CABLES & CABLE ACCESSORIES
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Key design features, functions, and testing of cable glands T he compulsory SANS 1213:2018 standard for industrial cable glands defines cable glands as devices designed to permit workplace, the security and safety of earthing systems, functional safety, the longevity of performance, and the continuity of electrical supply for critical plant and equipment.
Material quality Strict compliance with brass material grade CuZn39Pb3 to BS EN 12164 ensures the mechanical and electrical performance of cable glands. Environmental influences To demonstrate longevity in performance, glands must undergo salt-spray and sulphur dioxide tests for corrosion resistance, as well as weathering tests at extreme high and low temperatures. Mechanical properties Tests for impact strength and resistance are conducted to demonstrate whether a gland is robust enough to withstand the rigours of installation and to endure heavy-duty service throughout the life of the electrical installation. Industrial glands typically require an impact strength of 20 joules. (See Figure 1)
• To terminate, hold, and retain the cable entering into an electrical enclosure or apparatus. • To maintain the IP rating of an enclosure that seals off the cable entry against moisture, gases, and solids. • To provide earth continuity for armoured cables. For industrial electrical installations, the need for legal compliance with the installation standard SANS 10142 is vital to ensure Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) in the
the entry of armoured or flexible cable or insulated conductors into an enclosure while providing sealing and retention. They also offer other important functions such as earthing, bonding, insulation, cable guarding, strain relief, or combinations of these. CCG explores this topic in more detail. The main functions of cable glands are therefore summarised as follows:
With this in mind, it is a legal requirement that installers and specifiers select cable glands that can demonstrate independent testing and certification to the latest SANS 1213 Edition 3 standard. This standard was recently updated and includes additional design aspects which cover the following critically important safety functions:
CCG A4 Ind 297x210 Print.pdf 1 2025/11/26 16:54
Figure 1
Cable retention/ cable clamping test: Cable glands are used to attach cables to equipment, and the cores of those cables are connected to terminals within the equipment. A cable gland’s function is to hold the cable securely in place and prevent any strain or twisting forces on the cable from being transmitted to the conductors. (See Figure 2 and Figure 3)
Figure 2
Figure 3
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
JANUARY 2026
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