Cable gland are essential components that ensure safety and protection of cables in industrial applications. Choosing the right cable glands is crucial to ensure proper cable management, prevent damage and ensure safety. In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to choose cable glands for industrial cables.
Understanding Cable Glands
Cable glands are devices that are used to connect and secure cables to equipment or structures. They are designed to provide strain relief, seal and secure cables, and protect them from environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and vibration. Cable glands come in different sizes, shapes, and materials to suit specific applications and cable types.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cable Glands
Here are the factors to consider when choosing cable glands:
1. Cable Type:
The type of cable you are using is an essential factor to consider when selecting cable glands. Different cables have varying diameters and require different gland sizes. You need to ensure that the cable gland you choose fits the cable diameter and type.
2. Material
Cable glands come in different materials such as brass, stainless steel, plastic, and aluminum. The choice of material depends on the environment, application, and the type of cable you are using. For example, in harsh environments, such as chemical plants, stainless steel or brass glands are recommended due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.
3. IP Rating:
IP rating is a measure of the degree of protection that a cable gland offers against dust, water, and other environmental factors. It is essential to choose a gland with a suitable IP rating depending on the application environment.
4. Thread Type
Cable glands come in different thread types such as metric, NPT, and PG. The choice of thread type depends on the equipment and application in which the gland will be used.
5. Temperature Range
The temperature range of the application is an important consideration when choosing a cable gland. The gland must be able to withstand the temperature range of the environment to prevent damage to the cable and equipment.
Types of Cable Gland
There are several types of cable glands available, and the selection of a particular type depends on the application and the type of cable being terminated. Here are some of the most common types of cable glands:
1. Armoured Cable Gland:
This type of cable gland is used for cables that have steel wire armoring or steel tape armoring. The armoured cable gland has an additional seal that grips the cable’s armor and provides extra protection against dust and water ingress.
2. Non-Armoured Cable Gland:
This type of cable gland is used for non-armoured cables, such as PVC or rubber insulated cables. They provide a seal around the outer sheath of the cable, preventing dust and water from entering the enclosure.
3. EMC Cable Gland:
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) cable glands are used to provide a shielded cable entry point that reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) between the cable and the surrounding environment.
4. Flameproof Cable Gland:
Flameproof cable glands are designed to contain an explosion within an enclosure by preventing any sparks from escaping through the cable entry point. These cable glands are commonly used in hazardous environments where flammable gases or dusts are present.
5. Compression Cable Gland:
This type of cable gland uses a compression nut and seal to grip the cable’s outer sheath and provide a seal around the cable entry point. They are quick and easy to install and provide reliable sealing performance.
6. Barrier Cable Gland:
Barrier cable glands are designed to provide a seal around the cable entry point while also providing a barrier to prevent the spread of fire or smoke along the cable. They are commonly used in building construction applications to meet fire safety regulations.
7. ATEX Certified Cable Gland:
ATEX (Atmospheres Explosibles) certified cable glands are designed to be used in potentially explosive environments and are certified to meet European Union (EU) directives for explosive atmospheres. These cable glands are typically flameproof and have special seals to prevent the entry of dust or gas into the enclosure.
What is Cable Glanding?
Cable glanding refers to the process of terminating a cable and providing a secure and safe entry point for the cable into an enclosure or piece of equipment. The process involves fitting a cable gland around the cable, which is then secured to the enclosure or equipment with a locknut.
The cable gland provides several functions, including:
1. Strain Relief:
The cable gland provides a secure grip on the cable, preventing any movement that could cause damage to the cable’s insulation or conductors.
2. Environmental Protection:
The cable gland seals the entry point around the cable, preventing the ingress of dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
3. Electrical Continuity:
Depending on the application, the cable gland may need to provide electrical continuity between the cable shield and the enclosure to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
The cable glanding process typically involves several steps, including:
1. Selecting the Correct Cable Gland:
The type of cable gland selected will depend on the cable’s construction, the application, and any specific regulatory requirements.
2. Preparing the Cable:
The cable should be prepared by stripping the outer sheath and any armor or shielding to expose the individual conductors.
3. Inserting the Cable into the Cable Gland:
The cable is inserted into the cable gland, and any armor or shielding is fitted into the appropriate part of the gland.
4. Securing the Cable Gland:
The cable gland is secured to the enclosure or equipment using a locknut, which provides a secure and watertight seal.
5. Conducting Tests:
Depending on the application, tests may need to be conducted to ensure that the cable gland provides the required strain relief, environmental protection, and electrical continuity.
Cable glanding is an essential process in electrical installations, ensuring that cables are terminated safely and reliably, and providing protection against environmental factors.
What is the Standard for Cable Glanding?
The standard for cable glanding refers to the guidelines and specifications that dictate how cable glands should be designed, installed, and tested to ensure safe and reliable cable termination.
The primary standard for cable glanding is the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) 62444 standard, which provides guidelines for the selection, installation, and inspection of cable glands used in electrical installations. The IEC 62444 standard covers various types of cable glands, including those used for industrial, commercial, and hazardous area applications.
The IEC 62444 standard specifies various requirements for cable glands, such as the materials used in their construction, the minimum IP rating (Ingress Protection) required for the application, and the minimum strain relief to be provided. It also outlines testing and inspection procedures for cable glands to ensure that they meet the specified requirements.
Additionally, local and regional standards may also exist and should be consulted to ensure compliance with specific legal and regulatory requirements in different regions of the world.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation of cable glands is essential to ensure their effectiveness and safety. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and ensure that the cable gland is installed correctly. Regular maintenance is also important to ensure that the gland continues to provide adequate protection and prevent cable damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cable gland is critical to ensure the safety and proper functioning of industrial cable. When selecting a cable gland, it is essential to consider factors such as cable type, material, IP rating, thread type, and temperature range. Proper installation and maintenance of cable glands will ensure their effectiveness and longevity.
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