Is it better to attach grounding clamps to the armor rod than to the conductors when armor rod is present on line conductors?

Using grounding clamps on the armor rod rather than on the conductors has specific implications for safety and electrical performance in a substation. Attaching grounding clamps to the conductors is preferred because it ensures a direct and low-resistance path to ground, thereby providing effective grounding and minimizing the risk of electric shock or equipment damage.

The armor rod serves as a protective layer, but it is primarily meant to shield the conductors and not designed for grounding purposes. Grounding through the armor rod may introduce higher resistance and possibly create a path that does not effectively dissipate fault currents. Therefore, it's critical to connect grounding clamps to the actual conductors, as this connection guarantees reliable grounding functionality, particularly in fault conditions.

While there are scenarios, such as emergencies, where non-ideal grounding methods might be employed temporarily, in general practice, the recommended approach is to connect grounding clamps directly to the conductors. This ensures compliance with safety standards and reduces the risks associated with improper grounding methods.