Cable Glands: The Ultimate Fact Guide
March 2025

Cable glands are essential components in electrical and mechanical setups, providing secure and reliable cable management. They’re designed to protect cables from external elements while ensuring safe and efficient operation. In this guide, we’ll dive into what cable glands are, their importance, and how to choose and install the right one for your needs.
What is a Cable Gland?

A cable gland is a device used to secure and seal the end of a cable where it enters an enclosure or electrical equipment. It ensures that the cable stays securely in place while protecting both the cable and the equipment from environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and chemicals. Cable glands are vital for preventing the cable from being damaged and avoiding any potential safety hazards, especially in challenging environments.

Their role extends beyond security—cable glands also ensure that cables remain well-organized, reducing the risk of wear and tear over time. They are commonly used in industries like electrical, marine, and manufacturing.
Are Cable Glands Necessary?

Cable glands play a crucial role in protecting your electrical installations. Without them, cables would be vulnerable to damage from dust, moisture, and physical stress. They help maintain the integrity of the cable and ensure that the electrical system operates without issues. In many industries, installing cable glands is required by safety standards to avoid any risk of electrical faults.

By providing a secure seal, cable glands also prevent potential hazards such as short circuits and fires, which can occur if cables are exposed to harsh conditions.
How to Choose the Correct Cable Gland?

Choosing the right cable gland is essential for ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of your electrical installations. Selecting the correct gland involves considering several key factors, including the materials, environment, and application. Here’s how you can go about it:
Material Options

Cable glands come in various materials, each offering unique benefits for specific applications. The material you choose will depend on factors like the environment and the mechanical stress the gland will face:

Plastic Cable Glands: If your installation is in an indoor environment and doesn’t face harsh conditions, plastic cable glands are a fantastic option. These glands are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and easy to install. At Batt, you’ll find a wide selection of plastic cable glands designed to be durable and user-friendly, providing reliable protection for most standard applications.

Metal Cable Glands: For environments that involve exposure to high temperatures, chemicals, or physical stress, metal cable glands made from brass or stainless steel are the best choice. These glands are perfect for heavy-duty applications where extra durability and protection are required. Batt offers a variety of metal cable glands, ensuring your installation stays safe and secure even in the toughest conditions.

Cable Gland Adapters

Sometimes, cables don’t match the size of the gland, and that’s where cable gland adapters come into play. These adapters allow you to connect cables of various sizes to the gland, ensuring a tight and secure fit. At Batt, we offer a range of cable gland adapters that make it easy to work with different cable types and sizes, offering the flexibility you need for a seamless installation.
CMP Cable Glands

For high-performance installations, particularly in demanding environments such as marine or hazardous areas, CMP cable glands are an excellent choice. These glands are specifically designed to provide maximum protection and reliability where cables need to be exceptionally well-protected. At Batt, we offer a selection of CMP cable glands that meet the highest industry standards, ensuring your installation is as safe and reliable as possible.
IP Rating

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a cable gland is the Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This rating tells you how well the gland will protect against dust, dirt, and water. For instance, an IP68-rated gland is fully dustproof and can be submerged in water, making it ideal for outdoor or wet environments. The higher the IP rating, the more robust the gland’s protection against environmental factors, so be sure to choose a gland with an appropriate rating based on where your installation will be.

At Batt Cables, we have a wide selection of cable glands with various IP ratings, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your specific needs. Browse our products to explore the range of options available, including plastic cable glands, metal cable glands, CMP cable glands, and cable gland adapters, all designed to meet your installation requirements.
How Do You Fit a Cable Gland?

Installing a cable gland is a relatively simple process, but it’s essential to follow the proper steps to ensure a secure and functional installation.
1. Prepare the Cable

Begin by stripping the cable to expose the conductors, ensuring you don’t damage the internal wires. Make sure the cable is long enough to reach the equipment or enclosure.
2. Install the Gland

Insert the stripped cable into the gland. Depending on the gland design, you might need to remove the outer sheath of the cable to allow the gland to grip it securely. It’s important that the gland grips the outer sheath tightly to avoid strain on the internal conductors.
3. Tighten the Gland

Secure the gland by tightening the nut, which will compress the seal around the cable. This step creates a watertight or dustproof seal, protecting the cable from external elements. Don’t overtighten, as this could damage the gland or cable.
4. Check the Seal

After installation, verify that the gland is properly sealed. For more peace of mind, you can conduct a quick test (such as spraying water or introducing dust) to check the gland’s performance based on its IP rating.
Conclusion

When it comes to cable management, cable glands are indispensable for securing cables and protecting both your installations and equipment. Choosing the right plastic cable gland for lighter applications, CMP cable glands for demanding environments, or relying on cable gland adapters for flexible setups ensures your cables are safely and securely installed.

At Batt, we provide a broad range of cable glands to meet the diverse needs of professionals in various industries. Browse our products to find the perfect solution for your next project and ensure your cables are safe, secure, and protected for the long run.

By selecting the right cable gland, you’re not only enhancing the safety and durability of your installations, but also minimising future risks and repairs. Make sure to choose wisely, and your cables will be in good hands.