What Are Industrial Cable Glands and How Do They Work?

Industrial Cable Glands are some of the most critical elements used in electrical installations. These guarantee safety, reliability, and smooth operation in installations. They provide cable entry into enclosures safely, protecting against dust, moisture, and mechanical strain. This device is applied to numerous industries such as manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and telecommunications. Hence, they form a fundamental part of modern infrastructure.

In this post, we’ll explore what industrial cable glands are, how they work, and why they are indispensable. We’ll also discuss cable gland components and accessories that enhance their performance.

What Are Industrial Cable Glands?

Industrial cable glands, also known as cable connectors or fittings, are devices designed to connect and fasten electrical cables to equipment. Apart from fixing the cables, industrial cable glands protect the connection against the impacts of water, dust, and vibrations.

Main Characteristics of Industrial Cable Glands:

• Protective measures of the equipment and enclosures for a safe entry of the cables
• Protection from mechanical stresses and external influences
• Compatibility with different types of cables, such as armoured or unarmoured cables
• Material: brass, stainless steel, plastic, or Aluminum.
• Industrial cable glands play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of electrical systems, providing both safety and efficiency.

How Do Industrial Cable Glands Work?

The main purpose of industrial cable glands is to create a tight and sealed connection between cables and devices. Here’s how they work:

• Cable Securing: A cable gland will hold the cable in place, preventing movement which may cause disconnections or wear.
• Seal Protection: Cable glands create a tight seal using gaskets or sealing rings to protect against water, dust, and oil.
• Strain Relief: It prevents damage to cables resulting from pulling or bending by absorbing mechanical stress.
• Grounding (in Armoured Cables): In armored cables, industrial cable glands ground the metallic sheath for safety.

Types of Industrial Cable Glands

There are various types of cable glands available to suit specific applications.

Common Types of Industrial Cable Glands:-

• Single Compression Glands: These types are used for indoor applications, with minimal environmental protection needed.
• Double Compression Glands: These offer additional sealing and strain relief for outdoor or hazardous environments.
• Explosive-Proof Glands: These are designed for use in industries such as oil and gas where risks of explosion exist.
• EMI/RFI Shielded Glands: These protect cables against electromagnetic interference.
• Each is designed to fulfill certain requirements and thus, gives maximum performance in industrial environments.

Cable Gland Parts and Accessories

Industrial cable glands are made up of several main parts, which are vital to their functioning. Knowing these components will enable you to select the right gland for your application.

Main Cable Gland Parts:

• Entry Body: The main body that carries the cable and fixes it on the equipment.
• Sealing Ring: This creates a watertight and dustproof seal around the cable.
• Lock Nut: Tighten the cable gland to the enclosure or panel.
• Clamping Nut: Gives some kind of strain relief with securing of the cable.
• Earthing Ring: Found in armored cable glands used for the secure ground connections.

Industrial Cable Glands Accessories:

• Reducer and Enlarger Fittings: Provide fittings of the glands over the different sizes of the thread.
• Earth Tags: Make grounding easy within the electrical installations.
• Shrouds: Additional Protection from Outer Damage.
• Lock Washers: Locks the gland to prevent loosening caused by vibration.

Advantages of Industrial Cable Glands

Industrial cable glands play a critical role in ensuring that electrical
systems are safe and efficient. Here are the primary advantages they provide:

• Improved Safety: Shields cables and equipment from damage resulting from environmental exposure.
• Long-Lasting Performance: Durable construction to withstand hostile environments.
• Strain Relief: Eliminates mechanical stress or movement that damages cables.
• Compliance: It is compliant with the industrial standards of electrical safety and performance.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces downtime and maintenance costs through secure connections.

Applications of Industrial Cable Glands

Industrial cable glands are used in many industries due to their flexibility and reliability. Some of the common applications include:

• Oil and Gas: Explosion-proof cable connections.
• Telecommunications: Protection of cables in data centers and communication towers.
• Manufacturing: Ensures safety in heavy machinery and production equipment.
• Construction: Protects electrical systems in buildings and infrastructure.
• Renewable Energy: Used in wind turbines and solar installations for durable connections.

How to Select Industrial Cable Glands

When choosing industrial cable glands, consider the following:

• Type of Cable: Whether armored or unarmoured.
• Environment: Whether it would be exposed to water, dust, or chemicals.
• Material: Depending on the environmental conditions, select the suitable material. For example, stainless steel for corrosive conditions.
• Size: The gland should be of the same diameter as the cable.
• Standards: The gland should meet the safety standards, such as IP68 or ATEX.

Materials for Industrial Cable Glands

Material	Best For	Examples
Brass	General-purpose applications	Manufacturing, telecom
Stainless Steel	Corrosive environments	Oil and gas, marine
Plastic	Lightweight and cost-effective	Consumer electronics
Aluminum	Lightweight yet durable	Aerospace, renewable energy

Why Industrial Cable Glands Are Crucial

Industrially, cable glands serve the most vital role in safeguarding and enhancing electrical installation in terms of safety, reliability, and efficiency. These serve multiple purposes, from protecting cables to providing strain relief, an indispensable part of various industries. For cable gland components, along with industrial cable gland accessories, Cabex India is the only place where you will get the right application for your industries. Where you will get high-quality industrial cable glands, which are more than a technical requirement; they are a step towards a safer and more efficient future.