A cable gland secures a cable where it enters equipment, seals out dust and water, and relieves strain. The main types of cable glands are compression, armoured, explosion-proof, and EMC glands, made in brass, stainless steel, or nylon.
The wrong gland can break an enclosure’s IP rating or void an explosion-protection certificate. This guide explains how each gland differs and how to match it to your cable, your site, and your standards.
Quick answers:
- How it works: A compression seal grips the cable sheath, while a clamp or cone holds the armour and carries earth.
- When to use each type: Choose by cable construction first, then by hazardous area class, then by environment.
- What it involves: Price follows material, size, and certification, so compare certified data sheets rather than catalogue headlines.
What Is a Cable Gland and Why Does the Type Matter?
A cable gland is a mechanical fitting that terminates a cable at an enclosure, motor, or junction box. It holds the cable firmly. It seals the entry point against dust, moisture, and gas. On armoured cables, it also keeps the earth path unbroken.
The type matters because each gland solves a different problem. For example, a nylon gland suits a dry control panel. However, the same gland fails near a refinery flare line. As a result, buyers must match the gland to the cable, the hazard, and the climate.
Global projects add another layer. Europe, the Gulf, and Australia each apply slightly different standards. Therefore, a gland that passes in one region may need extra certification in another. The general product standard is IEC 62444, while hazardous area glands follow the IEC 60079 series.
What Are the Main Types of Cable Glands by Construction?
The most common types of cable glands differ in how they seal and grip the cable. Construction decides which cable the gland accepts and where you can install it. The sections below cover each design in plain terms. You can then compare these types of cable glands side by side.
Single Compression (Unarmoured) Cable Glands
A single compression gland has one sealing point. It compresses a rubber seal around the cable’s outer sheath. You use it on unarmoured cables, such as control and instrumentation cable.
Standard designations include A1 and A2. The A2 version adds a weather seal, so it suits outdoor panels. Meanwhile, the A1 style stays inside dry, sheltered enclosures.
These glands are simple and economical. In addition, they install quickly with basic tools. However, they cannot clamp armour, so never use them on SWA or wire-braided cable.
Double Compression (Armoured) Cable Glands
A double compression gland has two grips. One seals the outer sheath. The other clamps the steel wire or braid armour. As a result, it anchors the cable mechanically and keeps earth continuity.
Armoured cable glands come in several common designations:
- BW: Suits indoor and dry locations, with an armour clamp and inner seal.
- CW: Suits outdoor use, because it adds an outer sheath seal.
- E1W: Also targets outdoor installations with a high IP rating.
Always confirm the exact construction on the manufacturer’s data sheet. Designations are common, but details vary between ranges. Cabex India’s armoured cable glands cover these designations for industrial and export projects.
Explosion-Proof (Flameproof) Cable Glands
Explosion-proof glands work in areas where gas, vapour, or dust can ignite. The most common marking is Ex d, which means flameproof. A flameproof gland lets the enclosure contain an internal explosion without igniting the atmosphere outside.
Increased safety glands, marked Ex e, take a different approach. They prevent sparks and excess heat instead of containing an explosion. In addition, barrier glands add a compound seal that stops gas migrating along the cable cores.
Oil and gas, chemical, and power plants rely on these types of cable glands daily. You can review Cabex India’s explosion-proof cable glands for hazardous area ranges.
EMC Cable Glands
EMC glands shield sensitive equipment from electromagnetic interference. They connect the cable’s braid or screen to the enclosure through a 360-degree contact. Consequently, noise drains to earth instead of reaching the electronics.
Drives, automation panels, and telecom cabinets often need them. Standard glands cannot provide this shielding, because they lack the conductive contact path.
Quick Comparison of the Main Construction Types
The table below compares the three closest options for most industrial buyers.
| Feature | Single compression | Double compression (armoured) | Explosion-proof (Ex d / Ex e) |
| Cable accepted | Unarmoured | Armoured (SWA, braid) | Armoured or unarmoured, per certificate |
| Armour clamping | No | Yes | Yes, in most designs |
| Earth continuity | Not provided | Provided | Provided |
| Hazardous area use | No | Only if certified | Yes, per certificate |
| Typical site | Panels, instruments | Power, plant, outdoor runs | Oil and gas, chemical, mining |
Source: general industry practice and manufacturer guidance.
Use this table as a first filter. Then confirm the details against the data sheet and certificate for your specific product.
Where Are Different Types of Cable Glands Used in Industry?
Each industry favours different types of cable glands because the hazards differ. Matching the gland to the sector prevents most field failures.
- Oil and gas: Operators specify flameproof and barrier glands, because gas can migrate along cable cores.
- Power plants: Teams use brass armoured glands for switchgear and transformer cable entries.
- Railways and transport: Vibration is high, so double compression glands with strong armour clamps are common.
- Marine and offshore: Stainless steel glands resist salt spray and constant humidity.
- Telecommunication: EMC and nylon glands protect cabinets from interference and weather.
- Building and construction: Brass and nylon glands cover distribution boards and lighting circuits.
For example, a coastal desalination plant may need stainless steel armoured glands in wet areas. It may also need Ex-certified glands near fuel storage. In short, one site often needs several types of cable glands at the same time.
Which Types of Cable Glands Work Best by Material?
Material controls corrosion resistance, temperature range, and cost. Therefore, the right types of cable glands depend on both design and metal. Brass, stainless steel, and nylon cover most projects. The table below compares the three closest options.
| Feature | Brass (nickel-plated) | Stainless steel (304/316) | Nylon (polyamide) |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent for chemicals |
| Mechanical strength | High | Very high | Moderate |
| Typical use | General industrial, power | Marine, offshore, food, chemical | Panels, light-duty, indoor |
| Earth continuity | Yes | Yes | No |
| Relative cost | Medium | Higher | Lowest |
Source: general industry practice and manufacturer guidance.
