Cable glands often go unnoticed in electrical installations, but their role is vital. Whether you’re working on a commercial fit-out, an offshore project, or general industrial maintenance, the right gland helps ensure safety, longevity and proper performance.
At BATT Cables, we’ve been supporting the UK’s cable industry for over 70 years. With more than 3,200 stock lines available for immediate dispatch, we supply everything from cables and accessories to expert guidance. Here, we’ll cover what cable glands are, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your installation.
What is a Cable Gland?
A cable gland is a mechanical fitting used to secure the end of a cable into electrical equipment. It helps maintain the enclosure’s integrity, provides strain relief, and can also ensure earth continuity where required.
Depending on the environment and the type of cable used, glands may offer protection against:
- Dust and moisture
- Cable pull-out or movement
- Electrical faults (through earthing)
- Exposure to chemicals, vibration or temperature extremes
How Cable Glands are Constructed
A typical gland—such as a CW type for armoured cable—consists of several parts: a sealing nut, outer and inner seals, an armour cone, and a clamping ring. These components work together to clamp the cable securely, protect against ingress, and maintain earth continuity where needed.
Each part must be correctly installed to achieve the gland’s intended protection level.
Why Correct Selection is Crucial
Using the wrong cable gland can lead to a number of problems:
- Cable damage caused by incorrect clamping
- Ingress of water or dust due to insufficient sealing
- Electrical hazards, especially where earthing is required
- Non-compliance with safety or installation standards
- Increased maintenance if inferior materials are used
Getting the specification right from the start avoids costly rework or failures later on.
Types of Cables and Matching Glands
Different cable types require different glands. Here’s what to consider:
- Armoured cables contain a metal layer for mechanical protection. These require glands that ensure proper earthing and mechanical clamping.
- Unarmoured cables are lighter and more flexible. They don’t need earthing, but must be secured for strain relief.
- Screened or braided cables are designed to reduce electromagnetic interference. Glands must maintain shielding integrity.
- Marine and offshore cables need protection against salt, corrosion and water ingress.
- High-temperature cables demand glands that can withstand elevated operating temperatures.
Cable outer diameters (ODs) can vary between manufacturers, so it’s always worth checking the datasheet—or measuring the cable directly—before selecting the gland. Likewise, gland clamping ranges differ by manufacturer, so double-check both sides. When possible, source cable and glands from the same supplier.
Plastic vs Metal Cable Glands
Plastic glands—typically made from nylon—are lightweight, cost-effective, and resistant to UV and many chemicals. They’re well suited to indoor or general-purpose installations.
Metallic glands, such as those made from brass or stainless steel, are more robust and offer improved strength, durability and conductivity. They’re the go-to option when earthing is required or when used in more demanding environments.
Understanding IP Ratings
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings indicate how well a gland resists the entry of solids and liquids.
For example:
- BW glands, which offer limited protection, are suitable for dry indoor areas (typically IP2X).
- CW, E1W and CXT glands provide better sealing (up to IP66) and are appropriate for dusty or wet environments.
Note: These higher IP ratings usually require the addition of sealing washers.
Choosing the right IP rating depends on the environment the gland will be used in. Outdoors or exposed settings will naturally demand a more robust gland with proper sealing.
Popular Gland Types for Armoured Cable
Here are some of the more commonly used glands:
- BW Glands: Suitable for dry indoor environments. Clamp the cable armour, but don’t provide a full environmental seal.
- CW Glands: Offer a seal on the cable’s outer sheath and include armour clamping. Suitable for external or dusty areas. CW glands are also used internally, particularly in environments that require a gland with a higher IP rating.
- E1W Glands: Provide sealing on both inner and outer sheaths, offering greater protection in exposed environments.
- CXT Glands: Designed for cables with braided or pliable wire armour, also offering high ingress protection.
Gland Accessories – What to Consider
Accessories are just as important as the gland itself when it comes to safety and proper installation.
- Locknuts hold the gland in place on the enclosure and are available in brass, nylon and stainless steel. Serrated versions improve grip.
- Earth tags are used with armoured cables to maintain a reliable path to earth—essential for safe fault clearing.
- Shrouds provide a tidy finish and a degree of environmental protection. Available in standard PVC, LSF (Low Smoke & Fume), or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) for installations requiring low-toxicity materials.
- Seals are used to maintain IP ratings and should be chosen based on environmental exposure and fire performance requirements.
Standards and Compliance
Choosing glands that meet recognised British and European standards is essential to ensure safety and legal compliance:
- BS 6121: Covers performance requirements and installation guidance for armour glands.
- BS EN 62444: Replaced BS EN 50262 and outlines performance criteria and testing for glands using sealing washers. This standard is for glands with a higher IP rating, minimum IP54 to qualify.
- BS EN 60079-0: Applies to glands intended for hazardous (ATEX/IECEx) areas.
Products such as E1W or A2F glands are commonly used in these environments due to their high performance and certification.
Conclusion
Cable glands aren’t just a finishing touch—they’re a key component of any safe and effective electrical installation. With so many gland types, materials and standards to consider, it pays to spend time selecting the right one for the job.
At BATTCables, we stock a wide range of cable glands, accessories and compliant fittings, ready for immediate delivery. If you need help with selection or technical advice, get in touch—we’re here to help.
Need support with gland selection or compliance?
Visit battcables.com or contact our team today.
