Armoured cable glands are specialized terminating devices designed for wire braid cables used in hazardous environments, providing critical functions such as environmental sealing, strain relief, and secondary earth connections while maintaining secure connections and safety in various industrial applications.
Definition and Purpose
Cable glands designed specifically for armored cables serve as crucial termination devices in hazardous areas, offering ATEX certification for enhanced safety. These specialized components maintain flameproof Ex d and Increased Safety Ex e explosion protection, ensuring secure connections where armored cables interface with equipment such as cameras or junction boxes. Key functions include:
- Creating IP66 environmental seals on outer and inner cable sheaths
- Protecting against moisture and dust infiltration
- Providing mechanical continuity through armor wire termination
- Functioning as a secondary earth connection
- Offering strain relief for armored cables
By fulfilling these roles, armored cable glands play a vital part in maintaining the integrity and safety of electrical installations in challenging industrial environments.
Construction and Materials
Typically crafted from durable materials like stainless steel or brass, armoured cable glands are engineered to withstand harsh environments while providing essential protection. These robust components are specifically designed to accommodate cables with larger diameters, accounting for the additional bulk of armoured wires and outer sheaths. The construction of these glands ensures they can effectively handle various cable configurations, including different core numbers and sizes such as 4-core 16mm, 3-core 10mm, and 3-core 6mm armoured cables, making them versatile for a wide range of industrial applications.
Key Components Explained
The armoured cable gland consists of several essential components that work together to provide secure and reliable cable termination:
- Sealing nut: Ensures a watertight seal
- Cable gland body: Main housing that holds all components
- Lock nut: Secures the gland to the equipment
- Armour clamping cone: Grips and terminates the cable’s armour
- Compression nut: Applies pressure to create a seal
- Nipple entry part: Guides the cable into the equipment
These components are designed to accommodate various cable sizes and types, offering flexibility for different industrial applications. The precise engineering of each part contributes to the gland’s ability to maintain explosion protection and environmental sealing in hazardous areas.
Armoured Cable Gland Size Chart
Armored cable gland sizing is crucial for ensuring proper fit and functionality. The size selection depends on factors such as cable diameter, number of cores, and armor thickness. A typical size chart for armored cable glands includes:
- Cable sizes ranging from 1.5mm² to 400mm²
- Core configurations from 1 to 48 cores
- Gland sizes typically denoted as 20S, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, and 75
For example, a 4-core 4.0mm² armored cable would typically require a 20mm gland, while a 4-core 240mm² cable would need a 63mm gland. It’s important to note that outdoor applications may require different gland sizes compared to indoor installations, with the prefix “CW” often used for outdoor glands and “BW” for indoor use.
When selecting a gland size, it’s essential to consider both the inner bedding diameter and the overall cable diameter, including armor. Always consult manufacturer-specific charts and measure the actual cable dimensions to ensure the most accurate gland selection, as slight variations can occur between different cable and gland manufacturers
Applications in Various Environments
Versatile and robust, these specialized glands find extensive use across diverse industrial settings. They are commonly employed in power networks, cable ducting systems, and telecommunication transmission boxes. Their durability makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations, including underground systems. In hazardous areas, these glands maintain secure connections where armored cables interface with equipment such as cameras or junction boxes. Their ability to accommodate various cable configurations and sizes, coupled with their protective features, makes them indispensable in environments where safety and reliability are paramount.
Installation Guidelines for Armored Cable Glands
Proper installation of armored cable glands is crucial for ensuring safety and optimal performance. Follow these key guidelines:
- Select the appropriate gland size and type for your cable and environment
- Strip the cable outer sheath and armor to expose the inner conductors, being careful not to damage them
- Insert the cable through the gland components in the correct order, typically: back nut, middle nut, armor clamping ring, and entry
- Spread the armor evenly around the gland’s cone or spigot
- Tighten the components sequentially, starting with the entry into the enclosure, then the middle nut, and finally the back nut
- Use manufacturer-specified torque settings to avoid over-tightening
- Verify proper sealing and conduct appropriate tests to ensure electrical safety
Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to maintain the integrity of the installation over time. Always consult the manufacturer’s specific instructions, as details may vary between gland types and brands.