Cable glands perform a number of essential roles in cable management, according to TR Fastenings. Designed to attach and seal the end of an electric cable, cable glands provide earthing, grounding, insulation and strain relief when connected to plugs, terminals, enclosures or electrical equipment.
They are often used outdoors or in harsh and hazardous environments where they need to contain electrical sparks or repel external contaminants such as dirt, dust, water and moisture. In addition, they prevent cables twisting, tearing and pulling to ensure continual performance and a secure connection.
HUMMEL cable glands are made of plastic, brass and stainless steel. The range offers a choice of high specification plastic and metal materials and mounting thread types.
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system classifies the glands depending on their design and efficiency for different applications. The HSK-K plastic range and HSK-M metal range meet the toughest requirements of industrial indoor and outdoor environments and provide the highest levels of IP ratings – IP68 and IP69K. This is mainly due to advanced seal design. The higher rated IP69K enables products to be used in conditions where equipment must be carefully sanitised, such as in medical and food processing applications.
Andrew Fletcher, director of plastics and rubber (commercial and technical) at TR commented:
“This isn’t a one solution-fits-all scenario, as we’ve seen the cable glands market change considerably over the years, with continuous product developments to meet industry demands.”
