How to Choose the Right Cable Gland
Sealing, strain relief, and safety start with the right cable gland.
This guide will help you choose the right material, IP rating, and type of cable gland for your application and environment.
1. What determines your choice?
Base these four factors on finding the right cable gland.
Environment
Indoor, outdoor, washdown zone, or chemically aggressive environment?
- Moisture and water
- Chemicals
- Temperature
- UV light
Material
Choose materials based on environment, corrosion, and requirements.
- Plastic (Polyamide)
- Brass (Nickel-Plated)
- Stainless Steel (AISI 303/316)
- Special (ATEX)
IP class
How much dust and water the screw connection endure?
- IP66
- IP68
- IP69 / IP69K
Cable type
Standard cable or shielded EMC cable?
- Unshielded cable
- Shielded cable (EMC)
- Armored cable
- Multi-conductor cable
2. Select the correct type of cable gland
Here are the most common types and their typical uses.
Plastic
Corrosion-free and cost-effective for most standard installations.
Typical environments:
Real estate, telecom, automation
Brass
(nickel plated)
Robust and reliable solution for industrial environments.
Typical environments:
Machines, automation, energy
Stainless steel
(AISI 303/316)
Corrosion-resistant and hygienic for demanding environments,
Typical environments:
Food, pharmaceuticals, offshore
EMC cable glands
Provides 360° EMC shielding and protects against electrical interference.
Typical environments:
Frequency converter, telecom, energy
ATEX cable glands
ATEX/Ex approved for use in explosive environments.
Typical environments:
Chemistry, refinery, offshore, process industry
3. Comparison of materials and properties
Overview to quickly compare the most common options.
| Material / Type | IP class | EMC | Corrosion | Temperature range | Typical environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (Polyamide) | IP66 – IP68 | No | Very good | -20 to +100 °C | Real estate, telecom, automation |
| Brass (Nickel-Plated) | IP68 | No | Good | -20 to +100 °C | Automation, energy, machinery |
| Stainless Steel (AISI 303/316) | IP66 – IP69K | No | Excellent | -60 to +200 °C | Food, medicine, offshore |
| EMC (brass / stainless steel) | IP66 – IP69K | Yes | Good – Excellent | -40 to +200 °C | Frequency converter, telecom, energy |
| ATEX (Ex-cable glands) | IP66 – IP68 | Optionally | Depends on material | -40 to +100 °C | Ex-zone, chemistry, offshore, process |
4. Common applications
Choose the right cable gland for your industry and environment.
Automation &
machine building
Brass or EMC on frequency converters
Energy &
eldistribution
Brass, EMC or ATEX
Depending on the environment
Food &
hygiene environments
Stainless steel
(IP69K recommended)
Chemistry &
process industry
Stainless steel or ATEX
for explosive environments
Telekom &
infrastructure
Plastic or EMC
for shielded cable
5. Recommended Product Series from Bimed
Find the right series for your needs.
Plastic
Standard, Snap-in, HP, DT
M12 – M63 | IP66 – IP68
See products
Brass
(nickel plated)
Standard, DT
M12 – M63 | IP66
See products
Stainless steel
AISI 303(316)
Standard
M12 - M63 | IP66 - IP69K
See products
EMC
(brass/stainless steel)
EMC
M12 - M63 | IP66 - IP69K
See products
ATEX / Ex
Single, Double Compress,
Barrier Gland
M12 – 63 | IP66 – IP68
See products
Accessories
Locknuts, Plugs, Reduction Inserts etc.
See products
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about cable glands
Which cable gland is best for aggressive environments?
Stainless steel (AISI 316) with IP69K.
When are plastic cable glands sufficient?
In indoor environments without high mechanical stress.
Are EMC cable glands always necessary?
No, only where sensitive electronics are at risk of interference.
