24 Oct 2003 SERVICE NOTE Page 1 of 4

GIB # 0 All Rad and RF Products SN 30011

Rev. 0 2397200–100

CABLE SHIELD CLAMP INSTALLATION GUIDELINE

APPLIES TO
All GEMS Rad and R&F Products.

PURPOSE/SYMPTOM
To provide field service personnel with a quideline for installing cable shield clamps.

PROBLEM
Cable shields and their termination are integral to being able to achieve EMC compliance for GEMS
products. In many cases, p-clamps or bar clamps are used to terminate cable shields. It is important
that these clamps be installed properly in order for the products to maintain EMC compliance.

SOLUTION
Refer to the guidelines in this service note when installing cable shield clamps on all GEMS Rad and
R&F products.

PROCEDURE
When properly installed, the cable shield clamps:
• Should provide 360° contact around the cable shield.
• Should fit snug enough so that the cables do not slide through the clamps when pulled with a
small effort.
• Should not fit so tight that they risk cutting the cable and/or wire insulation

The following quidelines should be used during product installation, maintenance, or service to
ensure the above requirements are met.

1. The p-clamps should be shaped to properly fit the cable using a pliers or channel locks so
that it contacts the grounding shield of the cable completely around its circumference, as
shown in Illustration 1. This is especially important when using aluminum or other soft metal
p-clamps.

This should be done before the p-clamp is fastened to the chassis. If necessary, first remove
the mounting hardware securing the p-clamp to the chassis. After the p-clamp has been
installed on the cable as shown, the p-clamp with cable can then be fastened to the chassis
using the existing hardware.

NUMBER SIZE REVISION

2397200–100SNT Letter 0
Copyright 2003 by General Electric Co.
24 October 2003 SERVICE NOTE Page 2 of 4
GIB # 0 Equipment SN 30011
Rev. 0 2397200–100

ILLUSTRATION 1. P-CLAMP INSTALLATION ONTO CABLES

2. If the diameter of the cable is a bit too small to fit a p-clamp or fixed size block clamp
properly, the diameter of the cable can be enlarged. Wrap layers of conductive copper tape
(46-300734P1) around the cable ground shield to ensure sufficient contact between the
clamp and the cable shield. This is shown in Illustration 2 and Illustration 3.

Note: Using your fingers, rub the tape applied to the cable for several seconds before
adding the clamp to make sure the various layers adhere well to each other and to the
cable shield.
Note: This approach is not recommended if more than 5 layers of tape is required to fit the
cable to the clamp. Instead, refer to item 3.

ILLUSTRATION 2. P-CLAMP INSTALLATION WITH ADDED COPPER TAPE

24 October 2003 SERVICE NOTE Page 3 of 4
GIB # 0 Equipment SN 30011
Rev. 0 2397200–100

ILLUSTRATION 3. BLOCK-CLAMP INSTALLATION WITH ADDED COPPER TAPE

3. If the diameter of the cable is either too large, or significantly too small, to fit the p-clamp or
fixed size block clamp properly, the clamp should not be used. Obtain an appropriately sized
p-clamp, or use an alternate / appropriate block clamp position to terminate the cable shield.

4. When placing two or more p-clamps on the same mounting screw or stud, it is important that
the tabs of each p-clamp be kept separate and not be interleaved with the tabs of the other p-
clamps as shown in Illustration 4. Similarly, no washers or other hardware should be
inserted between the p-clamp tabs.

ILLUSTRATION 4. INSTALLATION OF TWO P-CLAMPS ON THE SAME STUD

Proper method - 2 p-clamps Improper method - 2 p-clamps

5. When installing the cable clamps, care should be taken to avoid pinching the cables or
shields in the clamps. Cable shields (including any added tape) should fit within the loop of
the p-clamps, and not pinched by the p-clamp tabs. Likewise, cable shields should fit within
the clamping holes of block clamps, and not pinched in the flat area of the clamps.
24 October 2003 SERVICE NOTE Page 4 of 4
GIB # 0 Equipment SN 30011
Rev. 0 2397200–100

FORWARD PRODUCTION

Not applicable. This Service Note is being distributed to provide a guideline for field service
personnel.
For More information

On-Line Centers:
OLC–Americas OLC–Europe OLC–Asia OLC–ANZ
1–800–321–7937 (USA/CDN) +33 (0)1 30 83 13 00 81–426–48–2940 61–2–3163700
1 (414) 524–5300 (Elsewhere)

Author:
Scott Strasser
Installed Base Core Quality Team
GEMS-AM
Headquarters Information:
Are parts in stock? Yes __ No _ _ Available On Demand _√ _ N/A _ _

This Service Note is being distributed as a general preventative action for PQR 13006470.
Revision History

REV DATE REASON FOR CHANGE

0 24-Oct-2003 Initial release.