What Is an Armoured Cable Gland?
An armoured cable gland is a precision mechanical fitting that terminates, secures, and seals armoured electrical cables where they enter equipment enclosures, junction boxes, motors, and control panels. Far more than a simple connector, an armoured cable gland simultaneously performs four critical functions: it anchors the cable mechanically to prevent pull-out, clamps the armour wire to establish earth continuity, seals the cable entry against ingress of dust and moisture, and provides strain relief to protect conductor integrity throughout the cable’s service life.
Armoured cables — most commonly Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) and Aluminium Wire Armoured (AWA) types — are the backbone of power distribution in heavy industry, oil & gas, petrochemicals, marine, infrastructure, and hazardous environments worldwide. Without the correct cable gland, the protective armour of such cables cannot be properly terminated, leaving the installation vulnerable to electrical faults, corrosion, mechanical failure, and even explosion risk in Zone 1/Zone 2 classified areas.
As India’s manufacturing capabilities have grown to rival global precision engineering benchmarks, Cabex India has emerged as the country’s foremost name in armoured cable gland manufacturing — combining Jamnagar-grade brass craftsmanship with rigorous international certification to supply projects across 14+ countries, from oil fields in Iraq and Nigeria to infrastructure projects in the UK and Singapore.
Expert Insight: A substandard cable gland is one of the most common root causes of cable termination failure in industrial plants. Correct gland selection, based on cable type, environment, and certification zone, is as critical as the cable specification itself.
Complete Types of Armoured Cable Glands Explained
Understanding the full taxonomy of armoured cable glands is essential for engineers specifying electrical installations. Each type is engineered for a specific combination of cable design, environmental exposure, and safety classification:
Single Compression Armoured Cable Gland (Type A1 / CW)
The standard workhouse for SWA cable termination in non-hazardous indoor environments. A single compression nut clamps the cable armour wire and simultaneously seals the outer cable sheath. Rated IP54 to IP66, this type is widely specified for industrial panels, motor terminal boxes, and switchgear in dry or moderately wet environments. Thread options include M16 to M75 in metric, BSP, and NPT standards.
Double Compression Armoured Cable Gland (Type A2 / BW)
The double compression design adds a second sealing element — a moulded elastomeric seal on the outer cable sheath — achieving IP66/IP68 ingress protection. This makes it the preferred choice for outdoor installations, direct burial cable entries, marine environments, and cable entry into weatherproof enclosures. Cabex India’s double compression range is manufactured from high-grade dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass and is available in nickel-plated finishes for enhanced corrosion resistance.
Flameproof (Ex-d) Armoured Cable Gland
Designed to IEC 60079-1 for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area installations, the flameproof gland incorporates a certified flame path that prevents any internal ignition from propagating to the external hazardous atmosphere through the cable entry point. These glands are essential in oil & gas installations, refineries, offshore platforms, chemical plants, and grain storage facilities where explosive gases or dust may be present.
Increased Safety (Ex-e) Armoured Cable Gland
Certified to IEC 60079-7 for Zone 1/Zone 2 installations where the Ex-e (increased safety) protection concept applies, this gland clamps the cable armour wire securely while its entry seal prevents hazardous atmospheres from entering the connected equipment through the cable entry.
EMC / Screened Cable Gland
For instrumentation, data, and control cables requiring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding continuity, the EMC gland provides a 360° low-impedance earth bonding of the cable screen. Critical in process control installations, variable speed drive applications, and sensitive electronic environments.
Barrier Armoured Cable Gland (A2F Type)
The most stringent type for Zone 0 / Division 1 applications, the barrier gland incorporates a factory-filled compound barrier that, in addition to Ex-d or Ex-e certification, prevents the migration of gas, flammable liquids, and flame propagation through the cable core interstices under sustained overpressure conditions.
