Are you confused about the difference between cable glands and cable terminations? Not understanding the distinctions can lead to costly mistakes in your electrical installations.

In this blog post, we’ll clarify the key differences between cable glands and terminations, including their purposes, functions, construction, and typical applications.

What Is a Cable Gland

A cable gland, also known as a cable connector, is a mechanical device used to secure and seal the end of an electrical cable to an enclosure or device. It provides strain relief and environmental protection where the cable enters a piece of equipment.

What Is Cable Termination

Cable termination refers to the process of connecting the conductors at the end of a cable to a device such as a connector, terminal block, or network interface. The goal is to establish a secure electrical and mechanical connection.

The Difference Between Cable Gland and Cable Termination

Purpose

Cable glands are used to secure and seal a cable entry point.

Cable termination is used to connect cable conductors to make an electrical connection.

Function

Cable glands provide strain relief and environmental sealing around the cable jacket.

Cable termination establishes the electrical circuit by connecting the cable conductors to a device.

Construction

Cable glands have a mechanical clamping design with compression seals.

Cable termination uses solder, crimp, IDC, or screw terminals to join conductors.

Applications

Cable glands are used in industrial, hazardous area, and exterior environments to protect against dust, moisture, etc.

Cable termination is used universally to complete circuits, whether in a junction box or electronic device.

When to Use a Cable Gland

• For sealing and strain relief where a cable passes through an enclosure
• To maintain ingress protection of an electrical cabinet or box
• With armored or unarmored cable in industrial environments
• To meet hazardous area or explosion-proof requirements
• For any outdoor cabling or conduit system

When to Use Cable Termination

• To complete any electrical circuit or signal path
• When connecting cables to equipment ports, PCBs, or terminal blocks
• Splicing or extending cable lengths
• Anytime conductors need to be securely attached for power or data transmission
• With communication cabling systems like Ethernet