Cable Glands

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 protecting against environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and even the entry of gases or liquids. Cable glands are commonly used in various industries, including electrical, telecommunications, manufacturing, and construction.

Cable glands come in various sizes (with cable diameters ranging from small to large), materials (ranging from metal to reinforced glass fibres to nylon), 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 glands are one of the many tools necessary for effective cable management. Here are some of their uses:

• 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 organise and manage cables, keeping them neat and well-arranged within enclosures or equipment.

Complementary products like cable gland adaptors are also available to enhance the functionality of cable glands. They allow for the seamless connection of cables with different diameters or thread types, making cable glands more versatile and adaptable to various applications.

Types of Cable Glands

Cable glands are available in various types to cater to different requirements and environments. Two common categories are single compression and double compression cable glands. Here’s the difference:

Single compression glands

Typically used for both indoor and outdoor applications, providing a secure connection and an electrical path between the cable armour and the gland entry component.

Double compression glands

Suited for heavy-duty applications, such as in power plants or industrial settings, where additional sealing and support are necessary.

There are also special types of cable glands designed for various extreme conditions:

Weatherproof cable glands

Designed to withstand environmental conditions like rain and wind.

Waterproof cable glands

Feature an IP68 rating, indicating their capability to withstand immersion in water.

Flameproof glands

Used in areas where there is a risk of fire or explosion, as this type of gland can contain any ignition and prevent it from spreading.

Cable glands may also be classified depending on their intended use:

Metal cable 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 cable 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 cable glands.

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

Used for fitting onto cables in dangerous or high-risk enclosures.

For more information on cable glands please refer to our comprehensive Cable Gland Guide.

Industrial Applications of Cable Glands

Cable glands are essential in numerous industrial applications that provide a secure and protective connection for electrical cables. They are commonly used in the petrochemical, marine, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. In these industries, cable glands protect cables from environmental damage and ensure efficient operation of systems, even in remote locations with extreme weather conditions.

For example, in the marine industry, large cable glands are used to protect equipment from saltwater corrosion and moisture. In renewable energy installations like wind and solar farms, cable glands safeguard electrical connections from the elements.

Ordering and Delivery Information: Cable Glands

RS is a trusted distributor of cable glands and essential industrial products like cable ducts and conduit connectors in Australia. We carry a wide range of cable glands from leading brands, including ABB, HellermannTyton, Lapp, and more.

To order cable glands from RS, simply browse our online platform to find the right cable glands for your needs. You can filter according to categories like IP-rating, size, as well as cable gland materials such as nylon, metal, plastic and more. RS offers a range of delivery options across Australia. For more details on our delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cable Glands

What is the difference between cable glands and cable lugs?

Cable glands are devices used to secure and protect cables as they enter electrical equipment or enclosures. They provide strain relief, prevent cable damage due to pulling or twisting, and seal against environmental elements like dust and moisture. Cable glands are available in various materials such as metal, plastic, and nylon, each offering different levels of durability and waterproofing capabilities suitable for different applications.

Cable lugs, on the other hand, are terminals that connect cables to electrical appliances, equipment, or other cables. They are also known as ring terminals, and are typically crimped or soldered onto the ends of cables to ensure a secure electrical connection. Unlike cable glands, cable lugs do not provide environmental sealing or strain relief but are crucial for maintaining electrical conductivity and safety in electrical installations.

What is the difference between cable glands and cable connectors?

Cable glands are specifically designed to secure and protect cables where they enter equipment or enclosures. They provide strain relief, prevent cable damage from external forces, and ensure a tight seal against dust, dirt, water, and other contaminants. Cable glands come in various materials such as metal, plastic, and nylon, each offering different levels of protection and suitability for specific environments.

Cable connectors are devices used to join two or more cables together, allowing electrical continuity and the transfer of signals or power between them. Unlike cable glands, which focus on cable entry and protection, cable connectors facilitate the connection and disconnection of cables for maintenance, repairs, or reconfiguration purposes. They come in diverse forms such as plugs, sockets, and adaptors, each tailored to specific cable types and applications.