What Is a Split Cable Gland?

A split cable gland is a clever solution designed to simplify cable entry, especially for pre-terminated cables—those with connectors already attached. Its core design features three main parts:

• Split body: Two halves that clamp around the cable, allowing easy installation without sliding the gland over the connector.
• Pressure screw: Tightens the gland, ensuring a secure and stable grip on the cable.
• Sealing inserts: Provide a tight, waterproof seal to protect against dust and moisture.

Easy Assembly for Pre-Terminated Cables

Traditional cable glands require disconnecting and stripping cables, making it difficult or impossible to install on cables with fixed connectors. The split body design of these glands enables you to route cables without removing connectors, saving time and reducing the risk of damage.

Split vs. Standard Cable Glands

While standard glands work well for bare cables, their non-split design limits their use with connectors or live cabling. Waterproof split cable glands overcome this by offering reliable sealing and strain relief for complex setups in industrial, marine, and telecom environments.

Why Choose Waterproof Split Cable Glands?

Waterproof split cable glands are a smart choice when you need reliable sealing without the hassle of disconnecting your cables. Here’s why they stand out:

• High Ingress Protection: Rated IP66/IP68, these cable glands block dust, dirt, and water even under tough conditions. That means your connections stay safe whether indoors or outdoors.

• Strong Strain Relief: They protect cables from pulling or bending forces, reducing the risk of damage or disconnection.

• Dust & Moisture Resistance: Essential in harsh environments like marine, industrial, or outdoor setups, keeping your system clean and dry.

• Time-Saving Retrofitting: You can route pre-terminated cables without removing connectors, saving hours on installation or maintenance — perfect for live systems.

• Preserves Cable Warranty: Since you don’t have to cut or disturb cables, warranties remain valid, and system downtime is minimized.

• Ideal for Harsh Environments: Whether it’s saltwater exposure on boats or dust-heavy industrial plants, waterproof split cable glands provide durable, lasting protection.

For marine-specific jobs, consider durable materials like stainless steel — you can find more details about marine-grade solutions in our guide to stainless steel cable glands for marine environments.

Choosing waterproof split cable glands helps you keep your projects running smoothly with less risk and downtime.

Key Features to Look For in Waterproof Split Cable Glands

When choosing a waterproof split cable gland, certain features are essential to ensure reliable performance and durability. Here’s a simple breakdown:

IP Ratings: IP66 vs. IP68

The IP rating tells you how well the gland resists dust and water, with IP68 offering the highest sealing for toughest conditions.

Materials Breakdown

• Nylon: Cost-effective, UV-resistant, ideal for general outdoor use.
• Brass: Durable and corrosion-resistant, often used in marine or harsh industrial settings.
• Stainless Steel: Heavy-duty, excellent for extreme environments needing maximum strength and corrosion resistance. Check out options like the stainless steel cable gland with metric thread for top-tier protection.

Thread Types

• Metric (M20 to M63): Most common, suitable for global industrial applications.
• PG: Popular in European markets, compatible with older equipment.
• NPT: Used mainly in North America for standard pipe thread systems.

Clamping Range and Multi-Cable Support

Look for glands with a wide clamping range to fit varying cable sizes, plus multi-hole inserts for sealing several cables in one unit. This helps reduce clutter and improve strain relief according to EN 62444 standards.

Additional Options

• EMC Shielding: Provides electromagnetic interference protection, useful in sensitive electronics.
• Flame-Retardant (UL94-V0): Important for safety in combustion-prone environments.
• Angled Entries: Offer flexibility in cable routing when straight connections aren’t practical.

Selecting glands with these features ensures you get robust, long-lasting waterproof split cable glands fit for any application.

How to Select the Right Waterproof Split Cable Gland

Choosing the right waterproof split cable gland starts with knowing your cable size and setup. First, measure the cable diameter precisely, including any connectors if you’re working with pre-terminated cables. Next, consider the number of cables you need to route—single-hole or multi-cable entry glands have different inserts, so pick accordingly.

Check compatible sizing charts to match your cables and glands properly. For example, nylon glands often cover a wide clamping range but may differ from brass or stainless steel options. Using a reliable cable gland sizing chart helps avoid costly sizing mistakes and ensures a perfect fit without damaging cables.

Think about the environment too: gauge the temperature range, possible chemical exposure, and UV stability requirements for your installation. Harsh outdoor or marine conditions need materials that resist corrosion and wear, so materials like stainless steel or brass might be better than nylon in these cases.

Don’t forget compliance standards. Depending on your industry, your cable gland might have to meet UL, NEMA, RoHS, or EN 45545-2 certifications, especially for rail or marine applications. These standards ensure the gland provides reliable strain relief, waterproofing, and safety.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing a gland too small, causing cable pinching or damage.
• Overlooking connector size, which can block installation.
• Ignoring environmental specs, leading to premature failure.
• Skipping compliance checks, risking safety and warranty issues.

For more detailed guidance, check out this comprehensive guide on how to choose the right IP rating and select cable glands appropriate for your application needs. This helps ensure you get the best waterproof split cable gland that matches your exact requirements.

IP rating and cable gland selection guide
Waterproof cable gland application and selection

Installation Guide for Waterproof Split Cable Glands

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather essential tools: an adjustable wrench or spanner, wire strippers, a torque screwdriver, and cleaning cloths. Clean the cable and gland surfaces to remove dust, oil, or debris, ensuring a tight seal. Verify cable diameter and connector type against the gland’s sizing chart for compatibility.

