Can a Hot Line Clamp be used as a ground clamp for a short duration?

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The essential idea is that devices chosen for hot-line work and devices chosen for grounding serve different safety purposes and are built to different standards. A hot line clamp is designed to grip an energized conductor while maintaining insulation and a safe surface for live conditions. It is not intended to provide a reliable, low-impedance path to ground or to be used as a grounding connection during fault conditions.

Using a hot line clamp as a ground clamp creates several hazards. It may not establish a solid, continuous ground path, which means stray voltage, arcing, or fault current could find unintended paths. The clamp’s construction, insulation, and contact surfaces are not rated for grounding duties, so there’s a real risk of shock if someone touches the clamp or if the clamp becomes energized. It also may not be rated for the fault currents or the environmental conditions a grounding connection must withstand, leading to equipment damage or failure of the grounding scheme.

Grounding must be accomplished with a clamp that is specifically rated and tested for grounding tasks, ensuring a true, low-impedance path to earth or the equipment frame. For safety and compliance, stick with a ground clamp designed for that purpose, even for short durations.