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Cable glands (also known as cord grips or cable connectors) are components used to fix cables in switches, distribution boxes, distribution switches, and within equipment. These devices ensure the cables are securely fixed, reduce mechanical stress, and seal holes to prevent dust, moisture and pressure from entering. The absence of appropriate fixing devices can lead to line damage, water leakage, mechanical stress and other problems.
When choosing the packaging material for cables, the first step is to determine the type of material, as the material directly affects the strength, corrosion resistance, allowable working temperature range, chemical stability, and cost of the product. Currently, the three most commonly used materials are nylon/plastic, high-quality copper, and stainless steel. In this guide, BOESE compares the advantages and disadvantages of these materials, explains the specific application scenarios where they are suitable, and provides clear standards for material selection in industrial settings.
An industrial cable gland is a mechanical device used to fix cables on supports or installation panels. Typically, such connectors consist of a housing, a cover plate or a sealing sheath, fasteners, and sealing functions. During connection, the cover plate wraps around the cable, and the wires are inserted into the installation panel, forming a protective barrier that effectively prevents rain, sand, and dust from entering.
Industrial cable glands have three main functions: preventing cable swaying or detachment; sealing the cable connection points to prevent water, dust, and gas; and reducing mechanical stress caused by vibration and circuit operation, thereby avoiding cable damage. Such connectors are widely used in automation systems, control cabinets, lighting equipment, mechanical equipment, ships, outdoor facilities, and other fields. When choosing the appropriate type of connector, factors such as cable diameter, the size of the installation panel support platform, and environmental conditions should be considered comprehensively.
The material of the gland body dictates how it performs under load, corrosion, temperature, and chemicals. Here are the three most common options.
Nylon (polyamide) cable glands are lightweight, corrosion-free, and electrically insulating. They offer various grades, usually in hexagonal design, and are equipped with internal ring closure and opening mechanisms. The Nylon glands have excellent waterproof and chemical resistance, are easy to install, and thus are an ideal choice in terms of both quality and price. They are suitable not only for indoor environments but also for various outdoor climatic conditions. However, the temperature range of the standard model is relatively limited. If exposed to high temperatures or strong ultraviolet rays for a long time, they may be damaged.
The copper alloy nickel-plated film material combines the durability and wear resistance of copper with the high corrosion resistance of the nickel film. This material has excellent mechanical properties, good electrical conductivity, and a wide temperature range, possessing significant advantages. Copper-nickel materials are mainly used for the installation of electrical equipment and measuring instruments, ensuring stable operation in most industrial environments and with reasonable costs. Although its weight and price are higher than nylon, its service life is much longer than the latter.
Stainless steel glands is an ideal choice, capable of withstanding the most demanding environments. This product boasts excellent mechanical strength, high corrosion resistance, and outstanding performance under chemical and high-temperature conditions. These rings are widely used in ships and marine engineering where high reliability and cleanliness are required, as well as in the food industry and chemical facilities. Due to its high cost, special tools must be used during installation.
Note: BOESE’s metal cable glands are made of nickel-plated brass. Stainless steel is included here for comparison only — choose it when your specification demands maximum corrosion resistance that brass cannot meet.
To choose correctly, weigh the advantages and limitations of each material against your environment and budget.
Nylon / plastic: The advantages include light weight, corrosion resistance, good electrical insulation performance, low cost and easy installation. The disadvantages are a limited temperature range, low mechanical strength, and potential impact from ultraviolet radiation when used outdoors for a long time.
Nickel-plated brass: Advantages include high mechanical strength, good conductivity, wide temperature range, and dependable corrosion resistance. Limitations include higher cost, heavier weight, and the need to protect the plating from scratches that could expose the brass underneath.
Stainless steel: Advantages include maximum strength, outstanding corrosion resistance, and suitability for saltwater, chemical, and high-heat environments. Limitations include the highest cost, heavier weight, and the need for proper tooling and installation care.
| Property | Nylon / Plastic | Nickel-Plated Brass | Stainless Steel |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Mechanical Strength | Moderate | High | Highest |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Good (plated) | Excellent |
| Electrical Insulation | Yes (insulator) | No (conductive) | No (conductive) |
| Temperature Range | Moderate | Wide | Wide / high |
| Weight | Light | Heavy | Heavy |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Best For | Indoor, light, cost-sensitive | General industrial | Marine, chemical, harsh |
Nylon / plastic suits control panels, indoor equipment, lighting, and low-to-moderate temperature environments where insulation, light weight, and economy are priorities.
