A practical guide to selecting cable glands for machinery, control panels, VSD systems, industrial networks, food production, hazardous areas and harsh operating environments.
Reliable cable entry starts with the application
A cable gland is part of the enclosure system. The correct selection helps secure and centre the cable, provide strain relief, support sealing and maintain the performace required by the installation.
Material
Plastic, nickel plated brass or stainless steel.
Thread
Metric, PG, NPT or threadless systems
Environment
Indoor, outdoor, washdown, EMC or hazardous area
Protection
Check the exact product rating and installation conditions
How to choose a cable gland
Use this five-step process as a practical starting point, then confirm the final product data, cable diameter, thread dimensions, approvals, installation torque and enclosure requirements.
01 Define the cable
Confirm the cable outer diameter, construction, screen, movement and minimum bend requirements.
02 Check the enclosure
Match the entry thread, wall thickness, available space and required locknut or accessory.
03 Assess the environment
Consider water, dust, UV, oil, chemicals, corrosion, washdown and temperature exposure.
04 Confirm special functions
Identify EMC screen contact, anti-kink protection, multi-cable entry, pressure compensation or hazardous area needs.
05 Verify compliance
Check the exact IP rating, approvals and installation instructions for the selected article.
Cable gland comparison chart
The comparison data is integrated into the main guide so specifiers can assess body material, entry format, application fit and typical ratings in one place
Skintop cable gland comparison chart
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Application guide for Australian industries
Match the cable gland to the installation conditions rather than choosing by thread size alone.
Machine building and automation
Check: vibration, strain relief, panel wall thickness, oil exposure, cable movement and installation access.
Drives, motors and EMC
Check: cable screen construction, 360-degree contact, earthing concept, enclosure finish and installation method.
Food and beverage
Check: hygienic-zone requirements, washdown pressure, cleaning chemicals, corrosion resistance and relevant approvals.
Mining, oil and gas
Check: hazardous-area classification, mechanical impact, chemical exposure, temperature and certified installation accessories.
Data centres and networks
Check: cable diameter, bend protection, cabinet density, dust control, sealing and future service access.
Outdoor infrastructure
Check: UV resistance, rain, dust, temperature cycling, corrosion and the complete enclosure protection concept.
Need help selecting the right cable glands?
Our experienced team of electrical engineers can help you choose the right option for your install. Speak with one of our knowledgeable sales team members for product selection support, stock availability, quote requests, cable size enquiries and additional sizes on request, or shop online.
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FAQs for cable gland selection
Use these answers as a starting point. Check the relevant product datasheet, applicable standards and installation requirements before final selection.
What is the purpose of a cable gland?
A cable gland secures, centres and seals a cable where it enters an enclosure. Depending on the product, it can provide strain relief, support ingress protection, protect against bending or connect a cable screen to the enclosure.