Cables Glands & Accessories

Cable glands are mechanical cable entry devices. They are used throughout a number of industries in conjunction with cable and wiring used in electrical instrumentation and automation systems. Cable glands may be used on all types of electrical power, control, instrumentation, data, and telecommunications cables. They are used as a sealing and termination device to ensure that the characteristics of the enclosure which the cable enters can be maintained adequately.

Cable glands are devices that are critical when terminating cables in hazardous or harsh environments, where ingress protection, sealing, and grounding is necessary to safely pass a cable, wire or tube through an enclosure. They provide strain relief and are also designed to contain electrical sparks or flames that may occur in hazardous environments. Additionally, they act as a seal, preventing outside contaminants from causing damage to the cable and electrical systems, such as dust, dirt, and fluids. Finally, they prevent cables from twisting and being pulled out of the machine, as they help to provide a secure connection between the cable and machine to which it is attached. They are designed for use with either armored or non-armored cable. When used with armored cable, they provide a ground to earth for the cable design.

A compression ring or O-ring sealing element tightens around the diameter of the cable, sealing any dangerous currents, sparks or flames from entering the machinery to which the cable leads. They can be made of a variety of metals and plastics, depending on their application, including stainless steel, plastic, brass, and aluminum. Because they are designed with safety in mind, it is important that cable glands carry one or more of the following electrical safety specification ratings, such as NEC, CEC, ATEX, IECx or similar depending on the country of origin and use.

Cable glands are made of various plastics, steel, brass or aluminum. Glands intended to resist dripping water or water pressure will include synthetic rubber or other types of elastomeric seals. Certain types of cable glands may also serve to prevent entry of flammable gas into equipment enclosures, for electrical equipment in hazardous areas. Although cable glands are often called “connectors”, a technical distinction can be made in the terminology, which differentiates them from quick-disconnect, conducting electrical connectors. Cable glands can be constructed from metallic or non-metallic materials which may also be resistant to corrosion as determined by selection to a standard, or by corrosion resistance tests. When used in explosive atmospheres, in particular, it is crucial that cable glands are approved for the selected type of cable and that they maintain the level of protection of the equipment to which they are attached.