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A stainless steel cable gland is a mechanical device designed to seal, anchor, and protect electrical cables entering enclosures or equipment. It provides vital functions like ingress protection, strain relief, and environmental sealing, especially in challenging or hazardous environments. Whether managing electrical installations offshore, in food production, or chemical processing, stainless steel cable glands help you maintain safety, performance, and compliance.
If you need a reliable way to protect electrical cables in harsh industrial environments, stainless steel cable glands are your go-to solution. These components offer sealing, mechanical grip, and protection where cables enter enclosures, control panels, or motors. Their primary roles include:
Preventing moisture and dust ingress
Providing strain relief
Withstanding high temperatures, vibration, and chemicals
Unlike plastic, metal cable glands—especially those made from 304 or 316 stainless steel—excel in extreme environments.
From oil refineries and offshore wind farms to cleanrooms and food-grade factories, this guide explains everything you need to know about stainless steel cable glands: types, IP ratings, materials, sizes, applications, and more.
The global market for cable glands is showing strong and consistent growth. According to a comprehensive analysis from leading institutions such as IMARC Group, Zion Market Research, and Straits Research, the global cable gland market size in 2024 is estimated to be between USD 1.97 billion and USD 2.02 billion.
Among these, metal cable glands, including stainless steel types, account for approximately 40% to 50% of the total market. This implies that the 2024 market size for stainless steel cable glands is approximately in the range of USD 790 million to USD 1 billion.
Historical CAGR (2019–2024): 5.0% to 6.5%
Forecast CAGR (2025–2033): 5.04% to 6.78%
Stainless steel cable glands are expected to grow at a rate equal to or higher than the overall market average due to increasing demand in sectors where high corrosion resistance and mechanical performance are essential.
Expansion of industrial automation and smart manufacturing
Rising safety and hygiene requirements in the food, pharmaceutical, and offshore sectors
Demand for durable, long-life cable sealing in renewable energy and EV infrastructure
Infrastructure growth in high-pollution, high-humidity, or chemically aggressive environments
Regulatory pressure for IP-rated, RoHS/REACH-compliant electrical fittings
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market, led by China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Europe is driven by environmental standards and sustainable industrial upgrades.
North America continues to experience steady growth, especially in the oil, utility, and defense sectors.
Stainless steel cable glands are no longer seen as niche accessories but as mission-critical components in modern cable management and sealing systems. As reliability and longevity become top priorities, the demand for stainless steel glands will continue to rise.
A Stainless Steel Cable Gland is a mechanical device that secures and seals the end of an electrical cable where it enters an enclosure or equipment. It performs multiple key functions: providing strain relief, ensuring ingress protection (dust and moisture), and protecting cables from mechanical and chemical damage.
These SS glands are commonly made from SS304 or SS316L stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and high-temperature tolerance. They are widely used in challenging environments such as offshore platforms, marine vessels, food production facilities, and chemical plants.
A standard stainless steel cable gland is made up of several key components, each contributing to sealing, mechanical strength, and electrical safety. Based on the exploded view shown above, the major parts include:
Lock Nut
Secures the gland to the enclosure wall or junction box. It ensures the gland is firmly locked in place during tightening and operation.
O-Ring Seal
A critical sealing element is placed between the gland body and the mounting surface. It prevents water, dust, and chemicals from entering the enclosure, essential for achieving high IP ratings like IP68 or IP69K.
Connector Body
The main structural housing of the gland. Typically made from 304 or 316 stainless steel, it offers excellent corrosion resistance and provides a threaded path for the cable to pass through. This part also delivers grounding capabilities in armored cable applications.
Step Seal Ring
This inner sealing ring adjusts to different cable diameters and ensures uniform pressure is applied around the cable sheath, maintaining a waterproof and dustproof seal. It supports wide clamping ranges and helps maintain a high ingress protection rating.
Anti-Release Buckle
Also known as the claw or retaining clip, it grips the cable jacket to provide strain relief. This prevents pull-out under tension and protects internal connections.
Sealing Nut
The final outer nut that compresses the internal sealing system (step seal ring and buckle) onto the cable. It ensures a firm clamping force and keeps all internal parts securely assembled.
This modular design not only provides mechanical robustness but also supports easy installation and reusability. With proper tightening, each component contributes to a secure, corrosion-resistant cable gland suitable for marine, food-grade, and industrial environments.
For example, BOESE stainless steel cable glands include nickel-plated brass parts for high strength and corrosion resistance, NBR rubber seals for chemical protection, and PA66 claws for grip strength and thermal stability. These glands are available in both PG and Metric threads (ranging from PG7–PG48 and M12–M63), and are tested for working temperatures up to 120°C.
Compared to plastic or brass, stainless steel glands offer significant advantages:
Excellent resistance to corrosion from salt, acids, and industrial solvents
Extended service life in aggressive indoor or outdoor environments
High mechanical load-bearing capacity
Suitable for hygienic and cleanroom environments
Capable of withstanding high temperatures and thermal cycling
Optional EMC shielding versions to suppress electrical interference
These qualities make stainless cable glands the preferred choice for sectors with elevated performance requirements, such as:
Oil and gas refining and transportation
Marine and offshore wind installations
Pharmaceutical and food-grade production lines
Power generation and renewable energy infrastructure
Industrial robotics and automation systems
Choosing the right thread is essential. There are three main types:
Used mainly in control panels and automation boxes. Threads are round and easier to install in thin sheet metal.
Common globally. Matches ISO metric thread standards. Easy to source and standard in Europe and Asia.
