How to Choose the Right PG Gland Size: From PG7 to PG48

PG (Panzer-Gewinde) thread sizes are widely used in cable glands to ensure safe and sealed cable entries into electrical enclosures. Originating in Germany, PG threads are now a global standard in industries where cable sealing, strain relief, and mechanical protection are essential.

Choosing the right PG cable gland size is not just about fitting a cable through a hole—it’s about ensuring safety, efficiency, and compatibility with IP-rated systems. From PG7 to PG48, each gland size corresponds to a specific cable outer diameter (OD), and understanding this is crucial for selecting the right gland for your application.

In this comprehensive blog, we’ll decode the pg gland size chart, walk through the steps to choose the ideal size, and explore how these sizes apply to different cable glands types across industrial and commercial installations.

PG sizes range from PG7 (smallest) to PG48 (largest), each correlating to a unique thread diameter and suitable cable OD range. These thread sizes have specific pitch and diameter standards:

Understanding these measurements helps users accurately apply the pg gland size chart in choosing glands that align with their cable specifications and enclosure entry requirements.

When choosing a PG cable gland, several key factors influence correct sizing and performance:

1. Cable Outer Diameter (OD): The gland must match or slightly exceed the cable OD to ensure a tight, sealed fit.
2. Enclosure Hole Size: The threaded part of the gland must match the panel or enclosure entry point.
3. IP Rating: If you’re targeting IP54 or higher, the gland must include sealing elements like rubber inserts or O-rings.
4. Material: Options include plastic, brass, and stainless steel. For industrial use, metal variants such as brass offer greater durability.
5. Temperature Range: Select glands that tolerate your application’s environmental temperature.
6. Strain Relief: The gland should provide secure strain relief to prevent cable damage.

Selecting a gland by cross-checking these factors with the pg gland size chart ensures that you avoid leaks, mechanical failure, and connection issues.

To simplify gland selection, here is a quick-reference pg gland size chart based on typical cable sizes:

This table is a practical guide for engineers and installers, ensuring a smooth match between cable size and gland type. Always verify with product datasheets for precise tolerance and material fit.

Different cable glands types are used in varied settings, and specific PG sizes are ideal for particular applications:

• PG7 to PG11: Used in control panels, automation systems, and sensor wiring. Ideal for low-voltage or signal cables.
• PG13.5 to PG21: Common in HVAC units, small motors, and instrumentation setups.
• PG29 to PG36: Applied in industrial machinery, conveyors, and power cabinets.
• PG42 to PG48: Used in heavy-duty electrical equipment, energy plants, and marine enclosures where thick power cables are routed.

Understanding the appropriate size range helps select the right PG cable gland based on the current load, mechanical strain, and environmental sealing needs.

An IP54 rating indicates that the cable gland is protected from dust and water splashes. To achieve this level of protection:

• Use glands with sealing washers
• Ensure the cable diameter matches the gland’s sealing range
• Tighten the gland per manufacturer torque specifications
• Select materials like brass or stainless steel for weather-exposed environments

PG7 and PG9 glands are commonly used in IP54-rated enclosures for lighting systems, control circuits, and automation panels. For outdoor or industrial applications, using brass PG glands can enhance sealing and lifespan.

Choosing the right PG gland with IP54 ensures system reliability in mildly wet or dusty environments—making it a key consideration in industrial cable gland types.

Here’s how to choose the right PG gland size, from start to finish:

1. Measure Cable OD: Use a caliper or cable datasheet to determine the outer diameter.
2. Refer to PG Chart: Use the pg gland size chart to identify the correct PG size range.
3. Check Material Requirements: For industrial or outdoor setups, brass or stainless steel glands are ideal.
4. Match Thread Size: Confirm that the gland fits the enclosure’s hole size and threading.
5. Verify IP Rating: Look for IP54 or higher protection if required.
6. Install Securely: Follow torque guidelines and use recommended sealing accessories.

Following this checklist ensures a long-lasting, secure cable entry and avoids installation errors.

Even the best industrial cable gland types require inspection and maintenance to ensure continued performance:

• Periodically check gland tightness
• Inspect rubber seals or inserts for wear or degradation
• Replace glands if cracking, loosening, or corrosion appears
• Keep a record of installation dates to plan replacements

Glands like PG7 or PG48 are often installed and forgotten. However, in high-vibration or outdoor conditions, routine maintenance helps avoid system failures. Replace the gland if any component seems compromised.

Choosing the correct PG cable gland ensures system safety, proper sealing, and long-lasting reliability. Whether you’re working with signal wiring in PG7 or routing heavy power lines with PG48, using the correct gland size prevents hazards and ensures compliance.

Explore Atlas Metal’s complete range of brass PG glands, built for durability and trusted across industries. Contact us today for quotes or guidance on selecting the right gland for your application.