Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Armoured Cable Gland Matters
In industrial and commercial electrical installations, the armoured cable gland is one of the most critical yet often overlooked components. It is responsible for securing armoured cables at entry and exit points of electrical enclosures, panels, junction boxes, and machinery — providing both mechanical protection and environmental sealing.
Whether you are a plant engineer, electrical contractor, or procurement specialist, selecting the correct armoured cable gland directly impacts the safety, longevity, and compliance of your electrical system. With dozens of variants available in 2026 — across materials, sizes, IP ratings, and standards — making the right choice is essential.
At Cabex India, we specialise in high-quality cable management solutions, including a comprehensive range of armoured cable glands designed to meet global standards. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: types, specifications, top picks, price comparisons, and expert advice to help you buy with confidence.
What is an Armoured Cable Gland?
An armoured cable gland (also known as a cable entry fitting or stuffing gland) is a mechanical device used to attach and secure the end of an armoured electrical cable to equipment. It provides:
- Mechanical protection — prevents pulling or abrasion at the cable entry point
- Earthing continuity — ensures the cable armour is properly grounded
- IP-rated environmental sealing — protects against dust, moisture, and chemicals
- Cable retention — grips the cable to prevent accidental disconnection
Armoured cables are widely used in power distribution, industrial machinery, hazardous area installations, underground cabling, and infrastructure projects. Without a properly rated armoured cable gland, the integrity of the entire cable system is compromised.
Types of Armoured Cable Glands
Understanding the types available is the first step in selecting the right armoured cable gland. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used types in 2026:
1. Single Compression Armoured Cable Gland (Type A)
The single compression type clamps the cable armour between the body and a backnut. It is suitable for indoor applications and provides basic sealing and grip.
- Suitable for: SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cables
- IP Rating: IP54
- Material: Brass / Nickel-plated brass
2. Double Compression Armoured Cable Gland (Type CW)
This is the most widely used type for outdoor and industrial applications. It features two compression points — one on the cable outer sheath and one on the armour — providing superior sealing and grip.
- Suitable for: SWA, STA (Steel Tape Armoured) cables
- IP Rating: IP68
- Material: Brass, Stainless Steel, Aluminium
3. Stainless Steel Armoured Cable Gland
Designed for highly corrosive environments such as marine, chemical, and offshore installations. Stainless steel provides exceptional resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures.
- Suitable for: High-corrosion, marine, and offshore environments
- IP Rating: IP68
- Material: 316 Stainless Steel
4. Explosion-Proof (Ex-d) Armoured Cable Gland
Certified for use in hazardous areas classified under ATEX/IECEx zones. These glands provide flameproof protection and prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres.
- Suitable for: Oil & gas, chemical plants, Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas
- Certification: ATEX / IECEx
- Material: Brass / Stainless Steel
5. Plastic / Nylon Armoured Cable Gland
A cost-effective option for light-duty applications where non-metallic materials are preferred — particularly where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a concern.
- Suitable for: Light industrial, commercial, and telecom applications
- IP Rating: IP65–IP68
- Material: Polyamide (Nylon PA6 / PA66)
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Armoured Cable Gland Types at a Glance
| Type | Material | IP Rating | Application | ATEX Rated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Compression (Type A) | Brass | IP54 | Indoor, general use | No |
| Double Compression (Type CW) | Brass / SS | IP68 | Outdoor, industrial | No |
| Stainless Steel | SS 316 | IP68 | Marine, corrosive areas | Optional |
| Explosion-Proof (Ex-d) | Brass / SS | IP66/68 | Oil & gas, hazardous zones | Yes |
| Plastic / Nylon | Polyamide PA66 | IP65–IP68 | Light industrial, telecom | No |
Key Technical Specifications to Know Before Buying
Before selecting an armoured cable gland, you must evaluate these critical parameters:
Thread Type: Most glands use metric (M-thread) or PG (Panzergewinde) threads. In India and the UK, metric threads (M16 to M100) are standard for industrial applications.
Cable Diameter Range: Each gland size accommodates a specific cable outer diameter range. Always match the gland size to the cable’s actual outer sheath diameter.
Material Grade: Brass is the most common material. Nickel-plated brass adds corrosion resistance. Stainless steel (SS 316) is used in harsh environments.
IP Rating: IP54 for indoor use, IP65 for dust-tight and water-jet protection, IP68 for continuous immersion.
Cable Type Compatibility: Confirm compatibility with SWA (Steel Wire Armour), STA (Steel Tape Armour), AWA (Aluminium Wire Armour), or ATA (Aluminium Tape Armour) cables.
Standards Compliance: Look for glands meeting BS 6121, IEC 62444, IS 12943 (Indian standard), and ATEX/IECEx for hazardous areas.
