In any industrial or commercial electrical setup, cable glands play a critical role in managing, securing, and protecting cables as they enter or exit electrical equipment. But a cable gland is not a single-piece component—it is an assembly of several precision-engineered parts that work together to provide strain relief, environmental protection, and grounding or earthing where necessary.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key Cable Gland Components, their function, and why understanding them is essential for safe and compliant electrical installations.

What Is a Cable Gland?

A cable gland is a mechanical device that attaches to the end of an electrical cable and secures it to an electrical enclosure, panel, junction box, or piece of equipment. Beyond just holding the cable in place, it protects against environmental hazards like moisture, dust, chemicals, and vibrations. It also ensures grounding for armored or metallic cable types and maintains the overall integrity of the electrical system.

Whether you're installing power cables in a refinery, control cables in an automation plant, or telecom lines in a high-rise building, selecting the right cable gland—and understanding its components—is vital for safety and performance.

Core Cable Gland Components and Their Functions

Each cable gland consists of several components that are designed to work in harmony. Here are the most common parts:

1. Entry Component (Main Body)

The entry component is the central part of the gland that threads into the equipment or enclosure. It provides the main housing for the gland and ensures mechanical strength and sealing against the enclosure wall. This is also where additional sealing washers or earth tags may be fitted.

2. Sealing Ring or Compression Ring

This is one of the most critical parts. The sealing ring compresses around the cable’s outer sheath when the gland is tightened, ensuring a waterproof or dust-tight seal. It helps achieve high ingress protection (IP) ratings such as IP66 or IP68.

3. Clamping Ring or Armor Cone (for Armoured Cables)

For armored cables, the clamping ring or cone helps grip the armor securely and provide mechanical retention. It also ensures electrical continuity for grounding purposes, especially in hazardous locations.

4. Inner Seal (Cable Inner Bedding Seal)

In some glands, especially for hazardous areas, an inner seal is placed around the inner bedding of the cable. This provides an additional barrier to flammable gases or dust, making it a necessary part of explosion-proof (Exd) or increased safety (Exe) glands.

5. Outer Seal

The outer seal works with the sealing ring to compress the outer sheath of the cable. It’s vital for maintaining IP and strain relief. Different materials like neoprene, EPDM, or silicone may be used depending on the environment.

6. Locknut

Used to secure the cable gland into the enclosure, the locknut provides a solid fastening mechanism. It’s especially important when the gland is installed in a clearance hole without pre-tapped threads.

7. Shroud (Optional)

A shroud is a protective sleeve that covers the gland and the exposed part of the cable. It offers extra protection against water, chemicals, UV exposure, and corrosion.

8. Earth Tag (Optional)

Used in metallic glands, especially with armored cables, the earth tag ensures a low-resistance path to ground. It is crucial in preventing potential sparks in hazardous or explosive environments.

Why Every Component Matters

Each component of a cable gland has a distinct role in ensuring the safety, durability, and effectiveness of the entire cable system. If even one part is missing or poorly installed, the gland can fail—leading to:

• Water or dust ingress into enclosures

• Electrical faults due to poor grounding

• Cable slippage or mechanical damage

• Non-compliance with industry standards (IP, ATEX, IECEx)

That’s why it’s not enough to just “buy a cable gland.” You need to ensure that all the components are included, correctly selected for the application, and properly installed.

Material Options for Cable Gland Components

Depending on the application, cable gland components are available in a variety of materials:

• Brass (Nickel-Plated or Natural) – Highly durable and corrosion-resistant; ideal for industrial use.

• Stainless Steel – Excellent for harsh, corrosive, or marine environments.

• Polyamide (Nylon) – Lightweight, non-corrosive, and suitable for indoor or general-purpose use.

• Aluminum – Lightweight, though less common for rugged applications.

Material selection should always align with the environment and safety requirements of your project.

Choosing the Right Supplier

When selecting cable glands, choosing a trusted supplier ensures you get complete assemblies with all essential components, compliant with international standards like IP68, ATEX, IECEx, and UL.

Cabex India is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of high-quality cable glands and components for industrial applications. Their product range includes precision-engineered glands with robust components for both armoured and unarmoured cables, tailored for performance, durability, and safety.

Conclusion

Understanding the components of a cable gland is the first step toward ensuring a secure, compliant, and long-lasting electrical installation. From seals to armor grips to earth tags, every part plays a vital role in performance and protection.

Don’t compromise on quality—invest in complete, well-designed cable glands from reliable suppliers like Cabex India, where performance meets precision.