Technical Guide
Cable Gland Selection Guide: Thread, Cable OD and IP Rating
A practical reference for matching cable glands to your enclosure, cable and environment before you request a quotation.
1. Start with the thread standard
The mounting thread must match the enclosure hole or threaded entry. Three standards cover most industrial applications:
| Standard | Typical sizes | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Metric (M) | M12 to M63 | Modern EN 60423 equipment and most new control panels worldwide |
| PG | PG7 to PG48 | Legacy European cabinets and replacement work |
| NPT | 1/4 in to 2 in | North American conduit systems and tapered-thread entries |
If the enclosure only has a plain hole, note the hole diameter and panel thickness instead of the thread.
2. Match the cable outside diameter to the sealing range
Every gland size clamps a defined cable OD range. A correct match keeps the IP rating; a loose or over-compressed seal does not.
How to measure
Measure the cable jacket diameter with calipers at the point where the gland will sit. If the cable is not round, use the largest dimension.
Choose the smallest suitable gland
When a cable OD fits two sizes, the smaller gland usually seals better and needs less panel space.
3. Choose the IP rating by exposure
| Rating | Protection | Typical site |
|---|---|---|
| IP66 | Dust-tight, resists powerful water jets | Outdoor cabinets and washdown areas |
| IP67 | Temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes | Flood-risk pits and ground-level boxes |
| IP68 | Continuous immersion at a stated depth | Pumps, underwater or buried equipment |
IP68 depth and duration are defined per model, so state the water depth in your inquiry.
4. Select the material for the environment
| Material | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| PA66 nylon | Light, economical, UV-resistant options | General electrical boxes and solar combiner boxes |
| Nickel-plated brass | High mechanical strength | Machine building and vibration-prone equipment |
| Stainless steel 304/316 | Corrosion resistance | Marine, chemical and food-processing sites |
| EMC brass | 360-degree shield contact | Shielded cables in drives and instrumentation |
5. What to send for a matched quotation
One complete set of parameters lets us reply with a matched component list:
- Cable outside diameter for each line
- Mounting thread or hole size and panel thickness
- Material preference and IP rating target
- Quantity per size, plus any reducers, plugs, locknuts and washers
- Application environment: indoor, outdoor, washdown or corrosive
Ready to match your cable entry?
Send your parameters and receive a technically clear component list for review.