If you have ever looked closely at a festoon cable system or a power feed installation, you have probably spotted a small fitting where the cable enters a junction box or connects to the trolley. That fitting is a cable gland, and although it is easy to overlook, it plays a critical role in keeping the whole system safe and reliable.
In this guide, we explain what a cable gland is, the main types available and how they are used in festoon cable systems and other power feed applications.
What Is a Cable Gland?
A cable gland is a mechanical fitting used to attach and secure a cable to a piece of equipment, an enclosure or a junction box. It grips the outer sheath of the cable, provides strain relief so that pulling or vibration is not transferred to the electrical connection, and seals the entry point against dust, moisture and other contaminants.
Without a gland, a cable entry point is left exposed. Over time, this can lead to loose connections, water ingress or damage to the cable itself, all of which increase the risk of electrical faults. This is especially important on moving equipment such as cranes, hoists and other machinery supplied by festoon and power feed systems, where cables are subject to constant flexing and vibration rather than sitting still.
The Main Types of Cable Gland
Cable glands come in a range of materials and designs, and the right choice depends on the environment, the cable type and the level of protection required.
- Nylon and plastic glands: lightweight and cost effective, suited to standard indoor or light industrial applications where the environment is not particularly harsh.
- Brass and metal glands: more robust and better suited to demanding environments, including outdoor installations and heavier industrial settings.
- Armoured cable glands (SWA): designed for steel wire armoured cable, these glands clamp and earth the armour as well as sealing the cable entry, which is essential for safety and continuity.
- IP rated glands: rated to a specific Ingress Protection standard, commonly IP66, IP67 or IP68, to guard against dust and water ingress in exposed or washdown environments.
Glands are also sized to match the diameter of the cable and the thread of the equipment they are fitted to, most commonly using metric (M) thread sizes.
How Cable Glands Are Used in Festoon Cable Systems
On a festoon cable system, cable glands are typically found at the points where flat form or round form cable connects to the trolley, the junction box or the moving machinery itself. As the cable extends and retracts along the track or wire rope, these connection points come under repeated mechanical stress, so a properly fitted gland is essential for preventing the cable from working loose or being damaged over time.
Glands are used alongside loop clamps and strain relief fittings, which support the cable along its length, while the gland itself protects and secures each termination point. Together these components help keep a festoon installation safe, low maintenance and reliable, even in demanding industrial or outdoor conditions.
Choosing the Right Cable Gland for Your Application
Selecting the correct gland comes down to a few key factors: the cable type and diameter, whether the cable is armoured, the level of environmental protection needed and the thread size on the equipment being used. Getting this wrong can compromise the seal or strain relief, so it is worth checking specifications carefully or asking for advice before an installation goes ahead.
At Metreel, we supply cable glands and fittings as part of our full range of flexible cables for festoons, reeling drums and drag chain applications, so you can specify a complete power feed solution with the correct fittings from the outset.
Talk to Metreel About Your Cable and Gland Requirements
If you are specifying or installing a festoon cable system and need advice on the right cables, glands or fittings for your application, get in touch with the Metreel team.
We can help you choose the right components for a safe and reliable installation.