When working with Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cables, choosing the correct gland size is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability. Meteor Electrical is here to help you make the right choice with our handy guide and easy-to-use gland size chart. Whether you're a seasoned electrician or a DIY enthusiast, our resources are designed to simplify your selection process. In this blog, you’ll find Meteor Electrical’s cable gland size chart and other useful information to help you get started.

Let’s Begin!

The Ultimate SWA Gland Size Chart

Our SWA gland size chart is your go-to reference for finding the right gland for any SWA cable, and its accessories. With just a glance, you can determine the perfect fit, saving you time and effort. Visit our SWA cable gland page to use our convenient filters and quickly find what you need. Here’s a helpful guide to get you started. 

Why Use SWA Glands?

SWA glands play a crucial role in electrical installations and cable management, particularly when it comes to Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cables. Here’s why they are indispensable:

1. Secure Cable Ends

SWA glands are designed to secure the ends of electrical cables effectively. This is vital for preventing cable movement and ensuring a stable and secure connection, which reduces the risk of damage or disconnection.

2. Provide Earthing

Proper earthing is essential for the safety and functionality of electrical systems. SWA glands facilitate effective earthing, which helps to prevent electrical shocks and ensures the system operates safely (Electrical Technology).

3. Ensure Insulation

Insulation is another critical factor in electrical systems to prevent short circuits and other electrical hazards. SWA glands provide robust insulation, maintaining the integrity of the electrical system and protecting against potential faults.

4. Offer Bonding and Strain Relief

Bonding and strain relief are important for maintaining cables' physical and electrical integrity (Fictiv). SWA glands ensure that cables are bonded securely and relieve mechanical strain, preventing wear and tear over time.

5. Seal Against Environmental Factors

SWA glands are also essential for sealing cables that pass through bulkheads or gland plates. This sealing capability protects against environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and chemicals, which can degrade cable performance and lifespan. This makes SWA glands indispensable in environments where durability and protection are paramount.

6. Versatile Applications

Whether you are working in industrial settings, commercial buildings, or outdoor installations, SWA glands are versatile enough to meet various requirements. Their ability to withstand harsh conditions makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, ensuring reliable performance regardless of the environment.

Choosing the Right Materials for Your SWA Glands: Durability and Performance

When selecting SWA glands, the choice of material is critical for ensuring long-term performance and reliability. SWA glands come in various materials, each suited to different environmental conditions and applications:

Metallic Materials:

• Brass: Known for its excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, brass is ideal for industrial applications where durability is essential.

• Stainless Steel: Offers superior corrosion resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments, including marine and chemical industries.

• Aluminium: Lightweight yet strong, aluminium glands are used where weight is a concern without compromising on strength and durability.

Non-Metallic Materials:

• Nylon: Provides good resistance to chemicals, moisture, and wear, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including outdoor and industrial environments.

• PVC: Versatile and cost-effective, PVC glands are used in less demanding applications where environmental factors are not as harsh.

• PTFE (Teflon): Known for its high-temperature resistance and non-reactivity, PTFE glands are used in specialised applications where chemical resistance is crucial.

Combination Materials:

Some glands are made from a combination of metallic and non-metallic materials, offering the benefits of both. These glands provide enhanced durability, flexibility, and resistance to various environmental factors, making them suitable for more demanding applications.

Corrosion Resistance:

The gland's material must be chosen based on its resistance to corrosion, especially in environments exposed to moisture, salt, chemicals, or extreme temperatures. For instance, stainless steel glands are ideal for marine applications due to their superior resistance to seawater corrosion.

Understanding How SWA Cable Glands Work

SWA cable glands are crucial components for ensuring the secure and efficient operation of armoured cables. These glands consist of a central enclosure or body through which the cabling passes, accompanied by several attachments such as a lock nut, washers, seal, attachment claw or close, and a compression nut. Some advanced SWA cable models also feature two-part enclosures, electrical earthing, PVC insulation, or rubber sealing for added protection and functionality.

Material Selection and Design Variations

The size, arrangement, and design of SWA glands vary based on their specific application requirements. They are made from a range of materials, including PVC, PTFE, nylon, steel, aluminium, brass, and synthetic rubbers, ensuring durability and suitability for different environments. The choice of material impacts the gland's resistance to corrosion, mechanical stress, and environmental factors, making it essential to select the right material for your specific needs.

Choosing the Right SWA Gland Size

Selecting the correct SWA cable gland size involves several critical considerations:

1. Cable Diameter: Measure the diameter of the inner bedding and lead covering.

2. Construction Size: Assess the overall construction size of the cable.

3. Short Circuit Fault Rating: Check the short circuit fault rating of the SWA cable armour.

4. Type and Size of Armour Braid: Identify the type and size of the armour braid.

To ensure you've picked the right SWA cable gland size from the size chart, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the wire hole diameter large enough to accommodate all the cables in the system?

• Is the cable diameter sufficient for your application?

• Does the pressure rating of the gland meet your needs?

• Is the mounting hole diameter large enough for the cable gland?

• Are the thread depth and type (metric or PG) appropriate for your setup?

• Are stopper plugs needed to close off any unused cable entries?

Using Meteor Electrical’s SWA Gland Size Chart

Meteor Electrical's SWA gland size chart is an invaluable tool, showcasing various cable sizes and cores, ranging from single to 48-core cables. For instance, if your SWA cable diameter is 50mm, select a 50MM SWA cable gland for a perfect fit. Our chart also includes other key products like the brightest light in the world, consumer units, and various types of bathroom extractor fans, making it a comprehensive resource for all your electrical needs.

Specialised SWA Glands: 20S and M20 Variations

• 20S SWA Cable Gland: Suitable for all types of armoured cables, this gland provides an environmental seal on the cable's outer sheath and ensures mechanical retention and electrical continuity via armour wire termination.

• M20 vs. M20s Glands: The key difference is the use of silica gel in M20s glands, which alters the inner shape, making it suitable for new energy systems that require high-temperature resistance over extended periods.

Secure Your Connections with Meteor Electrical

At Meteor Electrical, we offer a range of durable and reliable cable glands to suit industrial, commercial, and residential applications. 

Don't compromise on safety or reliability – explore our selection of cable glands, armoured cable glands, and stuffing glands to ensure your connections are always secure. Shop now and experience the Meteor Electrical difference!

Our online store also features a variety of other essential electrical products, including the best oil-filled radiators, types of consumer units, and IP rating charts. Whether you're looking to upgrade your home or outfit a commercial project, Meteor Electrical has everything you need to complete your tasks efficiently and safely.