What are glass clamps with AbZ/aBG?

Glass clamps connect the glass panel of a railing to the post. If the railing serves as fall protection, it is a safety-critical component—the glass clamp must reliably hold the panels in place over long periods of use. For this application, Feldmann offers glass clamps with general building authority certification (abZ) and general type approval (aBG). All glass clamps are supplied with all necessary screws and cover plates.

Why Certification Is Required

The German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) issues general building authority certifications (abZ) and general type certifications (aBG). The abZ regulates the properties of a construction product relevant to building codes, its areas of application, as well as installation, transport, storage, labeling, and confirmation of conformity; the aBG additionally regulates aspects of planning, design, and execution. As a rule, both are granted as a combined decision. For fall protection as a safety-critical component, glass clamps with AbZ (German general building authority test certificate) must be used.

Safety in Detail

Details that are not immediately visible are crucial: high-quality Screws, durable rubber seals, and an additional pane retainer. The pane retainer prevents the glass pane from falling even in the event of complete failure of the rubber seals and is designed—depending on the model—as a safety pin or retaining plate. In addition, rubber seals with a special surface texture (anti-slip effect) provide optimal grip, while a 360° micro-encapsulated threadlock on the screws ensures a permanent, secure fit. Sandblasted inner surfaces enable a precise fit during assembly.

Sizes, Materials, and Connector

The glass clamps are available in several sizes, allowing you to select the appropriate clamp for different glass structures and connector situations. Available materials include V2A (for indoor and outdoor use) and V4A (higher corrosion resistance); many sizes are also available in high-gloss polished V4A. For custom color schemes, Die-cast zinc serves as the base for powder coating according to RAL; for indoor use, a design with a stainless steel effect is available. For the connector, the “straight” design (for square posts) and several round tube diameters are available (including 33.7 / 42.4 / 48.3 / 60.3 / 76.1 mm).

Fillers

Safety glass is used as a filler—tempered safety glass (ESG.H) and laminated safety glass (VSG). Matching rubber seals are designed for standard glass configurations (e.g., ESG 6/8/10 mm and VSG configurations such as 6.76/8.76/9.52 mm). The selection of glass clamps and glass assemblies must be coordinated; the relevant Certification and the structural requirements of the project are decisive.