Difference Between Cable Gland and Cable Terminal

When talking about electrical and wiring systems, the terms “cable gland” and “cable terminal” are often used interchangeably, causing confusion among professionals and hobbyists alike.

However, it is important to understand the key differences between these two components to ensure a safe and efficient electrical installation.

In this article, we will explore the differences between cable glands and cable terminals, as well as their respective functions and applications in the field of electrical engineering.

What is a cable gland?

A cable gland is a device used to connect and secure the ends of cables to equipment or enclosures. It acts as a connector between cables and devices, allowing the transmission of electrical signals or power.

The primary purpose of a cable gland is to relieve stress and prevent cables from being accidentally pulled out of equipment or enclosures. It also provides a seal between the cable and housing to prevent dust, water, or other contaminants from entering and potentially damaging the device or creating a safety hazard.

Cable glands are available in a variety of designs and materials, depending on the application and environment in which they are used. For example, some cable glands are made of plastic, while others are made of metal, and still others are designed for use in hazardous or explosive environments.

What is a cable termination?

Cable termination refers to the procedure wherein the ends of a cable are connected to various types of equipment, including switches, receptacles, or circuit breakers. This process is critical as it guarantees a secure and dependable electrical connection necessary for the effective transmission of electrical signals or power.

Cable termination can be achieved through several methods, such as crimping, soldering, or utilizing specialized termination blocks. The selection of the appropriate termination technique is contingent upon the specific type of cable in use and the equipment to which it is being connected.

Key differences between cable glands and cable terminals

Cable glands and cable terminals are both used in electrical installations to protect and secure cables, but they serve different purposes and have different designs.

Cable terminals, on the other hand, are used to connect cables to electrical components, such as switches, sockets, or other cables. Cable glands are used to securely attach and seal cables to equipment or enclosures, thereby relieving stress and protecting against environmental factors such as dust, moisture and vibration

Cable glands typically feature a threaded construction enabling secure attachment to equipment or enclosures. Conversely, cable terminals are available in multiple configurations including ring terminals, spade terminals, and butt connectors, each designed for establishing electrical connections.

Cable terminals are made from materials such as copper, aluminum or stainless steel and are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate different types of connections. Cable glands are usually made of materials such as brass, aluminum or plastic and are available in different sizes to accommodate various cable diameters.

Cable glands are usually used in outdoor or industrial environments where cables are exposed to harsh conditions, while cable terminals are used in various electrical devices that require safe and reliable connections.

What types of cable terminations are there?

There are several types of cable terminations, including:

Crimped connections
Soldered connections
Insulation displacement connections
Compression fittings
Wire binding
Screw terminals
Push-in terminals
IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) terminations
Wire wrap connections
Lugs and connectors

How to perform cable termination?

Cable termination is the process of connecting cable ends to equipment or terminals to establish a safe and reliable electrical connection.

The following are the steps to perform cable termination:

1. Strip the insulation: First carefully peel off the outer insulation of the cable to expose the inner conductors. Use wire strippers or a sharp knife to carefully cut away the insulation without damaging the internal wires.

2. Separate individual wires: After removing the insulation layer, separate the individual wires within the cable. If necessary, trim excess wires to ensure they are the same length.

3. Strip the outer covering of individual wires: Use wire strippers to remove a small amount of insulation from the end of each wire to expose the exposed copper conductor. Be careful not to strip away too much insulation as this will weaken the connection.

4. Twist the wires: Twist the exposed copper conductors of each wire together to create a strong connection. This will help prevent wear and ensure a reliable electrical connection.

5. Insert the wires: Insert the stranded wires into the corresponding terminals or connectors on the device or terminal to which the cable is to be connected. Make sure each wire is securely in place and there are no loose wires.

6. Secure the connection: Use a crimp tool or screwdriver to secure the wires in place. If using a crimping tool, crimp the connector or terminal to hold the wire securely in place. If using screw terminals, tighten the screws to ensure a tight connection.

7. Insulate the connection: After connecting the wires securely, use electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to insulate the connection. This will help protect the connection from moisture and prevent any short circuits.

8. Test the connection: After completing the termination, test the connection to make sure the connection is firm and there are no loose wires. Use a multimeter or other test equipment to check continuity and make sure the connections are working properly.

Conclusion

Cable glands and cable terminals serve different purposes in electrical installations. Cable glands are used to secure and protect cables, while cable lugs are used to connect and terminate cables.

Understanding the differences between these two components is critical to ensuring the proper functionality and safety of your electrical system.