Armored Cable Gland Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

In electrical installations, cable glands are essential components that ensure safety, reliability, and the long-term efficiency of electrical connections. Armoured cables, used extensively in industries for added protection and durability, require special cable glands that accommodate their unique structure. These specialized components, known as Cable Gland Armoured, are designed to offer secure connections while maintaining the integrity of the armored cable's protection. In this blog, we will explore what armoured cable glands are, their types, applications, and why they are critical in heavy-duty installations.

What is an Armoured Cable?

Before delving into cable glands for armoured cables, it's essential to understand what armoured cables are. Armoured cables are electrical cables protected by a layer of metal armor, typically steel wire (SWA - Steel Wire Armored) or aluminum wire. This armor serves to protect the internal conductors from physical damage caused by environmental factors like moisture, pressure, mechanical stress, and even rodents.

Armoured cables are commonly used in harsh environments such as industrial plants, underground systems, and outdoor installations. They ensure not only the safe transmission of electricity but also the protection of electrical signals in demanding situations where standard cables would easily be compromised.

Cable Glands for Armoured Cables

A cable gland armoured is a device designed specifically to terminate armoured cables. These glands are engineered to secure the armoured cable in place, protect the internal components, and provide electrical continuity between the cable armor and the ground or earth system. They also ensure that the armor itself does not interfere with the cable’s conductor or insulation.

Armoured cable glands come in various materials, such as brass, stainless steel, and plastic, depending on the application and environment. For instance, brass cable glands are commonly used for their durability and corrosion resistance, especially in outdoor or industrial environments.

Types of Armoured Cable Glands

There are different types of cable glands for armoured cables, each suited to a specific application and environment:

1. Brass Cable Gland Armoured
2. These glands are made from high-quality brass and are used in environments where durability and corrosion resistance are crucial. They are suitable for outdoor, industrial, and hazardous areas. The brass material ensures longevity and performance even in extreme conditions.
3. Stainless Steel Cable Gland Armoured
4. Stainless steel cable glands provide superior resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for use in marine or highly corrosive environments, such as chemical plants. They are designed to protect the cable from saltwater and other corrosive elements.
5. Plastic Cable Gland Armoured
6. Though not as durable as metal glands, plastic cable glands are lightweight and offer good protection in indoor applications where mechanical stress is minimal. These glands are often used in less demanding environments.
7. Explosion-Proof Armoured Cable Glands
8. In hazardous environments like oil refineries or chemical plants, explosion-proof glands are used to ensure safety by preventing sparks or explosions from occurring within the gland. These glands are specially designed to meet safety standards in explosive environments.
9. EMC Armoured Cable Glands
10. EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) glands are designed to protect cables from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt signals. These glands are crucial in applications where signal integrity is paramount, such as in data centers or communication systems.

Key Functions of Armoured Cable Glands

Armoured cable glands serve multiple critical functions in electrical systems, ensuring both performance and safety. Some of their main functions include:

1. Sealing and Protection
2. These glands ensure that the armoured cable is securely sealed at the entry point, preventing the ingress of dust, water, or other contaminants. This is especially important in outdoor or industrial environments where the cables are exposed to harsh conditions.
3. Strain Relief
4. The cable gland armoured provides strain relief, ensuring that mechanical stress (such as pulling or bending) on the cable does not cause damage to the internal conductors. This is essential in environments where cables are subject to movement or external force.
5. Grounding and Earthing
6. In armoured cables, the metal armor must be properly grounded to ensure electrical safety. Cable glands for armoured cables are designed to provide a reliable grounding connection between the armor and the earth system, preventing electrical faults and enhancing safety.
7. Mechanical Protection
8. Armoured cable glands add an extra layer of mechanical protection to the cable by securing the armor, ensuring that the cable can withstand physical stress, impact, and even tension.
9. Fire and Explosion Protection
10. In hazardous areas, specialized cable glands like explosion-proof glands prevent potential ignition sources, ensuring that the electrical installation does not contribute to fire or explosion risks. This is critical in industries like petrochemicals, oil and gas, and mining.

Where Are Armoured Cable Glands Used?

Armoured cable glands are primarily used in industrial, commercial, and outdoor installations where cables need extra protection against environmental and mechanical damage. Common applications include:

• Oil and Gas Industry: Armoured cables and glands are used to protect vital electrical systems in explosive and hazardous areas.
• Underground Installations: When cables are buried underground, they need protection against moisture, soil movement, and potential damage from digging. Armoured cables with glands ensure the cables are protected and grounded.
• Industrial Plants: Factories and manufacturing facilities rely on robust cable systems to operate heavy machinery and equipment. Armoured cables and glands provide the necessary durability to withstand harsh industrial conditions.
• Marine Environments: In marine applications, stainless steel armoured cable glands are used to protect cables from saltwater corrosion and the rigors of the ocean environment.

Why Choosing the Right Armoured Cable Gland is Important

Choosing the right armoured cable gland is critical for ensuring the safety, performance, and longevity of your electrical installation. The wrong gland can result in poor sealing, inadequate protection, and even electrical hazards. Key factors to consider when selecting an armoured cable gland include:

• Material: The material of the gland should match the environmental conditions, such as brass for outdoor use or stainless steel for marine environments.
• Size and Fit: Ensuring the gland is the right size for the cable ensures proper sealing and strain relief.
• Compliance: The gland must meet industry standards and certifications, especially in hazardous or explosion-prone areas.
• Application: The specific use case will determine whether you need a standard gland, explosion-proof, or EMC gland.

Conclusion

Cable glands for armoured cables are indispensable in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electrical systems in demanding environments. From providing sealing and strain relief to ensuring grounding and protection from physical damage, these glands are essential in industries ranging from oil and gas to construction and telecommunications. By choosing the right cable gland armoured for your installation, you can enhance the performance and safety of your electrical systems, ensuring long-term reliability.

5 FAQs About Cable Gland Armoured

1. What is the main function of an armoured cable gland?

The primary function of an armoured cable gland is to provide secure sealing, strain relief, and grounding for armoured cables, ensuring their protection in harsh environments.

2. Can armoured cable glands be used in hazardous environments?

Yes, specially designed explosion-proof armoured cable glands are used in hazardous environments like oil refineries and chemical plants to prevent sparks and explosions.

3. What materials are commonly used for armoured cable glands?

Armoured cable glands are commonly made from brass, stainless steel, and plastic. Brass and stainless steel are preferred for outdoor or industrial environments due to their durability and corrosion resistance.

4. How do I choose the right armoured cable gland?

Choosing the right armoured cable gland depends on factors such as cable type, environmental conditions, application, and compliance with safety standards.

5. Are armoured cable glands reusable?

Armoured cable glands are generally designed for single-use, especially in critical applications where sealing and protection are vital. Reuse may compromise their performance.