tony M
1 day 1 hr
Thank you!
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thanks!"
+1
21 mins

clamp

Earth clamp is the correct usage. To be perfectly honest, both would be correct and someone not as familar would understand either but in electronics (and automotive) clamp is always used.
Peer comment(s):
agree Phong Le
32 mins
neutral Tony M : Since the source text is clearly making a distinction between the two terms, this doesn't really answer Asker's question
2 hrs
neutral Polangmar : I agree with Tony M - this answer is irrelevant.
4 hrs
disagree Jennifer Levey : 'clamp' is not 'the correct usage' if the device is actually a clip (as it may well be...).
5 hrs
agree Gary D : it is an Earth Clamp for most things,Ie welder or an Earth lead.. A clip is a lighter form of attachment and would fail if put under load, A hair clip for instance,
1 day 2 hrs
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