Armoured Cable Gland Types, Standards & Applications
| Gland Type | Standard Reference | IP Rating | Hazardous Zone | Primary Application |
| Single Compression (A1 / CW) | IEC 62444 / BS 6121 | IP54–IP66 | Non-hazardous | Indoor panels, motor terminal boxes |
| Double Compression (A2 / BW) | IEC 62444 / BS 6121 | IP66/IP68 | Non-hazardous (outdoor) | Outdoor/underground, marine, weatherproof enclosures |
| Flameproof Ex-d | IEC 60079-1 / ATEX | IP66/IP68 | Zone 1, Zone 2 | Oil & gas, refinery, offshore, chemical plant |
| Increased Safety Ex-e | IEC 60079-7 / ATEX | IP66/IP68 | Zone 1, Zone 2 | Ex-e classified equipment entries |
| Barrier Type (A2F) | IEC 60079-14 / ATEX | IP66/IP68 | Zone 0, Div. 1 | High-risk hazardous area, gaseous environments |
| EMC / Screened | IEC 62444 / EMC Directive | IP66 | Non-hazardous | Instrumentation, VSD, process control cables |
| Stainless Steel (SS316) | IEC 62444 / NACE MR0175 | IP66/IP68 | Optional ATEX | Marine, food-grade, highly corrosive environments |
Why Cabex India Is India’s No.1 Armoured Cable Gland Manufacturer
With dozens of cable gland suppliers operating across India, the question every procurement engineer and EPC contractor needs to answer is: why does Cabex India consistently lead? The answer lies in a convergence of material integrity, precision manufacturing, certification depth, and genuine export-grade quality that simply cannot be faked in the field.
⚙️Precision CNC Manufacturing
Every gland body is machined on Swiss-type CNC turning centres to ±0.01mm tolerance, ensuring consistent thread engagement and armour clamping performance batch after batch.
🔬DZR Brass & SS316 Raw Material
Cabex India uses only dezincification-resistant brass (to BS 2872 / CW602N) and marine-grade 316 stainless steel — the same alloys specified in North Sea offshore projects.
📜Multi-Standard Certification
ATEX, IECEx, PESO, CE, IP66/IP68 — Cabex India carries the certifications demanded by oil majors, EIL, and international EPC houses across every target market.
🌍Export House Status
Recognised as an Export House by the Government of India, Cabex India manages documentation, customs clearance, and logistics for seamless international delivery.
🛡️Salt Spray & IP Testing In-house
Cabex India’s on-site salt spray chamber (1000+ hours), pressure test rigs, and IP testing facilities mean every batch is validated before it leaves the factory floor.
📦Fast Lead Times & Custom Solutions
Standard orders dispatched within 3–5 working days. Custom thread forms, materials, and sizes quoted within 24 hours to keep your projects on schedule.
Industry Recognition: Cabex India products are approved by ADNOC, EIL (Engineers India Limited), Petroleum Development Oman, and multiple national utility companies across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia — the highest endorsements the industry offers.
Cabex India Full Product Range & Specifications
Cabex India’s product catalogue covers every cable gland application from light-duty indoor installations to Zone 0 explosion-proof offshore entries. All products are manufactured in Jamnagar, Gujarat — India’s precision engineering capital — and are available in the following configurations:
SWA Cable Glands (Type CW / A1 / A2)
For multi-core steel wire armoured cables. Single and double compression. M16 to M75. Brass, nickel-plated brass, SS316.
AWA Cable Glands
Aluminium wire armoured — for single-core cables in AC systems. Prevents induced eddy current heating. Available in all standard sizes.
Flameproof Ex-d Glands
ATEX/IECEx certified Ex-d. BDM series. Zone 1 & 2. M16–M63. Brass nickel-plated or SS316. For oil & gas, refinery, offshore.
Barrier Glands (A2F)
Factory-filled compound barrier. Zone 0 / Division 1. Prevents gas migration through cable interstices. ATEX IIB/IIC rated.
EMC Cable Glands
360° screen earth bonding. For screened/instrumentation cables. Meets IEC 61000 EMC requirements.
