Q&A with HELU: Cable Glands - Helukabel USA

08, Sep. 2025

 

Q&A with HELU: Cable Glands - Helukabel USA

Q: How do I determine what size cable gland to use based on cable size?

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A: For standard glands, the key is the outside diameter (O.D.) of the cable in question. Each cable gland size can take a varying range of cable sizes based on the thread type chosen. Some gland manufacturers provide reducing seals to increase the O.D. range a gland can accept. For EMC glands, it’s recommended to choose cable glands with a lower clamping range that is sufficiently smaller than the cable’s outer diameter to ensure there is proper contact between the EMC contact element and the cable shield.

Q: What are available thread types and what is the purpose of each?

A: When it comes to cable glands, choosing the right thread type for the job makes all the difference. The success of your application relies on proper installation, which is why choosing the correct thread is so important. The three mos tcommon thread types are metric, NPT and PG.

Metric threads are the most common thread type used around the world. Metric threads are characterized by their major diameter and pitch, both expressed in millimeters. For example, an M20 x 1.5 fitting has a thread diameter of 20 mm and a pitch of 1.5 mm. You would want to use metric threads on exported equipment or on projects that could beused worldwide. NPT stands for National Pipe Thread and is the US standard for tapered threads on connectors and fittings.

NPT threads are usually longer than metric or PG and taper toward the end. The taper rate for all NPT threads is 1/16 in. NPT threads are designed to create a liquid-tight seal upon tightening.The flanks of the threads compress against each other, which allows them to form a seal when torque is applied. You want to use NPT threads in applications that require an effective seal from liquids, gases, and steam.

PG stands for Panzer-Gewinde and is an older German thread type. PG threads are straight threads designed with a smaller thread depth and larger flank angle. The 80° angle of the PG thread gives it a shorter profile than the more common 60° angle found in metric threads.

Q: Why should I use a cable gland instead of just putting the cable in an entry hole?

A: Not using cable glands in an installation can create a host of problems as there is no protection for the cable or the components within the enclosure where the cable will ultimately be installed. By using them customers can accomplish several things at once:

  • Secure cables in place and prevent them from being twisted or accidentally pulled out.
  • Providing an airtight seal to keep out dust, dirt, water, and moisture - a key function with electrical equipment.
  • Fortifying the cable against strain.
  • Protecting the vulnerable end of the cable from damage.
  • Ground electrical cables and cut the risk of shock and electrocution (EMC glands only).

Q: What are cable glands IP rated and why is it important?

How To Choose A Cable Gland

Guidelines for the selection and use of cable waterproof cable glands

As the name implies, cable waterproof connectors can be applied to environments with water to provide safe and reliable connector joints, the most important of which is the ability to achieve waterproof effects. So how to select the type of waterproof cable connector?

Cable gland introduction

The main body, nut and pressing head of the plastic waterproof joint are made of nylon PA66; the nylon pipe fittings are green and environmentally friendly, non-toxic to the human body, no secondary pollution and suitable for long-term contact with water, no corrosion, no toxicity, and no rust. The static working temperature is suitable for -40℃~100℃, the instantaneous heat resistance can reach 120℃, the dynamic working temperature is -20℃~80℃, the instantaneous heat resistance is 100℃. Special clamping jaws and rubber parts design, wide clamping cable range, strong tensile strength, cable gland waterproof, dustproof, saltproof, acid and alkali resistant, alcohol, grease and general lubricant.

The metal waterproof cable gland is nickel-plated brass, the clamping claw is nylon material, and the clamping ring uses soft NBR to fasten the cable, so that the cable does not leave marks after the connector is removed; it has good high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and high pressure resistance Performance, salt spray test is not less than 200 hours.

Installation and use scope:

Generally, one end of the thread is fixed on the shell, and the nut is tightened in the shell to fix it (or according to the selection of thread access to the electric equipment whose internal thread is imported and exported), the cable is directly led out from the waterproof connector, and the nut is tightened properly, so that The cable can be protected.

It is widely used in the fixing and protection of wire and cable in mechanical equipment, electrical, marine electrical and anti-corrosion equipment.

main effect

Fastening and sealing of cables. Tightening refers to locking the cable through a waterproof connector so that the cable does not have axial displacement and radial rotation, ensuring that the cable connection is normal. Sealing means isolating water and dust from entering.

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Selection guide

1. Determine the IP protection level that the cable gland needs to achieve according to the usage environment and requirements of the cable connector;

2. Determine the material and color of the cable gland according to the usage environment and requirements of the cable connector;

3. Determine the thread specifications and thread standards required for the cable gland;

(Thread standard description: EN metric thread M; DIN German thread PG)

4. Choose a cable model that is close to the outer diameter of the cable, and the bayonet range of about +10% is used as the specific model;

5. Under normal circumstances, it is recommended to use O-rings to achieve the IP67 technical standard;

6. According to the thickness of the machine board, whether it is necessary to lengthen the thread;

7. If it is used in an explosive or flammable gas occasion, an explosion-proof joint is required;

8. If there are electromagnetic compatibility requirements, you need to choose EMC shielded connectors;

9. Check the specifications, please contact SAICHUANG for any question.

Application notes

1. Use different materials for cable waterproof glands in different environments;

2. It is recommended to use a torque wrench to tighten (recommended);

3. When the requirements above IP65 are required, O-rings must be used;

4. In order to ensure a certain pressure at the joint, it is recommended to add a sheath tube to strengthen the insulation and protection;

5. In order to ensure waterproof and longer-term operation, it is recommended to use double-wall glued heat shrinkable sleeves and insulating sleeves for reinforcement;

6. During construction, it is best to adopt a staggered butt joint method (that is, the cable does not need to be neatly cut and docked);

7. The self-adhesive tapes (or heat-shrinkable waterproof tapes) used are high-voltage products to ensure insulation safety.

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