What Is the Difference Between Cord Grip and Strain Relief
Cord Grips
Cord grips, also known as gland cable fittings or cable glands, are mechanical devices designed to attach and secure the end of an electrical cable to equipment. These robust components provide a secure entry point for cables entering enclosures, panels, or junction boxes while offering comprehensive protection against environmental factors and mechanical stress.
The typical construction of a cord grip includes a body, sealing ring, and compression nut. When tightened, the compression nut forces the sealing ring to grip the cable firmly, creating a watertight seal and preventing the cable from being pulled out.
Strain Relief
Strain relief devices differ from cord grips by focusing specifically on protecting electrical connections from mechanical stress without necessarily providing environmental sealing. These components prevent tension from being transferred from the cable to its electrical connections, absorbing pulling forces that would otherwise affect the delicate soldered or crimped connections inside the equipment.
The typical forms of strain reliefs include rubber or plastic bushings, grommets, or clamps that secure the cable at its entry point into a device. Their simpler design generally allows for easier installation and replacement compared to cord grips.
Strain relief devices offer a more cost-effective and lightweight solution compared to cord grips, making them suitable for applications with budget constraints or weight considerations. However, this comes at the cost of less comprehensive protection, particularly against environmental factors that gland cable fittings effectively address.
Shared Purpose of cord grip and strain relief
Despite their distinct characteristics, both cord grips and strain reliefs serve the fundamental purpose of protecting electrical connections from mechanical stress.
Both components effectively prevent tension forces from damaging the internal connections of devices and equipment. By securing the cable at its entry point, they ensure that pulling forces are absorbed by the securing mechanism rather than transferred to the electrical connections.