What is a Cable Gland?

A cable gland is a terminating component that secures the entry point where a cable enters an enclosure, equipment, or machinery. It provides strain relief, sealing solutions, and protection against dust, moisture, and environmental elements. The entry point where a cable enters an installation is vulnerable, and cable glands seal this opening to prevent moisture and dust ingress. Cable glands are used in many industries, such as telecoms, power, lighting, and control applications, to maintain earth continuity, prevent corrosion, and ensure a safe and durable cable installation.

Definition and Purpose

Cable glands, or cable fittings, are mechanical cable entry devices that seal the opening where a cable enters an electrical installation, equipment, or enclosure. Their purpose is to provide strain relief so cables don’t come loose due to mechanical strain or tension. They also protect the electrical installation from outside influences such as dust, moisture, and other contaminants. By securing the feed-through of cables, cable glands play a crucial role in many industries, including industrial, commercial, and residential settings. They help maintain the integrity and safety of electrical systems, so they are an essential part of any installation.

Design and Construction

Cable glands are designed and constructed to meet specific requirements and standards depending on the application and environment. They come in many materials, including plastic, brass, stainless steel, and nylon, each with its own properties and benefits. For example, plastic cable glands are for universal purposes due to their lightweight and corrosion-resistant nature. Brass cable glands offer higher resistance to corrosion and mechanical strain, so they are ideal for power and industrial applications. Stainless steel cable glands are for heavy applications and harsh environments and offer superior corrosion resistance and durability. The design of cable glands also varies; some are snap-in type for quick and easy fitting, and others are threaded for secure attachment. This means there is a cable gland for every application and environment.

Cable Glands

Cable glands come in many types and materials for different applications and environments. They protect cables from being pulled or damaged and ensure ingress protection rating compliance. The choice of cable gland depends on the type of cable used, the enclosure, and environmental conditions. A threaded connection is often used to secure the cable gland to the enclosure.

The most common Cable Gland materials are:

• Plastic cable glands: Cost-effective and corrosion-resistant, for indoor and outdoor use.

• Brass cable glands: Highly durable and stress-resistant, for power and industrial use. Brass cable glands are more corrosion-resistant than plastic cable glands.

• Stainless steel cable glands: For harsh environments where high corrosion resistance is required. Stainless steel cable glands are more corrosion-resistant than both plastic and brass cable glands and will ensure a long lifetime. They are ideal for the heaviest applications.

• EMC cable glands: For use with shielded cables to maintain electromagnetic compatibility.

• Armoured cable glands: For armoured cables and mechanical retention and earth continuity.

Plastic Cable Glands

A plastic cable gland is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant option for terminating cables in control panels, lighting installations, and industrial enclosures. These glands come in a full range of sizes and metric threads to fit various diameters and applications. Plastic cable glands provide strain relief, sealing, and chemical resistance, offering a reliable solution for applications that require a cost-effective and durable cable termination method.

Plastic Cable

Plastic cables are used in many industries due to their flexibility, insulation properties, and durability. They are often paired with plastic cable glands for optimal sealing and strain relief. Plastic cables are corrosion-resistant, moisture- and dust-resistant, and suitable for telecoms, lighting, and data transmission applications. They can also be used within a flexible conduit to provide extra protection and ease of installation.

O-Rings

O-rings, or sealing rings, are used to seal cable glands and prevent moisture, dust, and contaminants from entering the enclosure. They are used in both plastic and metal cable glands to increase the ingress protection rating and maintain the integrity of electrical and data connections. These sealing components come in a variety of materials, including nylon and rubber, to fit different environmental and mechanical requirements.

Types of Cable Glands

Cable glands come in many forms to meet industry standards and applications. Some of the most common types are:

• Armoured cable glands (BW, CW, and A2 types): For cables with metal armouring, for mechanical retention and electrical continuity.

• EMC cable glands: Shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference in sensitive equipment.

• Standard industrial cable glands: For general-purpose applications that require a reliable sealing and strain relief solution.

• NPT cable glands: Designed to NPT (National Pipe Thread) standards for North American electrical and industrial systems.

Cable Gland Accessories

A range of accessories are available to enhance cable gland performance and installation. These include:

• Locknuts: Secure the gland to an enclosure or panel. Metal locknuts allow safe fastening of cable glands. Plastic locknuts are safe for cable glands and come in multiple thread sizes.

• Washers: Sealing washers provide additional sealing and protection against dust and moisture. Washer gaskets ensure the ingress protection (IP) rating in installations and for rough surfaces or through holes.

• Reducers and Adaptors: For different gland sizes and thread types.

• Plugs: Seal unused cable entries to maintain ingress protection rating. Dome plugs seal cable glands when no cable is used.

• Gland Shrouds: Protect the cable gland and sealing components from environmental damage.

Choosing the Right Cable Gland

Selecting the right cable gland is crucial for a safe and reliable installation. Consider the following:

• Material: Plastic, brass, or stainless steel, depending on the environment.

• Ingress protection rating: Ensure adequate protection against moisture, dust, and contaminants.

• Cable type and diameter: Match the gland size to the cable for proper sealing.

• Environmental conditions: Choose corrosion-resistant and robust materials for harsh environments.

• Industry standards and approvals: Comply with relevant safety and performance regulations.

• Environmental sealing: Ensure the gland provides effective sealing to protect against environmental factors.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance of cable glands are essential to ensure their performance and lifespan. Cable glands should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and industry standards, taking into account cable size, type, and material. During installation, ensure the cable gland is properly sealed and tightened to prevent dust and moisture from entering the electrical installation. Maintenance involves inspecting the cable glands for wear and tear, damage, or corrosion and replacing them as needed. By conducting regular inspections and maintenance, you can ensure the cable glands continue to provide strain relief and protection and, therefore, the safety and reliability of the electrical installation.

Applications of Cable Glands:

• Telecoms: Data cables and connection integrity.

• Industrial automation: Power and control cables in machinery.

• Lighting: Cable connections in outdoor and indoor lighting systems.

• Renewable energy: Electrical wiring in solar and wind power installations.

• Hazardous areas: Connections in explosive or flammable environments.

Cable glands are a crucial part of electrical installations, providing sealing, strain relief, and environmental protection. They come in various materials, sizes, and types to meet different industry and application requirements. For a full range of cable glands and accessories, visit our website to see our products and find the right one for your needs.

Cable Gland Requirements

Cable glands must meet specific requirements and standards to be safe and effective. One of the key requirements is the ingress protection rating (IP rating), which measures the degree of protection against solid particles and water. Cable glands with higher IP ratings offer better protection against dust and moisture and are suitable for more demanding environments. Cable glands must also comply with national and international specifications such as NEC, CEC, ATEX, and IECEx to ensure safety and performance standards. The design and construction of cable glands should also provide optimal system integrity when used with specific cables and equipment. By meeting these requirements, cable glands can provide a secure and reliable connection in various applications.

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Websites: www.cableglandsuk.com & www.accablesolutions.com

Tel: 0161 874 1480

Written by Mitchell Leach.