What is a Cable Gland?
A cable gland is a mechanical device that connects and secures the end of an electrical cable to equipment, panels, or enclosures. In simple terms, it works as a cable gland connector that not only holds the cable firmly in place but also seals the entry point against dust, dirt, and water.
Depending on the design, cable glands also provide strain relief, maintain the enclosure’s IP rating, and ensure that no external elements compromise the safety of the electrical system. For example, a watertight cable gland or waterproof cable gland is used in outdoor or marine installations where moisture protection is critical.
In industries such as oil & gas, telecom, renewable energy, and automation, the right gland can make a huge difference. Selecting the proper cable gland types whether nylon, stainless steel, or brass cable gland ensures long-term reliability and compliance with global standards.
Cable Gland Types
There are several cable gland types, each designed for specific applications and environments. Choosing the right gland ensures safety, durability, and performance. Below are the most common cable gland types used in industries worldwide:
Brass Cable Gland (Blass Cable Gland): The most widely used option, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to perform in hazardous or explosive environments.
Nylon / Plastic Cable Glands: Lightweight, cost-effective, and UV-resistant, often used in solar panels, telecom networks, and control panels.
Stainless Steel Cable Glands: Ideal for offshore, marine, and chemical industries where corrosion resistance is critical.
Waterproof Cable Glands (Watertight Cable Glands): Designed to protect against water ingress, maintaining IP66, IP67, or IP68 ratings for outdoor and submerged applications.
Every cable gland type serves a specific purpose, and understanding the differences helps engineers select the best option for their project.
Cable Gland Size Chart & Selection Chart
Selecting the right gland is just as important as choosing the right cable. That’s where the cable gland size chart and cable gland selection chart come in. These charts act as quick references to match the outer diameter of a cable with the correct gland size.
Why use a Cable Gland Size Chart?
Selecting the right gland is just as important as choosing the right cable. That’s where the cable gland size chart and cable gland selection chart come in. These charts act as quick references to match the outer diameter of a cable with the correct gland size.
Ensures a tight and reliable seal
Prevents water, dust, or gas entry
Avoids loose fittings that may cause cable damage
Simplifies installation for engineers and electricians
A cable gland selection chart also highlights which gland type is suitable for armoured, unarmoured, or flexible cables. For example, a brass cable gland is often selected for armoured cables in oil & gas industries, while a waterproof cable gland is chosen for outdoor solar or marine applications.
Cable Gland Size Chart for Armoured Cable :
Cable Gland Size Chart for Unarmoured Cable :
Cable Gland Accessories
A cable gland does more than just seal a cable it often requires accessories to ensure proper installation and safety. These accessories enhance performance, extend lifespan, and maintain compliance with global safety standards.
Common Cable Gland Accessories include:
Reducers & Enlargers – Used when the gland entry size doesn’t match the equipment’s entry thread. A reducer allows fitting a smaller gland into a larger entry, while an enlarger does the opposite.
Adapters – Enable the conversion of one thread type to another, such as metric to NPT.
Stopping Plugs – Seal unused entries in equipment, preventing dust, gas, or water ingress.
Locknuts – Secure the gland firmly to the enclosure or junction box.
Sealing Washers & O-Rings – Provide additional protection against water leakage, especially in waterproof cable gland applications.
Using the right cable gland accessories ensures a complete and safe installation. For example, in offshore rigs or chemical plants, a wrong adapter or missing sealing washer can compromise the entire safety system.
Cable Gland Connector
A cable gland connector is the critical link between the cable and the equipment it powers. Its job is to ensure a secure connection, maintain electrical continuity, and protect against environmental hazards such as dust, water, or explosive gases.
