How to Pick ATEX & IECEx Cable Glands for Hazardous Zone Installations

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How to Pick ATEX & IECEx Cable Glands for Hazardous Zone Installations

How to Pick ATEX & IECEx Cable Glands for Hazardous Zone Installations

How to Pick ATEX & IECEx Cable Glands for Hazardous Zone Installations

Industrial environments especially those with explosive atmospheres require absolute electrical safety. One of the most critical components ensuring this protection is the ATEX & IECEx certified cable gland. A properly selected gland protects machinery, prevents leakage, maintains ingress protection, and ensures compliance with global safety standards.
This guide explains how to choose the right certified gland for your installation, step-by-step, with EXGRIP’s premium certified solutions as reference.

What is an ATEX & IECEx Certified Cable Gland?

An ATEX & IECEx cable gland is a specialised device designed for equipment installed in hazardous areas where explosive gases, vapours, or dust may be present.
These glands ensure:

  • Safe cable entry

  • Ex-proof sealing

  • Mechanical retention

  • Protection against flames, dust, and moisture

ATEX certification is required in Europe, while IECEx certification is globally recognised. EXGRIP products comply with both, ensuring maximum reliability in critical environments.

Types of ATEX & IECEx Cable Glands

Different applications require different gland structures. The main types include:

1. Single Compression Cable Glands

Ideal for standard industrial applications with moderate mechanical stress.

2. Double Compression Cable Glands

Provide superior sealing and retention—best suited for heavy-duty, high-risk installations.

3. Barrier Cable Glands

Designed for explosive atmospheres where flameproof integrity is essential. They use compound sealing to stop gas migration.

4. Ex e (Increased Safety) Glands

Provide enhanced protection in hazardous zones without requiring flameproof containment.

5. Ex d (Flameproof) Glands

Prevent internal explosions from spreading outside the equipment.

Size Chart & Selection Chart

Choosing the correct gland size depends on cable diameter, armour type, ingress rating, and zone classification.

Cable Gland Size Chart

Cable Type Cable Diameter Range (mm) Suitable Gland Sizes Certification Type
Unarmoured Cable 6–48 mm M16 – M75 ATEX / IECEx
Armoured Cable (SWA / AWA) 8–55 mm M20 – M90 Ex d / Ex e
Braided Cable 6–40 mm M16 – M63 IECEx
Hazardous Zone Cables 6–75 mm M16 – M100 ATEX Zone 1 & 2

Cable Gland Selection Chart

Installation Requirement Recommended Type Why
Hazardous Gas Zones Ex d / Ex e Flameproof & increased safety
Dust Zones Ex t Prevents dust ingress
Heavy Machinery Double Compression Strong retention & sealing
Chemical Plants Barrier Glands Gas-tight compound seal
Outdoor Installations IP66/68 Glands Weatherproof

Accessories for ATEX & IECEx Cable Glands

Accessories enhance cable gland performance and ensure complete installation reliability. EXGRIP provides:

  • Locknuts

  • Earth Tags

  • Shrouds

  • Reducers & Adaptors

  • Stopping Plugs

  • O-Rings & Washers

Each accessory supports electrical safety and compliance.

Connector Compatibility

The certified glands must be compatible with:

  • Armoured and unarmoured cables

  • Explosion-proof junction boxes

  • Enclosures rated Ex d, Ex e, Ex nR, Ex t

  • Stainless steel, brass, or nickel-plated finishes

EXGRIP cable glands are engineered to support multiple connector types with reliable sealing and mechanical strength.

Installation & Maintenance Guide

To ensure safe and compliant installation:

Installation Steps

  1. Verify zone classification (Zone 1, 2, 21, 22).

  2. Measure cable diameter precisely.

  3. Select correct gland size and type.

  4. Fit armour clamping (if applicable).

  5. Ensure O-ring placement for IP rating.

  6. Tighten using torque values recommended by EXGRIP.

  7. Inspect for sealing, threads, and mechanical retention.

Global Reach / Why Choose EXGRIP?

EXGRIP is a trusted brand offering premium-quality cable glands designed for maximum safety and performance.
Why industries choose EXGRIP:

  • Globally certified products (ATEX, IECEx, UL)

  • High precision engineering

  • Durable materials including SS316L & brass

  • Wide size range and custom solutions

  • Fast delivery and worldwide supply

  • Proven reliability in harsh industrial environments

Certifications & Compliance

EXGRIP cable glands meet every major global standard:

  • ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU

  • IECEx International Certification Scheme

  • IP66/68 Ingress Protection Ratings

  • RoHS & REACH Compliance

  • Flameproof Ex d and Increased Safety Ex e Approvals

These certifications ensure safety in explosive atmospheres across oil & gas, petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and power sectors.

Maintenance Tips

  • Check for wear, corrosion, or loosened components.

  • Inspect seals and O-rings periodically.

  • Ensure no gas/dust ingress.

  • Replace damaged glands immediately with certified EXGRIP models.

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!

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📞 Phone: +91 9537118899

🌐 Website: www.exgrip.com

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FAQs

Why are ATEX & IECEx certifications important?

They ensure cable glands are tested and safe for explosive atmospheres worldwide.

Ex d or Ex e certified glands are recommended for Zone 1 hazardous areas.

SS316L offers maximum corrosion resistance and durability.

No. You must choose a model specifically designed for the cable type.

Yes, you can choose earth tags, shrouds, reducers, adaptors, and sealing accessories.

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