INTRODUCTION OF CABLE GLANDS

Cable glands are defined as “mechanical cable entry devices” which are used in conjunction with cable and wiring for electrical, instrumentation and control, and automation systems, including lighting, power, data and telecoms.

The main functions of the Cable Gland are to act as a sealing and terminating device to ensure the protection of electrical equipments and enclosures, including the provision of:

  • 1. Environmental protection -

By sealing on the outer cable sheath, excluding dust and moisture from the electrical or instrument enclosure.

  • 2. Earth Continuity -

In the case of armoured cables, when the cable gland has a metallic construction. In this case cable glands may be tested to ensure that they can withstand an appropriate peak short circuit fault current.

  • 3. Holding force -

To ensure adequate levels of mechanical cable pull out resistance on the cable.

  • 4. Additional sealing -

 Entering the enclosure, when a high degree of ingress protection is required on the part of the cable.

  • 5. Additional environmental sealing -

Maintaining the ingress protection rating of the enclosure with the selection of applicable accessories dedicated to performing this function at the cable entry point.

CABLE GLAND

SELECTION OF CABLE GLAND

Glands should be selected on following Points when the Cable is Armoured

  1. The Type, Size & Material of the Cable Armour.
  2. The Diameter of the Cable Inner Bedding (where present)
  3. The Size of the Overall Cable Diameter.
  4. The Type and Size of the Cable entry hole in the mating electrical equipment.
  5. The wall thickness of the Enclosure or Gland Plate, as a longer Cable Gland Thread may be required.
  6. The material of the mating electrical enclosures to eliminate dissimilar metals where possible.
  7. The Ingress Protection rating of the electrial equipment or site standard required to be maintained.
  8. If any entry thread sealing washer is required to meet the Ingress Protection rating.
  9. Whether a Single Seal or Double Seal Cable Gland is required.
  10. If fixing accessories such as Lock nuts, Earth Tag, Shroud, Adaptor, Reducer, Stopping Plug, etc…are required.

THERE CAN BE TWO TYPES OF CABLE GLANDS

  • 1. Unarmoured Cable Gland:

Unarmoured Cable will require an outer seal within Gland to provide ingress protection but also a degree of retention.

  • 2. Armoured Cable Gland:

The gland that needs a clamping mechanism to terminate the Armour both mechanically and electrically.

CABLE GLAND PRIMARY CODE FOR UNARMOURED AND ARMOURED CABLES

CodeSeal Type
A2Single Inner Seal
BNo Seal
CSingle Outer Seal
EDouble Seal (Inner & Outer)