There are a number of factors that need to be considered when choosing the correct type of cable glands for industrial applications.

Unnecessary problems, such as time wasted on site can be caused if the glands ordered are the incorrect size or type. These problems can be reduced by paying attention to the following considerations when specifying what glands are required.

Cable Gland Selection Guidelines

For all cables:

• Determine the type of cable being terminated
• Identify the construction, size and material properties of the cable used

For armoured cables:

• Check the material used for cable armouring (Aluminium Wire Armoured and Steel Wire Armoured etc) and specify the gland is manufactured from the correct material. i.e. brass, aluminium, nickel-plating
• Check the inside diameter of cable against the gland manufacturer specifications
• Check the outside diameter of the cable
• Identify the environment of gland installation and consider any corrosion protection requirements
• Check the ingress protection (IP) rating required by the equipment and application
• Consider if an entry thread seal is required for IP66 ratings and above
• Check whether other cable gland accessories are required (locknuts, earth tags etc)
• Check the gland meets necessary requirements if being installed within Hazardous Areas
• Identify the equipment entry thread and size and consider if any thread adaptors or converters are required
• Consider any unused cable entries and specify stopper plugs if needed

It is recommended that extra time for correct and proper cable gland selection be included within a purchasing schedule, in order to reduce the likelihood of inconvenience and time wasting at the critical point of installation.

ETS are happy to assist, at no cost, in carrying out gland selection and sizing in the event of a contractor having a cabling schedule. Please contact our Sales Team for more information about this service.

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When cable glands are used to terminate SWA (Steel Wire Armour) cables, the gland must be able to provide earth continuity from the termination of the armour through to the body of the equipment, either via the enclosure itself (if it is metallic), via a gland plate or through an external earth path with the use of an earth tag.

Direct To Ground Earthing

Typically when earthing an armoured cable, a number of direct-to-ground external earth link cables are used and connected to the cable gland through an earth tag. As a minimum requirement, the cable will be earthed at least one of its two ends, meaning in the event of a fault or short-circuit the most direct route to ground will be achieved.

‘Daisy Chain’ Earthing

If multiple cable entries are required in a non-metallic equipment enclosures, a ‘daisy-chain’ earthing method can be adopted. Wherein an external earth cable is connected to an earth tag within each cable gland, with at least one earth tag used to connect the earthing cable directly to ground, typically via an earth bar.

Earth Tags or CIEL Glands?

The above methods of earthing SWA cables via cable glands, can be achieved by adding the relevant aluminium or brass slip-on earth tags to the required gland assembly, this method would be suitable where lower levels of short-circuit protection are required. If higher levels of short-circuit protection are needed, in Medium Voltage installations for example, cable glands with a heavy duty Cast Integral Earth Electrical Lugs can be supplied. These CWCIEL glands are suitable for MV installations between 11kV – 33kV and are also available in both brass and aluminium variants.

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The importance of correctly cleating cables in a trefoil formation within electrical installations is frequently underestimated, often due to a lack of understanding. Many people assume cleats are used purely to hold the power cables to the desired route, but for an installation of single core cabling system to be deemed safe, it is vital these cables are restrained in a manner which is able to withstand the forces generated in potentially lethal short-circuit situations.

The below video shows an example of the extreme force that can be generated by a short-circuit:

More awareness yet inferior products

In recent decades, the demand for electrical power has risen dramatically and specifiers are becoming more aware of the issues involved with incorrectly cleating trefoil cable formations, but issues still occur with inferior quality products within the market-place.

To address the issue of inferior products, in addition to the existing European Standard (EN 50368), there is now an international standard which provides global recognition of the need to provide suitable restraint for power cables; IEC 61914:2009.

Up-to-date international accreditation

Coupled with the International standard, it is equally important that any product specified is capable of demonstrating its suitability for the required task. It is no longer acceptable that in-house testing certificates are used as proof of a products pedigree and this is why current, third-party testing is vital.

Here at ETS, we continue to believe that only the highest quality, UK-manufactured, EN and IEC standard conforming cable cleats should be used. Our expertise and extensive cleat range allows us to supply cleats designed specifically for the task and third-party accredited as such.

We also provide a service that can recommend which type of cleat should be used and importantly, the spacing interval the cleat should be fixed for each project application. This is calculated from the short-circuit withstand installation requirement and the diameter and construction of the cable being installed.

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