Tag Archives: Electrical Cable Glands

Categories Brass Components

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

Introduction – PG Thread Standards in Cable Glands

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.

Understanding PG Sizes & Thread Dimensions

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:

PG Size Thread Diameter (mm) Suitable Cable OD (mm)
PG7 12.5 3 – 6.5
PG9 15.2 4 – 8
PG11 18.6 5 – 10
PG13.5 20.4 6 – 12
PG16 22.5 10 – 14
PG21 28.3 13 – 18
PG29 37 18 – 25
PG36 47 22 – 32
PG42 54 32 – 38
PG48 59.3 37 – 44

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.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting PG Glands

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 PG cable gland 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.

PG Size Selection Table

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

Cable OD (mm) Recommended PG Size
3 – 6.5PG7
4 – 8PG9
5 – 10PG11
6 – 12PG13.5
10 – 14PG16
13 – 18PG21
18 – 25PG29
22 – 32PG36
32 – 38PG42
37 – 44PG48

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.

Common Applications by Size Range

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.

IP54 Considerations for Indoor & Outdoor Installations

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.

Step-by-Step Size Selection Guide

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.

Maintenance & Replacement Tips

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.

Conclusion

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.

FAQs

PG stands for Panzer-Gewinde, a German thread standard used for secure and sealed cable entry.

Measure the cable outer diameter and match it with the pg gland size chart for proper fit and sealing.

The right size ensures proper sealing, strain relief, and maintains the required IP rating.

Yes, PG glands are widely used in industrial panels, machinery, and legacy systems.

Yes, when correctly sized, sealed, and installed as per specifications.

PG7, PG9, PG11, PG13.5, PG16, and PG21 are commonly used across control and industrial applications.

Categories Brass Components

Brass Cable Glands: The Ultimate in Strength, Corrosion Resistance & Longevity

Introduction – Why Cable Glands Matter

Cable glands are essential components in any electrical installation. They serve as mechanical entry points for cables into enclosures, ensuring safety, protection from environmental elements, and uninterrupted connectivity. Choosing the right material for cable glands can make a significant difference in both performance and lifespan.

Among all materials available today, brass cable glands durability stands out as a leading reason for their widespread use in industrial, marine, and hazardous environments. From vibration resistance to excellent conductivity, brass glands outperform alternatives in many areas.

In this blog, we explore the complete advantages of using IP68 brass cable glands, comparing them to other types, and offering expert advice on installation and maintenance. This guide will help engineers, installers, and procurement teams make the right choice for long-term performance.

What Makes Brass So Robust?

The popularity of nickel-plated brass glands and raw brass versions in the electrical world is no coincidence. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, offers an ideal balance between strength and workability.

Brass has a natural resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear. In fact, corrosion-resistant brass glands are often used in high-humidity or saline environments without the need for protective coatings. When combined with nickel plating, they become even more robust against chemical exposure and oxidation.

This inherent durability allows marine-grade brass cable glands to withstand both indoor and outdoor use, especially in areas with exposure to moisture, chemicals, or mechanical stress.

For industries where reliability and safety are non-negotiable, brass offers excellent thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and a longer service life compared to many plastics or aluminum-based counterparts.

Mechanical Strength & Vibration Resistance

In dynamic or high-vibration environments such as machinery, vehicles, and industrial panels, mechanical integrity is crucial. Mechanical strength cable glands made from brass are preferred because they maintain a strong grip on the cable while resisting loosening over time.

Unlike plastic glands, which can degrade under stress, brass cable glands remain firmly secured. This results in reduced chances of cable pull-out, electrical shorts, or signal disruptions.

These features are essential in systems exposed to movement or operational vibration. Brass cable glands durability means fewer breakdowns, less downtime, and increased safety for personnel and equipment.

Even in critical installations such as automation systems, power distribution boards, or marine electrical systems, marine-grade brass cable glands ensure secure and stable connections.

When considering gland solutions for high-vibration zones, brass offers long-lasting security and strong mechanical integrity, which are unmatched by most alternatives.

Outstanding Corrosion Protection

Corrosion is one of the biggest threats to electrical infrastructure, particularly in marine or chemical environments. Corrosion-resistant brass glands are built to combat this challenge effectively.

Due to their alloy composition, brass glands naturally resist oxidation and do not rust like steel. When nickel-plated, the protection level increases even further. Nickel-plated brass glands can resist many industrial chemicals, making them ideal for chemical processing, refineries, wastewater plants, and coastal installations.