Why Cable Gland Connectors Matter:
Provide strain relief to prevent cable pull-out
Maintain ingress protection (IP) and explosion-proof safety
Ensure proper grounding for metallic armoured cables
Extend the cable’s service life by preventing bending or stress at the entry point
Types of Cable Gland Connectors:
Brass Cable Gland Connectors – Widely used for armoured cables due to their strength and durability
Waterproof Cable Gland Connectors – Designed for outdoor or marine applications where moisture protection is critical
Plastic/Nylon Connectors – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, often used in telecommunications and light industries
In short, choosing the right cable gland connector ensures the entire system operates reliably, whether in a simple electrical panel or in a hazardous oil refinery.
Installation & Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance are key to getting the best performance from your cable glands. Whether it’s a waterproof cable gland, brass cable gland, or standard connector, following best practices ensures longevity and safety.
Installation Tips:
Follow the recommended torque values to avoid leaks or damage
Use appropriate cable gland accessories, such as O-rings or adapters, to maintain IP or watertight integrity
Protect the cable’s bend radius; use 90° adapters for sharp corners
Ensure grounding for metallic glands and connectors
Maintenance Tips:
Inspect seals and washers regularly for wear or damage
Retighten glands after thermal cycles or heavy use
Keep certification datasheets (ATEX, IECEx, IP) handy for audits
Replace worn-out glands promptly to avoid electrical hazards
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your cable gland solutions and ensures safe, compliant operation.
Certifications & Compliance
Using certified cable glands is essential for industrial safety and global compliance. Certifications give confidence that the product can withstand demanding environments.
Key Certifications to Look For:
ATEX & IECEx: Required for explosive or hazardous areas
IP66 / IP67 / IP68 Ratings: Guarantee dust-tight and waterproof performance
RoHS & REACH Compliance: Ensure environmentally safe and lead-free materials
CSA / UL Approvals: Necessary for North American installations
At Exgrip, all cable gland types, including brass cable gland, waterproof cable gland, and specialty adapters like 90° and YADP, are manufactured with these certifications, making them reliable for industries worldwide.
Global Reach with Brass Cable Gland Solutions
Exgrip provides a wide range of brass cable gland solutions, including:
90° Adapters – Right-angle entry to reduce cable stress
YADP (Dual Entry Adapters) – Allow two cables to pass through one entry point
Waterproof / Watertight Brass Cable Glands – Protect against moisture and dust ingress
Why Choose Exgrip Solutions?
Worldwide Delivery: Fast shipping across Asia, Europe, Middle East, USA, and beyond
Cost-Effective Options: Affordable without compromising safety
Wide Product Range: Standard glands, specialized connectors, and accessories
Trusted by Industries: Oil & gas, renewable energy, telecom, automation, and infrastructure
Exgrip combines global standards with local manufacturing efficiency, ensuring reliable cable gland solutions for any project.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Selecting the right cable gland, whether it’s a waterproof cable gland, brass cable gland, or using the correct cable gland accessories, is vital for industrial safety and system reliability.
At Exgrip, we provide a full range of cable glands, connectors, and accessories, certified with ATEX, IECEx, IP, RoHS, and REACH, suitable for any industrial or hazardous application.
📩 Talk to our technical team today at Exgrip.com
📞 Or call us directly for quick assistance!
Contact Us:
📞 Phone: +91 9537118899
🌐 Website: www.exgrip.com
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FAQs
Q1. What is cable gland used for?
They secure cables, prevent strain, and protect against dust, water, or explosions.
Q2. What are the main types of cable glands?
Brass, nylon, stainless steel, waterproof, and watertight glands are the most common types.
Q3. How do I select the right cable gland?
Use a cable gland size chart or selection chart and choose the appropriate type for your cable and environment.
Q4. What are cable gland accessories?
Reducers, adapters, stopping plugs, locknuts, and sealing washers help ensure proper installation and performance.
Q5. What certifications should a cable gland have?
Look for ATEX, IECEx, IP66/IP67/IP68, RoHS, and REACH compliance for safety and global standards.
If you found this blog helpful, check some of the other blogs below:
- Oil & Gas Industry Cable Glands with –60°C to +200°C Range
- Cable Gland Accessories for Weatherproof Glands
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