Are you looking to master the process of installing armored cable glands but feeling overwhelmed by where to start? Whether you’re an electrician, a DIY enthusiast, or someone working on a wiring project, understanding the proper installation steps is crucial for safety and functionality. In this blog, we’ll break down the process into clear, actionable steps, ensuring you can tackle the task with confidence.
Before diving into the installation, let’s recap why these components are essential. Armored cable glands are designed to secure the ends of electrical cables to devices, providing critical functions such as:
They’re widely used in harsh or hazardous environments—think areas with electrical sparks, flammable materials, or exposure to liquids, dirt, and dust. Their primary role? To prevent cables from being twisted, pulled, or damaged, ensuring a reliable connection and uninterrupted performance.
Start by identifying the type of steel armor and the number of cores in your cable. Measure the exact size of the conductors to ensure compatibility with your gland.
Before installation, carefully check the gland kit contents. Most kits include:
Use a tape measure to mark the length of cable you need. This ensures you cut the cable to the correct size for your project.
Slide the shroud onto the end of the armored cable (SWA) and push it firmly into place. Trim the excess shroud material, ensuring a snug fit, then slide it down the cable.
Using a junior hacksaw, carefully cut the cable along your marked tape line. Take care not to damage the internal conductors beneath the armor.
With a utility knife, gently score and peel away the outer PVC sheath from the cable. Hold the armor steady as you work to avoid damaging the inner wires.
Gently rock the armored wire back and forth to detach it from the cable’s base. If needed, use the hacksaw to trim any stubborn strands.
Position the gland nut with its threads facing upward. Determine how much PVC to remove to expose the armor, then cut a 1cm section below your tape mark to avoid over-stripping.
Align the gland body so its serrated edge (thimble) sits beneath the armor, ensuring it doesn’t extend past the threads. Rotate the gland body and nut together, pressing the armor into the serrated section for a secure grip.
Use two spanners: one to hold the gland body and another to tighten the gland nut. This prevents cross-threading and ensures a firm seal. Avoid adjustable grips, as they can damage the brass components.
On the other end of the cable, strip 10–15mm of PVC sheath to expose the conductors, ensuring they don’t rub against the gland body.
Attach the earthing ring to your enclosure, securing it with a nut from the inside. Finally, rotate the gland to check that all armor wires are properly seated beneath the gland body—no strands should be loose or overlapping.
