Cable glands are defined as ‘mechanical cable entry devices’ which are used in conjunction with cable and wiring for electrical, instrumentation & control, and automation systems, including lighting, power, data and telecoms.
The main functions of the Cable Gland are to act as a sealing and terminating device to ensure the protection of electrical equipment and enclosures, including the provision of:
• Environmental protection – by sealing on the outer cable sheath, excluding dust and moisture from the electrical or instrument enclosure.
• Earth continuity – in the case of armoured cables, when the cable gland has a metallic construction. In this case cable glands may be tested to ensure that they can withstand an appropriate peak short circuit fault current.
• Holding force – on the cable to ensure adequate levels of mechanical cable ‘pull out’ resistance.
• Additional sealing – on the part of the cable entering the enclosure, when a high degree of ingress protection is required.
• Additional environmental sealing – at the cable entry point, maintaining the ingress protection rating of the enclosure with the selection of applicable accessories dedicated to performing this function.