Date: 2026-08-19
The cable gland is used to reliably insert, fix and seal a cable as it passes through a wall of an electrical panel, junction box, machine or other equipment.
For the right choice, it is not enough to know only the thread designation. You must also check the outer diameter of the cable, the size and type of the mounting hole, the material of the gland and the conditions under which it will be used.
1. Measure the outer diameter of the cable
The main indicator when choosing is the outer diameter of the cable, not just the cross-section of its conductors. Cables with the same cross-section can have different outer diameters depending on the number of cores, insulation and construction.
Each cable gland has a specific tightening range. The outer diameter of the cable must fall within this range. If the cable is too thin or too thick, proper fixation and sealing cannot be relied on.
2. Check the size and type of thread
The thread determines how the fitting is mounted to the panel or equipment. Metric and PG threads are often used, but they have different sizes and should not be considered interchangeable.
Before ordering, check the thread designation, mounting hole diameter and wall thickness. If there is no ready-made threaded hole, a suitable lock nut may be required.
3. Choose the right material
Plastic cable glands are widely used in electrical panels, junction boxes and various standard applications. They are lightweight and practical to install.
Brass fittings are typically chosen for higher mechanical requirements, industrial equipment, and applications where metal construction is more appropriate. The specific selection should be based on the environment, housing material, and equipment requirements.
4. Check the required level of protection
The IP rating indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solid particles and water under the conditions specified for the product. It is necessary to check the manufacturer's stated degree of protection for the specific fitting.
The ultimate protection of all equipment depends not only on the gland, but also on its proper installation, the appropriate cable diameter, the seal, the mounting hole and the housing.
5. Consider the working conditions
Before choosing, the conditions at the installation site must be assessed:
- indoor or outdoor installation;
- presence of dust, moisture or water splashes;
- operating temperature;
- vibrations and mechanical stress;
- contact with oils or chemicals;
- need for the material to be environmentally sustainable.
The permissible temperature and resistance to various impacts should be checked in the technical information for the specific model.
6. Check the installation method
To achieve reliable fixation, the cable must be correctly routed through the gland and the sealing element must be tightened according to the design of the product.
Overtightening may damage the gland, seal, or cable sheath. Undertightening may cause the cable to shift and lose the necessary seal.
7. Most common mistakes when choosing
- selection only by the cross-section of the wires;
- neglecting the outer diameter of the cable;
- mixing metric and PG threads;
- incorrect mounting hole size;
- using a fitting outside its tightening range;
- neglect of the material and working conditions;
- acceptance that the indicated IP protection is achieved regardless of the installation.
Summary
Before ordering a cable gland, check:
- the outer diameter of the cable;
- the tightening range of the fitting;
- the type and size of the thread;
- the diameter of the mounting hole;
- the material of the fitting;
- the required degree of protection;
- temperature and operating conditions;
- the need for a locknut or other accessories.
Explore available E.NEXT cable glands , including plastic cable glands and brass cable glands .
Important: the specific gland must be selected according to the dimensions of the cable and opening, the technical characteristics of the product and the operating conditions.