Cable glands are fundamental components in industrial cabling systems, especially in hazardous environments where safety, ingress protection, and mechanical retention are non-negotiable. With global industries demanding higher reliability, selecting the right cable gland whether ATEX cable glands, IECEx certified cable glands, armoured cable glands, or industrial cable glands is essential for operational
integrity.
This definitive guide explains what a cable gland is, explores all types of cable glands, presents IP ratings, ATEX and IECEx safety features, and includes a detailed size and selection chart for engineers, panel builders, and OEMs.
What is a Cable Gland?
A cable gland is a mechanical device used to securely terminate electrical cables into equipment such as junction boxes, enclosures, motors, and field instruments. It ensures:
Mechanical strain relief
Electrical continuity (for armoured cables)
Ingress protection (IP66 / IP67 / IP68 glands)
Protection against dust, water, chemicals, and vibration
Explosion protection in hazardous areas (using Ex d, Ex e, Ex nR glands)
Cable glands are essential for industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, marine, mining, automation, renewable energy, and heavy electrical installations.
Types of Cable Glands
Modern electrical installations use a wide range of types of cable glands, each purpose-built for environmental, mechanical, and hazardous area requirements.
1. Armoured Cable Glands
Used with SWA/STA armoured cables for mechanical retention and earth continuity.
Common types of armoured cable glands:
Flameproof (Ex d) armoured glands
Increased Safety (Ex e) glands
Industrial brass armoured glands
Double compression glands
Single compression glands
2. Unarmoured Cable Glands
Suitable for PVC, XLPE, and braided cables.
Includes:
Nylon glands
Metal glands (brass, stainless steel)
EMC glands for shielded cables
3. ATEX & IECEx Certified Cable Glands
Used in Zone 1 & Zone 2 hazardous areas.
Examples:
Explosion-proof cable glands
Flameproof cable glands
Hummel EXIOS ATEX cable gland (popular for global installations)
Ex d / Ex e / Ex nR glands meeting ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
4. Industrial Cable Glands
Designed for machine building and industrial automation.
These include:
Stainless steel cable glands for corrosive environments
Brass cable glands for general electrical installations
Machine cable entry systems
Cable Gland Size Chart & Selection Guide
Selecting the correct gland depends on cable diameter, armour type, material choice, and application standards.
| Gland Size (Metric) | Cable Diameter Range (mm) | Thread Type | Suitable For | IP Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M16 | 3 – 8 | Metric / PG / NPT | Unarmoured cables | IP66 / IP68 |
| M20 | 6 – 12 | Metric / NPT | Armoured & unarmoured | IP67 / IP68 |
| M25 | 11 – 16 | Metric | SWA armoured cables | IP68 |
| M32 | 15 – 21 | Metric | Heavy-duty industrial | IP68 |
| M40 | 19 – 28 | Metric | Hazardous applications | IP66–IP68 |
| M50 | 27 – 35 | Metric | Large termination boxes | IP68 |
| M63 | 34 – 42 | Metric | Explosion-proof enclosures | IP68 |
Consider these factors:
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Cable type (armoured, unarmoured, braided, shielded)
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Cable diameter (OD & armour thickness)
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Material (brass, stainless steel, polyamide)
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Hazardous area classification (Zone 1 & Zone 2)
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Required ingress protection (IP67 / IP68 glands)
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Compliance with ATEX, IECEx or local standards
Cable Gland Size Chart for Armoured Cable :
Cable Gland Size Chart for Unarmoured Cable :
Cable Gland Accessories
Proper termination requires compatible accessories such as:
Locknuts
Earth tags
Serrated washers
Reducers & adaptors
Shrouds
Stopping plugs
Entry thread conversions (Metric / NPT / PG)
These enhance sealing, earthing, mechanical stability, and environmental protection.
Cable Gland Connector
Cable gland connectors interface cables to enclosures or devices. Key connector types include:
Thread adaptors (M-to-NPT conversions)
Reducers/expanders
Barrier resin sealing kits (for Ex d glands)
Multi-cable entry plates for industrial machinery
Installation & Maintenance
Correct installation significantly impacts reliability and certification validity.
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Select correct gland type and size
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Prepare cable ends and armour layers
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Tighten gland components to manufacturer torque values
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Ensure sealing rings correctly grip cable sheath
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Apply thread-locking where required for vibration environments
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Inspect glands annually for corrosion, loosening, or seal damage
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Replace cracked shrouds or degraded elastomers
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For hazardous area glands, follow Ex inspection standards (IEC 60079-17)
Certifications & Compliance
Cable glands used in explosive atmospheres must comply with global standards:
ATEX Certified Cable Glands (Europe) – 2014/34/EU
IECEx Cable Glands (International)
UL/CSA (North America)
Inmetro (Brazil)
EAC / CU-TR (Eurasian region)
Common explosion-protection concepts:
Ex d – Flameproof
Ex e – Increased safety
Ex nR – Restricted breathing
IP66 / IP67 / IP68 ingress protection per IEC 60529
Manufacturers like ExGrip, Hummel, and others work extensively to meet these global compliance norms.
Global Reach with Brass Cable Gland Solutions
ExGrip delivers high-performance industrial cable glands, engineered for demanding sectors including petrochemicals, mining, manufacturing, heavy automation, and offshore environments.
Why engineers prefer ExGrip:
Precision-engineered brass & stainless steel cable glands
Full range of ATEX & IECEx certified cable glands for Zone 1 & 2
Durable IP68 glands designed for harsh outdoor and marine conditions
Competitive export-grade industrial fittings for OEMs and EPC projects
Fast delivery across India and global markets
Continuous innovation in hazardous area solutions
Visit: https://exgrip.com/
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
What is the purpose of a cable gland?
A cable gland provides sealing, strain relief, and environmental protection, especially in industrial or hazardous applications.
What are ATEX cable glands?
ATEX cable glands are explosion-proof or increased-safety glands certified for use in European hazardous zones (Zone 1 & 2).
What is the difference between armoured and unarmoured cable glands?
Armoured glands include clamping and earthing mechanisms, whereas unarmoured glands rely only on sealing and strain relief.
Why choose stainless steel cable glands?
Stainless steel glands are corrosion-resistant and ideal for offshore, marine, chemical, and high-vibration applications.
What are IP68 cable glands?
IP68 glands provide complete protection against dust and prolonged water immersion, ideal for outdoor and underground installations.
