Choose a cable gland by matching the cable’s actual diameter and construction to the gland’s sealing range, then checking the enclosure thread, environment and required functions. A matching thread size alone does not confirm that the gland fits the cable.
- Cable diameter and entry-thread size are different measurements.
- Armour termination, screen connection and hazardous-area protection need specific gland designs.
- Confirm the complete gland, seal and enclosure interface—not just the product name.
Start with the cable and enclosure
Before comparing products, prepare a cable datasheet and an enclosure-entry drawing. Record the following information in one selection sheet:
| Input | What to record |
|---|---|
| Cable | Outer-diameter range, jacket material, round or non-round profile, and whether the cable is pre-terminated |
| Construction | Unarmoured, armoured or screened; include the construction drawing when applicable |
| Enclosure entry | Thread standard, size and pitch; tapped entry or clearance hole; plate thickness |
| Environment | Temperature, water exposure, chemicals, sunlight and mechanical loading |
| Special requirements | Armour bonding, screen connection, hazardous-area requirements and project documentation |
A supplier can evaluate this information more reliably than a request for “an M20 waterproof gland.” Keep uncertain fields marked for confirmation rather than filling them with assumptions.
Match the sealing range—not the conductor size
Use the cable’s outside diameter at the intended sealing location. Conductor cross-section in mm² does not tell you the finished cable diameter. Compare the cable manufacturer’s dimensional tolerance with the exact gland model’s published clamping range. Do not assume that every gland with the same entry thread accepts the same cable. LAPP’s sizing guide explains this diameter-to-clamping-range check.
Illustrative example: a cable specified as 8.0–8.6 mm falls within a hypothetical gland range of 6–10 mm, but not a range of 9–13 mm. This is only a dimensional screening result; it does not establish sealing performance, retention or suitability for the environment. The numbers are examples, not YOCL product specifications.
For a pre-terminated cable, include the connector dimensions in your enquiry. The connector must pass through the chosen entry arrangement, while the final seal must suit the cable jacket.
Confirm the entry thread and mounting arrangement
Specify the full entry designation, such as M20 × 1.5, rather than “20 mm.” Metric and PG threads are not interchangeable; identify the actual thread standard before ordering. LAPP’s thread-selection guidance distinguishes entry threads from cable clamping dimensions.
Check plate thickness, available thread length and space for tightening. Establish whether the assembly needs a locknut, entry sealing washer or approved adapter. These are part of the installation specification, not optional details to decide after delivery. CMP’s selection checklist includes enclosure-entry dimensions and fixing and sealing accessories.
Choose the material for the actual exposure
Compare nylon cable glands and metal cable glands against the application, not a general “better material” ranking. Ask for compatibility information covering the body, seal and cable jacket. Also identify the enclosure material and any corrosion-protection requirements. CMP’s selection guidance specifically includes environmental corrosion and mating-enclosure materials.
Describe exposure precisely: outdoor sunlight, cleaning chemicals, salt-laden air or temporary immersion are different requirements. Put minimum and maximum operating temperatures in the enquiry, and ask the supplier to confirm the selected configuration against them.
Separate ordinary sealing from special functions
For armoured cable, provide the armour type and material, inner bedding diameter and armour dimensions—not only the outside diameter. These are explicit selection inputs in CMP’s armoured-cable guidance. Review the relevant armoured cable gland range with that information available.
For screened cable, state the required screen-termination arrangement. Do not treat an ordinary metal gland as a confirmed electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) solution without the appropriate product documentation.
For hazardous locations, stop ordinary product selection and request a qualified application review. Provide the equipment documentation, location classification, cable construction and required protection concept. Do not approve a gland from an “Ex” description or catalogue image alone. Hawke’s technical FAQ ties flameproof gland selection to installation criteria rather than a single universal gland choice.
Verify the complete sealing arrangement
A gland’s ingress protection (IP) rating is not a substitute for confirming the enclosure-entry joint. Ask which sealing accessories, cable ranges and installation conditions support the stated rating. Hawke’s installation guidance also identifies the equipment joint and suitable sealing method as part of meeting site or equipment IP requirements.
If immersion or washdown matters, include the actual exposure conditions in the specification and request matching evidence. Follow the selected model’s installation instructions; this guide does not provide a universal tightening torque.
Send a complete cable gland enquiry
Use this short request format to reduce clarification rounds:
- Cable: manufacturer, part number, diameter range and construction drawing.
- Entry: thread designation or hole drawing, plate thickness and enclosure material.
- Conditions: temperature range, water exposure, chemicals and mechanical requirements.
- Functions: sealing, armour termination, screen connection and any hazardous-area requirements.
- Supply: quantity, accessories and required datasheets, certificates or test documents.
Compare the proposed part number against every field before approving a sample or order. Where a requirement remains unconfirmed, keep it open rather than assuming a catalogue family name covers it.
Browse the YOCL cable gland range, then send your cable and enclosure specifications for model selection and quotation.