Cable glands secure cables at electrical equipment entries. However, many installations also require cable gland accessories to complete the connection, protect exposed gland components or adapt the entry to the equipment.

For example, a PVC shroud covers the exposed part of a cable gland, while an earth tag provides a connection point for earthing where the installation requires it. Similarly, a compression nut forms part of certain gland designs, a stopping plug closes an unused entry, and a reducer bush helps connect compatible components with different thread sizes.

Each accessory serves a different purpose. Therefore, electrical engineers, OEMs, panel builders and distributors should understand the available options before placing an order.

Volt Metal Industries manufactures brass cable glands and supplies five key accessory types: PVC shrouds, earth tags, compression nuts, stopping plugs, and reducer bushes. Its catalog also shows PVC shroud size references for selected BW and CW glands. This guide explains these products and helps buyers choose the appropriate accessories for their requirements.

What Are Cable Gland Accessories?

Cable gland accessories are additional components that support cable gland installation and the requirements of an electrical cable entry. Depending on the product, an accessory may cover exposed threads, provide an earthing connection, form part of the compression assembly, close an unused enclosure entry, or adapt a threaded connection.

However, not every installation needs all five accessories. The gland design, cable type, enclosure, and project specification determine which components you need. Therefore, start by identifying your cable gland type and checking its compatible accessories.

5 Types of Cable Gland Accessories from Volt Metal Industries

1. PVC Cable Gland Shroud

A PVC shroud fits over the external portion of a compatible cable gland. It provides an additional protective cover against dust and moisture around the exposed gland area.

For example, an installer may fit a shroud over a compatible BW or CW brass cable gland. The shroud covers exposed portions of the gland and gives the installation a cleaner finish.

Volt’s catalog lists PVC shrouds for selected BW and CW gland sizes. It also provides size references and corresponding internal diameters for several variants.

When should you consider a PVC shroud?

• When your installation calls for an additional protective cover.
• When the gland design and shroud size match.
• When you want to cover exposed gland components.
• When the shroud material suits the installation environment.

However, a shroud does not replace the gland’s sealing system or independently guarantee an IP rating. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and check the protection requirements for the complete assembly.

2. Brass Earth Tag

An earth tag provides a connection point for earthing or bonding where the installation design requires one.

For example, an installation may use an earth tag with a compatible brass cable gland to connect the gland assembly to the equipment’s earthing arrangement. This can matter in installations where the design requires electrical continuity between the cable armour, gland and enclosure.

Volt’s catalog identifies brass earth tags as accessories for its A1/A2, BW and CW cable glands.

Before choosing an earth tag, check:

• The compatible gland type and thread size.
• The tag’s dimensions and mounting arrangement.
• The material and finish requirements.
• The project’s earthing and bonding specification.

An earth tag alone does not guarantee electrical continuity. The installer must assemble the connection correctly and verify it according to the applicable requirements.

3. Cable Gland Compression Nut

A compression nut forms part of the assembly in several cable gland designs. It helps apply compression to the relevant components so the gland can grip the cable or its sheath according to the product design.

For example, Volt’s catalog describes a compression nut as part of its single compression and double compression gland assemblies. It also lists compression nuts separately in the accessory section.

The exact function depends on the gland design. Therefore, buyers should not assume that every compression nut fits every cable gland.

Before ordering a compression nut:

• Confirm the gland model.
• Check the thread and dimensions.
• Match the nut to the specified assembly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s component and installation guidance.

Using the correct component helps maintain proper fit and assembly.

4. Cable Gland Stopping Plug

A stopping plug closes an unused threaded entry in an electrical enclosure.

For example, a control panel may have an entry that the current installation does not use. A compatible stopping plug closes that opening instead of leaving it exposed.

However, the plug must match the enclosure thread and the required environmental or hazardous-area specifications.

Check these details before ordering:

• Thread type and size.
• Enclosure entry dimensions.
• Required protection level.
• Material and finish.
• Any project-specific certification requirements.

Never assume that a standard stopping plug meets the requirements of every application. Choose a product suitable for the complete installation.

5. Cable Gland Reducer Bush

A reducer bush helps connect compatible components when their thread sizes differ.

For example, an enclosure may have a larger threaded entry than the selected cable gland. A suitable reducer bush can help accommodate the difference when the product design and installation requirements permit it.

However, the reducer must match the specified threads and suit the installation. A similar-looking component may have a different thread standard or dimension.

Before choosing a reducer bush:

1. Identify the enclosure entry thread.
2. Confirm the cable gland thread.
3. Check the reducer’s thread specifications.
4. Confirm the available mounting space.
5. Review any environmental or certification requirements.

This approach helps prevent incorrect fitment and unnecessary reordering.

Cable Gland Accessories Comparison Table

This comparison helps buyers identify the correct accessory for each requirement. Nevertheless, always confirm the final selection against the product specification.