Stainless Steel Glands
SS316 construction for marine, food processing, and highly corrosive environments. NACE MR0175 compatible.
STA / PWA / ASA Glands
For steel tape armoured, plastic wire armoured, and aluminium strip armoured cables. Custom clamping configurations available.
Cable Gland Accessories
Locknuts, earth tags, LSF shrouds, reducers, enlargers, sealing washers, O-rings, and stopping plugs. Complete installation solutions.
Cabex India Armoured Cable Gland — Dimensional & Cable Range Reference
| Gland Size (Metric) | Cable OD Range (mm) | Over-Bedding Range (mm) | Armour Clamping Range (mm) | Thread Type Options | IP Rating |
| M16 | 5.0 – 11.0 | 4.0 – 9.5 | 5.5 – 8.5 | Metric / PG9 / NPT½” | IP66/68 |
| M20 | 10.0 – 17.0 | 8.5 – 14.5 | 9.5 – 13.5 | Metric / PG13.5 / BSP¾” | IP66/68 |
| M25 | 15.0 – 21.0 | 13.0 – 18.5 | 14.5 – 18.0 | Metric / PG21 / NPT1″ | IP66/68 |
| M32 | 19.0 – 27.0 | 17.0 – 24.5 | 18.0 – 23.5 | Metric / PG29 / BSP1¼” | IP66/68 |
| M40 | 26.0 – 34.0 | 23.5 – 31.0 | 24.5 – 30.0 | Metric / PG36 / NPT1½” | IP66/68 |
| M50 | 33.0 – 42.0 | 30.0 – 39.0 | 31.5 – 38.5 | Metric / BSP2″ | IP66/68 |
| M63 | 41.0 – 53.0 | 38.5 – 50.0 | 40.0 – 49.0 | Metric / BSP2½” | IP66/68 |
| M75 | 52.0 – 65.0 | 49.0 – 62.0 | 51.0 – 61.0 | Metric / BSP3″ | IP66/68 |
Note: Dimensions are indicative. Always verify against cable datasheet and Cabex India technical drawing before ordering. Custom sizes available on request.
International Standards & Certifications Held by Cabex India
In the cable gland industry, certifications are not optional paperwork — they are the proof of engineering integrity that oil majors, utilities, and EPC contractors demand before a single gland enters a project specification. Cabex India carries one of the most comprehensive certification portfolios among Indian cable gland manufacturers:
ATEX (EU 2014/34/EU) IECEx EAC (EAEU) PESO (India) CE Marking IP66 / IP68 ISO 9001:2015 OHSAS 18001 RoHS Compliant BS 6121 / IEC 62444 IEC 60079-1 (Ex-d) IEC 60079-7 (Ex-e) ADNOC Approved EIL (India) Approved PDO (Oman) Approved KPC (Kuwait) Approved
Why certifications matter globally: Projects in UAE, Qatar, and Oman demand ADNOC/PDO vendor approval. European Union projects require ATEX. Russian projects require EAC. Armed with all three, Cabex India can supply any project globally without delays caused by re-qualification.
Cabex India’s Global Export Reach
Cabex India’s exports span six continents and encompass some of the most technically demanding industrial markets in the world. The company’s export infrastructure — including pre-shipment inspection capability, full material traceability documentation, and Mill Test Certificates (MTCs) to EN 10204 3.1 — meets the supply chain requirements of international oil majors and EPC firms.
