Cable Gland Part Numbers Decoded: How to Read Specifications Like a Pro?

Staring at confusing cable gland part numbers? Frustrated by cryptic codes that seem impossible to decode? You’re wasting precious time on something that should be simple.

Cable gland part numbers follow standardized formats indicating thread size, cable diameter, material type, and certifications – mastering this system eliminates ordering errors and speeds up procurement.

Last month, David from a major automotive supplier called me in panic. His production line was down because he’d ordered the wrong glands. After I taught him our decoding system, he became our go-to expert for his entire team 😉.

Table of Contents

• What Do Those Letters and Numbers Actually Mean?
• How Do You Match Thread Sizes to Your Application?
• Which Material Code Should You Choose for Your Environment?
• What Certifications Do You Really Need?

What Do Those Letters and Numbers Actually Mean?

Ever wondered why a simple cable gland has such a complex part number like “PG16-NY-BK-IP68”?

Each segment of a cable gland part number represents specific technical specifications: thread type, size, material, color, and protection rating – understanding this structure prevents 90% of ordering mistakes.

Let me break down the most common format we use at Bepto:

Standard Part Number Structure

Real-World Example Breakdown

Take “M20-NY-BK-IP68”:

• M20: Metric thread, 20mm diameter
• NY: Nylon material (polyamide)
• BK: Black color
• IP68: Dust-tight and waterproof protection

I remember Hassan, our petrochemical client, initially thought these codes were just random. Now he orders faster than most of our sales team can process! The key is recognizing the pattern.

How Do You Match Thread Sizes to Your Application?

Choosing the wrong thread size is like buying shoes that don’t fit – uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Thread size must match your equipment’s entry port exactly, while cable diameter range determines which cables can pass through – always verify both specifications before ordering.

Thread Size Selection Guide

Here’s what I tell every new customer:

Step 1: Identify Your Equipment’s Thread Type

• European equipment: Usually PG threads
• Asian equipment: Typically metric (M) threads  
• American equipment: Often NPT threads

Step 2: Measure the Entry Port

Step 3: Consider Future Flexibility

David learned this the hard way. He ordered exact-fit glands for his current cables, then had to reorder everything when they upgraded to thicker cables six months later.

Pro Tips from 10+ Years Experience:

• Always leave 20% margin in cable diameter range
• Check if your equipment uses tapered (NPT) or parallel threads
• Verify thread pitch – it’s not always standard!

Which Material Code Should You Choose for Your Environment?

Material selection isn’t just about cost – it’s about survival in harsh environments.

Nylon glands work for general applications, brass handles high temperatures and chemicals, while stainless steel excels in marine and food-grade environments – choose based on your harshest operating condition.

Material Comparison Matrix

Real Application Stories

Hassan’s Refinery Challenge: He initially wanted brass glands for cost savings. After I explained the corrosive environment would eat through brass in months, he switched to our 316L stainless steel¹ series. Three years later, they’re still performing perfectly.

David’s Automotive Dilemma: His production line needed glands that could handle both high temperatures and automotive chemicals. Our PA66 nylon with glass fiber reinforcement solved both problems at half the cost of metal alternatives.

Environmental Factors to Consider:

• UV exposure: Choose UV-stabilized nylon
• Salt spray: Stainless steel is mandatory
• Vibration: Metal threads provide better retention
• Flexibility needs: Nylon allows slight movement

What Certifications Do You Really Need?

Certifications aren’t marketing fluff – they’re your insurance policy against catastrophic failures.

Essential certifications include IP rating² for environmental protection, CE for European compliance, and ATEX for explosive atmospheres – buying uncertified products risks safety violations and insurance claims.

Certification Decoder Ring

IP Ratings (Ingress Protection)

Safety Certifications

• CE: European conformity (mandatory for EU sales)
• ROHS: Restriction of hazardous substances
• REACH: Chemical safety regulation
• ATEX³: Explosive atmosphere protection
• UL: American safety standards

Why We Maintain All Major Certifications

At Bepto, we don’t cut corners on certifications. Here’s why:

Hassan’s Story: His insurance company required ATEX-certified components for their new gas processing unit. Without proper certification, they would have voided his $50M coverage. Our ATEX-certified explosion-proof glands kept him compliant and protected.

David’s Compliance Crisis: His automotive client demanded IATF16949⁴ traceability. Because we maintain this certification, we provided complete material traceability reports that satisfied their audit requirements.

Certification Red Flags:

• Suspiciously cheap prices often mean fake certificates
• Always request original certificate copies
• Verify certification numbers with issuing bodies
• Be wary of “equivalent to” claims without actual certification

Conclusion

Understanding cable gland part numbers transforms confusion into confidence, enabling faster procurement and eliminating costly ordering mistakes.

FAQs About Cable Gland Part Numbers