A tension clamp is a fitting used to terminate an overhead conductor at a support structure. Its main purpose is to securely grip the conductor and transfer the full tensile load to the tower or pole. The clamp must be robust enough to withstand the maximum operating tension of the line without allowing the conductor to slip.

An ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) conductor is a multi-layered cable with a central steel core for strength and outer layers of aluminum for conductivity. This composite structure is what makes a specialized tension clamp so essential. The clamp must provide a secure mechanical grip on both the inner steel core and the outer aluminum strands without damaging the conductor. An improperly sized or designed clamp can cause the aluminum strands to slip or fail, compromising the entire power line.