How to Select the Right Cable Gland

Selecting the right cable gland is essential for maintaining the integrity, safety and reliability of electrical installations. Whether you’re working on industrial machinery or general electrical projects, understanding how to choose the right gland ensures proper sealing, strain relief and long-term performance.

CABAC offers a comprehensive range of cable glands for electrical and industrial environments.
For hazardous or explosive areas, CABAC is the authorised distributor of ABB cable glands, which cover the full spectrum of electrical, industrial and hazardous applications.

Cable glands serve several critical functions:

• Provide a secure seal around the cable entry point.
• Offer strain relief to prevent tension on cable terminations.
• Maintain earth continuity for armoured cables.
• Protect against dust, water and mechanical stress, ensuring compliance with IP ratings.

Relevant standards commonly referenced in Australia include:

• IEC 62444 – Specifies requirements for construction, performance and testing of cable glands.
• BS 6121 – Applies to glands used with armoured (SWA) cables.

Step 1: Identify the Cable Type

Determine whether the cable is unarmoured or armoured (SWA).

• Unarmoured cables use glands such as A2, GU or UN Nicote (metal) and GN Series nylon glands.
• Armoured cables require glands that provide armour clamping and earth continuity, such as CW or WGN Nicote types.

Step 2: Check the Cable Diameter

Measure the outer diameter (OD) of the cable and confirm that it falls within the gland’s specified cable acceptance range. A correct fit is essential for achieving the stated IP rating and maintaining effective strain relief.

For unarmoured cables, this is the only dimensional check required.

For armoured (SWA) cables, there is an additional requirement. In addition to the overall cable OD, the over-bedding diameter must also fall within the gland’s specified range. This ensures correct armour clamping, reliable sealing and earth continuity.

SWA cable gland datasheets clearly state both the acceptable cable outer diameter and over-bedding range and should always be checked during selection.

Step 3: Choose the Gland Material

Material selection depends on the application and environmental conditions:

• Nylon (Polyamide) – Lightweight, non-conductive and suitable for indoor or general-purpose installations. CABAC offers PA6 and PA66 nylon variants, both IP68 rated.

Cabac Ranges: GN

• Nickel-plated brass – The most common choice for industrial and commercial applications. It offers strength, corrosion resistance and durability.

Cabac Ranges: GU, A2, UN, WGN

• Stainless steel – Used in marine, food-grade or highly corrosive environments where superior corrosion resistance is essential.

Cabac Ranges: GN

Plain brass glands are uncommon in Australia and not part of the CABAC or ABB ranges.

Step 4: Determine Thread Type

Cable glands are available with different thread types, which connect to the equipment or enclosure entry. The choice depends on the country of origin of the equipment or the specific application.

• Metric (ISO) – The most widely used thread type in Australia and standard across CABAC’s stocked range.
• BSP (British Standard Pipe) – Commonly used in the UK and some legacy equipment.
• PG (Panzer-Gewinde) – Found mainly in older European equipment.
• NPT (National Pipe Thread) – Widely used in North America.

Most Australian installations will use metric threads, but other thread types may be required when connecting to imported machinery or enclosures. CABAC stocks metric thread types, while other thread types are available upon request through the ABB gland range.

Step 5: Consider the Installation Environment

The environment has a direct impact on gland selection:

• Indoor – Nylon or nickel-plated brass glands typically suffice.
• Outdoor or exposed areas – Metal glands with high IP ratings offer better mechanical strength and weather protection.
• Marine or corrosive environments – Stainless steel glands provide long-term corrosion resistance.
• EMC applications – Use EMC glands (e.g. GUxxEMC) designed to maintain shield continuity for screened cables, minimising electromagnetic interference.
• Hazardous areas – For Ex-rated and explosion-protected installations, use ABB Ex-rated glands available through CABAC.

Step 6: Verify Compliance

Ensure that the selected gland meets all applicable standards and performance criteria:

• IEC 62444 – For mechanical strength, sealing and retention.
• IP rating – Indicates the level of protection against dust and water ingress.
• Ex certification – Required for hazardous environments (available in the ABB range).

• Selecting the wrong thread type, resulting in poor mechanical fit or loss of seal.
• Mixing dissimilar metals, such as installing a nickel-plated brass gland into a galvanised steel enclosure without isolation. This can cause galvanic corrosion, particularly in outdoor or damp environments, leading to long-term mechanical and earthing issues.
• Omitting locknuts, reducers or enlargers, which may compromise the gland’s performance or sealing integrity.

CABAC offers a full selection of glands and accessories suitable for electrical and industrial use:

• Metal Glands –
• Unarmoured: A2, GU, GS and UN Nicote series.
• EMC: GUxxEMC series for screened cables.
• Armoured: CW and WGN Nicote series for SWA cables.
• Nylon Glands –
• GN Series (PA6 and PA66): IP68 rated and lightweight.
• Accessories –
• Locknuts, earth tags, shrouds, reducers and enlargers.
• ABB Range (Distributed exclusively by CABAC in Australia) –
• Includes Ex-rated, EMC and industrial glands suitable for hazardous areas and international applications.

Product datasheets and further details are available via the CABAC website.

Selecting the right cable gland is more than just matching a size, it’s about ensuring safety, compliance and performance in every installation. By following this guide and referring to the product datasheets for cable acceptance and over-bedding dimensions, you can make confident selections that meet both Australian standards and on-site requirements.

Some content in this article may have been generated or enhanced using AI tools and has been reviewed by our technical team for accuracy and relevance.