What is a Cable Gland? Definition and Purpose

A cable gland is a mechanical cable entry device designed to securely terminate and anchor electrical cables, whether armoured or unarmoured. Its primary purpose is to prevent cable pull-out while providing a reliable seal that protects equipment enclosures from dust, water, and other environmental contaminants. By maintaining the integrity of the enclosure, cable glands ensure safety and operational reliability in various industrial settings.

In the U.S., cable glands are commonly referred to as cord grips, cable strain reliefs, or cable connectors. These essential components not only support mechanical strength but also contribute to ingress protection, strain relief, and grounding—making them indispensable in electrical installations.

Key Functions and Benefits of Wilmall Cable Glands

Wilmal’s cable glands deliver reliable performance with several essential functions designed for global industrial needs:

• Strain Relief & Pull-Out Resistance Securely grips cables to prevent damage or disconnection under tension.
• Ingress Protection (Dust, Water, Oil) Provides high IP ratings, including IP68, to shield cables from environmental hazards.
• Earth Continuity/Grounding for Armoured Cables Ensures safe grounding, vital for electrical safety in armoured cable applications.
• Corrosion Resistance in Harsh Environments Made from durable materials like nickel-plated brass and stainless steel, suitable for marine and industrial sites.
• Ease of Installation and Maintenance Designed for straightforward fitting with clear torque values, reducing downtime.
• Compliance with International Standards Meets IEC, ATEX, IECEx, UL, and other certifications, guaranteeing safety and global acceptance.

For more on integrating cable glands into control panels and automation systems, see Wilmall’s high-accuracy current transformers which complement reliable cable entries perfectly.

Types of Cable Glands Available from Wilmall

Wilmall offers a broad range of cable glands to suit various applications and environments. Here’s a quick overview of the main types you can find:

• Standard / Non-armoured cable glands: Ideal for general use with unarmoured cables, providing secure sealing and strain relief.
• Armoured cable glands (e.g., CW, BW types): Designed for armoured cables, these glands ensure earth continuity and robust mechanical protection.
• Hazardous area / Ex-rated glands: Specially engineered for explosive or hazardous environments, these flameproof glands comply with safety standards like ATEX and IECEx.
• EMC / Shielded glands: These help maintain electromagnetic compatibility, protecting sensitive equipment from interference.
• Plastic (nylon/polyamide) vs. Metallic (brass, nickel-plated, stainless steel): Wilmall provides options in durable plastics for light-duty or corrosive environments, and robust metals for heavy-duty or industrial use.
• Waterproof / Submersible glands: Perfect for outdoor, marine, or wet environments—these glands offer high ingress protection such as IP68 and IP69K ratings.
• Split / Multi-cable entry glands: Designed for passing multiple cables through one entry point without the need to disconnect or strip cables, simplifying installations.

Materials and Construction of Wilmall Cable Glands

Wilmall cable glands are designed with quality materials to ensure durability and reliable performance in various environments. The body of the gland is typically made from brass with a nickel-plated finish for corrosion resistance, stainless steel for harsh and marine conditions, or polyamide (nylon) for lightweight and cost-effective use.

The seals are crafted from high-grade materials like EPDM, silicone, or neoprene, chosen for their excellent temperature tolerance and chemical resistance, ensuring a tight environmental seal against dust, water, and oils.

Cable glands come with different thread types to fit global standards, including Metric, PG, and NPT threads, allowing easy installation into a wide variety of electrical enclosures and equipment.

Key components include the sealing nut that secures the cable, a locknut to fix the gland firmly in place, the main body, the seal for environmental protection, and an armour clamp when used with armoured cables to maintain earth continuity and enhance mechanical strength.

Choosing the right combination of materials and construction elements ensures that Wilmall cable glands offer reliable mechanical cable entry solutions tailored to your application’s demands.

For heavy-duty or large-diameter applications, explore our stainless steel cable gland options designed to deliver exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.

