Richards Aluminum Parallel Clamps (APC) are a lightweight way to tap a main overhead conductor, usually to take off a secondary service to a customer. Each APC is range-taking, so one clamp covers a span of run and tap conductor sizes. This guide lists the run and tap ranges by APC figure number, the matching snap-on covers, and the options you can add. All data comes from the Richards APC data sheet.
Per Richards, the APC is a lightweight, range-taking connector designed to withstand vibration and to be easy to install. It taps off a main overhead conductor, for example overhead secondary connected to the customer. Low torque gives high pressure on the conductor, and Richards states that the APC can be installed on energized or de-energized cables.
Pick the APC figure number from the run conductor and the tap conductor. Richards lists these ranges. Run and tap ranges are shown for both ACSR and aluminum or copper.
| Figure | Size Code | Run: ACSR | Run: AL | Tap: ACSR | Tap: AL or CU | Snap-On Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | #4 to #6 ACSR | #2 solid to #8 solid | #4 to #6 ACSR | #2 solid to #8 solid | APCC-1 |
| 7 | 1 | #6 to #2 ACSR | #6 solid to #1 stranded | #6 to #2 ACSR | #12 solid to #1 stranded | APCC-1 |
| 10 | 1 | #6 to 1/0 ACSR | #6 solid to 2/0 stranded | #6 to 1/0 ACSR | #6 solid to 2/0 stranded | APCC-1 |
| 11 | 1 | #2 to 4/0 ACSR | #1 stranded to 4/0 stranded | #2 to 4/0 ACSR | #1 stranded to 4/0 stranded | APCC-2 |
| 12 | 1 | #2 to 4/0 ACSR | #1 stranded to 4/0 stranded | #6 to 2/0 ACSR | #6 solid to 2/0 stranded | APCC-2 |
| 13 | 1 | 4/0 to 666,000 ACSR | 266,800 to 800,000 | #6 to 2/0 ACSR | #6 solid to 2/0 stranded | APCC-2 |
| 14 | 1 | 3/0 to 336,400 ACSR | 4/0 to 397,500 stranded | #6 to 4/0 ACSR | #6 solid to 266,800 stranded | APCC-2 |
| 15 | 1 | 3/0 to 336,400 ACSR | 4/0 to 397,500 stranded | 3/0 to 336,400 ACSR | 4/0 to 397,500 stranded | APCC-2 |
| 17 | 2 | 4/0 to 477,000 ACSR | 250,000 to 600,000 | 4/0 to 477,000 ACSR | 250,000 to 600,000 | None listed |
| 18 | 2 | 336,400 to 795,000 ACSR | 477,000 to 800,000 | 336,400 to 795,000 ACSR | 477,000 to 800,000 | None listed |
Our online store carries the APC10, APC12 and APC14. For other figure numbers, contact us.
Richards does not list a snap-on cover for figures 17 and 18. A clamp can also be ordered with the poly cover already assembled by adding -A to the part number.
Richards' format is APC, then the figure number and size code, followed by any options: APC [Figure] [Size Code] -TN -SH -G -EHD -A. Leave out any option you do not need, and keep the options in the order shown. Send us your run and tap conductors and the options you want, and we will build the part number for you.
Tapping off a main overhead conductor, such as connecting overhead secondary to a customer.
Richards states that the APC can be installed on energized or de-energized cables. Follow your utility's work practices and the manufacturer's instructions.
Match the run and tap conductors to the table above. APC10 covers #6 to 1/0 ACSR on both run and tap. APC12 covers a #2 to 4/0 ACSR run with a #6 to 2/0 ACSR tap. APC14 covers a 3/0 to 336,400 ACSR run with a #6 to 4/0 ACSR tap.
Covers are ordered separately (APCC-1 or APCC-2) or assembled by adding -A to the part number. The APC10 in our store is listed with the plastic cover.
Yes. Add -TN to the part number.
It adds grommets, which grip between the clamp body and center keeper, keep the keeper from sliding freely and make it easier to insert the wire.
Need help picking an APC for your run and tap conductors? Contact Powertech Associates and we will find the right figure number and options. The APC10, APC12 and APC14 are available in our online store.
Last updated: November 2026.
