Alpha Wire 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 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 - more 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 - 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.

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.

How to Order Cable Glands from RS?

RS is the trusted distributor of cable glands and other industrial necessities like cable ducts and conduit connectors, in Australia and around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of cable glands from leading brands such as RS PRO, ABB, HellermannTyton, and Lapp to provide customers with a more diverse selection of industrial products.

To order cable glands from RS, you can use their website, phone, email, or fax. After placing your order, RS will confirm and prepare it for dispatch. You will receive a notification when your order is dispatched. If applicable, you may also receive updates on the transfer of your parcel between couriers. A delivery confirmation will notify you when your cable gland order is out for delivery, followed by a notification of successful delivery. Finally, check the delivery signature for proof of receipt.

Business account customers enjoy free delivery on all orders over $40 (excluding GST), while a $10 delivery charge applies to orders under $40.

For private accounts and guest customers, free delivery is available for orders over $80 (excluding GST), with a $12.95 charge for orders under this amount. Offline orders have different charges. Delivery times may vary based on the location and the specifics of the order, but RS aims to provide prompt and reliable service to ensure customer satisfaction.

Delivery Information for Australia

For customers in Australia, RS offers a streamlined delivery process.

Order by 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday for next-day delivery on locally stocked items. Please be aware that certain regional areas may encounter longer lead times. For orders necessitating special handling, such as those containing hazardous materials or exceeding standard sizes and weights, additional lead times may be necessary.

Explore our delivery information page for a thorough breakdown of all delivery options, including exceptions and specialised services like same-day delivery and consolidated shipments.