What is PG Cable Gland: Guide to Thread Sizes & Materials

What is PG cable Gland?

The most frequently asked question about them. So, A PG cable gland is a specialized device to secure and seal cables entering electrical equipment or enclosures. It consists of a body, nut, and sealing washer or insert. The term “PG” refers to the German standard “Panzer-Gewinde” (armored thread), which denotes the thread type used in these glands.

Guide to PG Cable Gland:

1. Thread Sizes: PG cable glands come in different thread sizes, such as PG7, PG9, PG11, PG13.5, PG16, PG21, PG29, PG36, and PG42. The number after “PG” indicates the nominal diameter of the cable gland thread in millimeters.
2. Materials: They are typically made from brass, stainless steel, or plastic (such as polyamide). The choice of material depends on factors like environmental conditions (e.g., high temperatures, corrosive environments) and application requirements (e.g., mechanical stress, chemical exposure). For instance, stainless steel is preferred in corrosive environments due to its high resistance to rust, while polyamide is chosen for its lightweight and non-conductive properties.
3. Functionality: The primary function of a PG cable gland is to provide a secure and watertight connection for cables, preventing the entry of dust, dirt, water, or gases into equipment or enclosures.
4. Installation: Installation involves threading the gland onto the cable, passing the cable through the gland, and tightening the nut to compress the sealing washer or insert, creating a seal.
5. Applications: PG cable glands, known for their reliability, are widely used in various industries, including electrical, telecommunications, automotive, and manufacturing, where dependable cable management and protection are critical.

Referring to a PG cable gland size chart is recommended for specific details on PG cable gland sizes and materials. This chart typically provides detailed specifications and compatibility information to ensure proper selection and installation of the gland for specific cable sizes and applications.

Types of PG Cable Glands

PG cable glands are available in different types to accommodate various cable configurations and installation requirements:

1. Standard PG Cable Glands: These are the most common types designed for general-purpose applications where standard cables must be securely sealed.
2. Double Compression PG Cable Glands: Also known as EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) cable glands, these glands offer enhanced protection against electromagnetic interference. They achieve this by providing dual compression seals, which means the cable is sealed at two points, reducing the chances of interference from external electromagnetic sources.
3. Armored PG Cable Glands: Explicitly designed for armored cables, these glands feature additional clamping and sealing mechanisms to secure and protect the armored sheath.

Selection Criteria

When selecting PG cable glands, consider the following factors:

• Thread Size: Choose the appropriate PG thread size based on the cable’s outer diameter and the size of the gland hole in the equipment or enclosure.
• Material: Select the gland material (e.g., brass, stainless steel, plastic) based on environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress.
• IP Rating: Ensure that the PG cable gland provides the necessary IP (Ingress Protection) rating to meet the environmental conditions where it will be installed.

Cable Compatibility: Verify that the cable gland is suitable for the type and diameter of the cables being used, whether round or flat, armored or non-armored.

PG Cable Gland Size Chart

Certainly! Below is a basic PG cable gland size chart along with content explaining each size:

PG Size	Thread Diameter (mm)	Cable Diameter Range (mm)	Hexagon Size Across Flats (mm)
PG7	12.5	3 – 6.5	16
PG9	15.2	4 – 8	19
PG11	18.6	5 – 10	22
PG13.5	20.4	6 – 12	24
PG16	22.5	10 – 14	27
PG21	28.3	13 – 18	33
PG29	37.0	18 – 25	42
PG36	47.0	25 – 31	52
PG42	54.1	32 – 38	60

Content:

