EXPLOSION-PROOF CABLE GLAND SELECTION GUIDE: TYPES AND APPLICATIONS
Electrical cables are secured to other electrical equipment, such as explosion-proof junction boxes, electrical terminals, and plugs, via explosion-proof cable glands, which are mechanical cable entrance mechanisms affixed to the end of the cables. In tough or dangerous environments where sealing and ingress protection are required, they are crucial for terminating wires. They also provide strain relief and safeguard delicate electrical wire from rust, water, toxic gases, corrosion, and corrosion.
As you can see, the environment in which these cable glands are employed must match. A cable gland needs to be more durable in difficult environments since using the incorrect cable gland might be expensive. Additionally, they must be chosen in accordance with the techniques used for explosion protection. So, the important question is: how do you select an appropriate explosion-proof cable gland? To make sure the proper cable gland is utilised, a number of criteria need to be taken into account. Learn more by reading on.
Considerations for cable glands
Consider the following before choosing your perfect explosion-proof cable glands:
Will the cable gland be utilised inside or outside?
What is the hazardous area's zone classification where the cable gland is installed?
Will the cable gland be put in an area with dusty or wet conditions?
Are there any corrosive substances or gases in the area?
Is the cable gland appropriate for the utilised cable's size and type?
Your choice of cable glands will depend on how you answer these questions. Based on these elements, the protective plating or coating on the glands will also vary.
Various cable gland types
To help you decide which cable glands are best for your project, let's go through some of the typical varieties of explosion-proof cable glands and their typical uses:
For interior use of buildings and smaller installations, use single compression.
These cable glands have double-compression applications at the cable core and on the exterior sheathing or armour, as well as double-compression sealing. They are therefore appropriate for industries and power plants that need robust sealing.
Hose that is flexible is appropriate for environments with greater temperatures.
Steel-wire armoured (SWA) cables, the industry standard for wall cabling and subterranean installations, are utilised with armoured cable glands.
Waterproof - IP68 waterproofing is provided by waterproof cable glands, which can withstand submersion in water that is at least one metre deep.
A good corrosion and pressure resistant material is stainless steel.
Flexible, rust-proof, and an effective heat and electrical conductor is aluminium.
Strong and resistant to deformation at both high and low temperatures, brass provides strength. It has strong electrical conductivity as well.
Once you've decided the kind of explosion-proof cable gland to employ, you need to take into account the gland's specifications to make sure the cable will fit through it. Important details to bear in mind are as follows:
Wire hole diameter: The wire hole diameter needs to be large enough to accommodate all of the system's cables.
The amount of pressure it can sustain without leaking is indicated by the pressure rating.
Cable diameter - The cable should have a diameter that is large enough to feed through the cable gland.
Diameter that can be changed to accommodate different cable diameters is known as the adjustable diameter of the cable gland.
The diameter of the barrier or bulkhead hole in which the cable gland is mounted is referred to as the mounting hole diameter.
Explosion-proof cable applications
Explosion-proof cable glands are created in accordance with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, which addresses tools and safety measures meant for use in potentially explosive environments. They were thus created particularly for usage in corrosive/hazardous situations. The maritime, oil, and gas sectors are some examples. They are often utilised in gearbox systems for medium and high voltages.
As you can see, there are several factors to take into account when choosing an explosion-proof cable gland for your company. So, if the market's choices have you feeling disoriented, don't be afraid to ask our experts at Supermec for guidance.
As experts in explosion-proof electrical equipment, we provide a range of explosion-proof cable glands, including ATEX-certified and Ex-d cable glands, customised to the commercial requirements of our clients. Our team is qualified to suggest the best explosion-proof cable gland for your project as a result. Contact us right now to find out more about our goods!
