Cable Glands

Cable glands, also known as cable connectors or cable fittings, are mechanical devices used to securely attach and seal cables to equipment, enclosures, or surfaces. They provide protection against environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and the entry of gases or liquids. These components are essential for maintaining the integrity of electrical systems and ensuring safety in various applications.

Cable glands are widely used across multiple industries, including electrical, telecommunications, manufacturing, and construction. They come in various sizes, materials, and designs to accommodate different cable types. Typically, a cable gland consists of multiple components, including a body, a sealing element (such as a rubber or elastomeric seal), a locknut, and sometimes additional features like gaskets or washers.

What Are Cable Glands Used For?

Cable glands serve several critical functions in electrical installations:

• Cable Protection: Cable glands provide strain relief, which prevents cables from being pulled or twisted at the point of entry into equipment. This helps to protect the cables from damage and ensures longevity.
• Environmental Sealing: Many cable glands feature designs that allow for effective sealing against external elements. They prevent dust, dirt, water, and other contaminants from entering the equipment or enclosure, thereby safeguarding the components inside.
• Safety: By providing a secure connection between cables and equipment, cable glands help prevent dangerous situations such as electrical shorts or fires.
• Cable Management: Cable glands assist in organising and managing cables within enclosures or equipment, keeping them neat and well-arranged.

What Are the Different Types of Cable Glands?

• Metal Glands: Suitable for use in more demanding environments. The glands are robust and can cope with the high demands of harsher environments. Metal glands include brass, stainless steel, and nickel-plated.
• Plastic Glands: Featuring a clamp-and-seal design, plastic glands offer a wider cable entry range. They are ideal for flexible cables and provide high strain relief. Plastic glands include polyamide and nylon.
• Thread Size: The two main thread types on a gland are metric (M) or Panzer-Gewinde (PG). Metric sizes range from M6 to M63, whilst Panzer-Gewinde sizes range from PG7 to PG21. Cable glands are often supplied with a locknut, however locknuts are also available to purchase as a separate accessory.
• Ingress Protection (IP): The IP rating is crucial when selecting a cable gland as it indicates the level of protection against dust and moisture ingress. Ratings can range from IP44 to IP69K, with IP67 and IP68 being the most popular for many applications.
• Hazardous Kits: Designed for use in dangerous or high-risk environments where additional safety measures are necessary.

For more detailed information on selecting the right cable gland for your needs, please refer to our comprehensive Cable Gland Guide.

Quick Guide on Choosing a Cable Gland

Cable glands create a secure seal between a cable and the equipment it enters, providing strain relief, environmental protection, and electrical continuity. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right cable gland:

Cable Size

The cable gland must match the outer diameter of the cable being used. Using a 20mm cable gland for a 10mm cable, for example, would result in a poor seal. Refer to manufacturer charts to select the correct size for your specific cable.

Material

Metal Cable Gland: Metal glands, such as those made from steel or brass, offer excellent durability and mechanical strength. Metal cable glands are ideal for harsh environments or industrial applications.

Plastic Cable Gland: Plastic cable termination glands, made from nylon or PVC, are lightweight and cost-effective, suitable for less demanding applications.

Protection Rating (IP Rating)

IP rated cable glands provide protection against dust and water ingress. The IP rating indicates the level of protection, such as IP68 for complete dust protection and submersion in water. Choose an IP rating appropriate for the environment.

Mounting Type

Threaded: Cable gland connectors with threads are commonly used for secure mounting in panels or enclosures.

Compression: Compression glands use a clamping mechanism to secure the cable, offering quick and easy installation.

Environmental Conditions

Consider the environment where the cable gland will be used. Factors like temperature, humidity, exposure to chemicals, and UV radiation can influence material selection and IP rating requirements.

Sealing Type (Ingress Protection)

Cable glands utilise various sealing methods to prevent ingress. Common types include:

Compression Seal: A compression ring tightens around the cable to create a seal.

O-ring Seal: An O-ring provides a reliable seal against moisture and dust.

Cable Stuffing Gland: A compound is used to fill the gland and create a seal around the cable.

Temperature Range

Choose a cable gland with a suitable temperature range for the application. Some materials, like silicone, offer a wider temperature range than others.

Thread Type

Ensure the cable gland's thread type matches the entry point on the equipment or enclosure. Common thread types include metric, PG (Panzer-Gewinde), and NPT (National Pipe Thread).

Number of Cables

Some cable glands are designed for single cables, while others accommodate multiple cables. Consider the number of cables that need to be terminated when selecting a gland.

Industrial Applications of Cable Glands

Cable glands provide secure and reliable connections in various industries:

• Railways: Cable glands ensure reliable connections for signalling, communication, and power cables in trains and railway infrastructure, withstanding constant vibration and extreme weather. IP rated cable glands prevent water and dust ingress, ensuring uninterrupted operation of critical railway systems.
• Oil and Gas: In hazardous environments like oil rigs and refineries, metal cable glands, often made of stainless steel, provide explosion-proof protection and prevent flammable gases from igniting, meeting stringent safety regulations.
• Mining: Robust metal glands protect cables from dust, water, and mechanical damage in harsh mining conditions. Cable termination glands ensure reliable power and communication for underground operations, even in the presence of explosive gases.
• Manufacturing: Cable glands with high IP ratings safeguard electrical connections in factories, preventing dust and water ingress that could damage sensitive equipment. Flexible cable glands accommodate cable movement and vibration, ensuring continuous operation of production lines.
• Construction: Durable cable glands protect cables from damage on construction sites, ensuring reliable power supply for tools and machinery. Cable gland connectors provide quick and easy installation, minimising downtime and enable smooth maintenance of machinery.
• Power Generation: Electrical glands play a critical role in power plants, maintaining secure connections for high-voltage cables and preventing electrical hazards.
• Chemical Processing: Corrosion-resistant metal cable glands protect cables from harsh chemicals and ensure safe operation in chemical processing plants. Cable stuffing glands prevent leaks and ensure worker safety by providing a complete seal around the cable.
• Marine: Cable glands designed for marine environments provide watertight seals and corrosion resistance for onboard ship systems and offshore platforms. IP rated cable glands ensure reliable operation in harsh saltwater conditions.
• Utilities: Cable glands ensure safe and reliable connections for underground cables in water treatment plants, sewage systems, and other utility applications.
• Aerospace: Lightweight and durable flexible cable glands meet the stringent requirements of aerospace applications, providing secure connections for critical systems while withstanding extreme temperatures and vibration during flight.

Order Cable Glands from RS Malaysia

From metal cale glands to flexible cable glands and IP rated cable glands, RS offers a range of high-quality cable glanding solutions for your industrial and commercial needs. Explore our catalogue to find a wide selection from top brands like Lapp, Entrelec, HellermannTyton, and more. We also carry accessories like gland adaptors so you can find the perfect fit for your cables.

For more information on our delivery options, please visit our delivery page.