A U.S. standard with tapered threads that create a tighter seal, ideal for oil & gas and high-pressure environments.
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define how well the SS cable gland keeps out solids and liquids:
IP66 cable gland: Total dust protection + strong water jets
IP68 cable gland: Full submersion in water
IP69K: High-pressure, high-temperature washdown protection
Applications with Marine cable glands, food industry glands, or hazardous areas often require IP68 or higher.
These glands are chosen for their strength and sealing capabilities in environments such as:
Oil and gas cable gland stainless steel projects
Stainless steel cable gland for food industry machinery
Marine cable gland solutions for vessels or docks
Pharma cleanrooms and sterile zones
Outdoor solar and wind power enclosures
Industrial automation panels and robotics
Cable gland for hazardous areas, including explosive zones
| Material | Advantages | Suitable Applications |
|---|---|---|
| SS 304 | Cost-effective, general corrosion resistance | Industrial control panels, light processing |
| SS 316L | Superior corrosion resistance, low carbon | Marine, chemical plants, high-salt areas |
| Plastic (PA66) | Lightweight, non-metallic, affordable | Indoor, dry locations, cost-sensitive installs |
Use 316L where corrosion resistance is paramount. 304 suffices for general-purpose indoor or dry outdoor use. Plastic glands are best for low-stress or temporary setups.
Correct sizing ensures proper sealing and protection. Below is the BOESE stainless steel cable gland size chart for both Metric and PG threads.
Metric Thread Sizes
| Thread Size | Clamping Range (mm) | Total Length (mm) | Mounting Hole (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M12×1.5 | 3–6.5 | ~19.5 | 12.2 |
| M16×1.5 | 4–8 | ~22.5 | 16.2 |
| M20×1.5 | 6–12 | ~23.5 | 20.2 |
| M25×1.5 | 9–14 | ~26.5 | 25.2 |
| M32×1.5 | 11–16 | ~29.5 | 32.2 |
| M40×1.5 | 19–28 | ~32.5 | 40.2 |
| M50×1.5 | 27–35 | ~35.5 | 50.2 |
| M63×1.5 | 34–44 | ~38.5 | 63.2 |
PG Thread Sizes
| Thread Size | Clamping Range (mm) | Total Length (mm) | Mounting Hole (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG7 | 3–6.5 | ~18.5 | 12.5 |
| PG9 | 4–8 | ~22.0 | 15.2 |
| PG11 | 5–10 | ~23.0 | 18.6 |
| PG13.5 | 6–12 | ~24.5 | 20.4 |
| PG16 | 10–14 | ~26.5 | 22.5 |
| PG21 | 13–18 | ~28.5 | 28.3 |
| PG29 | 18–25 | ~31.0 | 37.0 |
| PG36 | 25–33 | ~34.5 | 47.0 |
| PG42 | 32–38 | ~36.5 | 54.0 |
| PG48 | 37–44 | ~38.5 | 59.3 |
When evaluating stainless steel cable glands, always check:
CE: Meets EU safety requirements
RoHS/REACH: Free from hazardous substances
IP Ratings: IP66–IP69K for ingress protection
ATEX / IECEx: For explosive or hazardous environments
UL / CSA: North American safety compliance
Leading manufacturers include:
BOESE (China): PG/M thread glands, CE, RoHS certified
CMP Products (UK): Known for explosion-proof solutions
Hummel (Germany): Premium German engineering
LAPP (Germany): Specializes in EMC and hygienic designs
HellermannTyton (USA): Global reach with wide product range
SIGMA (India): Marine and industrial focus
Select Correct Size: Match cable OD to gland clamping range.
Prepare Cable: Strip the sheath carefully and clean the jacket.
Disassemble Gland: Insert the cable through the sealing and clamping parts
Position Correctly: Ensure the seal aligns with the jacket
Tighten with Proper Torque: Prevent over/under compression.
Test: Gently pull the cable to confirm the grip
Quarterly Inspection: Check for cracks, rust, or looseness
Torque Verification: Re-tighten if necessary
Sealing Integrity: Watch for water/dust ingress
Cleanliness: Keep food/pharma installations sanitary
Environmental Compatibility: Re-evaluate after temperature/humidity changes
1. Installation Errors
Symptoms: Leaks, failed seal
Fix: Use correct torque, align the seal properly, and match the cable OD
2. Improper Cable Prep
Symptoms: Loose hold or poor sealing
Fix: Strip jacket cleanly to spec length
3. Corrosion or Cracks
Symptoms: Rust, failure
Fix: Use SS 316L in corrosive zones
4. Loose Sheath/Armour
Symptoms: Mechanical failure, poor grounding
Fix: Use proper compression and terminate armour correctly
5. Environmental Mismatch
Symptoms: Degraded gland
Fix: Use IP69K/316L where needed
6. Inflexible Sizing
Symptoms: Complex wiring
Fix: Choose glands with wide clamping ranges
7. Connector Heads Too Large
Symptoms: Can’t pass through
Fix: Use split glands or larger diameters
Stainless steel cable glands play a vital role in secure, safe, and long-lasting cable installations, especially in demanding environments. From marine vessels to cleanrooms, their value lies in durability, flexibility, and protection.
Key takeaways:
Match the size and thread type to your enclosure and cable.
Choose the right material (304, 316L) for the environment.
Prioritize certified products for peace of mind.
Install and inspect regularly to ensure long-term safety
For quality solutions, consider BOESE metal cable glands—trusted by professionals for performance, safety, and compliance.
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