Common Armoured Cable Gland Sizes & Cable Diameter Range
| Gland Size | Thread Size | Cable OD Range (mm) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | M20 | 7 – 13 mm | Control cables, instrumentation |
| Medium | M25–M32 | 13 – 22 mm | Power cables up to 10 sq mm |
| Large | M40–M50 | 22 – 38 mm | Power cables 16–70 sq mm |
| Extra Large | M63–M75 | 38 – 55 mm | High voltage, large power cables |
| XXL | M80–M100 | 55 – 75 mm | MV cables, heavy industry |
Top Armoured Cable Gland Picks for 2026
Based on industry demand, quality certifications, and customer feedback, here are the top armoured cable glands recommended in 2026:
1. Cabex India Double Compression Brass Cable Gland (Type CW) — Best Overall
Cabex India’s double compression brass armoured cable gland is the top-selling product for general industrial and infrastructure applications. Built to BS 6121 Part 1 and IS 12943 standards, it offers IP68 sealing, excellent conductivity for armour earthing, and compatibility with SWA and STA cables.
- Material: Dezincification-resistant brass (DZR brass)
- IP Rating: IP68
- Thread: Metric (M16 to M75)
- Standard: BS 6121, IS 12943
- Available: Complete with locknut and earth tag
Best suited for: Industrial panels, switchgear, distribution boards, outdoor installations
2. Cabex India Stainless Steel Armoured Cable Gland — Best for Corrosive Environments
When the installation environment involves chemicals, moisture, or marine exposure, the Cabex India SS 316 armoured cable gland is the preferred choice. Its full 316 stainless steel body resists pitting, crevice corrosion, and high-chloride environments.
- Material: SS 316L
- IP Rating: IP68
- Thread: Metric
- Standard: BS 6121, IEC 62444
Best suited for: Offshore platforms, water treatment plants, food processing, chemical plants
3. Cabex India Nylon Cable Gland — Best Budget Pick
For non-metallic, EMI-sensitive, or lighter-duty installations, the Cabex India polyamide nylon armoured cable gland delivers reliable performance at an economical price point. It is UV-resistant, lightweight, and available in IP68 ratings.
- Material: PA66 Polyamide
- IP Rating: IP68
- Thread: Metric / PG
- Temperature Range: -40°C to +100°C
Best suited for: Telecom, instrumentation, commercial buildings, control panels
4. Cabex India ATEX-Certified Explosion-Proof Gland — Best for Hazardous Areas
For installations in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas, the Cabex India Ex-d flameproof armoured cable gland provides certified protection under ATEX Directive and IECEx standards. Engineered for flameproof (Ex d), increased safety (Ex e), and dust-ignition-proof (Ex tD) environments.
- Material: Nickel-plated brass / SS 316
- Certification: ATEX II 2GD, IECEx
- IP Rating: IP66/IP68
- Standard: EN 60079-0, EN 60079-1
Best suited for: Oil refineries, petrochemical plants, gas distribution, mining
Top Armoured Cable Gland Picks — Comparison
| Product | Material | IP Rating | Standard | Best For | Approx. Price Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabex CW Double Compression Brass | DZR Brass | IP68 | BS 6121 / IS 12943 | General industrial | ₹85 – ₹850 |
| Cabex SS 316 Gland | SS 316L | IP68 | BS 6121 / IEC 62444 | Marine, chemical | ₹180 – ₹2,200 |
| Cabex Nylon Gland | PA66 Polyamide | IP68 | IEC 62444 | Telecom, commercial | ₹35 – ₹320 |
| Cabex ATEX Ex-d Gland | Ni-Brass / SS | IP66/68 | ATEX / IECEx | Hazardous areas | ₹650 – ₹5,500 |
Prices are indicative and subject to market conditions and order quantity. Contact Cabex India for bulk pricing.
Armoured Cable Gland Price Guide 2026
Pricing for armoured cable glands varies based on material, size, IP rating, and certification level. Here is a comprehensive price overview to help with budgeting:
Brass Double Compression Glands (Most Common)
- Small sizes (M20–M25): ₹85 – ₹200 per piece
- Medium sizes (M32–M40): ₹200 – ₹450 per piece
- Large sizes (M50–M63): ₹450 – ₹850 per piece
Stainless Steel Glands (SS 316)
- Small sizes (M20–M25): ₹180 – ₹550 per piece
- Medium sizes (M32–M40): ₹550 – ₹1,200 per piece
- Large sizes (M50–M75): ₹1,200 – ₹2,200 per piece
Nylon / Polyamide Glands
- Small to medium sizes: ₹35 – ₹150 per piece
- Large sizes: ₹150 – ₹320 per piece
ATEX / Explosion-Proof Glands
- Small sizes: ₹650 – ₹1,800 per piece
- Medium sizes: ₹1,800 – ₹3,500 per piece
- Large sizes: ₹3,500 – ₹5,500 per piece
Pro Tip: Buying in bulk quantities from Cabex India can significantly reduce per-unit costs. We offer volume discounts for contractors, OEMs, and project-based procurement.
