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Why Cable Glands Are Essential in Hazardous Zones?

Author    |    hongxiang_admin    |    December 9, 2025
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In hazardous environments, cable glands are more than just mechanical parts; they are safety-critical components. Improper installation can turn a seemingly simple cable entry point into an ignition path.

Proper cable glands help to:

  • Completely seal the cable sheath, preventing the ingress or escape of gases/dust
  • Provide mechanical fixation/stress relief, preventing cable detachment
  • Ground the armor layer (for armored cables), if necessary, to ensure safety and grounding continuity.

Cable Glands Are Essential in Hazardous Zones

How to Install Armoured Cable Glands in Hazardous Zones?

1. Select the Appropriate Certified Cable Connector

Before installation, ensure the cable connector:

  • Is ATEX and IECEx certified for the corresponding gas/dust group and temperature rating.
  • Is suitable for the corresponding zone classification (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, Zone 22, etc.).
  • Designed specifically for armored cables (e.g., SWA, STA).
  • Dimensions match the cable diameter and armor type.

Using uncertified or incompatible cable connectors in hazardous areas may invalidate certifications and create serious safety hazards.

2. Properly Prepare the Cable

Proper cable preparation is crucial for sealing performance and explosion protection.

  • Strip the outer sheath, armor layer, and inner sheath to the recommended lengths in the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Avoid cutting or scratching the conductor insulation.
  • Never strip the wire by feel; stripping too much or too little wire can lead to poor sealing and reduced mechanical strength.
  • Hasty or incomplete preparation is one of the most common causes of cable connector failure.

3. Assemble All Cable Joint Assemblies

Cable joints in hazardous areas consist of multiple components, all of which must be in place.

Depending on the design, these components may include:

  • Sealing rings and O-rings
  • Armoured clamp/taper assembly
  • Washers and lock nuts
  • Grounding plate (if required)
  • Any other accessories specified by the manufacturer

Never omit washers, sealing rings, or other accessories because the joint “feels tight.” Each component serves a sealing, mechanical, or grounding function.

4. Tighten to the Correct Torque

Each cable joint has a specified tightening torque for its sealing nut, armored clamp nut, and lock nut.

  • Use a calibrated torque wrench whenever possible.
  • Undertightening will result in a poor seal, a reduced IP protection rating, and provide a pathway for explosive gas dispersion.
  • Overtightening may damage the cable sheath or insulation and may cause cable deformation, affecting safety and performance.
  • Always follow the torque values provided by the cable joint manufacturer; never tighten by feel.

5. Ensure Proper Armor Clamping and Grounding

For armored cables, the armor layer not only provides mechanical protection but is also typically part of the grounding system.

  • Ensure the armor layer is properly clamped within the armor cone or clamping area of the cable joint.
  • Confirm the cable joint provides a low-resistance grounding path, which can be achieved through the metal housing or grounding terminal and connecting conductor.
  • Check that the housing or junction box meets the hazardous area ratings.
  • Good armor termination ensures mechanical integrity and equipotential bonding in the event of a fault.

6. Post-Installation Inspection and Testing

After the cable joint is installed:

  • Visually inspect the cable joint for gaps, misaligned components, or exposed armor (covered portions).
  • Check that the O-rings and washers are correctly installed and not squeezed or damaged.
  • Perform any necessary insulation resistance and continuity tests according to site procedures and applicable standards.
  • This final verification step helps confirm that the installation meets electrical and explosion-proof requirements.

7. Installation Documentation

Good documentation facilitates future inspections, maintenance, and audits:

  • Record cable type and size
  • Record cable connector type, size, and certification (ATEX / IECEx)
  • Record hazardous area classification and location
  • Preserve test results (insulation resistance, continuity, grounding, etc.)

This information is especially important for regular inspections or equipment upgrades years later.

What are ATEX and IECEx

What are ATEX and IECEx?

ATEX is an abbreviation for “ATmosphères EXplosibles”. The ATEX framework regulates the design, manufacture, and sale of equipment and protective systems for potentially explosive atmospheres. Equipment used in explosive atmospheres must comply with ATEX requirements.

ECEx is an international certification system based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, providing a globally recognized certification scheme for equipment used in explosive atmospheres.

In many cases, cable fittings designed specifically for hazardous (explosive) environments hold both ATEX and IECEx certifications, meaning they comply with stringent European and international safety standards.

Why Cable Glands Are Essential in Hazardous Zones?

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.

Single Compression Cable Glands

ATEX and IECEx Cable Gland Types for Hazardous Environments

Single Compression Cable Glands

Single compression cable glands are suitable for standard industrial applications expected to withstand moderate mechanical stress. These joints provide a basic level of protection suitable for less demanding environments.

Double Compression Cable Glands

Double compression cable glands are designed for heavy-duty, high-risk installations, double-crimp joints offer superior sealing and securing performance, ensuring stronger protection under harsh conditions.

Barrier Cable Joints

Barrier cable joints are designed for explosive atmospheres and meet high standards of flame retardant integrity. They use composite sealants to prevent gas migration, ensuring safety in hazardous areas.

Ex 1 (Enhanced Safety) Cable Joints

These joints provide additional safety features without requiring flame retardant sealing, thus enhancing protection in hazardous environments.

