Cable Gland Types and How to Choose Them?

When it comes to cable management in an industrial or commercial environment, choosing the right cable gland is crucial. Cable glands are devices that provide strain relief and environmental protection for cables and wiring systems. They are used to secure and seal cables from dust, moisture and other contaminants.

However, there are many types of cable glands on the market, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the different cable gland types and give you helpful tips on how to choose the one that’s best for your specific application.

Cable Gland Types According to Different Materials

There are several types of cable glands on the market, classified according to the material they are made of.

These include:

Cable Gland Types According to Different Functions

There are several different types of cable glands available, each designed for a specific function. The following are the types of cable connectors according to different functions:

Cable Gland Types According to Different Threads

There are several types of cable glands based on different thread types commonly used in the English language. These include:

1. NPT (National Pipe Thread): This thread is commonly used in North America and is compatible with NPT pipe fittings. It has tapered threads that require thread sealant to seal properly.

2. BSP (British Standard Pipe): This is the thread type widely used in the UK and other parts of the world. It has parallel threads and is sealed with a sealing gasket or thread sealant.

3. Metric threads: Metric threads are commonly used in Europe and other countries based on the metric system. They follow the metric system and require metric-sized fittings for proper installation.

4. PG (PanzerGewinde): PG thread is commonly used in Germany and is known for its sturdiness and vibration resistance. They have a cylindrical thread and are sealed using a sealing ring.

5. NPS (National Straight Pipe): This thread type is commonly used in North America for large-diameter and high-pressure applications. It has straight threads and is sealed with thread sealant.

6. Mixed PG/Metric Threads: Some cable glands are available with a combination of PG and metric threads. These offer flexibility and can be used in a variety of applications.

Cable Gland Types According to Different Applications

There are many types of cable glands available for different applications. Depending on the application, some common cable gland types include:

Instruments Cable Gland

Instrument cable glands are critical components in any industrial or commercial environment where instrumentation and electrical systems are deployed. Its main purpose is to provide a safe and reliable connection between instruments and cables, ensuring efficient transmission of signals and preventing any potential hazards such as short circuits or cable damage.

Cable glands are typically made from durable materials such as brass, stainless steel or nickel-plated brass, ensuring they can withstand harsh environmental conditions including moisture, dust and temperature fluctuations. It consists of a gland body with a threaded entry point, allowing cables to be securely connected to instruments or equipment.

One of the key features of a quality instrument cable gland is its ability to provide a water and dust-proof seal. Not only does this protect the cable from any external elements, it also helps maintain the integrity of the signal being transmitted. Additionally, some cable glands are designed with strain relief to prevent excessive stress on the cable, thereby extending its service life.

Electrical Cable Gland

Cable glands are an important part of the electrical engineering and installation world. It is a device used to connect and secure cables to equipment or enclosures while also providing protection against the ingress of dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. The main purpose of cable glands is to ensure a safe and reliable connection between cables and equipment, preventing any potential damage or danger.

Cable glands are available in a variety of designs and materials to suit different applications and environmental conditions. Commonly used materials include brass, stainless steel, and plastic, each with different properties and levels of durability. The choice of material depends on factors such as the level of protection required, the type of cable used and the surrounding environment.

Marine Cable Gland

Marine cable glands are important components used in the offshore and marine industries to ensure the integrity and safety of underwater cable systems. It provides a watertight seal around cable entry points, preventing water ingress and protecting cables from damage caused by corrosion, abrasion and other environmental factors.

Marine cable glands are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions encountered in the marine environment, including exposure to salt water, extreme temperatures and high pressures. It is usually made from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or brass, and can be coated with an additional layer of protection to enhance its durability.

In addition to their primary function of providing a waterproof seal, marine cable glands also help to relieve cable tension and prevent the cable from being pulled or twisted. It also provides a level of electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection and ensures that the cable is properly grounded.

Motor Cable Gland

Motor cable glands are important components in electrical systems that help secure and protect cables entering the motor housing. Its primary function is to provide a seal around the cable entry point, preventing the entry of moisture, dust, and other contaminants that can damage the motor and affect its performance.

Motor cable glands are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions, including extreme temperatures, vibration and exposure to chemicals. These glands are typically made from high-quality materials such as brass, stainless steel, or aluminum, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance.

Industrial Cable Gland

Industrial cable glands are critical components in any electrical or mechanical system that requires safe and reliable connections. It is specifically designed to provide strain relief, sealing and grounding for cables or wires passing through enclosures or panels.

The main function of industrial cable glands is to ensure that cables are connected safely and reliably to the equipment or systems to be used. This is achieved by using a threaded connection that allows the cable to be securely attached to the gland. The gland is then installed onto the housing or panel, creating a water and dust-tight seal.

In addition to providing a secure connection, industrial cable glands also provide strain relief. This is important because cables can be subject to various forms of stress, such as movement, vibration, or tension. Glanding helps spread stress along the cable, preventing damage or breakage.

Additionally, industrial cable glands often provide a grounding function. This is critical in applications where electrical equipment or systems need to be properly grounded to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. The gland can be designed to allow for the connection of a grounded conductor, which helps dissipate any charge or static electricity that may have accumulated in the system.

How to choose cable glands?

When choosing a cable gland, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Cable size: Determine the outside diameter (OD) of the cable and select a cable gland that fits within that size range. Make sure the gland provides a proper seal to prevent the ingress of moisture, dust, or other contaminants.

2. Cable material: Different cable materials require different cable connectors. For example, with armored cable, you may need a gland with an additional clamping mechanism to hold the armor securely.

3. IP Rating: Ingress protection rating indicates the level of protection against solids and liquids. Select a cable gland with an appropriate IP rating based on the specific environmental conditions of the cable installation.

4. Hazardous areas: If the cable will be installed in a hazardous area, ensure that the selected cable gland meets the required certifications and standards, such as ATEX or IECEx.

5. Thread Size: Determine the thread size of the device or housing to which the gland will be mounted. Make sure the gland has a matching thread size to ensure proper fit and proper sealing.

6. Material Type: Consider the material type of the cable gland. Common materials include brass, stainless steel, and plastic. Materials should be compatible with the surrounding environment and cables.

7. Operating temperature: Verify the operating temperature range of the cable gland. Make sure the cable gland can withstand the required temperatures without affecting its performance or durability.

8. Compliance standards: Make sure the cable gland you choose complies with relevant industry standards, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL), to ensure safety and performance.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best cable gland for your application. If you have specific requirements or need help choosing the right cable gland, please feel free to contact us.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of cable glands and how to choose the right one is critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of your electrical installation. By considering factors such as environment, cable type and level of protection required, you can make an informed decision when selecting a cable gland.