The advantages of using an adjustable cable gland

Shaft power components

Third Quarter 2025 Shaft power components

South African manufacturer, Pratley continues to demonstrate its engineering leadership with its innovative adjustable cable gland, designed to significantly reduce maintenance and labour costs across a wide range of industrial applications. “Our adjustable cable gland offers exceptional cost savings, versatility, durability and efficiency,” says technical projects manager,Tristan Blades. Its adjustability allows it to accommodate everything from paper-thin braid armouring to thick steel wire armour. The interchangeable nipple design also allows for extended-length nipples, making it ideal for applications involving thicker gland plates, which is where conventional glands typically fall short.

A key cost-saving feature is the gland’s design, which includes a built-in spigot. This allows a smaller gland to fit securely into a larger knockout hole, such as an M20 gland into an M25 knockout, minimising the need for different gland types and streamlining inventory requirements. “It is a solution that makes installations quicker and more flexible,” adds Blades.

In addition to design innovation, Pratley’s 95% stock availability policy and commitment to customer service mean that replacement parts are readily accessible. This ensures minimal operational downtime and quicker turnaround times for repairs. “A manufacturer offering near-total stock availability on the shelf can make an enormous difference,” notes Blades. “It eliminates delays related to manufacturing lead times and helps maintenance teams keep operations running smoothly.”

Durability is another standout feature. Unlike ordinary cable glands, the adjustable cable gland’s loose cone bush allows it to be manufactured from a different material made from a special high-tensile brass to prevent distortion under tightening or mechanical stress. In addition, the loose cone bush also allows it to automatically self-centre under the armouring, thus ensuring the very best grip possible on each armour wire.

The gland’s immense clamping ability is also achieved by incorporating a differential nut, which features two slightly different coarse pitch threads to achieve the mechanical advantage of an ultra-fine pitched thread. “It is like having the clamping advantage if a virtual thread, or like having a built-in gearbox in the gland,” comments Blades.

Feedback from the field highlights the positive impact of these innovations. “Many of our customers have reported significantly lower maintenance costs thanks to the adjustable cable gland. It is such an easy gland to install. The ability to use one gland across multiple armoured cable applications not only simplifies the installation process but also delivers long-term savings. Pratley has a policy of producing products that outperform all others on the world market. It is something we live and breathe by, and our adjustable cable gland achieves just that,” concludes Blades.

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The advantages of using an adjustable cable gland

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