These glands also maintain their sealing and holding properties over years of exposure. The durability of IP68 brass cable glands ensures long-term protection from dust, water ingress, and corrosion, even under harsh conditions.

Thanks to their strength and anti-corrosive nature, brass glands reduce maintenance cycles and ensure safety across mission-critical environments. For engineers working in extreme conditions, they represent a smart investment.

Thermal & Electrical Conductivity

One of the often-overlooked benefits of brass is its excellent conductivity. Brass gland electrical conductivity makes these glands particularly useful for grounding and shielding purposes.

Brass has high thermal conductivity, allowing it to dissipate heat efficiently from cables, which is important in high-load or heat-sensitive applications. This minimizes the risk of overheating in sealed enclosures.

When used in shielded cable systems, brass also offers improved EMI/RFI performance by acting as an effective conductor, maintaining electrical continuity and preventing signal interference.

This dual capability—thermal and electrical—is one of the key reasons why brass cable glands durability extends beyond physical strength to include system safety and performance.

If you are designing systems where electrical conductivity and shielding are priorities, choosing a brass gland electrical conductivity solution ensures reliability in both power and data networks.

Longevity & Maintenance Benefits

Long-term reliability is critical in infrastructure planning. Industrial cable gland longevity is one of the strongest points in favor of brass.

With low wear rates, excellent resistance to environmental stress, and minimal degradation over time, brass glands remain operational for years without requiring replacement.

When you invest in IP68 brass cable glands, you’re also reducing the total cost of ownership. Unlike plastic, which may become brittle or crack over time, or aluminum, which can corrode, brass remains resilient and functional.

Minimal upkeep and reduced need for replacements contribute to lower maintenance overheads—ideal for factories, marine vessels, offshore rigs, and energy installations.

This long life, combined with mechanical reliability, makes brass cable glands durability a practical benefit for industries looking for dependable and cost-effective solutions.

Performance Comparison: Brass vs Alternatives

How does brass stack up against common alternatives like nylon, plastic, or stainless steel?

Property Brass Nylon / Plastic Stainless Steel
Corrosion Resistance High Low High
Mechanical Strength High Moderate Very High
Electrical Conductivity High None Moderate
Thermal Resistance High Low High
Cost Moderate Low High
Reusability Yes Limited Yes

Brass cable glands durability offers a well-rounded solution. While stainless steel may be tougher, it is costlier and not as electrically conductive. Plastics, although cheaper, compromise on safety and longevity.

In harsh or high-risk applications, nickel-plated brass glands deliver both the corrosion resistance of stainless steel and the workability of plastic, offering the best of both worlds.

Best Practices for Installation & Maintenance

To maximise the life of your IP68 brass cable glands, proper installation and regular inspection are crucial.

Installation Tips:

  • Always use compatible tools and avoid over-tightening.
  • Match the gland size to the cable diameter precisely.
  • Check for the correct IP rating; ensure IP68-rated glands for underwater or dusty environments.
  • Use appropriate sealing washers to maintain ingress protection.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Inspect periodically for signs of corrosion or wear.
  • Ensure glands remain tightly secured; re-tighten if needed.
  • Replace if the gland shows deformation or thread damage.

Following these steps helps retain the industrial cable gland longevity benefits brass glands are known for. Proper installation enhances their resistance to environmental damage and mechanical stress.

Conclusion

Whether you’re designing a new industrial system or upgrading an existing one, brass cable glands durability provides unmatched performance in demanding environments. They stand strong in the face of vibration, corrosion, and heat—ensuring safety and reliability over years of use.

By choosing nickel-plated brass glands or marine-grade brass cable glands, you invest in quality, longevity, and peace of mind.

Explore the full range of IP68 brass cable glands available at Atlas Metal—your trusted name in precision brass components for industrial applications.

FAQs

Brass cable glands offer high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and long service life, making them ideal for industrial environments.

Yes. Brass naturally resists corrosion, and nickel-plated brass cable glands provide added protection against chemicals, moisture, and salt exposure.

IP68 brass cable glands provide superior protection against dust and continuous water immersion, ensuring long-term sealing and safety.

Yes. Marine-grade brass cable glands are well-suited for outdoor, coastal, and high-humidity environments.

Yes. Brass cable glands are stronger, more vibration-resistant, and last significantly longer than plastic alternatives.

Absolutely. Their mechanical strength ensures secure cable grip even in high-vibration machinery and equipment.