Waterproof Cable Glands – Understanding IP Ratings & What They Mean for Your Installations
In today’s industrial and commercial setups, ensuring secure and reliable protection for electrical cables, electrical connections and electrical enclosures is vital. One key component in this chain is the cable gland – a device designed to provide a sealed entry point for cables into equipment or enclosures. Using the right gland and correctly installing it can make the difference between a safe, durable electrical installation and one that allows ingress of moisture, dust or contaminants.
At Cable Glands UK we stock a wide range of waterproof cable glands near me (UK) with IP ratings to suit all levels of protection. In this guide you’ll learn:
- What the IP rating on a cable gland means – for both dust and moisture.
- Typical ratings for different environments and industry installations.
- What makes a gland truly “waterproof” (and what doesn’t).
- How to choose the right size, material and thread type.
- Common mistakes during installation & how to avoid them.
- FAQs such as: Are SWA glands waterproof? Can you use cable glands outdoors? What’s the difference between a cable gland and a conduit gland?
What is a Cable Gland?
A cable gland is a mechanical entry device used to securely connect and seal the entry of cables into equipment, electrical enclosures or junction boxes. It provides strain-relief, protects the connection against environmental influences such as dust or moisture and improves the overall protection and reliability of the system.
By properly installing a cable gland, you are essentially enhancing the performance of your equipment, ensuring the connection is robust, and giving your system the best chance of meeting required standards.
Understanding IP Ratings – What Do They Mean For Waterproof Cable Glands?
The IP (Ingress Protection) code is defined via the standard IEC 60529. The code has two digits:
- First digit: protection against solid objects (dust, tools, fingers)
- Second digit: protection against water or moisture ingress
Solid object protection (first digit):
| Digit | Protection level | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | Nothing prevented |
| 1 | >50 mm | Large surface of body |
| 2 | >12.5 mm | Fingers or similar sized objects |
| 3 | >2.5 mm | Tools, thick wires |
| 4 | >1.0 mm | Most wires, slender screws |
| 5 | Dust-protected | Ingress of dust not entirely prevented, but must not interfere with operation |
| 6 | Dust-tight | No ingress of dust, complete protection |
Moisture protection (second digit):
| Digit | Protection level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Vertical dripping water drops |
| 2 | Drips when tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Spraying water at up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets (6.3 mm nozzle) from any direction |
| 6 | Powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle) from any direction |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Continuous immersion under conditions specified by manufacturer |
Key point: A product rated as IP67 means ‘6’ dust-tight and ‘7’ immersion for a short period; while IP68 offers even higher immersion protection (longer or under pressure) as defined by manufacturer.
Typical IP Ratings for Cable Glands & How They Relate to Your Application
IP55 – Moderately strong sealing for dust and low-pressure water jets. Suitable for indoor or semi-outdoor protected areas where some moisture or spray may occur.
IP65 – Dust-tight (or near) and protected from low pressure jets of water from any direction. Ideal for outdoor electrical boxes, industrial enclosures exposed to rain or splash. IP65-rated nylon gland
IP66 – Dust-tight and protected from powerful water jets (high pressure). Suitable for harsh industrial applications: wash-down areas, outdoor exposed cabinets and heavy equipment. IP66-rated metal cable glands
IP67 – Dust-tight and protected from immersion in water up to 1 m for 30 minutes. For installations where temporary submersion might occur or high-moisture environments. IP67-rated swivel gland (Nickel Plated Brass)
IP68 – Dust-tight and designed for continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer. Suitable for critical outdoor, marine, or underground applications.
- Metal variant: E1WF ATEX Industrial Gland Kit – IP68
- Nylon variant: SIB-TEC Polyamide Compression Gland Metric – IP68
Why “Waterproof Cable Glands” Matter for Industrial & Commercial Installations
In demanding industrial settings—such as outdoors, near water, offshore, or in dusty/humid environments—the ability of your components to stand up to both dust and moisture is critical. An IP-rated waterproof cable gland ensures your connections are protected, installations meet specification and safety standards, and system reliability is improved.
When you choose from Cable Glands UK, you’re choosing from a full range of IP-rated glands (IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68) built in robust materials like nylon, brass or stainless steel. Select the correct one, size it properly, install it correctly, and you’ll deliver a result that’s reliable, safe and built for its environment.
Summary
- The IP code allows you to compare how well a product like a cable gland protects against dust and moisture.
- Choose an IP rating appropriate to the installation environment – outdoor, wash-down, high-moisture or submerged.
- Ensure your installation (including the interface between gland and enclosure) is properly managed for the rating to count.
- When you want to buy waterproof cable glands near you, ensure correct IP rating, suitable size, proper material, and correct installation.
- Our product examples show how real-life glands are specified and stocked – from IP65 to IP68.
If you are wondering "where to buy waterproof cable glands near me?" please view our cable glands where we can offer various types of cable glands for your needs.
