Are you struggling to protect your electrical equipment from environmental damage and ensure secure connections? Without proper cable protection, your machinery is at risk of costly failures and safety hazards.
Exposed cables can lead to corrosion, strain, and even electrical fires. Don’t let your operations grind to a halt due to inadequate cable management.
The solution is cable glands. These versatile devices provide reliable protection, strain relief, earth continuity, and a secure connection for your cabling needs. In this post, we’ll dive into what cable glands are, how they work, and the various types available to safeguard your machinery.
What is Cable Gland
A cable gland, also known as a cable connector, cable fitting or cord grip, is a mechanical device designed to provide a secure entry point for electrical cables or wires into electrical equipment such as junction boxes, motors, switches, and enclosures. The primary purpose of a cable gland is to firmly hold and protect the cable at the point where it enters the equipment housing.
They consist of several parts including a seal, a compression ring, and a locknut, which work together to provide a tight seal around the cable and secure it in place.
Functions of a Cable Gland
- Environmental Protection: Cable glands seal the cable entry point, preventing ingress of dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants that could damage the cable or connected equipment.
- Strain Relief: Cable glands grip the cable securely, preventing it from being pulled out of the enclosure and reducing mechanical stress on the cable and its termination.
- Earth Continuity: Certain types of cable glands, such as armoured cable glands, provide earth continuity between the cable armour and the enclosure, ensuring electrical safety.
- Holding Force: Cable glands provide a strong holding force on the cable, preventing it from slipping or being accidentally pulled out.
- Additional Sealing: Some cable glands offer additional sealing options, such as O-rings or sealing washers, for enhanced environmental protection in harsh conditions.
- Secure and Reliable Connection: Cable glands ensure a secure and reliable connection between the cable and the enclosure, maintaining the integrity of the electrical system.
How Do Cable Glands Work
Cable glands work by gripping the cable’s outer sheath or armour and forming a seal around it as it enters the enclosure. The cable is passed through the gland body and secured with a compression nut or sealing nut. As the nut is tightened, it compresses a rubber seal or grommet around the cable, creating a tight seal that prevents ingress of contaminants.
The gland body is threaded, allowing it to be securely fastened to the enclosure or equipment. This creates a strong mechanical connection that prevents the cable from being pulled out and provides strain relief.
Types of Cable Glands
Standard Cable Glands
Standard cable glands are the most common type and are suitable for general-purpose applications. They provide basic sealing and strain relief for unarmoured cables.
Armoured Cable Glands
Armoured cable glands are designed for use with steel wire armoured (SWA) or tape armoured cables. They provide earth continuity between the cable armour and the enclosure, ensuring electrical safety.
Single Compression Cable Glands
Single compression cable glands have a single sealing point, usually a rubber seal that compresses around the cable as the gland nut is tightened. They are suitable for most industrial and commercial applications.
Double Compression Cable Glands
Double compression cable glands have two sealing points, providing an extra level of sealing for more demanding environments. The first seal is around the cable, while the second seal is between the gland body and the gland nut, preventing the ingress of contaminants through the gland body.
Waterproof Cable Glands
Waterproof cable glands provide an IP68 rated seal, making them suitable for submersible applications or environments where water ingress is a concern. They often feature multiple sealing points and are made from corrosion-resistant materials.
Flameproof Cable Glands
Flameproof cable glands, also known as Exd cable glands, are designed for use in hazardous areas where explosions may occur. They prevent the propagation of an explosion from inside the enclosure to the outside atmosphere.
EMC Cable Glands
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) cable glands provide shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). They feature a conductive lining or mesh that contacts the cable shield, creating a continuous shielding path between the cable and the enclosure.