How to Choose the Right Wilmall Cable Gland

Choosing the perfect Wilmall cable gland means matching it to your cable and environment needs. Here’s a simple guide to get it right:

• Cable Type: Decide if your cable is armoured or unarmoured. Check the diameter range to ensure a snug fit.
• Environment: Indoor or outdoor? Hazardous area, marine, or industrial setting? Your gland must handle the conditions (salt, chemicals, heat, or moisture).
• Ingress Protection Rating: Pick the IP rating you need (like IP68 for waterproof or IP69K for tough washdowns).
• Thread Size & Entry Hole: Make sure the gland threads (Metric, PG, NPT) match your enclosure’s entry hole.
• Certifications Needed: If you’re working in regulated areas, look for glands certified by IEC, ATEX, IECEx, or UL.

Quick Reference Table for Cable Diameter & Gland Sizes

Using this guide takes the guesswork out of choosing the right cable gland. For extra tips on cable fittings and electrical accessories, check Wilmall’s helpful resources like their capacitive proximity switch shielded C30.

Technical Specifications of Wilmall Cable Glands

Wilmall cable glands come with precise technical specs designed to fit a wide range of cables and conditions, ensuring reliability and safety in all uses. Here’s a quick overview:

These specs ensure Wilmall cable glands offer robust cable strain relief and mechanical cable entry protection while meeting demanding global safety and environmental standards.

For exact cable diameter compatibility and installation details, always refer to Wilmall’s detailed product datasheets. This precision helps avoid issues like water ingress or premature cable wear.

If you’re integrating glands into control systems, consider pairing them with reliable gear like the industrial remote control transmitter sets which also demand secure and sealed cable entries to maintain full system integrity.

Applications and Industries for Wilmall Cable Glands

Wilmall cable glands are trusted across a wide range of industries due to their reliability and versatility. Here’s where they excel:

• Industrial automation and control panels: Provide secure cable entry and strain relief to keep sensitive controls safe and operational.
• Power distribution and electrical enclosures: Ensure cables are securely sealed and protected from dust, water, and mechanical stress.
• Hazardous areas such as oil & gas and mining: Specialized hazardous area cable glands prevent sparks and maintain safety in explosive environments.
• Marine and offshore installations: Waterproof and corrosion-resistant glands withstand harsh sea conditions, guaranteeing long-term durability.
• Instrumentation and telecom systems: Reliable cable connectors maintain signal integrity and protect delicate wiring.
• Renewable energy (solar, wind): Durable glands protect cable entries in outdoor and environmentally exposed settings.
• Railway and transportation: Robust cable fittings ensure safety and performance in demanding transport infrastructure.

Choosing the right cable gland for your industry is crucial for safety and performance. For example, pairing Wilmall glands with durable systems like our industrial remote control transmitters and receivers ensures complete, hassle-free protection from cable entry to control operation.

Installation Guide for Wilmall Cable Glands

Installing Wilmall cable glands correctly is key to ensuring secure cable entry, protection, and long-lasting performance. Follow these simple steps for a safe and effective setup.

Tools Required

• Adjustable wrench or spanner
• Cable stripper or knife
• Screwdriver (if needed for locking nuts)
• Torque wrench (recommended for precision)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using incorrect gland size that leads to poor sealing.
• Damaging the cable during jacket stripping.
• Forgetting to properly secure the armour clamp on armoured cables.
• Skipping a torque check, risking under- or over-tightening.

For related electrical products, you may find our industrial remote control transmitter sets useful for advanced control applications.

Why Choose Wilmall Cable Glands?

Choosing Wilmall cable glands means opting for superior quality and durability you can trust in every installation. Our glands are built to last, handling tough environments without compromise.

Key benefits include:

Plus, our customer testimonials and case studies highlight real-world success and satisfaction with Wilmall’s cable glands. This track record of excellence ensures you get dependable cable connectors with every purchase.For those looking for reliable, certified cable strain relief and cable entry gland solutions, Wilmall is your go-to partner. We combine quality materials, precise construction, and expert support to meet global needs with confidence. Explore our range and experience why professionals prefer Wilmall.Consider pairing Wilmall cable glands with other industrial control products like our durable 4-way push button pendant control stations for a complete system you can rely on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about cable glands, especially Wilmall’s range:

If you want to explore detailed sizes or specific models, check out Wilmall’s standard cable glands or browse their durable waterproof connectors for related cable protection solutions.