🇮🇳 India (HQ)
🇦🇪 UAE
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇶🇦 Qatar
🇰🇼 Kuwait
🇴🇲 Oman
🇮🇶 Iraq
🇮🇷 Iran
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇷🇺 Russia
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇦🇲 Armenia
🌍 Africa (Multi-country)
🇦🇺 Australia
Market-Specific Certification Requirements by Target Country
| Country / Region | Key Standards Required | Approval Bodies | Cabex India Status |
| India | IS/IEC 62444, PESO, BIS | CCOE / PESO | ✓ Fully Certified |
| UAE / Oman / Qatar / Kuwait | ATEX/IECEx, ADNOC specs, PDO specs | ADNOC, PDO, KPC | ✓ Pre-Approved |
| UK | UKCA (post-Brexit), IEC 62444, BS 6121 | UKAS accredited labs | ✓ Compliant |
| Russia / Armenia (EAEU) | EAC (TR CU 012/2011) | EAC Notified Bodies | ✓ EAC Certified |
| Iraq / Iran | IECEx, ATEX IIB/IIC | IECEx Scheme | ✓ IECEx Certified |
| Nigeria / Africa | IEC 62444, SON (Nigeria), ATEX optional | SON, NCC | ✓ Approved & Supplying |
| Malaysia / Singapore | IEC 62444, SIRIM (Malaysia), SS 480 | SIRIM QAS, Spring Singapore | ✓ Approved |
| Australia | AS/NZS 4268, IECEx, AS 2380 | IECEx, ExCB Australia | ✓ IECEx Accepted |
| Egypt | IEC 62444, ATEX for hazardous | EOS, Egyptian Petroleum Authority | ✓ Supplying Active Projects |
How to Select the Right Armoured Cable Gland: A Step-by-Step Guide
Correct cable gland selection is a structured engineering process, not a catalogue guess. Cabex India’s technical team follows this proven sequence when specifying glands for any project:
Step 1: Identify Your Cable Type
The single most important factor. Is your cable SWA (Steel Wire Armoured), AWA (Aluminium Wire Armoured), STA (Steel Tape Armoured), PWA (Plastic Wire Armoured), or unarmoured? Each requires a different gland clamping mechanism. Multi-core cables generally use SWA; single-core AC cables must use AWA to prevent eddy current heating — a potentially catastrophic fire risk if a steel armour gland is incorrectly specified on a single-core run.
Step 2: Measure Your Cable Dimensions
You need two measurements from the cable datasheet: (a) the overall cable outer diameter (OD) in millimetres, and (b) the over-bedding diameter — the OD of the bedding layer that sits directly beneath the armour. Both must fall within the gland’s specified acceptance range to achieve the rated IP protection and correct armour clamping.
Step 3: Determine the Installation Environment
Indoor dry environments → single compression, IP54/IP66. Outdoor / underground → double compression, IP68. Submerged or continuously wet → IP68 rated with NBR seals. Explosive atmosphere Zone 1/2 → ATEX/IECEx Ex-d or Ex-e. Zone 0 / high-risk → A2F barrier type. Marine / coastal → SS316 or nickel-plated brass with 1000-hour salt spray rating.
Step 4: Select Entry Thread Type and Size
Match the gland entry thread to the equipment enclosure knockout: Metric (M20, M25, M32, M40, M50, M63 being most common globally), BSP (British Standard Pipe — common in UK and GCC), NPT (North American Pipe Thread — specified in some US and Canadian projects). Cabex India supplies all three thread forms across its complete size range, with reducers and enlargers available to adapt non-standard entries.
Step 5: Select Material Based on Corrosion Environment
Standard industrial installations: nickel-plated brass (most cost-effective, excellent corrosion resistance). Outdoor coastal, marine, or chemical environments: SS316 stainless steel. Applications requiring non-magnetic properties or resistance to sulphurous atmospheres: SS316 is mandatory. Food-grade environments where brass is prohibited: SS316 electropolished.
Step 6: Confirm Certification Requirements
Verify any project-specific approval requirements with your client, EPC contractor, or insurer before ordering. ATEX, IECEx, PESO, EAC, ADNOC, PDO approval requirements vary by project geography and client specification. Cabex India’s technical sales team can confirm applicability within 4 working hours.
Armoured Cable Gland Installation Best Practices
Even the highest-quality cable gland will fail prematurely if incorrectly installed. Based on decades of field experience, Cabex India’s technical team highlights the following critical installation requirements:
- Correct armour strip length: Strip armour wires to the length specified in the gland installation instruction sheet — typically 25–40mm depending on gland size. Too short and the armour clamp will not grip properly; too long and armour wires may contact live conductors.
