Understanding the Different Types of Glanding and Their Applications

Glanding is an essential process in electrical installations that ensures the safe and secure entry of cables into electrical enclosures, control panels, and machinery. It serves as a protection mechanism against dust, moisture, and mechanical damage while maintaining the integrity of the electrical system. Proper glanding is vital in ensuring the reliability and safety of cables in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. In this guide, we will explore the types of glanding, its applications, materials used, and its role in the overall protection of electrical systems.

What is Glanding?

Glanding refers to the use of specialized devices, commonly known as cable glands, to securely attach and protect electrical cables where they enter or exit an electrical enclosure or equipment. These glands are designed to prevent the ingress of external contaminants like dust, moisture, and gases, while also providing mechanical protection to the cable from physical damage. In addition, glanding plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrical integrity of the installation, reducing the risk of electrical faults.

A cable gland is more than just a simple fastener. It functions to ensure that cables are properly secured and insulated, providing a tight seal to protect the surrounding environment from potentially hazardous electrical issues.

Why is Glanding Important?

Glanding is critical for ensuring the proper operation and safety of electrical installations. It provides the following benefits:

Mechanical Protection: Glands protect cables from physical damage, strain, and wear, particularly in environments where cables are subject to vibration, pressure, or movement.

Sealing Against Contaminants: Glands ensure that the entry points for cables are sealed against dust, moisture, and other environmental contaminants, which can lead to electrical faults or equipment failure.

Electrical Safety: Proper glanding helps maintain grounding and earthing, preventing electric shocks or the risk of fire caused by faulty connections or exposed cables.

Compliance with Safety Standards: Glanding ensures compliance with safety regulations, such as ATEX and IECEx certifications, especially in hazardous areas where explosive atmospheres may be present.

By using the right type of gland for the specific application, the risk of electrical failures is minimized, ensuring the longevity and safe operation of electrical systems.

Types of Glanding

The term glanding refers to a wide variety of cable glands used in different industrial environments. Below are the most common types of glands based on their functionality, protection mechanisms, and materials used.

1. PG (Panzergewinde) Cable Glands

PG cable glands are one of the most commonly used types for glanding in industrial applications. They are designed to provide secure sealing for cables in environments where protection against environmental factors such as moisture and dust is essential. These glands use the Panzergewinde (PG) thread system, which ensures a secure connection.

Key Features:

Thread Type: PG (Panzergewinde) thread

Application: Widely used for electrical installations in industrial settings

Protection: Provides sealing against dust and moisture

Material: Typically made from brass or plastic

2. Metric Cable Glands

Metric cable glands are designed to fit cables with an ISO metric thread system. They are used in a variety of applications and provide a secure, stable connection between cables and enclosures. These glands are commonly used in electrical installations where higher sealing performance and resistance to environmental factors are required.

Key Features:

Thread Type: ISO metric thread (M-thread)

Application: Suitable for medium to high-voltage systems, control panels, and industrial machinery

Protection: Ensures a tight seal and protection from mechanical damage and environmental conditions

Material: Made from brass, aluminum, or stainless steel

3. Explosion-Proof Cable Glands (Ex d)

Explosion-proof cable glands, also known as Ex d glands, are specifically designed for environments where explosive gases or vapors are present. These glands are built to contain any sparks or flames that may occur within the gland, preventing them from igniting the surrounding explosive atmosphere. Ex d glands are used in industries like oil, gas, and chemical processing, where the risk of explosion is prevalent.

Key Features:

Protection: Flameproof design to contain internal explosions and prevent external ignition

Applications: Hazardous areas such as ATEX and IECEx zones

Material: Typically made from brass, stainless steel, or aluminum

4. EMC Cable Glands

EMC cable glands are designed to provide electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), ensuring that electromagnetic interference (EMI) is minimized or prevented from affecting the operation of nearby equipment. These glands are often used in data centers, telecommunications, and sensitive electronic applications, where electrical noise could disrupt performance.

Key Features:

Protection: Designed to provide electromagnetic shielding and prevent interference

Applications: Used in sensitive environments like medical devices, telecommunications, and data transmission systems

Material: Typically made from metal combined with rubber to ensure EMI shielding

5. Liquid-Tight Cable Glands

Liquid-tight cable glands are designed to prevent liquids such as water, oil, or chemicals from entering the electrical enclosure. These glands are commonly used in outdoor applications or areas prone to water exposure, ensuring that the electrical components inside the enclosure are protected from corrosion or short-circuiting due to moisture ingress.

Key Features:

Protection: Provides a tight seal against moisture and other liquids

Applications: Ideal for outdoor installations, marine environments, and industrial equipment exposed to liquids

Material: Made from rubber, plastic, or metal

6. Armored Cable Glands

Armored cable glands are designed for cables that are armored with a metallic sheath. These glands provide enhanced protection for cables in high-stress environments, ensuring that the armored cables remain secure and protected from mechanical damage. They are often used in industrial and mining applications where cables are subjected to physical stress.

Key Features:

Protection: Provides additional protection to armored cables from mechanical damage and strain

Applications: Suitable for mining, industrial plants, and high-stress environments

Material: Made from stainless steel, brass, or aluminum

Materials Used in Glanding

The material of the gland plays a significant role in its functionality and durability. Depending on the application, glands can be made from a variety of materials, each offering different levels of protection against environmental factors.

1. Brass

Brass is one of the most commonly used materials for cable glands due to its durability, conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. Brass is often used in industrial and commercial applications, where mechanical strength and electrical conductivity are required.

2. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is widely used for glands that need to withstand corrosive environments, such as marine, chemical, and oil and gas industries. Its high resistance to corrosion and ability to endure harsh conditions make it the preferred choice for heavy-duty applications.

3. Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight material often used for cable glands that require corrosion resistance but where the weight of the material is a concern. Aluminum glands are commonly used in outdoor installations and applications where corrosion resistance is important.

4. Plastic

Plastic cable glands, usually made from nylon or polyamide, are ideal for low-cost, low-stress environments. These glands provide basic sealing and are suitable for domestic, light industrial, and electronic applications.

Choosing the Right Gland for Your Application

When selecting a gland for your electrical installation, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

Cable Type and Size: Ensure the gland is compatible with the type and size of the cable you are using. Glands are available in various sizes and designs to accommodate both armored and unarmored cables.

Environmental Conditions: Choose a gland that provides adequate protection against the specific environmental conditions in your installation, such as moisture, chemicals, dust, or extreme temperatures.

Sealing Requirements: Ensure that the gland provides a tight seal to prevent moisture, dust, and other contaminants from entering the electrical enclosure.

Material Durability: Consider the material of the gland based on the level of exposure to corrosive or hazardous conditions. Stainless steel and brass are preferred for industrial and harsh environments, while plastic may suffice for lighter applications.

Conclusion

Glanding is a vital component of electrical installations, ensuring that cables are securely attached to electrical enclosures while providing protection against environmental factors, mechanical stress, and electrical faults. The correct selection of cable glands based on application-specific requirements helps maintain the integrity and safety of electrical systems, particularly in industries where hazardous conditions prevail.

From explosion-proof glands used in ATEX zones to EMC glands in sensitive electronic environments, choosing the right type of gland is essential for ensuring compliance with safety standards and avoiding costly system failures.

For more information on high-quality glanding solutions and cable glands, visit Cabex India.