| What a cable gland is | Cable-entry fitting | Secures a cable where it enters an enclosure, panel, or piece of equipment. Depending on its design, it can also provide sealing, strain relief, and a connection for electrical bonding or grounding. | Used on control cabinets, junction boxes, machinery, lighting equipment, and other electrical installations. A gland does not replace an enclosure’s overall protection rating. |
| Basic components | Body, sealing element, and compression parts | The body attaches to the enclosure; a seal compresses around the cable; and a nut or other compression mechanism holds the assembly in place. | Exact components vary by design. Check that the cable diameter falls within the gland’s stated clamping range. |
| Common construction | Brass or nickel-plated brass | Provides a robust metallic fitting and may support electrical continuity when correctly installed with compatible equipment. | Common in industrial installations. Consider corrosion exposure, plating, enclosure material, and any bonding requirements. |
| Common construction | Stainless steel | Offers a metallic option for installations where corrosion resistance is important. | Often considered for demanding or corrosive environments. Confirm the stainless-steel grade and compatibility with the site conditions. |
| Common construction | Polyamide or other engineering plastics | Provides a lightweight, non-metallic cable-entry option; electrical conductivity and mechanical properties differ from metal designs. | Used in many general-purpose applications. Check temperature limits, chemical compatibility, UV exposure, and required mechanical strength. |
| Cable type | Unarmoured cable gland | Clamps and seals the outer sheath of a cable that has no armour requiring termination at the gland. | Select according to the cable’s actual outside diameter, thread type, enclosure opening, and environmental requirements. |
| Cable type | Armoured cable gland | Designed to grip and terminate cable armour as well as secure the cable; some designs can provide an armour-to-equipment earth path when installed correctly. | Choose a design compatible with the cable’s armour construction and installation method. Follow the applicable wiring rules and manufacturer instructions. |
| Environmental sealing | Ingress protection (IP) | An IP rating classifies protection against access to hazardous parts, solid objects, and water under specified test conditions. | The rating applies to a defined product configuration and installation. Confirm the rating for the complete assembly, including the cable, enclosure, thread, and any accessories. |
| Hazardous locations | Certified equipment and installation | Glands intended for explosive atmospheres must meet the relevant protection concept and certification requirements for the specific application. | Verify the required area classification, equipment protection level, gas or dust group, temperature class, certificate scope, and installation instructions. A standard gland is not automatically suitable. |
| Thread selection | Metric, NPT, or other specified thread | Provides the mechanical connection between the gland and the enclosure or accessory. | Match the thread form, size, and pitch to the enclosure entry. Do not assume different thread systems are interchangeable. |
| Temperature and exposure | Operating conditions | Materials and seals determine the conditions in which a gland can maintain its intended performance. | Check the product’s stated temperature range and compatibility with oils, chemicals, weather, vibration, and other site conditions. |
| Choosing a manufacturer | Evidence of product suitability | A suitable supplier should provide clear technical data, dimensional drawings, material information, installation instructions, and applicable test or certification documents. | Compare products against the project specification rather than relying on a general “best” claim. Confirm traceability, quality controls, sample evaluation, lead times, and after-sales technical support. |