Assembly Process for Pre-terminated Cables

1. Split the Gland Body: Separate the split cable gland into its two halves.
2. Insert the Cable: Place the pre-terminated cable inside the sealed inserts, aligning with the pressure screw.
3. Reconnect the Halves: Securely fasten the split halves around the cable without removing connectors, saving time and preserving cable warranties.
4. Tighten the Pressure Screw: Use a torque screwdriver to tighten the pressure screw to manufacturer specifications, ensuring proper strain relief and sealing.

Torque and Sealing Best Practices

• Follow recommended torque values—over-tightening can deform seals, under-tightening risks ingress.
• Use appropriate sealing inserts for your cable type and number of conductors.
• Ensure sealing inserts snugly enclose cables; double-check the clamping range fit.
• Confirm that the gasket and body threads are free from damage or dirt.

Troubleshooting Full IP Rating

• Test the gland for leaks after installation, especially in outdoor or marine environments.
• Inspect seals for cracks or misalignment.
• Re-seat or replace inserts if the gland fails waterproof testing.
• Confirm all threads are fully engaged and torque values met to maintain IP66/IP68 protection.

Safety Considerations

• Always disconnect power before installation to avoid electric shock.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Avoid sharp cable bends near the gland to prevent damage.
• Follow workplace safety guidelines during installation.

For extra details on water-tight installation and precautions with brass and stainless steel cable glands, check our waterproof cable gland installation precautions guide.

Applications and Industry Use Cases

Waterproof split cable glands are perfect for a wide range of industries where reliable sealing and easy installation are critical. In industrial automation and control panels, these glands provide secure routing of pre-terminated cables, helping reduce downtime during maintenance. They deliver strong strain relief and high ingress protection, ensuring equipment runs smoothly in dusty or wet environments.

For marine and offshore installations, the corrosion-resistant options, such as stainless steel or brass waterproof cable glands, handle harsh saltwater and extreme weather conditions. Their IP66/IP68 ratings guarantee cables stay dry, while split designs allow for retrofitting without disrupting live systems, essential for offshore safety.

In the renewable energy sector, including solar and wind power, split cable glands simplify installation and repairs of multi-cable setups within outdoor enclosures. Telecommunications infrastructure also benefits from split cable glands that protect sensitive connections from moisture and dust, ensuring consistent network performance.

Machinery and robotics environments demand robust cable entry solutions that combine strain relief and EMI shielding. Split cable glands fit well into these setups by accommodating shielded or armored cables, simplifying upgrades, and maintaining compliance with industrial standards.

A real-world example: A manufacturing plant upgraded its control panel wiring using waterproof split cable glands to replace damaged glands without disassembling equipment. This reduced downtime significantly while maintaining IP68 protection, demonstrating how split designs solve practical challenges.

For heavy-duty outdoor applications, browse our selection of stainless steel cable glands for industrial use and brass cable glands designed for industrial automation to find the best fit for your needs.

GHX Waterproof Split Cable Glands: Quality and Range

GHX offers a comprehensive lineup of waterproof split cable glands designed for versatile applications. Their range includes nylon split cable glands for cost-effective, UV-resistant needs, robust brass waterproof cable glands known for corrosion resistance, and heavy-duty stainless steel cable glands built to withstand harsh industrial and marine environments.

Some standout features of GHX cable glands are their reliable IP68 sealing, which ensures excellent protection against dust and water ingress, and wide clamping ranges that accommodate various cable diameters, including multi-cable setups. Each gland is crafted for durability and long-term strain relief, adhering to strict standards for quality and safety.

GHX also provides customization options to fit unique cable sizes and specific installation requirements, along with detailed sizing charts to make selection straightforward. This flexibility, paired with competitive pricing, makes GHX split cable glands a trusted choice for professionals seeking dependable waterproof solutions.

For those working in demanding settings, GHX’s stainless steel options, like the heavy-duty stainless steel cable gland PG16, deliver both strength and corrosion resistance without compromise. Meanwhile, nylon models balance affordability with resilience, making them perfect for less aggressive environments.

Overall, GHX stands out by combining superior performance with great value, ensuring that users get waterproof split cable glands that are both reliable and tailored to their application needs.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Keeping your waterproof split cable gland in top shape ensures long-term reliability and protection. Here’s how to maintain and troubleshoot for sustained waterproofing:

Long-Term Care for Waterproofing

• Regular Inspection: Check glands periodically for cracks, corrosion (especially in brass or stainless steel), and seal integrity.
• Cleanliness: Remove dirt, dust, and debris that may compromise the seal or strain relief.
• Lubrication: Some sealing inserts benefit from light silicone grease to maintain flexibility and prevent drying out.

Signs of Wear and When to Replace

• Visible Damage: Cracks, deformation, or discoloration of the gland or seal indicate replacement.
• Loss of Tightness: If the gland no longer holds the cable firmly or the pressure screw feels loose despite proper torque.
• Water Ingress: Moisture or condensation inside enclosures signals a failure in waterproofing.
• Corrosion: For brass or stainless steel glands, signs of rust or pitting mean it’s time for a new gland.

FAQ

Can I use one gland for multiple cables? Yes, multi cable entry glands are available with multi-hole inserts designed for secure sealing and strain relief of several cables.

Are waterproof split cable glands compatible with armored cables? Many split cable glands support armored cables, but ensure the gland specification supports the cable’s thickness and armor type for proper strain relief.

How to maintain IP68 rating after installation? Tighten bolts to recommended torque specs and ensure sealing inserts are positioned correctly, especially following retrofitting or maintenance.

Effective maintenance extends your cable gland’s life and keeps your system safe from dust, moisture, and mechanical stress. For more on selecting and using the right gland for tough conditions, explore our detailed resources on waterproof cable gland use cases and types.