How to Choose the Right Cable Gland Accessories

Choosing accessories becomes easier when you follow a consistent process.

Step 1: Identify the Cable Gland Type

First, determine whether you use a single compression, double compression, CW, BW, A1/A2, PG, marine, or another gland type.

Each design has its own component arrangement. For instance, Volt’s catalog specifically identifies earth tags and PVC shrouds as accessories for its A1/A2, BW, and CW glands.

Step 2: Confirm the Size and Thread

Next, check the gland size, thread, and accessory dimensions. This step matters particularly when selecting compression nuts and reducer bushes.

Do not select a component based on appearance alone. Instead, compare the specifications or share the product details with your supplier.

Step 3: Consider the Installation Environment

Then, identify the operating conditions. Indoor and outdoor installations may have different protection requirements.

For example, consider exposure to dust, moisture, chemicals, temperature changes, and other environmental conditions. Select accessories that suit the application and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

Step 4: Check Earthing Requirements

For installations that require an earthing connection, confirm the intended arrangement before choosing an earth tag.

The complete connection must meet the applicable project requirements. Therefore, select compatible components and verify the assembled connection rather than assuming the accessory alone provides electrical continuity.

Step 5: Confirm the Complete Order

Finally, prepare a list of the required gland types, sizes, threads, accessories, and quantities.

For OEMs and distributors, this information can simplify purchasing and reduce the risk of receiving incompatible components.

Common Mistakes When Buying Cable Gland Accessories

Buyers can avoid unnecessary costs and installation problems by watching for these common mistakes.

• Choosing by appearance alone: Similar-looking accessories can have different dimensions or threads.
• Ignoring gland compatibility: A shroud or compression nut designed for one gland may not fit another model.
• Assuming every gland needs every accessory: The correct combination depends on the product design and installation specification.
• Using the wrong reducer bush: Confirm both thread specifications instead of relying only on nominal size.
• Treating a shroud as a sealing solution: A shroud provides an additional cover, but it does not replace the gland’s sealing components.
• Overlooking unused entries: Check whether the enclosure requires a suitable stopping plug to close an unused opening.
• Ignoring project requirements: Industrial and hazardous-area applications may require specific product documentation or approved components.

Therefore, share the gland details and installation requirements before confirming an accessory order.

Why OEMs and Distributors Should Check Accessories Alongside Cable Glands

OEMs, EPC contractors, panel builders, importers and distributors often need several cable gland sizes and accessories for the same project.

For example, a buyer may need CW glands with compatible earth tags and PVC shrouds, plus stopping plugs and reducer bushes for other enclosure entries. By preparing the complete requirement in advance, the buyer can coordinate the product specifications and quantities more efficiently.

Volt Metal Industries manufactures brass cable glands and offers customization according to customer drawings and specifications. The catalog includes single compression, double compression, weatherproof, flameproof, BW, CW, PG, A1/A2, marine and wiping cable glands, alongside its listed accessories.

For bulk or customised orders, buyers can share their gland type, size, thread, accessory requirements, quantity, and drawing or sample. This information helps the team understand the requirement before discussing the order.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cable Gland Accessories

1. What are the main types of cable gland accessories from Volt Metal Industries? Volt’s catalog lists PVC shrouds, earth tags, compression nuts, stopping plugs, and reducer bushes as cable gland accessories.
2. What does a PVC cable gland shroud do? A PVC shroud covers the exposed portion of a compatible cable gland and provides an additional protective cover against dust and moisture. It does not replace the gland’s sealing system.
3. Why do cable glands use earth tags? An earth tag provides a connection point for earthing or bonding when the installation design requires it. The installer must ensure that the complete connection meets the applicable requirements.
4. What does a cable gland stopping plug do? A stopping plug closes an unused threaded entry in an electrical enclosure. The installer must choose a plug that matches the entry and its protection requirements.
5. When do you need a reducer bush? You may need a reducer bush when compatible components have different thread sizes. Always confirm both thread specifications before ordering.
6. Can I order cable gland accessories in bulk from Volt Metal Industries? Volt Metal Industries offers cable gland accessories for industrial, OEM, and export requirements. Buyers can share their required types, sizes, specifications, and quantities to discuss their order.

Conclusion

Cable gland accessories complete electrical cable entries based on mounting, protection, earthing, and connection requirements.

Volt Metal Industries offers five key accessory types: PVC shrouds, earth tags, compression nuts, stopping plugs, and reducer bushes. Each serves a different purpose, so buyers should confirm compatibility before ordering.

Start by identifying the cable gland type. Next, check the size, thread, and installation requirements. Finally, confirm the accessory specifications and quantities. For brass cable glands and accessories for industrial, OEM, or export requirements, contact Volt Metal Industries with your product details.

Volt Metal Industries — Brass Cable Gland & Accessories Manufacturer and Exporter from India.