Brass Cable Gland Types Explained: Choosing the Right Gland Before You Buy in Bulk

Published by Onella Export on 27 October 2026

A cable gland looks like a small part, but it does three important jobs: it holds the cable firmly, seals the entry point of an enclosure, and, for armoured cable, provides earth continuity through the armour. Choose the wrong type and you may face water ingress, a loose cable or a failed inspection.

Our earlier guide for buyers comparing a brass cable gland bulk supplier covers what to check before ordering. This article steps back to explain the gland types themselves, so your specification asks for the right product in the first place.

Brass is easy to machine accurately, conducts electricity well for earth continuity, resists corrosion and is strong enough to grip armoured cable. Nickel plating is often added for extra corrosion resistance and a clean finish. Read more in why brass is the preferred metal for electrical components.

Many buyers in India, the Middle East and Commonwealth markets use designations that originated in the British standard for cable glands. Typical types include:

Always confirm the exact construction with your project specification, because naming can vary between markets and manufacturers.

A single compression gland seals on one point, usually the outer sheath. A double compression gland seals on both the inner and outer sheaths of armoured cable, giving better protection against moisture tracking along the cable. Double compression glands are common in industrial plants, outdoor panels and sites with water or dust exposure.

• Metric threads such as M20 or M25 are widely used on modern enclosures.
• NPT, BSP and PG threads are still found on many enclosures and older equipment.
• Check the enclosure entry thread and the cable's outer diameter and armour type before choosing a size.

Threads are not interchangeable. See our BSP vs NPT thread guide for how to specify them clearly.

Ingress protection depends on the gland design, seals, correct cable size and correct installation. Many industrial glands are designed for high IP ratings such as IP66 or IP68 when installed with suitable seals and sealing washers. Ask your supplier for the tested rating of the exact gland and seal combination you are buying.

Glands for explosive atmospheres, such as oil and gas or chemical plants, must carry the relevant certification, for example ATEX or IECEx, for the specific gland design. Standard industrial glands cannot be substituted. If your project needs certified glands, state this at enquiry stage so the supplier can confirm what it can supply.

• Locknuts to secure the gland to the enclosure
• Earth tags for armour earthing
• Sealing washers for higher ingress protection
• PVC shrouds to protect the gland from dust and water
• Reducers and adaptors for mismatched threads

1. Gland type, such as A2, CW or double compression
2. Cable type, outer diameter range and armour type
3. Entry thread type and size
4. Material and plating
5. Ingress protection requirement
6. Accessories and packing requirements
7. Quantity per size and annual volume

Browse our brass electrical and electronic components, and for custom designs read how to order custom brass parts from a drawing.

Onella Export has manufactured and exported brass components from Jamnagar, Gujarat since 1991. It is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer with its own foundry producing around 5,000 kg of brass solid and hollow bars a day, plus in-house forging and machine turning. Customers are spread across India, the Middle East, the Far East, Europe and America.

• Brass cable gland bulk supplier: what to check before you order
• Why brass is the preferred metal for electrical components
• Brass electrical parts as per drawing: part types and design tips

What is the difference between A2 and CW cable glands?

A2 glands are used with unarmoured cable and seal on the outer sheath. CW glands are used with wire-armoured cable, clamp the armour for earth continuity and seal on the outer sheath.

When should I use a double compression cable gland?

Use double compression glands with armoured cable in outdoor, wet, dusty or industrial environments, because they seal on both the inner and outer sheaths.

Why are cable glands made of brass?

Brass machines accurately, conducts electricity for earth continuity, resists corrosion and is strong enough to grip armoured cable. Nickel plating adds further corrosion resistance.

Which thread types are used on cable glands?

Metric threads such as M20 and M25 are common, while NPT, BSP and PG threads are found on many enclosures. Always match the enclosure entry thread exactly.

Can standard brass glands be used in hazardous areas?

No. Hazardous-area installations need glands certified for explosive atmospheres, such as ATEX or IECEx. State this requirement clearly when you enquire.

Contact Onella Export with your drawing, sample or specification, email kp@onellaexport.com or call +91 97276 77787.