Struggling to choose between conduit fittings and cable glands for your machinery applications?
Using the wrong component can lead to safety hazards, installation difficulties, and higher costs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between conduit fittings and cable glands, including their primary functions, installation, flexibility, materials, environmental protection, cost, and applications.
What Is Conduit Fittings
Conduit fittings are essential components in electrical wiring systems that connect and secure conduits, which are tubes used to protect and route electrical wiring. These fittings come in various types, such as couplings, elbows, and adapters, each serving a specific purpose in the conduit system.
Conduit fittings are designed to maintain the continuity and integrity of the conduit run, preventing damage to the wires within. They are typically made from durable materials like steel, aluminum, or PVC, depending on the application and environment.
What Is Cable Glands
Cable glands, also known as cable connectors, are mechanical devices used to secure and seal the end of an electrical cable as it enters or exits an enclosure, such as a junction box or electrical panel. The primary function of a cable gland is to provide strain relief, earthing, and environmental protection for the cable and its conductors.
Cable glands consist of several parts, including a body, a compression ring, and a sealing ring. When properly installed, they grip the cable’s outer sheath and form a tight seal around it, preventing the ingress of dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
The Difference Between Conduit Fittings and Cable Glands
Primary Function
Conduit fittings are used to connect and secure sections of conduit, which protect and route electrical wiring. Their main purpose is to maintain the continuity and integrity of the conduit system.
Cable glands are designed to secure and seal the end of an electrical cable as it enters or exits an enclosure. They provide strain relief, earthing, and environmental protection for the cable and its conductors.
Installation
Conduit fittings are installed as part of the conduit system, connecting conduit sections and facilitating changes in direction or size. They are typically connected to the conduit via threading, compression, or set screw methods.
Cable glands are installed at the point where a cable enters or exits an enclosure. They are secured to the enclosure through a threaded hole or a knockout, and the cable is passed through the gland and secured with a compression seal.
Flexibility
Conduit fittings offer more flexibility in terms of routing electrical wiring, as they allow for changes in direction and size of the conduit run. This flexibility enables conduit systems to navigate around obstacles and adapt to the layout of a building or structure.
Cable glands provide limited flexibility, as they are primarily designed to secure and seal the end of a cable at a specific entry or exit point. However, some cable glands, such as swiveling glands, offer some degree of adjustability to accommodate angled cable entries.
Material
Conduit fittings are available in various materials, including steel, aluminum, and PVC, depending on the application and environment. Steel and aluminum fittings are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings, while PVC fittings are more suitable for residential and light-duty applications.
Cable glands are typically made from materials such as brass, stainless steel, or plastic, depending on the required level of durability, corrosion resistance, and environmental protection.
Environmental Protection
Conduit fittings, when used in conjunction with a properly installed conduit system, provide a degree of environmental protection for the electrical wiring within. However, the primary responsibility for environmental protection lies with the conduit itself, which acts as a barrier against dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
Cable glands are specifically designed to provide environmental protection for the cable and its conductors at the entry or exit point of an enclosure. They form a tight seal around the cable, preventing the ingress of dust, moisture, and other contaminants that could damage the cable or compromise the integrity of the enclosure.
Cost
The cost of conduit fittings varies depending on the material, size, and type of fitting. Generally, conduit fittings are less expensive than cable glands, as they are more widely used and are available in a broader range of materials and configurations.
Cable glands tend to be more expensive than conduit fittings due to their specialized design and the higher-quality materials used in their construction. The cost of cable glands also varies based on factors such as size, material, and level of environmental protection required.
Application
Conduit fittings are widely used in various electrical wiring applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They are essential components in any installation that requires the use of conduit to protect and route electrical wiring.
Cable glands are commonly used in applications where cables need to enter or exit an enclosure while maintaining a high level of environmental protection. They are particularly important in industrial settings, such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and marine environments, where cables are exposed to harsh conditions.