Regarding safely terminating power and control cables, two products dominate engineer shortlists: the single compression cable gland and the double compression cable gland. Although they look similar initially, their construction, sealing philosophy, and ideal use cases are quite different. Let’s explore the differences between Single Compression Cable Gland and Double Compression Cable Gland:

What is a Cable Gland and Why Does Compression Matter?

A cable gland fixes the cable sheath or armour to an enclosure. In doing so, it keeps the earth path solid and blocks dust, water, or explosive gas from live wires. In short, compression is the squeeze that makes the seal IP- and flame-proof.

Single Compression Cable Gland – Quick Definition

• Construction: One rubber seal (often neoprene or EPDM) presses on the outer sheath.
• Best for: Unarmoured or lightly-armoured cables in dry or mildly damp spots such as control panels, indoor MCCs, lighting circuits, and OEM machines.
• Advantages: Lower cost, smaller body, faster fit.
• Typical IP Rating: IP-54 to IP-66, depending on accessories.

Double Compression Cable Gland – Quick Definition

• Construction: Two independent compression points:
  • Outer seal grips the armour or cable jacket for strain relief.
  • Inner seal bites onto the inner sheath, giving a second gas-, dust- and water-tight barrier.
• Best for: Armoured cables in harsh, hazardous or outdoor locations: oil & gas platforms, chemical processing plants, underground mines, marine decks, solar farms.
• Advantages: Higher pull-out resistance, better ingress protection (often IP-67/IP-68), and superior flame-path safety.

Single vs Double Compression Cable Gland– Key Technical Differences

Feature: Sealing Points

• Single Compression: 1
• Double Compression:  2

Feature: Armour grip

• Single Compression: Basic
• Double Compression:  Very Strong

Feature: Typical IP

• Single Compression: Up to IP-66
• Double Compression: Up to IP-68

Feature: Where used

• Single Compression: Indoor/mild
• Double Compression: Outdoor/harsh

Feature: Cost and Size

• Single Compression: Lower, Small
• Double Compression: Higher, Larger

How to Choose the Right Compression Type

• Assess Cable Armour
  • Unarmoured → Single compression.
  • Armoured (SWA, STA) → Double compression.
• Check Environmental Hazards
  • Splash, dust, vibration only → Single.
  • High humidity, corrosive vapours, explosive gases → Double.
• Review Compliance Requirements
  • ATEX / IECEx / PESO zones almost always call for double compression explosion-proof glands.
• Factor in Maintenance Access
  • Remote or offshore sites benefit from the extra safety of double glands, even if the spec allows single compression.

Why Volt Metal Industries?

• In-house foundry and CNC lines keep every gland traceable and consistent.
• Threads for every enclosure—Metric, NPT, PG, ET, BSP.
• Each flame-proof gland is hydro-, pull-out-, and spark-tested.
• PVC shrouds, earth tags, lock nuts, reducers, adaptors, and serrated washers ship together for one-stop buying.
• Rapid FOB Kandla/Mundra loading, with export documentation compliant with International Standards.

Typical Applications We Serve for Cable Glands

• Oil & Gas Rigs – Double glands guard armoured VFD cables from salt spray and gas.
• Chemical Reactors – Nickel-plated single glands protect instrument wires in corrosive cabinets.
• Mining Conveyors – Double models handle shock and abrasive dust underground.
• Marine Deck Equipment – IP-68, anti-corrosion glands seal winch motors and radar boxes.
• Heavy Manufacturing – Single Compression glands speed panel wiring in press shops and rolling mills. 

Installation Best-Practice Checklist

1. Strip armour to the exact length marked on our datasheet.
2. Slide the shroud and gland body over the cable before terminating cores.
3. Tighten the nut to the stated torque; do not overtighten.
4. Apply thread-locking compound only on customer request; our standard finish already provides anti-seize lubrication.
5. Always fit a sealing ‘O’-ring when mounting into IP-rated enclosures.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a single compression cable gland outside?
Yes, if the location is sheltered and the IP-66 seal meets your safety plan.

Q: Do your glands meet ROHS?
Yes. Our brass is lead-free, and our nickel plating is EU-compliant.

Ready to Specify?

Whether you need a compact single-compression gland for an indoor MCC or a rugged double-compression gland for an ATEX Zone 1 job, Volt Metal Industries has the stock, the engineering help, and the export speed to keep your project on track.

📧 sales@voltmetalind.com | 📞 +91-8000-222-233
Request a quick quotation or custom drawing today.