1. PG7: This size has a thread diameter of 12.5 mm and can accommodate cables with a diameter range from 3 mm to 6.5 mm. It features a hexagon size across flats of 16 mm, making it suitable for smaller cables and applications where space is limited.
2. PG9: With a thread diameter of 15.2 mm, PG9 glands fit cables ranging from 4 mm to 8 mm in diameter. The hexagon size across flats is 19 mm, providing a balance between compact size and versatility.
3. PG11: Featuring a thread diameter of 18.6 mm, PG11 glands are designed for cables with diameters from 5 mm to 10 mm. They have a hexagon size across flats of 22 mm, making them suitable for medium-sized cables in various industrial and automotive applications.
4. PG13.5: This size has a thread diameter of 20.4 mm and can accommodate cables ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm in diameter. It features a hexagon size across flats of 24 mm, providing a secure fit for medium-sized cables in outdoor and harsh environments.
5. PG16: With a thread diameter of 22.5 mm, PG16 glands fit cables from 10 mm to 14 mm in diameter. The hexagon size across flats is 27 mm, making them suitable for larger cables and applications where robust sealing is required.
6. PG21: This size has a thread diameter of 28.3 mm and can accommodate cables ranging from 13 mm to 18 mm in diameter. It features a hexagon size across flats of 33 mm, providing ample space for larger cables and ensuring a secure seal in various industrial settings.
7. PG29: Featuring a thread diameter of 37.0 mm, PG29 glands fit cables with diameters from 18 mm to 25 mm. The hexagon size across flats is 42 mm, making them suitable for heavy-duty cables and applications requiring high ingress protection.
8. PG36: With a thread diameter of 47.0 mm, PG36 glands are designed for cables ranging from 25 mm to 31 mm in diameter. They have a hexagon size across flats of 52 mm, providing a robust sealing solution for large cables in industrial and marine environments.
9. PG42: This size has a thread diameter of 54.1 mm and can accommodate cables with diameters from 32 mm to 38 mm. It features a hexagon size across flats of 60 mm, making it suitable for very large cables and applications where maximum sealing integrity is essential.

This chart and content play a pivotal role in providing a comprehensive overview of PG cable gland sizes. This resource empowers you to select the appropriate gland for specific cable diameters and application requirements. Always refer to manufacturer specifications and guidelines for precise selection and installation.

Installation Tips

Proper installation is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of PG cable glands:

• Prepare the Cable: This step involves stripping the cable jacket to expose the conductors. It’s essential to ensure the length of the exposed conductors is appropriate for insertion into the equipment or enclosure, as this will help maintain the integrity of the cable and provide a secure connection.
• Thread the Gland: Thread the cable gland onto the cable with the sealing washer or insert it in place.
• Insert the Cable: Insert the prepared cable through the gland and into the equipment or enclosure.
• Tighten Securely: Use the gland nut to tighten the cable gland, compressing the sealing washer or insert to create a secure and watertight seal.

Applications

PG cable glands find application in various industries and scenarios:

• Industrial Equipment: Used in machinery, control panels, and electrical enclosures to seal cables entering or exiting the equipment.
• Telecommunications: Essential for securing cables in communication networks, including fiber optics and data transmission cables.
• Automotive: Used in vehicle wiring harnesses to protect electrical connections from moisture and contaminants.
• Renewable Energy: Vital for solar panels and wind turbines to ensure reliable electrical connections in outdoor and challenging environments.

Maintenance and Inspection

• Regular Inspection: It’s crucial to periodically inspect cable glands for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage that could compromise their effectiveness. This proactive approach ensures the continuous reliability of your cable management system.
• Maintenance: Replace sealing elements or entire cable glands if deterioration is observed to maintain optimal protection.

By understanding these aspects, you can effectively select, install, and maintain PG cable glands to ensure reliable cable management and protection in various applications.

Summary

PG cable glands are essential for securing and sealing cables in electrical installations. They come in various thread sizes (e.g., PG7, PG9, PG11) and materials (such as brass, stainless steel, and plastic) chosen based on environmental conditions and application requirements. These glands protect against dust, dirt, water, and gases, ensuring a secure and watertight seal around cables entering equipment or enclosures. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of PG cable glands are crucial for reliable cable management in industrial equipment, telecommunications, automotive, and renewable energy industries.Discover the essentials of PG Cable Glands with GoSwitch Gear, from thread sizes and materials to installation tips for various applications.

FAQ’s:

These FAQs cover essential information about PG cable glands, helping you understand their functionality, selection criteria, installation procedures, applications, and maintenance requirements.