Brass Cable Glands
Brass remains the industry workhorse. It machines well, resists most corrosion, and conducts earth currents. Nickel plating improves protection in humid sites. Cabex India’s industrial cable glands suit power plants, railways, and construction.
Stainless Steel Cable Glands
Stainless steel handles salt spray, acids, and high wash-down. Grade 316 resists chlorides better than grade 304. Therefore, offshore platforms and coastal plants usually specify it. The extra cost pays back through longer service life.
Nylon Cable Glands
Nylon glands are light, cheap, and corrosion-free. They also insulate, so they cannot earth a cable. In addition, they have a lower temperature ceiling than metal. Use them for indoor panels and light-duty equipment, not for armoured or hazardous area work.
How Do Hazardous Area Ratings Change the Types of Cable Glands You Need?
Hazardous area rules limit which glands you may fit, so only certified types of cable glands qualify. Europe applies the ATEX Directive, while many other regions accept IECEx certification. According to the UK Health and Safety Executive, ATEX rules require employers to classify areas into zones. This means every gland must match the zone where you install it.
Gas zones run from 0 to 2, and dust zones run from 20 to 22. Each zone restricts the types of cable glands you can use. For example, Zone 1 needs certified Ex d or Ex e glands. Zone 2 allows more flexibility, but certified glands remain the safe choice.
The IECEx System gives one certification route that many countries recognise. As a result, exporters can sell the same certified gland across several markets. In North America, the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code uses a class and division system instead. Check which scheme your project follows before you order.
How Do Thread Types and IP Ratings Affect Your Choice?
Even the right gland fails if the thread or seal rating is wrong. Several types of cable glands share the same enclosure thread, so errors are easy to make. Therefore, check both before you buy.
Thread Types
Cable glands use four common threads:
- Metric (ISO): The global default, such as M20 or M25.
- PG: An older German standard, still seen on legacy equipment.
- NPT: Tapered threads common in North American equipment.
- BSP: Common in UK-influenced markets.
Mixing threads damages the enclosure. If your equipment uses a different thread, use a thread conversion adaptor. Cabex India also supplies thread conversion and blanking plugs for this purpose.
IP Ratings
The IP code shows how well a gland resists dust and water. IP66 withstands powerful water jets. IP68 covers continuous immersion. According to the IEC’s IP rating guide, the second digit 8 means immersion under conditions the manufacturer sets. Those conditions are harsher than the basic 1-metre, 30-minute test. This means you must read the depth and duration on the data sheet before you trust any IP68 label.
How Do You Choose Between Types of Cable Glands?
Follow these five steps to narrow down the types of cable glands that fit your project.
- Identify the cable. Is it armoured or unarmoured? Measure the outer diameter and the armour type.
- Classify the area. Is it a safe area, or does it carry a gas or dust zone?
- Check the environment. Consider moisture, chemicals, salt, UV light, and temperature.
- Match the thread. Confirm metric, PG, NPT, or BSP against the enclosure.
- Verify certificates. Request test reports for ATEX, IECEx, or IP claims.
Next, compare quotes on the same specification. A cheaper gland without certification costs more when an inspector rejects it.
How Should You Install and Maintain Cable Glands?
Correct installation protects the rating of every gland type. First, strip the cable to the length the data sheet specifies. Next, fit the seal and the armour clamp without nicking the armour wires. Then tighten the gland to the recommended torque.
After installation, inspect each gland during routine maintenance. Look for cracked seals, loose lock nuts, and corroded threads. Replace any gland that shows damage, because a failed seal lets moisture and gas reach live parts.
For hazardous areas, follow the site’s inspection plan under IEC 60079-17. Keep records of every gland you replace. As a result, auditors can trace each component to its certificate.
What Mistakes Do Buyers Make with Cable Glands?
Most failures trace back to the same few errors when buyers compare types of cable glands. Avoid these:
- Wrong size range. A gland that is too large cannot seal the sheath.
- Skipping armour clamps. Using an unarmoured gland on armoured cable breaks the earth path.
- Ignoring temperature. Nylon softens in heat, while some seals harden in the cold.
- Trusting labels. An IP or Ex mark means little without a test report.
- Overtightening. Excess torque crushes the seal and shortens its life.
Good installation matters as much as good selection. For this reason, train your crew on the torque and assembly steps.
Why Buyers Source Cable Glands from Cabex India
Cabex India manufactures industrial and hazardous area cable glands for global projects. Its catalogue covers all the types of cable glands described in this guide. The range includes brass, armoured, and explosion-proof types, plus thread conversion and blanking plugs. Moreover, the company supplies markets across Europe, the UK, Australia, and the Middle East.
Engineers can share their cable data, area class, and standards. In return, the team recommends a matching gland and supplies documentation. To start a specification, visit the Cabex India cable gland range or contact the export team for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Cable Glands
What are the main types of cable glands?
The main types are single compression, double compression, explosion-proof, and EMC glands.
Which cable gland is best for armoured cable?
A double compression gland is best, because it clamps the armour and keeps earth continuity.
What is the difference between Ex d and Ex e glands?
Ex d glands contain an internal explosion, while Ex e glands prevent sparks and heat from forming.
Is stainless steel better than brass for cable glands?
Stainless steel resists corrosion better, while brass offers lower cost and good general performance.
What does IP68 mean on a cable gland?
IP68 means dust-tight and suitable for continuous immersion under the manufacturer’s stated conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing among the types of cable glands comes down to four checks: cable construction, hazardous area class, material, and certification. Get these right, and your enclosures stay sealed, earthed, and compliant.