Armoured Cable Gland Price Summary by Material & Size (2026)
| Material | Small (M20–M25) | Medium (M32–M40) | Large (M50–M75) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass (Standard) | ₹85 – ₹200 | ₹200 – ₹450 | ₹450 – ₹850 | Most widely used |
| Nickel-Plated Brass | ₹120 – ₹280 | ₹280 – ₹600 | ₹600 – ₹1,100 | Better corrosion resistance |
| Stainless Steel 316 | ₹180 – ₹550 | ₹550 – ₹1,200 | ₹1,200 – ₹2,200 | Marine / chemical grade |
| Nylon PA66 | ₹35 – ₹100 | ₹100 – ₹200 | ₹200 – ₹320 | Budget / non-metallic |
| ATEX Certified | ₹650 – ₹1,800 | ₹1,800 – ₹3,500 | ₹3,500 – ₹5,500 | Hazardous area only |
How to Select the Right Armoured Cable Gland: Step-by-Step
Choosing the correct armoured cable gland requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to ensure the right selection every time:
Step 1 — Identify the Cable Type Determine whether you are working with SWA, STA, AWA, ATA, or unarmoured cables. The gland design must match the armour type.
Step 2 — Measure the Cable Outer Diameter Measure the actual outer sheath diameter of the cable in millimetres. This determines the correct gland size.
Step 3 — Determine the Installation Environment Indoor, outdoor, underground, marine, or hazardous? This defines the required IP rating and material.
Step 4 — Check the Panel Entry Thread Identify whether the enclosure uses metric (M-thread) or PG threads and confirm the thread pitch.
Step 5 — Verify Standard Compliance Ensure the armoured cable gland meets relevant standards — BS 6121, IS 12943, IEC 62444, or ATEX/IECEx where applicable.
Step 6 — Consider Earthing Requirements For SWA cables, the gland must bond the armour to earth. Confirm whether an integral earth tag is needed or if an earthing kit will be used.
Step 7 — Source from a Trusted Supplier Always purchase from a reputable manufacturer or authorised distributor. Cabex India provides certified, tested armoured cable glands with full technical documentation and after-sales support.
Why Choose Cabex India for Armoured Cable Glands?
Cabex India is one of India’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of cable management products, including a comprehensive armoured cable gland range. Here is why thousands of electrical professionals trust us:
- In-house manufacturing with strict quality control processes
- Wide range covering M16 to M100 in brass, stainless steel, and nylon variants
- Standard compliance — BS 6121, IS 12943, IEC 62444, ATEX/IECEx certified options
- Competitive pricing with volume discount structures for project and bulk orders
- Pan-India distribution with fast dispatch capabilities
- Technical support from experienced engineers to help with selection and installation queries
- Custom solutions available for non-standard cable sizes and special environments
Whether you are sourcing for a single panel or a large industrial project, Cabex India has the armoured cable gland solution you need — at the right price, with the right certifications.
Installation Tips for Armoured Cable Glands
Proper installation is just as important as product selection. Incorrect installation can void the IP rating, compromise earthing continuity, and create safety risks. Follow these best practices:
- Always strip the outer sheath and armour to the correct lengths as specified by the gland manufacturer
- Ensure the armour strands are neatly folded back and make full contact with the gland body’s clamping cone
- Hand-tighten the backnut first, then use an appropriate spanner — do not over-tighten
- Use a calibrated torque wrench where specified to achieve correct compression without damaging the cable sheath
- Apply thread sealant on gland threads when installed in wet or outdoor enclosures if not already sealing by design
- After installation, test IP integrity and verify earth continuity between the armour and the enclosure earth bar
- Always use the correct size earth tag or earthing kit where required
Conclusion
The armoured cable gland is a small but mission-critical component in any electrical installation involving armoured cables. Selecting the right type — whether a double compression brass gland for general industrial use, a stainless steel variant for corrosive environments, or an ATEX-certified unit for hazardous areas — directly determines the safety, reliability, and compliance of your installation.
In 2026, the market offers a wide variety of armoured cable glands across materials, sizes, and standards. The key is to match your selection to the cable type, environment, and applicable standards — and to source from a manufacturer you can trust.
Cabex India stands as a dependable partner for electrical professionals across India, offering a full range of certified armoured cable glands at competitive prices with expert technical support. Explore our complete product catalogue or reach out to our team for a tailored recommendation for your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is an armoured cable gland used for?
Ans. An armoured cable gland secures and seals armoured cables at entry points of electrical enclosures, providing mechanical retention, IP-rated sealing, and earthing continuity.
Q2. What is the difference between single and double compression armoured cable glands?
Ans. Single compression clamps only the armour, while double compression clamps both the outer sheath and the armour, providing superior sealing and grip, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Q3. Which armoured cable gland material is best for outdoor use?
Ans. Double compression brass or stainless steel 316 glands rated IP68 are best suited for outdoor and exposed environments.
Q4. Are ATEX armoured cable glands mandatory in hazardous areas?
Ans. Yes, ATEX/IECEx-certified armoured cable glands are legally required in Zone 1 and Zone 2 classified hazardous locations to prevent ignition of explosive atmospheres.
Q5. Where can I buy quality armoured cable glands in India?
Ans. Cabex India offers a comprehensive range of certified armoured cable glands across all sizes and materials, available for pan-India delivery with full technical support.