- Clean armour wire preparation: Ensure armour wires are clean, undamaged, and of consistent length. Bent or shortened wires compromise earth continuity and the mechanical grip that protects the cable from pull-out forces.
- Correct torque application: Always use a calibrated torque wrench. Over-tightening crushes the sealing ring and destroys the IP rating; under-tightening creates moisture ingress pathways. Cabex India provides torque values for every gland size in the product datasheet.
- Earth continuity verification: After installation, test earth continuity with a calibrated low-resistance ohmmeter. The armour-to-gland body resistance should not exceed 0.1Ω for standard industrial glands.
- LSF / LSZH shroud installation: For cable entries into public buildings, tunnels, hospitals, and transport infrastructure, always fit the appropriate low-smoke halogen-free (LSF/LSZH) shroud over the cable sheath before fitting the gland.
- Pre-installation fit test: Before committing to a full batch installation, always perform a fit-test — insert a representative cable sample through the gland components (without final tightening) to confirm that the cable OD and over-bedding dimensions fall within the gland’s specified range.
Cabex India vs. Leading Competitors: An Honest Comparison
When procurement teams evaluate armoured cable gland suppliers for major projects, the decision goes far beyond catalogue price. Here is how Cabex India compares against other well-known suppliers across the parameters that matter most:
Cabex India vs. Competitors — Comprehensive Comparison Matrix
| Parameter | Cabex India | Competitor A (UK) | Competitor B (India – Jamnagar) | Competitor C (China) |
| Manufacturing Location | Jamnagar, India (own factory) | UK / outsourced Asia | Jamnagar, India | China |
| ATEX / IECEx Certification | ✓ Full ATEX + IECEx | ✓ Full | Partial | Selective models |
| EAC (Russia / CIS) Certification | ✓ | Additional lead time | ✗ | Selective |
| ADNOC / PDO Pre-approval | ✓ Pre-approved | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Material: DZR Brass Standard | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard | Varies by batch | Often standard brass |
| In-house IP68 Testing | ✓ In-house lab | ✓ | Third-party only | Third-party only |
| Salt Spray Rating (hours) | 1000+ hours | 1000+ hours | 500 hours | 240–500 hours |
| Thread Types Available | Metric, BSP, BSPT, NPT, PG | Metric, BSP, NPT | Metric, BSP, PG | Metric, PG, NPT |
| Lead Time (Standard Orders) | 3–5 working days | 7–14 days (ex-UK) | 5–10 days | 4–8 weeks (sea freight) |
| Price Competitiveness | Excellent (export pricing) | Premium (30–50% higher) | Moderate | Lowest price, quality risk |
| Export House Status (India) | ✓ | N/A | Not all | N/A |
The Cabex India Advantage in Numbers: Cabex India delivers the certification depth of European manufacturers at 30–50% lower total landed cost, with lead times that beat UK-sourced product by 2–3 weeks for GCC and Asian destinations. This combination is why EPC contractors across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia consistently shortlist Cabex India as their preferred armoured cable gland supplier.
Ready to Specify Cabex India for Your Project?
Whether you’re specifying 50 glands for a pump room or 50,000 for an offshore platform, Cabex India’s technical team is ready with datasheets, certifications, and competitive quotes within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between single compression and double compression armoured cable glands?
A single compression gland uses one compression nut to simultaneously grip the armour wires and seal the outer cable sheath, typically achieving IP54 to IP66. A double compression gland adds a second, independent elastomeric seal directly on the outer cable sheath, achieving IP66 to IP68 protection. Double compression is specified for outdoor, underground, marine, and all installations where sustained water ingress is a risk. Cabex India’s double compression range is manufactured from dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass and is independently IP68 tested to IEC 62444 at 1 metre depth for 24 hours.
