How to Select the Right Type of Brass Cable Glands?

Selection of the right cable gland, a small decision as it may seem, can have a far-reaching impact on the efficacy of the entire project.  Also known as a connector, the effectiveness of a cable connection depends upon the quality of the cable gland. While cable glands are responsible for secure connection, the strength of the connection, in turn impacts quality of transmission. No matter how superior the design or the production, the product may fail simply on account of an ineffective cable gland.

Failure to choose the right cable gland, therefore, can turn out to be extremely expensive in terms of time, money and effort. Below is a handy checklist to guide you to select the right cable gland that meets your project requirement:

• The choice of the cable gland will depend foremost upon the kind of cable being used. Its material, size are factors to consider. It is also prudent to see whether the cable is armoured or not. In case of armoured cables, the size of the armour material, short circuit rating of the armour etc are some aspects to consider.
• The other major factor to be taken into account is the location of the cable. There could be a host of environmental conditions to be taken into account. If the cable is placed in harsh environmental conditions, the gland would be subject to a lot of wear and tear and corrosion. In such circumstances, for example, a brass cable gland that is corrosion resistant works well. Similarly if the temperature will be really high in the installed area, then that needs to be taken into account as well. With brass being ductile and being able to withstand high temperature, brass glands have a distinct advantage. In fact explosion-proof brass glands are particularly useful in hazardous settings such as underground mining and other excavation and drilling operations.
• In addition you should also look out for factors such as installation space or electromagnetic interference while making the decision of choosing the right cable gland. In case the requirement is to screen electromagnetic disturbances, brass cable glands are ideal.
• Factors such as whether the gland needs to provide mechanical protection also needs to be factored in.
• You also need to consider factors such as whether the gland needs to provide earthing. Once again brass glands work well on this parameter.
• Another aspect to consider is that dissimilar metals can often react. In such cases nickel-plated brass glands work well.
• Similarly the material of the mating to which the gland is being attached also needs to be considered.
• Does the gland need stopper plugs to close unused cable is yet another factor that needs consideration.
• Another area to consider is the durability that is expected of the glands. In cases where you need long lasting glands especially in mission critical projects, brass glands work best as they do not crack or disintegrate, as opposed to say nylon glands.
• The cost aspect is also important in making the choice of a cable gland. Typically brass glands turn out to be far more cost effective than other glands. This is, however, not to say that a cable gland should be treated just as an accessory and the decision be made on the cost alone. It needs to be kept in mind that a cable gland can go a long way in impacting the overall function of the instrument. Therefore the choice should be prudently made.
• In choosing the right cable gland you also need to check for the protection ratings and whether it complies with international quality standards especially for different hazardous areas in which the cable glands need to be installed.

Some of the other factors that need to be given due consideration include:

• Can the cable gland be used on cables that show “ cold flow characteristics”
• Is it easy to install and are there clear instructions?
• Does the cable gland lend itself to ease of inspection?

Keeping the above factors in mind, it is imperative that you choose the right partner who can offer the best advice for all your cabling needs. The expert can recommend the right cable gland basis the requirements of the project as also the budget. With new innovation in cable glands happening on a continuous basis, selecting the right cable gland that works optimally for your project is best left to professionals who have the requisite experience and expertise in handling multiple projects across domains.