Nylon cable glands: Choose the right thread to keep your electrical connections safe!

Author    |    hongxiang_admin    |    June 16, 2025

The stability of an electrical connection often determines the overall reliability of equipment. When you encounter a nylon cable connector labeled M16x1.5 or PG16, have you ever wondered what these numbers actually mean? More importantly, how do differences like large pitch vs. small pitch impact real-world applications?

Today, we’ll break down these key parameters to help you make more informed and accurate choices.

Nylon cable glands

Understanding Thread Specifications and Cable Entry Sizes

The key specifications of a cable connector lie in its thread type and cable entry size.

Let’s take two common examples: M16×1.5 and PG16.

M-Type (Metric Thread) – M16×1.5

  • M indicates a metric thread standard, compliant with ISO 228 / DIN 13.
  • 16 refers to the nominal thread diameter in millimeters (mm), which also roughly corresponds to the size of the mounting hole and compatible cable outer diameters (typically ~8–12 mm).
  • 5 represents the thread pitch — the distance between adjacent thread crests, in millimeters.

Summary: This is a metric-thread connector with a 16 mm diameter and 1.5 mm pitch.

PG-Type (Panzergewinde / German Thread) – PG16

  • PG denotes the German Panzergewinde thread standard (DIN 40430), originally designed for cable conduit systems and still widely used in European industrial applications.
  • 16 is a specification code rather than the actual diameter in millimeters. For example, the major diameter of a PG16 thread is approximately 16.6 mm.
  • The thread pitch is fixed and not usually marked. For PG16, the pitch is 1.5 mm.

Summary: This is a PG-thread connector with a PG16 specification, a fixed pitch of 1.5 mm, and an approximate major diameter of 16.6 mm.

Important Note

PG threads have standardized, fixed pitches:

  • PG7 to PG16: 1.5 mm
  • PG21 to PG48: 2.0 mm

As such, pitch values are typically omitted from PG markings. When you see PG16, it implies a 1.5 mm pitch by default.

How Thread Pitch Affects Connector Performance and Application?

Thread pitch plays a crucial role in determining a connector’s sealing performance, mechanical stability, and ease of use in different scenarios. Commonly, a 1.5 mm pitch is categorized as small pitch, while 2.0 mm or above is considered large pitch, especially on larger-diameter connectors.

Nylon cable glands: Choose the right thread to keep your electrical connections safe!

Advantages of Small Pitch (e.g., 1.5 mm)

Enhanced Sealing Performance

With more thread crests per unit length, small-pitch threads create a denser and more continuous sealing path. When paired with sealing rings or sealing nuts, they offer superior protection against dust, moisture, and oil. This makes them ideal for harsh environments requiring high ingress protection (e.g., IP68/IP69).

Precision and Stability

Finer threads enable more accurate tightening and torque control, ensuring a stable and secure connection. This helps maintain consistent contact pressure, especially in delicate or vibration-sensitive systems.

Better Vibration Resistance

Under proper locking conditions, fine threads can offer improved resistance to loosening caused by minor vibrations.

Advantages of Large Pitch (e.g., 2.0 mm)

Faster Installation and Removal

A larger pitch means more linear movement per turn, allowing for quicker thread engagement and disengagement. This is particularly useful in applications requiring frequent assembly or large-volume installations.

Greater Mechanical Strength

Larger threads often have deeper or broader profiles, which can deliver higher axial load capacity and better resistance to mechanical stress — especially in connectors with large diameters.

Reduced Risk of Jamming

The wider spacing between threads can help prevent binding or clogging due to dirt, debris, or minor thread deformation.

Typical Applications

Precision instruments, sensors, control cabinets, outdoor electronics, food processing and medical equipment, and any use case demanding high sealing performance.

Typical Applications

Heavy-duty machinery, industrial power cabinets, distribution boxes, temporary wiring setups, and installations that prioritize speed and robustness.

Nylon cable glands: Choose the right thread to keep your electrical connections safe!

Reliable Protection with Hoonsun High-Quality Nylon Cable Connectors

Clear Identification
Each connector is clearly marked with its thread type—M-type (e.g., M16×1.5) or PG-type (e.g., PG16)—enabling precise matching with device interfaces for error-free installation.

Superior Protection Performance
Crafted from premium, high-strength nylon, our connectors offer exceptional resistance to corrosion, impact, and electrical insulation breakdown. Paired with high-grade sealing rings, they easily achieve protection levels up to IP67, IP68, and IP69, making them ideal for harsh industrial environments.

Wide Range of Specifications
We offer a comprehensive selection to meet diverse wiring needs:

  • Metric threads: M12×5, M16×1.5, M20×1.5, M25×1.5
  • PG threads: PG7, PG9, PG11, PG13.5, PG16, PG21, PG29, PG36, PG42, PG48

Pitch Flexibility
Choose from different thread pitches to suit your specific application—fine pitch (e.g., M16×1.5) for enhanced sealing, or coarse pitch (e.g., M90×2.0) for faster installation and removal.

Rigorous Quality Assurance
All products conform to international electrical standards and undergo strict quality control, ensuring long-term reliability and durability.

How to Choose the Right Nylon Cable Connector?

Confirm the Device Interface
First, check whether your device’s housing or mounting plate uses M-type or PG-type threads. Identify the exact specification—e.g., M20×1.5 or PG13.5—to ensure compatibility.

Measure Cable Diameter
Determine the maximum outer diameter of the cable to be inserted. Choose a connector with an inner clamping range larger than the cable diameter to ensure proper fit and sealing.

Assess Environmental Conditions
For maximum dust and water protection, opt for small-pitch connectors (e.g., 1.5 mm), which provide tighter sealing.
For quick installation or scenarios requiring greater mechanical strength, especially in larger sizes, consider large-pitch connectors (e.g., 2.0 mm).

Choose the Right Material
Nylon connectors are ideal for most general-purpose applications, offering excellent insulation, corrosion resistance, lightweight, and cost-efficiency.
In high-temperature or chemically aggressive environments, consider metal connectors for enhanced durability.

Don’t Let Connector Selection Confuse You
Understanding the difference between M-type and PG-type threads, and knowing when to use fine or coarse pitch, are key to ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient cable connections.

Explore Our Product Catalog

Explore Our Product Catalog

Visit our website now to browse the full range of M-type and PG-type nylon cable connectors. Discover the ideal solution that combines high-level protection with easy installation.

Hoonsun–Professional Connections, Reliable Protection.

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