Introduction
In any industrial setting, electrical installations are under immense pressure – demands from heavy machinery and constant vibration, to the threats of dust and water exposure, and sometimes even hazardous gases. To keep these systems safe and reliable, small but essential components are under intense pressure. One of the most critical of these is the industrial cable gland.
A cable gland may look basic: a compact fitting at the end of a cable. But its design and function are sophisticated and complex. In this training article, we’ll break down how industrial cable glands work, why they’re needed, and how they differ depending on application – from armoured and unarmoured glands through to ATEX Ex cable glands and marine cable glands.
The purpose of an Industrial Cable Gland
An industrial cable gland is a mechanical device that performs three main functions:
- Sealing – preventing dust, dirt, water, or chemical ingress.
- Clamping – gripping the cable to ensure it cannot slip or be pulled out.
- Earthing or Bonding – in armoured cable glands, maintaining electrical continuity between the armour and the equipment enclosure.
Cables are left vulnerable to wear, strain, and environmental damage without these functions, drastically increasing the risk of downtime or safety hazards.
How does an Industrial Cable Gland work?
The working principle is based on compression and sealing. When tightened, the gland compresses an internal seal (often elastomeric) around the outer sheath of the cable. This compression locks the cable in place while creating a tight environmental seal.
- Clamping action – stops movement and relieves strain.
- Sealing action – blocks dust and liquids from entering the enclosure.
- Bonding action – for armoured cables, metal components ensure safe electrical continuity.
Components of an Industrial Cable Gland
The key parts:
- Gland body – the main housing is usually brass, stainless steel, or nylon.
- Seal – an elastomer or polymer insert that compresses around the cable.
- Clamping ring – this ensures the grip is secure on the cable.
- Earth tag / cone – in armoured glands this provides electrical continuity.
- Locknut and washer – this fixes the gland to the equipment enclosure.
Each of these parts work together to provide mechanical retention, sealing integrity, and electrical safety.
Types of Industrial Cable Glands
Knowing the right gland required is not optional; it is fundamental to safety and compliance. Here’s why:
Armoured Cable Glands
Designed for steel wire armoured (SWA) and other protected cables, these glands provide mechanical retention and earthing. Armoured cable glands are widely used in heavy industry, power distribution, and hazardous areas.
Unarmoured Cable Glands
For standard cables without armour. Unarmoured cable glands provide sealing and clamping but no bonding function. Most commonly used in lighter industrial applications.
Ex Cable Glands
Also known as ATEX Ex Cable Glands or IECEx glands, these are specifically certified for explosive atmospheres. Essential in oil, gas, chemical, and other hazardous industries where safety compliance is mandatory.
Marine Cable Glands
Built from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, marine cable glands withstand saltwater exposure and are commonly used in offshore and coastal installations.
Explosion-Proof Cable Glands
Also known as Hazex Cable Glands, designed to contain and isolate any explosion within the gland, stopping it from igniting the external environment.
Standards and compliance
In industrial installations, compliance is vital so industrial cable glands are tested against international standards to prove performance:
- ATEX Directive (Europe) – ensures safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- IECEx Certification (Global) – internationally recognised hazardous area approval.
- UL & CSA (North America) – safety certifications for industrial use.
Why are Industrial Cable Glands important?
- Safety – protects workers and equipment by preventing electrical faults and explosions.
- Durability – minimises cable wear and increases the lifespan of the installation.
- Compliance – ensures projects pass inspections and regulatory audits.
- Reliability – keeps critical equipment operating with minimal downtime.
Even where explosions aren’t a concern, in general industrial environments for instance, a failed gland can cause moisture ingress, short circuits, and premature equipment failure.
Common applications of Industrial Cable Glands
- Power plants and substations.
- Manufacturing plants and process industries.
- Oil and gas facilities (using ATEX/IECEx certified glands).
Marine and offshore platforms. - Renewable energy sites (wind, solar, tidal).
Each of these environments presents unique challenges, but the right gland ensures performance and compliance.
Why choose Peppers Cable Glands?
Peppers Cable Glands are engineered to deliver long-term reliability in demanding environments. With a full range of industrial, marine, hazardous area, ATEX Ex, and explosion proof cable glands, Peppers offers a solution for every application.
Key advantages of choosing Peppers branded cable glands:
- Independently tested and certified to global standards.
- Designed to meet the most demanding industrial and hazardous area requirements.
- Supported by decades of expertise in hazardous area cable glands.
By investing in branded glands rather than generic alternatives, you ensure quality, traceability, and compliance at every stage.
Industrial cable glands may be small, but they play a huge role. They clamp, seal, and protect cables, provide earthing where needed, and guarantee compliance in both industrial and hazardous environments.
From armoured and unarmoured cable glands to ATEX Ex Cable Glands and marine cable glands, choosing the right product is critical to the safety and success of your installation.
Please contact us to schedule a meeting:
- Phone: +44 1276 64232
- Website: cableglands.co.uk
