How to Install Cable Glands Properly

So, you want to know how to install cable glands correctly?

There are many factors to consider when installing cable glands, both in terms of ensuring that the gland you select is suitable for your application and that the network operates effectively.

Safety plays a significant role in all these considerations; it is essential not only to guarantee that the system operates according to the highest safety standards after installation, but also during the installation itself.

The installation of new components is often the most critical stage in the lifespan of any system. If done right, it can greatly improve performance, diagnose inefficiencies, and even help identify any potential problems that might arise in the system at some point. 

However, ineffective cable gland installation can create efficiency problems, and if an unsuitable connection is chosen, there is a chance that the system could break down or even cause a fire risk. This is just part of the reason that high standards of safety must be maintained.

Here, the experts at Northern Connectors explain how to install cable glands properly and safely and detail the considerations that go into adding a cable gland to an existing system.

Step one: Gather the necessary tools

A few basic tools are required for the cable gland installation, including:

• Cable glands
• Cable stripping tools
• Locknuts and washers
• Spanners
• Thread sealant or gland compound

Take some time to look through your tool kit and ensure you have everything you need to ensure a smooth installation from start to finish. 

Step two: Choosing a cable gland

Cable glands are vital for securing a reliable connection between cables, providing different types of protection to a network. They can enhance connectivity by holding cables more tightly or sealing joints to effectively prevent the ingress of dirt, moisture, or other hazards. 

Numerous types of cable glands exist, determined by whether your application involves signal or power connections, or other media.

Naturally, there are safety concerns associated with selecting the appropriate gland. If your system operates in a high-stress environment or requires reliability at high temperatures, it’s crucial to choose a gland that is proven to perform effectively under such conditions and offers the necessary protection for the cable. 

Careful examination of the specifications is essential to ensure that the product you select will meet your needs.

It is advisable to select connectors and glands from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility and optimal efficiency. If obtaining the required gland from the manufacturer of your existing parts is not feasible, it may be worth considering replacing them with new components from a different manufacturer.

Step three: Safe installation

The next step is to double-check that you have the necessary tools for your electrical installation.

Cable glands should be installed carefully because adding new components to a system can expose you to dangers like electrical shocks or burns, and also introduce dirt or other substances into the system. 

In ideal conditions, a qualified technician or engineer should install your cable glands on your behalf in order to ensure that the installation is safe and successful.

Preventing the ingress of dirt or foreign bodies is one of the most important ways to prevent problems in the network, so ensure that the area is as clean as possible and any equipment you are using has been sanitised. 

With that said, you should take care to avoid exposing your cable glands to any solvents or chemicals and ensure that your equipment is dry before proceeding. To avoid the risk of shocks, turn off any electrical equipment and disconnect live wires from the system.

To avoid exposing any wires, measure the cable gland and remove the insulating material around the outside of the cable, leaving one or two millimetres to account for the seal. Remove the nut from the cable gland and insert the cable, ensuring that the conductors (or the metal sheath in some types of cable) make contact, and then replace the nut and tighten it with a spanner to ensure it remains secure.

Find out more

If you want to know more about cable glands or need guidance with selecting a suitable solution for your application, Northern Connectors is here to help.

You can explore the Glands & Cable Protection section of our website and scroll for details on our product pages, call us on 01744 815001, or complete our online contact form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.