| Cable outer diameter | Select a gland whose clamping range covers the measured cable diameter. | M12: approximately 3–6.5 mm M16: approximately 4–8 mm M20: approximately 6–12 mm M25: approximately 13–18 mm | The cable must be firmly sealed without excessive compression or damage to the jacket. | Measure the actual cable outside diameter, including any jacket variation. |
| Thread size | Match the gland thread to the enclosure entry or locknut. | Common: M12, M16, M20, M25, M32 Metric coarse pitch is commonly 1.5 mm for sizes M16 and larger. | An incorrect thread can cause poor mechanical retention, leakage, or cross-threading. | Confirm metric or another thread system before ordering. |
| Ingress protection | Choose a sealed design with a suitable elastomer sealing ring and cable seal. | Typical industrial nylon glands: IP65 to IP68, depending on design and installation. | Higher IP protection helps prevent dust and water ingress into the enclosure. | Verify the exact IP rating for the complete assembly, including the enclosure and locknut. |
| Material | Use UV-stabilized polyamide 6 or polyamide 66 for general industrial applications. | Typical body material: PA6 or PA66 Typical seal material: EPDM, NBR, or equivalent elastomer | Material selection affects impact resistance, chemical compatibility, weatherability, and service life. | Choose UV-resistant material for outdoor or sun-exposed installations. |
| Operating temperature | Select a gland rated for both the minimum and maximum application temperature. | Common nylon gland ranges are approximately −40°C to +100°C, depending on the material and seal. | Temperature outside the rated range may cause brittleness, deformation, or loss of sealing pressure. | Consider ambient temperature, cable temperature, and heat from nearby equipment. |
| Cable type | Match the gland to unarmored, flexible, multicore, control, or instrumentation cable. | Nylon glands are generally used with non-armored cables and cables requiring strain relief. | The cable construction determines the required clamping method and mechanical support. | For armored or metal-braid cables, use a gland specifically designed for armor termination. |
| Strain relief | Use a compression-style gland that grips the cable jacket evenly around its circumference. | Choose a design with a suitable clamping insert and sufficient cable retention. | Strain relief prevents pulling, twisting, and vibration from transferring to terminals or connectors. | Check the cable retention requirement and installation torque in the technical data. |
| Impact resistance | Select a robust polyamide construction for equipment exposed to handling or vibration. | Many industrial nylon glands are specified with an impact category such as IK08, depending on construction. | Impact resistance reduces the risk of cracking during installation, transport, or operation. | Confirm the impact rating when the enclosure is installed in exposed locations. |
| Flammability | Choose a gland body made from flame-retardant engineering plastic where required. | Some nylon materials are available with UL 94 V-2 or higher flammability classifications. | Flammability performance can support enclosure safety requirements in electrical equipment. | Check the required classification against the applicable equipment standard. |
| Outdoor exposure | Use UV-stabilized nylon and a weather-resistant sealing compound. | Black UV-stabilized polyamide is commonly selected for outdoor cable entry applications. | UV exposure can reduce strength and cause discoloration or cracking in unsuitable plastics. | Confirm outdoor suitability, UV resistance, and the expected service life. |
| Chemical environment | Check compatibility with oils, detergents, solvents, coolants, and cleaning agents. | PA6 or PA66 is suitable for many general industrial environments, but compatibility is chemical-specific. | Chemicals may swell, soften, embrittle, or degrade the gland body and seal. | Review the chemical safety data and obtain a compatibility confirmation when necessary. |
| Panel thickness and thread length | Choose a thread length that passes through the enclosure wall and allows full locknut engagement. | Common thread lengths are approximately 8–15 mm, depending on gland size and design. | Insufficient thread engagement can weaken mounting and compromise the seal. | Measure the enclosure wall, coating, gasket, and any internal clearance. |
| Installation space | Allow room for tightening, cable bending, and maintenance access. | Use a compact straight gland where clearance is limited; use an angled gland only when required by routing. | Restricted space can create excessive cable bending and make correct tightening difficult. | Follow the cable manufacturer’s minimum bend radius. |
| Sealing method | Use a compression seal suited to the cable jacket material and diameter. | Sealing elements are commonly made from EPDM, NBR, or other application-specific elastomers. | The seal provides the primary barrier against dust, moisture, and contaminants. | Confirm seal compatibility and avoid selecting a range that is too wide for the cable. |
| Compliance and testing | Specify the required standards, test reports, and documentation before purchase. | Common references may include IEC 62444 for cable glands and IEC 60529 for IP ratings. | Documented testing helps demonstrate that the gland is suitable for the intended installation. | Request dimensional drawings, torque data, material details, and test documentation. |
| Installation torque | Follow the manufacturer’s specified body, locknut, and cap tightening torque. | Torque values vary with thread size, material, seal design, and cable diameter. | Under-tightening can cause leakage; over-tightening can damage the cable or gland. | Use a calibrated torque tool when consistent sealing is required. |