Why do single-core cables need AWA (aluminium wire armoured) glands instead of SWA glands?
Single-core AC cables carrying alternating current generate a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in any ferromagnetic armour material (i.e., steel). Over time, this causes resistive heating that can reach dangerous temperatures in the cable armour — a fire and insulation failure risk. Aluminium wire armour (AWA) is non-ferromagnetic and does not sustain eddy currents, making it the mandatory choice for single-core armoured cables under IEC 60502 and BS 7671 regulations. Cabex India’s AWA glands are dimensionally matched to the slightly different armour wire geometry of single-core cables.
Does Cabex India supply flameproof cable glands for ATEX Zone 1 oil & gas installations?
Yes. Cabex India manufactures ATEX and IECEx certified Ex-d (flameproof) armoured cable glands for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area installations. These glands meet IEC 60079-1 flame path requirements and are available in brass nickel-plated and stainless steel 316 construction, in metric thread sizes M16 to M63. Cabex India’s flameproof glands are pre-approved by ADNOC and PDO (Petroleum Development Oman), significantly reducing qualification time on GCC oil and gas projects.
What certifications are required for supplying cable glands to the UAE, Qatar, and Oman oil & gas sector?
GCC oil and gas projects typically require: (1) ATEX or IECEx certification for any glands used in classified hazardous areas; (2) vendor pre-qualification or approval by ADNOC (Abu Dhabi), Qatar Petroleum/QatarEnergy, or PDO/OQ (Oman); (3) compliance with project-specific material specifications, often referencing IEC 62444 and IEC 60079 series; and (4) full material traceability documentation including EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates. Cabex India holds all four categories of approval, making it one of very few Indian manufacturers that can supply GCC projects without requiring a third-party qualifying agency.
How do I calculate the correct cable gland size for my SWA cable?
You need two measurements from the cable manufacturer’s datasheet: the overall cable outer diameter (OD) and the over-bedding diameter (the diameter of the bedding layer under the armour). Both values must fall within the gland’s stated cable acceptance range and over-bedding range respectively. Do not rely on nominal cable sizes — actual manufactured dimensions vary by manufacturer and insulation type. Cabex India’s technical team provides a free cable gland selection service: send your cable datasheet or dimensions to our technical sales team and receive a confirmed gland recommendation within 4 working hours.
Does Cabex India export directly to Nigeria, Malaysia, Russia, and Australia?
Yes. Cabex India holds Export House Status from the Government of India and has active supply relationships in Nigeria (oil and gas sector), Malaysia (palm oil processing, LNG infrastructure), Russia (EAC-certified products for EAEU markets), and Australia (IECEx accepted products for mining and resources sector). Full export documentation including certificate of origin, packing lists, test certificates, and letter-of-credit-compatible terms are available for all international orders.
What is the IP68 rating and does Cabex India genuinely test to this standard?
IP68 is the highest ingress protection rating defined in IEC 60529, indicating that the device is dust-tight and can withstand continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer — for Cabex India’s glands, this means submersion at 1.5 metres depth for 24 hours without water ingress. Cabex India maintains an in-house IP testing facility with pressure immersion tanks and conducts 100% IP testing on critical gland lines, with independent third-party witness testing available on request. IP68 test certificates are supplied with qualifying orders.
Conclusion: Why Cabex India Is the Smart Choice for Global Projects
The armoured cable gland may be a small component in the context of a major industrial installation — but it sits at the precise intersection of electrical safety, mechanical integrity, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Specifying the wrong gland, from the wrong manufacturer, with inadequate certification, creates liability that no engineer or procurement manager wants to carry.
Cabex India has built its reputation on eliminating that risk. By combining the precision of Jamnagar’s world-class brass manufacturing tradition with the certification portfolio of a globally recognised hazardous area equipment manufacturer, Cabex India delivers a proposition that is difficult to match anywhere in the world: European-standard quality, Indian manufacturing efficiency, and global certification depth — at prices that make international projects genuinely competitive.
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