Flexible Cable Glands (Strain Relief Cable Glands) are specialized devices designed to provide secure and protected cable entry in electrical installations, combining traditional cable gland functionality with flexible features for enhanced cable management and environmental protection.
What is a Flexible Cable Gland
Flexible Cable Glands are innovative devices that offer superior protection and versatility in cable management. These glands feature a unique design that incorporates a pull-resistant ring system, enabling effective discharge resistance along the entire perimeter of the cable guide. This design ensures a secure and watertight seal, meeting IP68 standards for dust and water protection. The flexibility of these glands allows for easier installation and improved adaptability to various cable types and sizes, making them particularly useful in applications where traditional rigid glands may be insufficient.
Key Features and Materials
Flexible Cable Glands offer a range of key features that enhance their performance and versatility:
- Superior sealing with IP68-rated protection against water and dust ingress.
- Pull-resistant ring system for effective discharge resistance.
- Available in various materials including brass nickel plated, AISI 316 stainless steel, and 66 nylon (UL94 V-2).
- Designed to connect flexible metallic conduits to electrical enclosures.
- Some models incorporate spiral protection to prevent shorts in optical fiber cables.
These features make Flexible Cable Glands suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, providing robust protection and reliable cable management solutions.
Material Types and Options
Flexible Cable Glands are available in two primary material types: nylon and metal, each offering distinct advantages for different applications.
Nylon Flexible Cable Glands: Made from polyamide 6 or 66, these glands are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective. They provide excellent insulation properties and are suitable for a wide range of industrial environments, including telecommunications and maritime applications. Nylon glands often feature a UL94 V-2 flammability rating and can withstand temperatures up to 200°C.
Metal Flexible Cable Glands: Typically constructed from brass (nickel-plated) or stainless steel, these glands offer superior durability and strength. They are ideal for harsh industrial environments, providing better heat conduction and resistance to chemicals. Metal glands are preferred in applications requiring EMC protection and in industries such as medical equipment, chemical processing, and electrical installations where robustness is crucial.
Applications in Hazardous Environments
Designed to excel in challenging industrial settings, Flexible Cable Glands are particularly well-suited for use in explosive and hazardous environments. These specialized glands, such as the CG.CO series, are certified for Ex db (flameproof), Ex eb (increased safety), and Ex tb (dust ignition protection) applications. This certification ensures their suitability for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, providing a crucial safety element in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and mining.
The robust construction and superior sealing capabilities of Flexible Cable Glands make them ideal for installations where protection against environmental factors is paramount. Their ability to create a watertight and dust-proof seal around cable entries helps maintain the integrity of electrical connections in harsh conditions, reducing the risk of equipment failure or safety hazards.
Size Chart for Flexible Cable Gland
Flexible Cable Glands are available in various sizes to accommodate different cable diameters and application requirements. Here’s a concise overview of common size ranges:
- M12 to M63 sizes are typical, with cable diameter ranges from 3-6.5mm for M12 up to 42-50mm for M63.
- PG (Panzergewinde) sizes from PG7 to PG63 are also common, covering cable diameters from 3-6.5mm to 42-50mm.
- Thread lengths vary by size, generally ranging from 8-15mm for smaller glands to 14-15mm for larger sizes.
When selecting a Flexible Cable Gland, it’s crucial to consider both the cable’s outer diameter and the number of cores. For instance, a 4.0mm² 4-core cable typically requires a 20mm gland, while a 35.0mm² 3-core cable would need a 32mm gland. Always consult manufacturer-specific charts for precise sizing, as variations may exist between different product lines and materials.
Thread Options and Certifications
Available in both metric and NPT versions, Flexible Cable Glands offer versatility in installation. Common sizes include M20, M25, and various PG thread options, catering to different application requirements. These glands boast an impressive array of certifications, ensuring compliance with international safety standards. They meet IP68/5 atmospheric pressure requirements and are certified for CE, UL, and CUL standards. This comprehensive certification profile makes them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, from general-purpose use to specialized hazardous area installations.
Benefits of Flexible Glands
Flexible Cable Glands offer several key advantages over traditional rigid glands:
- Enhanced flexibility allows for easier installation in tight spaces and dynamic applications, reducing the risk of cable damage due to movement or vibration.
- Superior environmental protection with IP68-rated sealing capabilities, safeguarding against dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
- Improved strain relief and cable support, prolonging the operational lifespan of cables by preventing undue stress.
- Cost-effective solution in the long term, minimizing maintenance, downtime, and cable replacement expenses.
- Versatility in accommodating various cable types and sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
These advantages make Flexible Cable Glands particularly valuable in industries requiring reliable cable management solutions, such as robotics, automation, and alternative energy.
Installation Best Practices for Flexible Cable Glands
When installing Flexible Cable Glands, follow these best practices to ensure optimal performance and safety:
- Select the appropriate gland size and type based on cable diameter and environmental conditions.
- Prepare the cable by carefully stripping the outer sheath to the correct length, avoiding damage to inner conductors.
- Insert the cable through the gland, ensuring proper alignment and seating of sealing elements.
- Tighten the gland components to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications, avoiding over-tightening which can damage the cable or compromise sealing.
- For hazardous environments, use explosion-proof glands and adhere to specific installation requirements for Ex-rated applications.
- Regularly inspect and maintain installed glands, checking for signs of wear, corrosion, or loosening to ensure continued protection and compliance with safety standards.
By following these guidelines, installers can maximize the effectiveness of Flexible Cable Glands, ensuring proper sealing, strain relief, and long-term reliability in various industrial applications.
Comparison of Flexible Cable Glands with Traditional Glands
Flexible Cable Glands offer several advantages over traditional rigid glands, making them increasingly popular in various industrial applications. Unlike traditional glands, flexible glands provide greater adaptability to cable movement and vibration, reducing the risk of cable damage and improving longevity. They also offer superior sealing capabilities, with many models achieving IP68 ratings for protection against dust and water ingress.
In terms of installation, flexible glands are often quicker and easier to install, potentially reducing labor costs by up to 50% compared to traditional cable glands. They also allow for easier routing around obstacles and can accommodate pre-terminated cables, eliminating the need for cutting and reattaching connectors. While traditional glands may be more suitable for certain static applications, flexible glands excel in dynamic environments and areas with space constraints, offering a more versatile solution for modern cable management needs.
