Cable glands play a vital role in securing cables and wires and protecting cable from failure due to environmental factors and damage. Different applications require different types of cable glands and style is not the only attribute that should be looked at. Material type should also be analysed to see what would work best for your application. But what material should you use? Finding the best cable gland material for a specific application involves understanding the requirements and constraints of your project. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best cable gland material for your application.
The Most Common Materials Used for Cable Glands:
Nylon (Polyamide) for cable gland
Properties: Lightweight, strong, excellent resistance to wear, impact, and a wide range of chemicals.
Application: Nylon cable glands are used for general-purpose applications, industrial and commercial settings, and areas with moderate environmental exposure.
Advantages: Non-corrosive, cost-effective, good electrical insulation.
Limitations: Limited high-temperature resistance, may degrade under prolonged UV exposure without stabilization.
Brass for cable gland
Properties: High mechanical strength, good electrical conductivity, corrosion-resistant (especially when nickel-plated).
Application: Brass cable glands are best suitable for harsh environments, outdoor applications, marine environments, and situations requiring high mechanical strength.
Advantages: Durable, resistant to corrosion (when nickel-plated), excellent for grounding applications.
Limitations: Heavier than plastic materials, more expensive than non-metallic options.
Stainless Steel for cable gland
Properties: Superior corrosion resistance, excellent mechanical strength, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
Application: Stainless steel cable glands are ideal for heavy industrial applications, chemical plants, the food and beverage industry, and marine environments.
Advantages: High durability, resistant to a wide range of chemicals, maintains integrity at extreme temperatures.
Limitations: More expensive, heavier, and harder to machine compared to other materials.
Plastic (PVC, Polypropylene) for cable gland
Properties: Lightweight, cost-effective, adequate chemical resistance.
Application: Plastic (Polypropylene) cable glands are used in residential and light industrial applications, environments with minimal chemical exposure.
Advantages: Economical, easy to install, non-conductive.
Limitations: Less durable, lower mechanical strength, and limited resistance to high temperatures and UV exposure.
Aluminum for cable gland
Properties: Light, strong, good corrosion resistance, and heat dissipation.
Application: Aluminium cable glands are used in the aerospace and automotive industries where weight is a critical factor, and applications requiring good heat dissipation.
Advantages: Lightweight, cost-effective compared to stainless steel, good corrosion resistance.
Limitations: Not as strong as brass or stainless steel, lower conductivity compared to brass.
Understand the Application Requirements
Environmental Conditions: Consider exposure to chemicals, UV light, temperature extremes, moisture, and mechanical stress.
Industry Standards: Check for industry-specific standards and regulations, such as IP ratings for ingress protection or ATEX for explosive atmospheres.
Mechanical Requirements: Evaluate the mechanical strength needed, including resistance to impact, tension, and vibration.
Comparative Analysis of Materials
Nylon vs. Plastic: Both are non-metallic, but nylon offers better mechanical strength and chemical resistance than standard plastic materials.
Brass vs. Stainless Steel: Brass is more conductive and easier to machine, while stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance and strength for harsh environments.
Aluminum vs. Brass: Aluminum is lighter and has good corrosion resistance but isn’t as strong or conductive as brass.
Additional Considerations
Thread Type and Size: Ensure compatibility with the equipment’s entry threads (e.g., metric, NPT).
Sealing Mechanism: Check the sealing mechanism (e.g., compression, displacement) to ensure it meets the ingress protection requirements.
Cost vs. Performance: Balance the material cost with performance needs. Over-specifying can lead to unnecessary expenses, while under-specifying can result in failures.
With Sigma Industries, Discover the Perfect Cable Gland Material for Your Application!
As a leading cable gland manufacturer, we understand the critical role that selecting the right material plays in ensuring the safety and reliability of your applications. Our extensive range of cable glands is designed to meet the highest industry standards and can withstand the most demanding environments. Whether you need the durability of stainless steel, the versatility of nylon, or the cost-effectiveness of plastic, we have the perfect solution for you. Contact us today for high-quality custom cable glands.