Cable gland is a mechanical fitting that fastens a cable to a piece of electrical equipment, providing strain relief, sealing against dust and moisture (IP rating), and ensuring electrical continuity for armored cables.

Cable Glands are essential components used in electrical installations to secure and protect cables as they pass through equipment enclosures, bulkheads, or machinery. They are designed to ensure a safe connection by providing strain relief, environmental sealing, and, in some cases, electrical grounding or bonding.

Key Functions of Cable Glands

1. Cable Retention: Prevents cables from being pulled out of their connection points.

2. Environmental Protection: Provides a seal to prevent ingress of water, dust, or other contaminants.

3. Electrical Bonding: Ensures proper grounding or earthing, particularly for armored cables.

4. Fire and Explosion Protection: In hazardous environments, certain types of cable glands can prevent the passage of flames or sparks.

Types of Cable Glands

1. Material Types:

   • Plastic: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective.

   • Metal (e.g., Brass, Stainless Steel): Durable, robust, and ideal for harsh environments.

2. Cable Types:

   • Unarmored: For standard cables.

   • Armored: Designed for cables with mechanical protection layers.

3. Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings:

   • IP68 or IP69-rated glands for waterproof and dustproof applications.

4. Explosive Atmospheres:

   • ATEX/IECEx-approved glands for use in hazardous zones.

Applications

• Industrial automation

• Renewable energy (solar panels, wind turbines)

• Marine and offshore

• Oil and gas industries

• Telecommunications

• Building management systems

Selection Criteria

When choosing a cable gland, consider:

1. Cable diameter and type

2. Ingress Protection (IP) rating

3. Material compatibility with the environment

4. Certification requirements for hazardous areas

5. Operating temperature range

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   A cable gland is a mechanical device used to attach and secure the end of an electrical cable to a piece of equipment, such as an enclosure, control panel, or junction box. They seal the cable entry point and provide several key functions that ensure the safety and longevity of an electrical installation. 

   Functions of cable glands

   Environmental sealing: Glands prevent dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the equipment's enclosure. This is critical for maintaining the integrity of electrical connections and preventing failures, especially in outdoor or harsh environments.
   
   Strain relief: They secure the cable to prevent it from being twisted, bent, or pulled out of the connection. This protects the internal wiring from mechanical stress or damage.
   
   Earth continuity: For armored and braided cables, a metallic cable gland can provide a reliable path to earth, which is essential for safely clearing electrical faults.
   Protection in hazardous areas: Specialized glands are designed to prevent the entry of flammable gas or explosive dust into equipment enclosures used in hazardous locations like oil refineries or chemical plants.
   
   EMI shielding: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) glands are used with shielded or braided cables to provide a barrier against electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can disrupt sensitive electronics. 
   
   Common Materials and types Materials
   
   Plastic: Cost-effective and lightweight, plastic glands are typically made from polyamide (nylon) and are suitable for general-purpose applications and indoor use.
   Metal: Available in brass, nickel-plated brass, and stainless steel, these glands are robust, durable, and offer corrosion resistance for industrial, outdoor, and marine environments.
   
   Rubber/Elastomers: Synthetic rubbers, like neoprene, are used for the sealing components (washers and o-rings) that create the airtight or watertight seal. 
   Types
   
   For cable construction:
   
   Armored cable glands: Designed for use with armored cables, which have a protective metal layer. These glands clamp and terminate the armor, providing both mechanical and earth continuity.
   Unarmored cable glands: For lighter, more flexible cables that do not have metal armor. They provide strain relief and environmental sealing.
   For sealing performance:
   
   Single compression: A single seal is compressed to create the environmental seal. These are often used for general-purpose indoor applications.
   Double compression: These glands apply a double seal for enhanced sealing performance, making them suitable for harsher conditions where high ingress protection (IP) ratings are required.
   
   For specific applications:
   
   Flameproof/Explosion-proof: Used in hazardous areas to contain potential explosions and prevent the ignition of flammable gases or dust.
   Marine/Waterproof: Built with corrosion-resistant materials and high IP ratings to withstand damp or underwater environments.
   EMC glands: Specifically designed to maintain the integrity of a cable's shielding to protect against electromagnetic interference.
   Split glands: Designed to secure pre-terminated cables with connectors, without the need to remove the plugs. 
   
   How to select a cable gland
   
   Choosing the correct cable gland is vital for ensuring the safety and reliability of your installation. Consider these key factors: 
   Cable type: Determine if the cable is armored, unarmored, or shielded, as each requires a different type of gland.
   Dimensions: Measure the cable's overall diameter and, for armored cables, the diameter of the inner bedding and armor layer. Glands must match the cable dimensions and the entry hole thread.
   
   Environmental conditions: Assess the operating environment, including exposure to dust, moisture, chemicals, and temperature extremes. This will determine the required material and Ingress Protection (IP) rating.
   
   Hazardous areas: If the installation is in a potentially explosive atmosphere, the gland must be certified to meet relevant safety standards like ATEX or IECEx.
   Thread type: Ensure the gland's thread (e.g., Metric, NPT, or PG) is compatible with the equipment entry hole.