Cable Gland Size Chart: Choose the Right Cable Gland

Cable glands, a crucial component in safe and reliable connections, are responsible for protecting electrical systems from potential damage, thereby ensuring their safety and security. When choosing cable glands, it’s vital to consider factors such as the cable’s structure, size, and the installation environment. The cable gland size chart, a valuable tool, aids in this process. Let’s delve into the correct method of selecting cable glands and their sizes to meet your specific needs. 

What is a Cable Gland?

Curious about cable glands? These versatile connectors are designed to secure the connection between cables and electrical devices. Available in a wide range of types, sizes, and materials, cable glands can be easily tailored to your specific requirements. Accurate measurement of cable glands is crucial for proper selection. 

Cable Gland Size Chart:

Think of the cable gland size chart as a tool that lets you find the right size for your application. The cable gland size chart uses the overall diameter’s nominal dimensions, armor diameter, and cable thickness to help you find the right fit for your cables. This chart is like a calculator for cable gland sizes. One side of the table represents the cross-sectional area of the cables, usually in mm², and the other side represents the number of cores in the cable. 

How to use the Cable Gland Size Chart?

So, how do you navigate the cable gland size chart to find the right cable gland? Start by locating the size of your cable in the rows. Once you’ve identified your cable size, cross-reference it with the number of cores in the cable. The intersection of these values on the chart will indicate the required size of your cable glands. 

It is important to note that cables can range between 1.5 mm² and 1000 mm², and the number of cores in the cable can vary from one to 48; this means that there will be a huge variation in the cable gland sizes. Even after this huge variation, the cable gland size chart ensures that your cable and gland size chart coordinates and that you get the perfect fit for your cables. 

Meaning of Letters in Cable Gland Size Chart:

Sometimes, you might find a letter accompanying the number on the cable gland size chart, such as 20S. This letter signifies that there is a smaller inner thread-locking system, which is essential for choosing the right kind and size of the cable gland. If you need help selecting the right gland size for your project, consider contacting an expert like Go Switchgear. 

Comprehensive Cable Gland Size Chart:

Here is a comprehensive cable gland size chart that you can use for cable gland selection. It is important to note that this size chart does not include all the cable gland sizes. In this table, you’ll find the number of cores in the rows and the cable size in the column. The recommended gland size is where the two readings intersect. 

How to Measure Cable Glands?

Measuring cable glands is not just a step; it’s a crucial part of the process. Whether you’re dealing with armored or unarmored cables, the right measurement is key to a secure and reliable connection. Let’s demystify the process and learn how to measure cable glands for both types of cables.

Unarmored Cables:

Unarmored cables are fairly easy to measure. The only measurement you require is the diameter of the cable. 

Armored Cables:

On the other hand, the armored cables need a few more measurements and considerations. Some of the measurements you require for armored cables include the following:

• Diameter of the inner bedding
• Diameter of the cable’s armoring
• Diameter of the lead covering
• Size and type of the armor or braid
• Type and material of the cable armor.
• Short circuit fault current rating

Step-by-Step Guide on Measuring Cable Glands:

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you measure cable glands.

1. Identify whether the cable is armored or unarmored.
2. For unarmored cables, you need to measure the cable diameter. 
3. For armored cables, you need to make a few more measurements, including the diameter of inner bedding, armor diameter, lead covering diameter, armor and braid sizes and types. 
4. For armored cables, you need to measure the circuit fault current rating as well. 
5. Consider if your application has any specific requirements; check if your cable gland will be threaded or if you need to remove the outer sheath or armor to create a perfect fit. 
6. Think of other materials you might need for your projects, including earth tags, entry head seals, shrouds, or lock nuts and washers. 
7. Check if you need any reducers to adapt cable gland size or stoppers to seal any unused cable entries. 

Double-check for the Right Cable Gland Size:

Double-checking your work can save you from any unwanted or unnecessary hassle, and hence, it is essential to check whether your measurements for cable gland size are accurate.

To verify your measurements, ask yourself:

• Will all the cables fit into the cable glands’ diameter appropriately?
• Is the pressure rating of your gland size accurate for your application?
• Is the cable gland mounting diameter big enough for your cable gland?
• Are the depth and sizes PG or metric? 

Tips for Choosing the Right Cable Gland:

Since there are so many options available, you must be wondering how you can select a cable gland that works perfectly with your application. Consider choosing cable glands from the same manufacturers as the overall system. This will ensure that your cable glands work efficiently with your system. 

Choosing products from the same manufacturers will make the process easier as the manufacturers would highlight any considerations and conversions to be considered while measuring for cable glands. 

In addition, you should keep the following tips in mind while selecting cable glands:

• Consider the application’s purpose. Will it be used in homes, in industries, or commercially?
• Think of where the application will be used, indoors or outdoors. Moreover, consider if it will be exposed to various environmental factors, such as dirt, dust, etc. 
• Keep in mind the temperature range and fluctuations in current in the area where the application will be installed. 
• It is crucial to assess the atmosphere and take necessary precautions.  

Visit Go Switchgear for Cable Glands:

Right cable glands are essential for the safety and efficiency of your electrical systems. Use a cable gland guide and size chart to select the appropriate cable gland for your system. For high-quality cable glands and other electrical components, visit Go Switchgear and explore their range of products. Their expert team is always available to help you through the selection process.

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