Cable glands have many names, including cable connectors, cord grips, cable fittings and cable entry devices. They serve an important function: retaining and sealing cables inside an enclosure. This protects sensitive wiring from contamination, moisture and corrosion, which is essential in harsh environments.
There are varying types of cable glands made with different parts and materials. Understanding their differences will help you learn which type to use to maintain safer environments and protect your equipment.
Table of Contents
Key Parts of a Cable Gland
There are two main types of cable glands with slightly varying features. However, most standard options include five main parts, including the following:
- Sealing nut
- Washer
- Lock nut
- Body
- Seal
A diagram of the cable gland parts can make identifying each part easier.
Single Compression Cable Glands
Single compression cable glands provide a single compression, watertight seal that prevents dust, contaminants and moisture from the cable. They are often used inside structures and in smaller installations.
Here are the parts that generally make up this cable gland:
- Lock nut
- Support washers
- Gland body
- Rubber seal
- Compression nut
A single compression cable gland can also include accessories such as an earth tag, o-ring and adaptor. Keep in mind that the name of a cable gland part may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Double Compression Cable Glands
Double compression cable glands double the compression seals for extra protection. Compression is placed at the cable core and on the armor or outer sheathing. They are used in extreme environments such as power plants, factories, marines and outdoor facilities.
Parts that typically make up this cable gland include:
- Lock nut.
- Outer compression ring.
- Gland body.
- Inner compression ring.
- Sealing washer.
Like single compression cable glands, you can use accessories such as an earth tag, adaptor and entry thread seal with double compression cable glands if needed.
Functions of the Parts of a Cable Gland
Cable glands protect the cable’s sensitive wires from dirt, dust, moisture and water by keeping the enclosure airtight. They also keep the cables in place and protect the ends from damage.
Learning the names of the cable gland parts and their functions can help you identify the roles they play and which accessories can improve performance. Here are the important parts and accessories to consider:
- Entry thread: The entry thread is the part of the cable gland body through which the cables pass. It’s the connection point for the compression gland, also known as the claw.
- Claw or compression gland: The claw, as the name suggests, grips the outer sheath of the cables firmly. This way, the cables are less likely to be pulled out.
- Lock nut: The lock nut is a threaded part of the cable gland that attaches the gland body to the equipment. It helps the gland stay in place as a result of vibrations or other external factors, providing mechanical stability.
- Cable gland body: This is the main part of the cable gland used to enclose the cables.
- Gland washer: The gland washer is a flat washer positioned between the equipment and the gland body. It is thin and disk-shaped, with a hole in the middle. It provides an additional seal, protecting the surface from damage.
- Sealing ring or o-ring: The o-ring is a rubber ring positioned inside the gland body. It seals the enclosure, making it watertight and dustproof. Some o-rings can tolerate high temperatures in both cold and hot environments.
- Adaptor or reducer: A cable gland adaptor or reducer connects the cables of varying sizes to the equipment and removes the gap between the cable and the cable gland.
- Grounding plate or earth tag: An earth tag is an accessory for grounding the cable, preventing electrical hazards such as shock and static electricity buildup.
- Cable gland caps: Cable gland caps, or sealing caps or gland covers, protect and seal the open end. These could be used as a temporary or permanent cover, protecting the enclosure from environmental elements such as dust and moisture.
How Do Different Types of Cable Glands Work?
Cable glands are built to secure cables in place, protect them from the external environment and offer strain relief due to tension and stress. With cable glands, you can reduce the likelihood of dangerous accidents, such as explosions from electrical equipment.
Each type of cable gland has a slightly different nature, making them suitable for diverse purposes.
Armored Cable Glands
Armored cable glands are built for cables used in particularly harsh environments. This type contains armoring made from steel mesh to protect cables from damage. They are also used for wall cabling and underground installations. These cables are typically larger than standard alternatives. When choosing this option, ensure that the sizing fits accurately.
The names of the parts of an armored cable gland are the same for other types. One additional feature of this type is an armor clamping cone that grips the cable armor.
Metal Cable Glands
Metal cable glands are made from metals such as aluminum, stainless steel and brass. Each metal will have its own strengths. For instance, stainless steel works great against corrosion, while aluminum is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Brass resists deformation due to high and low temperatures.
Rubber Cable Glands
Rubber cable glands have watertight seals composed of synthetic rubber. O-rings are made with chloroprene, for instance, while washers are made with neoprene.
Waterproof Cable Glands
Waterproof cable glands have waterproofing that typically allows them to be immersed in water about one meter deep. The category based on the Ingress Protection (IP) standard determines the material’s resistance to water and other contaminants. For instance, a material with IP68 protection means that the material offers protection against dust and high-pressure and temperature water jets.
Get High-Quality Cable Glands From AerosUSA
If you’re looking for the best cable glands on the market, turn to the selection from AerosUSA. We offer an online marketplace for electric cables and wire protection products.
We make it easy to select the material of your choice and in the style you prefer when buying wires and cable glands. You can also set the temperature parameters to ensure you get options that suit your specific needs. We work with various industries, including robotics, HVAC and healthcare, to create safer working environments without sacrificing flexibility. Our durable, long-lasting products are suitable for many types of applications.
With AerosUSA, you can count on timely quotes, low minimum order requirements and quick deliveries. You can also opt for pre-assembled products or ones you design yourself.
Browse wire and cable glands on our site, or contact us today to get started!
