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Industrial grade cable glands are engineered for harsh environments with superior materials, enhanced sealing, explosion-proof certifications, and temperature resistance up to 200°C, while commercial grade cable glands are designed for standard office and light industrial applications with basic environmental protection, standard materials, and temperature ratings typically limited to 80°C, making proper grade selection essential for safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.

Proper sealing on uneven or corrugated cables requires specialized cable glands with flexible sealing inserts, stepped compression systems, and conformable elastomers that adapt to cable surface irregularities, combined with proper installation techniques including surface preparation, correct torque application, and verification testing to achieve reliable IP65/IP66 protection and long-term environmental sealing performance.

Cable gland selection for public infrastructure requires fire-resistant materials, IP67/IP68 environmental protection, vibration resistance, corrosion protection, and compliance with stringent safety standards including EN 45545 for railways and NFPA codes for tunnels, with stainless steel and specialized polymer glands providing optimal performance for lighting systems, ventilation controls, monitoring equipment, and emergency systems in tunnels and bridges.

Cable glands in Ex p systems must provide gas-tight sealing to maintain positive internal pressure above atmospheric levels, preventing explosive gas ingress through certified designs that meet IEC 60079-2 and ATEX standards, using specialized sealing compounds, multiple barrier systems, and pressure monitoring integration to ensure continuous protection in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas.

Cable gland lubricants should be used during installation to reduce friction, protect threads, ensure proper seal compression, and prevent galling, with silicone-based lubricants recommended for general applications, PTFE lubricants for high-temperature environments, and specialized compounds for chemical resistance, while avoiding petroleum-based products that can degrade elastomer seals and compromise environmental protection.

Cold flow in cable gland seals refers to the permanent deformation of elastomeric materials under sustained compression over time, leading to reduced sealing pressure, compromised IP ratings, and potential system failures. Prevention requires selecting appropriate elastomer compounds, proper compression ratios, and design features that accommodate material flow while maintaining sealing integrity.