Selecting the right cable gland may look simple, but in real electrical installations, it directly impacts safety, IP protection, and long-term performance. Whether you are checking a cable gland size chart, reviewing a double compression cable gland size chart pdf, selecting an armoured cable gland, or comparing different cable gland types, the goal is always the same match the correct cable and gland size without guesswork.
Engineers often search for terms like cable gland size chart in mm, 150 sq mm cable gland size, 3.5 core 300 sq mm cable gland size, or even download a cable gland size chart pdf or cable gland types pdf for site use. But instead of just looking at a gland chart, understanding how to interpret it properly makes all the difference. This guide will help you confidently select the correct size, entry thread, and material using a structured and practical approach.
What is a Cable Gland?
A cable gland is a mechanical device designed to:
-
Secure the cable entering an enclosure
-
Provide strain relief
-
Maintain ingress protection (IP rating)
-
Ensure earth continuity (especially for armoured cables)
-
Prevent dust, moisture, or hazardous gas entry
It is commonly used in control panels, junction boxes, hazardous areas, industrial plants, and outdoor installations.
Product Selection Table – Cable Gland Selection for All Cable Types
Selecting the correct cable gland depends on:
Cable construction (armoured / unarmoured)
Number of cores
Cable outer diameter
Armour diameter
Entry thread requirement
Installation environment
Material selection
Below is a practical and easy-to-use product selection reference table.
Cable Type vs Recommended Gland Type
Choose the appropriate cable gland type based on the cable construction (armoured or unarmoured) to ensure secure clamping, effective sealing, and long-term installation safety.
| Cable Type | Core Type | Recommended Gland | Compression | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unarmoured PVC Cable | 2, 3, 4 Core | Nylon / Brass Gland | Single | Indoor Panels |
| XLPE Unarmoured Cable | Multi-Core | Brass Gland | Single | Industrial Panels |
| SWA Armoured Cable | 2–4 Core | Armoured Cable Gland | Double | Outdoor Installations |
| 150 sq mm Armoured Cable | Single Core | Heavy Duty Brass Gland | Double | Transformer Connection |
| 3.5 Core 300 sq mm Cable | Power Cable | Heavy Duty Armoured Gland | Double | Substations |
Cable Outer Diameter vs Gland Size
Select the correct gland size by matching the cable’s outer diameter (OD) with the recommended gland range to ensure proper sealing, mechanical strength, and IP protection.
| Cable OD (mm) | Suggested Gland Size | Entry Thread | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 – 12 mm | M16 / M20 | M16 x 1.5 | Small Control Cables |
| 12 – 18 mm | M20 / M25 | M20 x 1.5 | Instrumentation Cables |
| 18 – 25 mm | M25 / M32 | M25 x 1.5 | Medium Power Cables |
| 25 – 32 mm | M32 / M40 | M32 x 1.5 | Armoured Cables |
| 32 – 44 mm | M40 / M50 | M40 x 1.5 | Heavy Duty Cables |
| 44 – 60 mm | M50 / M63 | M50 x 1.5 | 150 sq mm Cables |
| 60 – 75 mm | M63 / M75 | M63 x 1.5 | 3.5 Core 300 sq mm |
Entry Thread Selection Guide
The entry thread must match your panel or equipment entry to ensure proper sealing, mechanical strength, and IP protection.
| THREAD TYPE | STANDARD | COMMON USE |
|---|---|---|
| Metric (M) | ISO Standard | Most modern control panels & switchgear |
| BSP (G) | British Standard Pipe | Industrial panels & heavy machinery |
| NPT | National Pipe Thread | Oil & Gas, Petrochemical industries |
| PG | Panzergewinde | European equipment & legacy systems |
Select Material
Material selection depends on installation environment, corrosion exposure, and application type.
| MATERIAL | CODE | SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel Plated Brass | N | General industrial installations |
| Stainless Steel 304 | X2 | Food processing & pharmaceutical industries |
| Stainless Steel 316 | X3 | Marine, offshore & chemical environments |
| Brass (Natural) | B | Indoor electrical applications |
Important: For hazardous areas (Zone 1 & Zone 2), always select certified materials compliant with ATEX / IECEx requirements.
Select Kit Options (Accessories)
Accessories enhance performance, sealing, and grounding reliability depending on your application requirements.
| OPTION CODE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| BK | Basic Gland (No Accessories) |
| FK | Full Kit (Earth Tag + Shroud + Washer) |
| OT | With Earth Tag |
| SH | With PVC Shroud |
Download Full Exgrip Cable Glands Brochure
For detailed technical specifications, dimensional drawings, certifications, and complete product range information, download the official Exgrip Cable Glands brochure.
Need help selecting the correct gland? Contact our technical team for expert guidance.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Selecting the right cable gland is critical for ensuring long-term electrical safety, environmental protection, and reliable system performance. Whether you require a waterproof cable gland for outdoor installations, a durable brass cable gland for industrial panels, or a heavy-duty armoured cable gland for demanding environments, correct selection based on cable type, cable outer diameter, entry thread, and material is essential.
Using a proper cable gland size chart helps prevent common installation errors and ensures secure sealing, vibration resistance, and compliance with international standards. From standard industrial cable gland applications to certified explosion proof cable gland requirements in hazardous areas, choosing the correct gland improves safety, efficiency, and operational reliability.
At Exgrip, we manufacture and supply a complete range of high-performance cable glands and cable gland accessories, engineered for precision and certified with ATEX, IECEx, IP, RoHS, and REACH standards. Our solutions are designed to meet the needs of power plants, oil & gas facilities, marine environments, infrastructure projects, and industrial control systems.
📩 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 do I select the right cable gland for my application?
To select the correct cable gland, you must identify the cable type (armoured or unarmoured), measure the cable outer diameter (OD), choose the correct entry thread type (Metric, BSP, NPT, or PG), and select the suitable material. Referring to a cable gland size chart ensures proper sealing and long-term reliability.
Why is cable outer diameter important when choosing a cable gland?
Cable outer diameter (OD) is critical because the gland must tightly seal around the cable sheath. If the gland size does not match the cable OD range, it may cause poor sealing, loss of IP rating, vibration damage, or cable movement inside the panel.
What is the difference between single compression and double compression cable glands?
Single compression cable glands seal at one point and are generally used for unarmoured cables. Double compression cable glands provide dual sealing and armour clamping, making them ideal for armoured cable gland applications in heavy industrial environments.
How do I choose between Metric, BSP, NPT, and PG thread types?
The entry thread type must match the panel or equipment entry. Metric threads are commonly used in modern industrial panels, BSP threads are common in industrial setups, NPT threads are widely used in oil & gas applications, and PG threads are found in European equipment.
Which material is best for industrial cable glands?
Nickel plated brass cable glands are suitable for general industrial use. Stainless Steel 304 is ideal for food and pharma industries, while Stainless Steel 316 is recommended for marine and chemical environments. Material selection should depend on corrosion exposure and operating conditions.
When should I use an explosion proof cable gland?
Explosion proof cable glands are required in hazardous areas such as oil & gas plants, refineries, and chemical industries. These glands help prevent flame propagation and maintain explosion containment, ensuring compliance with ATEX and IECEx certifications.
