Cable glands, also known as cable connectors or cable fittings, are mechanical devices used to securely attach and seal cables to equipment, enclosures, or surfaces while providing protection against environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and even the entry of gases or liquids. They are commonly used in various industries, including electrical, telecommunications, manufacturing, and construction.
Cable glands come in various sizes, materials, and designs to accommodate different cable types. They often consist of multiple components, including a body, a sealing element (such as a rubber or elastomeric seal), a locknut, and sometimes additional features like gaskets or washers.
What are cable glands used for?
- Cable Protection: Cable glands provide strain relief, which prevents cables from being pulled or twisted at the point of entry into equipment. This helps to protect the cables from damage and ensures longevity.
- Environmental Sealing: Cable glands typically have features that allow for effective sealing against external elements. They prevent dust, dirt, water, and other contaminants from entering into the equipment or enclosure, thereby safeguarding the components inside.
- Safety: Cable glands can help prevent dangerous situations such as electrical shorts or fires by providing a secure and proper connection between cables and equipment.
- Cable Management: Cable glands help organize and manage cables, keeping them neat and well-arranged within enclosures or equipment.
What are the different types of cable glands?
- Metal glands - suitable for use in more demanding environments. The glands are robust and can cope with the high demands of harsher environments. Metal glands include brass, stainless steel, and nickel-plated.
- Plastic glands - Due to their clamp and seal design, plastic glands have a wider cable entry range. They are ideal for flexible cables and provide high strain relief. Plastic glands include polyamide and nylon.
- Thread size - The two main thread types on a gland are metric (M) or Panzer-Gewinde (PG). Metric sizes range from M6 to M63, whilst Panzer-Gewinde sizes range from PG7 to PG21. Cable glands are often supplied with a locknut, however locknuts are also available to purchase as a separate accessory.
- Ingress protection - The IP rating can also be a key feature to consider when selecting a cable gland. IP-rated glands offer extra protection to reduce the ingress of dust and moisture. Protection classes range from IP44 to IP69K. The most popular is IP67 or IP68.
- Hazardous kits - are for fitting onto cables in dangerous or high-risk enclosures.
For more information on cable glands please refer to our comprehensive Cable Gland Guide;
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/cable-glands-guide
Please check out our other products in this Area:
Cable Gland Adaptors
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/cable-glands-fittings/cable-gland-adapt