DX Engineering Universal Copper Grounding Clamps DXE-UCGC-Z

DX Engineering Universal Copper Grounding Clamps are custom designed to provide a ground rod mounting solution for various types of lightning protectors commonly used for Amateur Radio. The “Z” design makes it easy to install and remove coaxial cable connectors. This ground rod clamp for surge protector mounting is ideal for permanent installations as well as for temporary installations, such as Field Day.

Additionally, a solid copper strap from the station grounding bus bar may also be sandwiched between the copper plates of this clamp and the ground rod (not shown).

ground rod clamp for surge protector mounting

The DXE-UCGC-Z can easily mount up to six lightning protectors. The photo shows two DX Engineering protectors and two PolyPhaser protectors installed on a DXE-UCGC-Z mounted to a 5/8 in. diameter ground rod. Other lightning protection products can also be mounted, such as the DXE-IS-RCT Control Line Protector and Alpha Delta Lightning Protectors.

The DXE-UCGC-Z Copper Grounding Clamp Features:

– Mounts up to six protectors onto one ground rod

– Fits common standard 5/8 in. through 3/4 in. diameter ground rods

– Made from 1/16 in. thick Copper Alloy 110 for maximum conductivity

-“Z” bends in the copper for easier installation and removal of coax connectors on protectors

– Easy to assemble two-piece construction. Each plate is approximately 3-1/4 in. wide x 4-3/16 in. tall

– Stainless Steel hardware is included: Four 1/4 in.-20 x 3/4 in. long hex head bolts, eight 1/4 in. flat washers, four 1/4 in.-20 Nyloc hex nuts

– Using this copper clamp is faster and easier than building up the joint for an exothermic weld

An anti-seize compound such as JTL-12555 Jet Lube SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize must be used on the threads to prevent galling or seizing of stainless steel hardware. All connections must be generously coated with a conductive joint compound to prevent moisture penetration and enhance conductivity such as JTL-12555 Jet Lube SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize. DX Engineering’s DXE-CCK Copper Cleaning Kit also contains a small amount of the proper joint compound, brush and cleaning pad to properly prepare the copper surfaces.

Prior to attaching the lightning protectors, you may want to install the proper coaxial cable lines to the protectors and weather seal the PL-259 connectors using TES-2155 Temflex Rubber Sealing Tape with an overwrap of TES-06132 3M Super 33+ Vinyl Tape or TES-06143 3M Scotch Super 88 Premium Vinyl Tape. These easily removable connector sealing tapes are now available in kits; click to see our DX Engineering Coaxial Connection Weatherproofing Kit with instructions and a video!

Also, the lightning protector bodies are not weatherproof and it is suggested to use a DX Engineering Weatherproofing Kits, to permanently cover the body of the protectors. Some users have also suggested covering the entire assembly with a plastic food container or plastic trash bin

As with all electronic equipment, take proper safety considerations. For example: Do not install if there is a storm anywhere in your area. Do not adjust or touch the grounding system equipment when there is a storm anywhere in your area. Make sure all power is removed before making any adjustments or working on any ground system or grounding components.