Nickel-plated brass suits industrial automation, electrical panels, instrumentation, and general outdoor installations where strength, grounding, and reliability are required.
Stainless steel suits marine, offshore, food processing, chemical plants, and other corrosive or high-temperature environments where long-term durability is critical.
Beyond material, size and sealing must be matched correctly. Consider sealing grade, cable size, panel cutout, environment, and total cost.
Choose an industrial cable gland that seals to the required IP rating, matches the cable diameter, and fits the panel hole.
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates how well the gland seals against solids and water. For dry indoor panels, IP54–IP65 is often enough. For washdown, outdoor, or pressurized areas, choose IP66–IP68 glands with a tight sealing ring and correct torque. Always confirm the gland’s IP rating matches or exceeds the enclosure requirement.
Each cable gland in panel mounting has a specified cable clamping range. Select a gland whose range covers the outer diameter of your cable, including insulation. A gland that is too large will not seal; one that is too small will damage the cable. Measure the cable diameter and the panel cutout, then match the gland’s thread size and clamping range to both.
Consider the operating environment and the total cost of ownership over time.
Check the ambient and process temperatures, as well as exposure to chemicals, salt, or washdown agents. Nylon handles moderate conditions; nickel-plated brass handles a wide range; stainless steel is required where heat, chemicals, or saltwater are aggressive. Match the material’s rated temperature and chemical resistance to your site.
The initial price is only part of the picture. Cheaper nylon glands cost less up front but may need earlier replacement in harsh environments. Stainless steel costs more initially but lasts longest where conditions are severe. Compare purchase cost, installation, maintenance, downtime, and replacement frequency to find the lowest total cost of ownership.
Select the correct size. Match the gland to the cable diameter and the panel cutout before installation.
Prepare a clean entry. Before fitting a cable gland in panel cutouts, deburr the panel hole and keep the sealing surface clean for a proper seal.
Tighten to the correct torque. Over-tightening can crush the seal or cable; under-tightening causes leaks. Use the manufacturer’s torque guidance.
Protect the plating. For nickel-plated brass, avoid scratching the surface with harsh tools, as exposed brass can corrode.
Inspect seals periodically. Check sealing rings and threads for wear or damage, especially in outdoor and high-vibration environments.
Cable glands are essential to every cable entry, and the material you choose determines reliability in the field. Nylon offers economy, insulation, and corrosion resistance for lighter, moderate environments. Nickel-plated brass balances strength, grounding, and durability for general industrial use. Stainless steel provides maximum corrosion resistance and strength for the harshest conditions.
By matching the material, IP rating, cable size, and panel cutout to your environment and budget, you can select confidently and get the most value from every gland. For reliable cable gland solutions from a dependable cable gland supplier, BOESE has you covered.
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A1: A cable gland secures a cable where it enters an enclosure, seals the entry against dust and moisture, and provides strain relief to protect the wiring.
A2: There is no single best material. Nylon suits light, moderate, and cost-sensitive applications; nickel-plated brass suits general industrial use; stainless steel suits harsh, corrosive, and high-temperature environments.
A3: Nylon glands resist moisture and corrosion, but standard grades can degrade under prolonged UV exposure. For long-term outdoor use, choose UV-stabilized nylon or a metal gland.
A4: The IP rating shows how well the gland seals against solids and water. Higher ratings such as IP66–IP68 provide stronger protection for outdoor, washdown, or pressurized applications.
A5: Measure the cable outer diameter (including insulation) and the panel cutout, then select a gland whose clamping range and thread size cover both.
A6: Stainless steel costs more because of the material and machining, but it delivers maximum corrosion resistance and durability, making it cost-effective where conditions are severe.
A7: If the nickel plating is scratched or damaged, the exposed brass can corrode. Handle and install them carefully to preserve the protective plating.
A8: Periodically inspect the sealing ring, threads, and torque in outdoor, washdown, or high-vibration environments to ensure the seal remains intact.
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