Ex 2 (Explosion-Proof) Cable Joints

Ex 2 cable joints are designed to prevent internal explosions from spreading to the outside of equipment, ensuring installation integrity and reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.

Each type of cable connector is tailored to specific environmental risks, ensuring compliance with ATEX and IECEx standards and optimizing safety in hazardous locations.

IP68 Waterproof Cable Gland Sizes and Specifications

Choosing the appropriate IP68 waterproof cable connector size is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and safety in a variety of applications. The correct size depends on factors such as cable diameter, armor type, protection rating, and zone classification.

Key Specifications:

  • Material: Brass, 304 Stainless Steel, 316L Stainless Steel
  • Surface Treatment: Nickel Plating, Passivation
  • Sealing Material: Silicone Rubber, Neoprene Rubber
  • Explosion-proof Mark: Exd IIC Gb
  • Fire Rating: UL94-V0
  • Protection Rating: IP68 (10 bar)

Ambient Temperature Range:

  • Static: -60°C to 100°C, short-term up to 120°C
  • Dynamic: -20°C to 80°C, short-term up to 100°C

These connectors offer superior sealing performance, effectively preventing the effects of water, dust, and mechanical stress, ensuring a safe and reliable connection even in harsh environments.

Cable Gland Size Chart

Why Cable Glands Are Essential in Hazardous Zones?
PRODUCT PARAMETER
Welcome to Our Website. We Are Happy to Serve You
Fitting Material: Brass/SS304/SS316L
Surface Treatment: Nickel-plated, Passivation
Material For Sealing Components: Silicone rubber, Neoprene
Explosion-proof: Exd IIC Gb
Flame Retardant Degree: UL94-VO
Protection Degree: IP68-10 bar
Temperature: Static state:-60 to 100℃,Short time to 120℃
Dynamic state:-20℃ to 80℃,Short time to 100℃
Applicable cable type: Armored cable
Specifications: unit:mm
Insert Thread Size Outer Sheath Inner Sheath Amour/Brald code
M G NPT orlentalon1 orlentalon2 SW H GL
M20x1.5 G1/2 NPT1/2″ 9.0-14.0 6.0-10. 6.0-10.0 4.0-8.0 0.9/1.25 0/0.7 24 64 15 HX-EX2.M20 /GV₂”/NPT₂”
M20x1.5 G1/2 NPT1/2″ 13.0-18.0] 12.0-16.0 9.0-14.0 8.0-12.0 0.9/1.25 0/0.7 30 65 15 HX-EX2.M20/GV₂”/NPTV₂”
M25x1.5 G3/4 NPT3/4” 17,0-24,0 15,0-21.0 13.0-20.0 11.0-17.0 1.25/1.6 0/0.7 70 40 15 HX-EX2.M25 /G34″/NPT4″
M32X1.5 G1 NPT1” 23,0-32,0 20,0-28.0 18,026.0 16.0-23.0 1.6/2.0 0.6/1.2 75 50 15 HX-EX2.M32/G1″/NPT1″
M40x1.5 G11/4 NPT11/4° 31,0-38,0 28,0-35.0 25.0-32.0 21.0-29.0 1.6/2.0 0.6/1.2 78 57 15 HX-EX2.M40/G14″/NPT14″
M50x1.5 G11/2 NPT11/2° 37.0-44.03 34.0-41.0 31.0-38.0 28.0-35.0 1.8/2.5 0.6/1.2 93 62 15 HX-EX2.M50/G14″/NPT1/”
M63x1.5 G2 NPT2″ 45,0-55,0 40,0-50.0 36.0-47.0 33.0-43.0 18/2.5 0.6/1.2 98 70 16 HX-EX2.M63 /G2″/NPT2″
M75x1.5 G21/2 NPT21/2° 58.0-68.0 51.0-61.0 45.0-58.0 42.0-53.0 1.8/2.5 1.0/1.5 102 90 18 HXEX2.M75 /G24″/NPT2M”
M87x1.5 G3 NPT3″ 67.0-79.06 62.0-73.0 56.0-670 52.0-62.0 1.8/2.5 1.0/1.5 105 102 20 HX-EX2.M87 /G3″/NPT3″
M100x1.5 G4 NPT4″ 78.0-89.0 / 65.0-75.0 / 1.8/2.5 1.0/1.5 110 115 20 HX-EX2.M100 /G4″/NPT4″
PG/G/NPT threads are avallable

Customizable size drawings

Customizable size drawings

Conclusion

When installing cable connectors in hazardous areas, selecting the appropriate size is not simply a matter of choosing “larger” or “smaller.” The process requires careful consideration of several factors:

  • Accurately measure the cable’s outer diameter (OD).
  • Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and connector size chart.
  • Match the cable type.
  • Ensure the thread is compatible with the equipment inlet.
  • Consider environmental conditions.
  • Verify explosion-proof certifications and sealing performance to meet safety standards.
  • Following these principles ensures your connector installation maintains explosion-proof integrity and provides long-term operational safety.

Hoonsun offers a complete range of cable fittings, connectors, and accessories, all UL, ATEX, IECEx, IP68, RoHS, and REACH certified for any industrial or hazardous application. For more information on our industrial cable fittings, please visit our website or official platform.

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