Cable Gland Selection Mistakes Engineers Must Avoid

/

/

Cable Gland Selection Mistakes Engineers Must Avoid

Cable Gland Selection Mistakes Engineers Must Avoid

Cable Gland Selection Mistakes Engineers Must Avoid

Electrical failures rarely happen because of the cable itself.

They happen because of wrong cable gland selection.

Choosing the incorrect cable gland size, ignoring the cable gland size chart in mm, or misunderstanding cable gland types can cause:

  • Water ingress

  • Flame propagation

  • Earthing failure

  • Loose termination

  • Inspection rejection

  • Costly shutdowns

This comprehensive guide explains every major selection mistake and provides complete cable gland charts, PDFs, and size references engineers need.

What is a Cable Gland?

A cable gland is a mechanical device used for:

  • Securing cables

  • Providing strain relief

  • Ensuring earthing continuity

  • Preventing dust and water ingress

  • Supporting safe cable glanding and termination

It connects the cable to equipment such as panels, junction boxes, and control systems.

Without proper cable and gland size matching, the entire electrical system becomes vulnerable.

Cable Gland Types (And Where Engineers Go Wrong)

Understanding cable gland type and size compatibility is critical.

Single Compression Cable Gland

Used mainly for:

  • Unarmoured cables

  • Light-duty industrial use

Common mistake: Using single compression cable gland for armoured cables.


Double Compression Cable Gland

Used for:

  • Armoured cables

  • Hazardous areas

  • Heavy-duty installations

The double compression cable gland grips both inner sheath and armour, ensuring secure retention.

Common mistake: Not checking double compression cable gland size chart before selection.


Armoured Cable Gland

Specifically designed for:

  • SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cables

  • Industrial plants

  • Oil & gas projects

Ignoring armoured cable gland size chart pdf leads to loose armour clamping. Brass Cable Gland

A brass cable gland is widely preferred because of:

  • High corrosion resistance

  • Excellent conductivity

  • Mechanical durability

  • Long service life

Wrong material selection is one of the biggest installation failures.

Complete Cable Gland Size Chart in MM

Below is the most used cable gland size chart in mm reference.

🔹 Standard Cable Gland Chart

Gland SizeCable OD Range (MM)Typical Application
M206 – 12 mmControl cables
M2510 – 18 mmPower cables
M3215 – 22 mmIndustrial cables
M4019 – 28 mmArmoured cables
M5027 – 35 mmHeavy power cables
M6334 – 44 mmLarge industrial cables

This cable gland size chart should always be matched with actual cable OD.

Armoured Cable Gland Size Chart

Cable SizeRecommended Gland
25 sq mmM32
70 sq mmM40
150 sq mm cable gland sizeM50
240 sq mmM63
3.5 core 300 sq mm cable gland sizeM75

Always confirm via armoured cable gland size chart pdf before procurement.

Double Compression Cable Gland Size Chart

Cable OD (MM)Gland Type
12–18 mmDC M25
18–25 mmDC M32
25–32 mmDC M40
32–38 mmDC M50

Refer to official double compression cable gland size chart pdf for precision.

Electrical Cable Gland Size Chart PDF Guide

Engineers should always maintain:

  • electrical cable gland size chart pdf

  • cable gland size chart pdf

  • armoured cable gland size chart pdf

  • double compression cable gland size chart pdf

  • cable gland types pdf

These documents ensure:

 Inspection approval
 Accurate BOQ preparation
 Reduced rework
 Standard compliance

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.

Cable Glanding and Termination Mistakes

Common errors in cable glanding and termination:

  1. Incorrect armour stripping

  2. Wrong cable gland size

  3. Improper earthing

  4. Over-tightening

  5. Ignoring IP rating

Correct cable gland chart referencing avoids all of these.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

  • Always measure outer diameter

  • Never assume based on sq mm alone

  • Use torque wrench for tightening

  • Check IP rating (IP65/IP66/IP68)

  • Verify earth continuity

Routine inspection prevents system failure.

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

📩 Request a Quote: Contact Page

FAQs

How to select correct cable gland size?

Measure cable outer diameter and refer to the cable gland size chart.

Typically M50, but confirm using official chart.

Usually M75 for armoured cables.

Single grips outer sheath only; double grips both sheath and armour.

Generally falls under electrical fittings category for GST — confirm regionally.

Hey there! Ask me anything!