What is an “ATEX & IECEx-Certified Explosion-proof Cable Gland”?
A cable connector is a mechanical fitting used to secure and seal the point where a cable enters an electrical enclosure or equipment. ATEX and IECEx certified cable connectors are those certified by ATEX and IECEx to ensure safe use in explosive environments.
These connectors differ from “ordinary” cable connectors in several key aspects:
Explosion-proof/Flame-retardant Integrity
The connector must not be an ignition source and must prevent the escape of flames or high-temperature gases from the protected enclosure, even in the event of an internal explosion.
Sealing/Protection Level
The connector must seal the cable entry point to prevent the ingress or escape of dust, gas, or moisture and maintain the overall environmental protection level when necessary.
Mechanical Securement/Stress Relief
The cable connector must mechanically secure the cable so that it will not accidentally detach even under vibration or mechanical stress. This ensures continuity of sealing and grounding.
Grounding/Armor Connection
For metal-armored cables, the cable connector must ensure proper connection (grounding) between the armor layer or braid and the outer shell, thus maintaining grounding continuity and explosion-proof integrity.
Compliant with Recognized Protection Methods/Standards
Certified cable fittings will bear appropriate markings indicating their protection rating. They must comply with relevant IEC/EN standards, which specify explosion-proof design and testing.
Due to these characteristics, ATEX/IECEx certified cable fittings are designed for installation in hazardous areas, such as those designated according to regulatory schemes or global equivalent classification systems.
The Importance of Certified Cable Glands in Explosive Atmospheres
In hazardous environments, whether it’s gases, vapors, or dust, ordinary cable joints can pose serious safety hazards. Ordinary cable joints may fail to seal properly, leading to sparks or heat leakage, and potentially allowing explosive gases to leak into the enclosure, creating a potential ignition path.
Certified cable joints, on the other hand, undergo rigorous testing and are effectively designed to prevent such hazards. Using uncertified joints renders the explosion-proof rating of the entire system ineffective, compromising the safety of the installation. Since cable entry points are often the most vulnerable points, using non-explosion-proof joints compromises the overall explosion-proof design.
Using certified joints is crucial for complying with safety regulations and industry standards when installing electrical systems in hazardous areas. In many industries, such as oil and gas, chemical plants, mining, and dust-hazardous industries, the use of certified joints is a mandatory requirement for ensuring safe operation.