Cable glands, also known as cord grips and cable seals, may seem simple but they make cable management safer and easier. Their primary use is for passing cables and wires through a panel then attaching and securing cable ends within the equipment, but they have many more advantages. Cable glands are also used for gripping the earth conductor, metallic sheath, and the cable insulation. Besides that, they protect the end of the cable from twisting, can help with prevention of sparks, and possibly minimize exposure to fire. Furthermore, the cable seal also protects the enclosure against dust and pollutants, ensuring smooth functioning and lengthening component life.
But what about all the different types of cable glands, can we use any cable gland with any cable?
Just as every cable type has its unique size and specifications, no cable gland fits with every cable; the user must choose a suitable cord grip according to cable specifications and end product needs.
Choosing a cord grip and cable gland combination may not be as simple as it looks. Cord grips come in a variety of shapes, material, clamping styles, and specifications. So how do we choose a suitable cable seal and cord grip combination? Before choosing, ask yourself the following questions.
These questions will help you decide what kind of cable gland will fit well with the requirements, but the actual specification is still yet to be decided.
See our Armored Cable Glands here
In heavy electrical installation the cord grip specifications are different for armored vs non-armored cables.
Advancements in toroidal and triangular spring designs guarantee grounding of the cable shielding and make the installation process much easier and simple to follow for the installer.
Designers of machines and control systems must be looking out for things like EMI/RFI influences since the power cables can cause negative EMI/RFI affects on the system components. This is especially important around electronic instruments and data transfer applications, so the sensitive electronic devices work as you intended them too. Many EMC cable gland designs are complex and provide inconsistent results based on installer experience, skill level and willingness to follow a detailed installation procedure.
Complex Assembly: (several pieces to assemble and ground the shielding)
Metal cable glands are suitable for rougher environments such as the chemical industry. They are highly-durable over time and perform well, even in humid conditions.
Plastic cable glands have a flexible design which makes them highly adaptive and suitable for various applications. They are water-resistant, salt-resistant, and less like to be affected by weak acids and grease.
But, if you are planning to use cable glands in special conditions, you must learn about some special materials and the sealing insert types too.
Split-able cable glands maintain an IP67 seal and allow for cables with connectors to be passed through panels and sealed
Explosion-proof cable glands can prevent small scale sparking and are designed to prevent explosions
Liquid-tight cable glands can be used in highly humid or wet environments and even underwater with the proper conduit
Fire-Prevention cable glands can be used in environments where the possibility of a fire exists and can limit the melting, mechanical breakdown, and release of toxic fumes
When you are done with the major details, and ready make a final selection; consider these factors too.
No doubt, for something that seems so simple, selecting a cable gland has many things to consider. Review our cable gland solutions here.
It may seem like a tiny unimportant piece of a system, machine, or electrical installation. However, an improper cable seal or cord grip can cause malfunctions or create an electrical hazard. It is recommended to avail the services of a technical person for application assistance and selecting the perfect sealing for your cables.