Introduction
Choosing the right cable gland is just as important as selecting the right cable at the beginning stages of any electrical installation. One of the most common questions we get asked is whether to use an armoured cable gland or an unarmoured cable gland.
The answer depends on the type of cable, the environment, and the safety standards your project must meet. Installing the wrong gland not only risks damaging the cable but also compromises compliance with international standards such as ATEX Directive and IECEx certification requirements.
In this training article, we’ll explain the difference between armoured and unarmoured cable glands, when to use each, and why choosing the right type is critical to the safety and reliability of your installation.
What is an armoured cable gland?
Functions of an armoured cable gland
- Provides mechanical retention of the cable.
- Maintains electrical continuity between cable armour and equipment.
- Creates environmental sealing against dust, water, or gas ingress.
- When certified ensures compliance with hazardous area cable gland standards.
Armoured cable glands are essential in heavy-duty applications such as power distribution, manufacturing plants, oil and gas facilities, and outdoor environments where cables are exposed to physical stress.
Example: A steel wire armoured (SWA) cable feeding outdoor equipment requires an armoured gland to ensure both mechanical strength and earth bonding.
What is an unarmoured cable gland?
Unarmoured cable glands are used with standard cables that have no metallic armour. These glands concentrate on sealing and mechanical grip, rather than bonding.
Functions of an unarmoured cable gland
- Provides strain relief and secure retention of the cable.
- Seals against dust, water, or chemical ingress.
- Suitable for indoor or controlled environments.
Unarmoured glands are typically used in general industrial applications, machinery wiring, instrumentation, and areas where mechanical protection of the cable isn’t required.
Example: An unarmoured cable supplying control signals inside a factory may only need an unarmoured gland for environmental sealing.
Key differences between armoured and unarmoured cable glands
Feature
Armoured Cable Gland
Unarmoured Cable Gland
Cable type
Armoured (e.g. SWA)
Non-armoured
Electrical bonding
Yes
No
Mechanical retention/ strain relief
High
Moderate
Typical applications
Outdoor, hazardous, power distribution
Indoor, light industrial, control wiring
Standards
ATEX, IECEx, UL/CSA options available
ATEX, IECEx, UL/CSA options available
How to decide:
The type of cable
- If your cable has steel wire armour (SWA) or another metallic protective layer → Armoured gland required.
- If your cable has no armour → Unarmoured gland is sufficient.
The installation environment
- Hazardous areas (oil, gas, chemical, dust zones) → Use ATEX Ex or IECEx certified glands.
- Marine/offshore environments → Stainless steel marine cable glands (armoured or unarmoured depending on cable).
- Indoor / controlled areas → Often unarmoured glands are suitable.
Safety and compliance
- For installations where armour earthing or bonding is required → Armoured cable glands
- For standard environments where only sealing and strain relief are needed → Unarmoured cable glands.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an armoured gland on unarmoured cable → Typically results in incorrect grip and poor sealing unless specifically designed for that cable type.
- Ignoring certification → Always check if you need ATEX cable glands, IECEx glands, or explosion proof (Ex) glands for compliance.
- Mixing components → Each gland is supplied as a complete kit (cone, clamp, seal, etc.), additional accessories can be purchased with it (earth tags, Washers, Locknuts & Shrouds). Never substitute or mix across types.
So, do you need an armoured or unarmoured cable gland? The answer depends on your cable and installation environment:
- Armoured cable glands for SWB and STA and mechanically protected cables – providing retention, sealing, and bonding.
- Unarmoured cable glands for standard cables – delivering sealing and strain relief.
Selecting the right gland ultimately ensures compliance, safety, and long-term reliability. With Peppers Cable Glands, you can be confident that every installation is supported by global expertise and certified products.
Why choose Peppers Cable Glands?
With over 75 years of expertise, Peppers Cable Glands provide solutions that go beyond compliance. Our glands are designed for industrial, marine, and hazardous area applications, and are independently certified to global standards including ATEX, IECEx, and UL.
- By choosing branded products like Peppers Ex Glands, you ensure:
- Proven performance in safety-critical installations.
- Full traceability and certification.
- Global support and training.
While a cable gland may feel like a small component, it plays a critical role in the success of the project it supports. From industrial cable glands on factory floors to explosion-proof glands in oil and gas installations, these fittings ensure safety, compliance, and reliability.
Crucially, without the correct Peppers Cable Gland, your installation risks non-compliance, reduced safety, and costly downtime. Choosing the right gland, and installing it correctly, is the difference between a system that lasts and one that fails when it matters most.
Please contact us to schedule a meeting:
- Phone: +44 1276 64232
- Website: cableglands.co.uk
