HELUKABEL CABLE GLANDS FOR INDUSTRIAL SECTORS

1. What materials are cable glands commonly made of?

Cable glands perform several essential functions, such as:

• Protecting electrical cables
• Reducing strain on the cable system
• Sealing the cable entry point
• Providing resistance against environmental influences

Depending on the installation environment and specific system requirements, users can choose from various types of cable glands made from different materials, such as: plastic cable glands, brass cable glands, EMC brass cable glands, stainless steel cable glands, threadless cable glands.

>>Read more: Features, functions, and classifications of cable glands

2. What are plastic cable glands? The role of plastic cable glands

Plastic cable glands are used to protect cables and ensure safe and secure connections between cables and equipment. These glands offer excellent insulation properties and provide water and dust resistance during operation.

Plastic cable glands include various types, such as:

• Plastic cable glands with sealing gaskets
• Plastic cable glands with clamping inserts
• Standard-design plastic cable glands
• Plastic cable glands with threaded connectors
• Cable accessories

3. What are the features of HELUKABEL’s PA plastic cable glands?

The clamping sleeve and cable gland body are made from Polyamide 6 (PA6) and are available in the following colors:

• Light grey (RAL 7035)
• Dark grey (RAL 7001)
• Black (RAL 9005)

Polyamide 6 (PA6) is a material known for its excellent abrasion and impact resistance. It also offers good resistance to solvents such as fuels and cleaning agents. This proven material is widely used in standard cable gland applications.

The sealing ring is pre-molded from chloroprene rubber (CR), also known as Neoprene.

HELUKABEL’s HELUTOP® HT and HSK series cable glands are equipped with vibration resistance features, ensuring a secure fit in equipment or mobile applications.

Locknuts (with or without flanges) are also made from Polyamide 6 (PA6), maintaining consistency in mechanical and environmental performance.

4. What are brass cable glands?

Brass cable glands are essential components in construction and industrial installations. They offer a high level of safety, save installation time, and provide convenience during assembly.

Brass cable glands include various product types, such as:

• Brass cable glands with sealing gaskets
• Lead-free brass cable glands
• Brass cable glands with clamping inserts
• Standard-design brass cable glands
• Brass cable glands with threaded connectors

>>Learn more: Top outstanding advantages of brass cable glands

5. What are the features of HELUKABEL’s brass cable glands?

HELUKABEL’s brass cable glands are designed for standard applications that require metal components. Some key features include:

• The clamping sleeve and cable gland body are made from nickel-plated brass, providing high durability and corrosion resistance.
• The internal insulating insert is made from Polyamide 6 (PA6), offering excellent mechanical and thermal performance.
• The sealing ring is pre-molded from chloroprene rubber (CR), also known as Neoprene, which ensures a tight seal.
• The O-ring is made from nitrile rubber (NBR), also known as Buna-N, a material with excellent oil and chemical resistance.
• The locknut is also made from nickel-plated brass, enhancing overall strength and corrosion protection.

6. What are EMC cable glands? Features of HELUKABEL’s EMC cable glands

An EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) cable gland is designed to ensure that devices or systems can operate in electromagnetic environments without causing or being affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI).

HELUKABEL’s EMC cable glands offer the following features:

• Clamping sleeve and gland body are made from nickel-plated brass, offering high mechanical strength and excellent corrosion resistance.
• A contact spring ensures a secure and reliable connection with the cable's electromagnetic shielding (braided screen). The spring is made from copper-beryllium alloy, providing excellent electrical conductivity and consistent, long-lasting contact pressure.
• The contact ring is movable before the locknut is tightened, helping prevent damage to the cable shield during installation.
• The insulating insert is made from Polyamide 6 (PA6) – a high-performance engineering plastic known for its strength and durability.
• The sealing ring is pre-molded from chloroprene rubber (CR), also known as Neoprene, ensuring a tight environmental seal.
• The O-ring is made from nitrile rubber (NBR), also known as Buna-N, which offers excellent resistance to oil and chemicals.

7. What is a chemical-resistant cable gland?

Chemical-resistant cable glands are specially designed using materials that can withstand exposure to aggressive chemicals and harsh environmental conditions. These glands maintain their sealing performance and structural integrity even when used in chemically demanding applications.

>>Read more: Explore cable gland types for specialized installation environments

This type of cable gland features a clamping sleeve and gland body made from stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength. These glands are particularly suitable for harsh environments, such as:

• Areas exposed to strong chemicals
• Applications involving cleaning agents, commonly found in the food industry
• Outdoor installations requiring weather resistance
• In addition, HELUKABEL’s stainless steel cable glands offer the following features:
• The insulating insert is made from Polyamide 6 (PA6) – a durable engineering plastic.
• The sealing ring is pre-molded from chloroprene rubber (CR), also known as Neoprene), ensuring a tight and reliable seal.
• The O-ring is made from nitrile rubber (NBR), also known as Buna-N), offering excellent resistance to oils and chemicals.

>>Read more: Features of HELUTOP® HT-Clean stainless steel cable glands

9. What is strain relief in a cable gland?

A conductor or cable may experience movement - either during installation or throughout long-term use.

It is crucial to provide tensile load protection, as such movements—whether continuous or occasional—can damage the cable or connection. Therefore, using a cable gland with a strain relief mechanism is essential.

The EN 50262 standard defines different types of strain relief mechanisms, including:

• Retention (position holding)
• Strain relief Type A
• Strain relief Type B

In most cases, standard cable glands are equipped with Type A strain relief, which firmly secures the cable and protects it from damage caused by tensile forces.

10. What does the IP rating mean for cable glands?

When routing cables through an enclosure, a completely sealed connection must be ensured - this is defined by the IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

HELUKABEL’s cable glands are rated IP68, 5 bar.

• The first digit, 6, means “completely dust-tight”—no ingress of dust is permitted.
• The second digit, 8, indicates “protection against continuous immersion in water”. The product has been tested by being submerged in water at a pressure of 5 bar (equivalent to a depth of 50 meters) for 30 minutes, and remained fully sealed.

This level of protection ensures that the cable glands are safe and reliable for use in wet, dusty, or even submerged environments.

11. How durable are cable glands in different conditions?

Each application requires a different level of durability from cable glands, depending on the environment and mechanical demands.

• Plastic cable glands made from Polyamide 6 (PA6): Suitable for operating temperatures from -20°C to +100°C. They offer good resistance to abrasion and impact, and can withstand oils, fuels, and cleaning agents.
• Stainless steel (inox) cable glands: Ideal for harsh environments, with excellent water resistance and strong chemical resistance, especially in food processing applications where cleaning agents are frequently used.
• Brass cable glands: Used when a long-lasting metal connector is required. They combine mechanical strength with corrosion resistance for reliable performance over time.
• Additionally, EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) cable glands, which protect against electromagnetic interference, are typically made from brass for their conductivity and shielding performance.