A cable gland RFQ needs two separate fits: the seal around the cable and the connection to the enclosure. A matching thread cannot resolve an unsuitable cable seal. For OEM buyers and distributors, the practical starting point is a cable drawing, a mounting drawing and the exact gland configuration.
Separate cable diameter from thread size
Cable outside diameter, or OD, describes the finished surface contacted by the seal. Conductor cross-section in mm² or AWG describes a different dimension. Neither conductor size nor the mounting thread establishes the permitted cable OD.
For example, LAPP lists SKINTOP MS-M part 53112020 with an M20 × 1.5 connection thread and a 7–13 mm cable range. Its standard M32 and M32 PLUS variants also have different cable ranges despite sharing the connection thread. These are manufacturer-specific examples, not universal size conversions. LAPP SKINTOP MS-M data.
Record the supplier's sealing range, clamping range and any separate retention conditions. If one published range covers several functions, request confirmation of which functions and cable constructions it covers.
Include cable tolerances before approving the range
Request minimum and maximum finished OD from the cable manufacturer, together with jacket identity and the measurement method. Check production samples across relevant lots and positions using a method that does not distort the jacket. Record ovality where relevant; an average diameter can hide a poor local fit.
CMP's sizing guidance specifically warns that cable diameters can vary between drums and says selection should account for cable tolerance and proximity to gland limits. It does not establish one tolerance for every cable. CMP sizing guidance.
As a hypothetical screening example, a cable specified at 9.8–10.4 mm is not fully covered by a gland range ending at 10.0 mm. A nominal 10 mm description would miss that mismatch. Passing the dimensional screen still requires application confirmation; do not add an invented percentage margin or assume extra tightening extends the range.
Changes to the outer construction require another fit review. Use the insulation and jacket RFQ guide to define the cable construction and exposure separately.
Match round, flat and multiple-cable configurations
For a round-cable seal, confirm permitted ovality and surface characteristics. For flat or other nonround cable, send a cross-section drawing with width, thickness and profile tolerances. LAPP's dedicated SVF-M flat-cable glands specify width and thickness separately, illustrating why a round-hole diameter is insufficient. LAPP flat-cable gland data.
For several cables through one entry, specify each cable and its assigned seal opening. icotek documents dedicated multi-hole grommets and split glands for routing preterminated cables. This is a defined component arrangement, rather than permission to bundle several cables through an ordinary single-cable seal. icotek KVT configuration.
Ask the manufacturer how unused openings must be closed and whether future cable additions change the accepted configuration. Include connector dimensions when connectors must pass through the entry during assembly.
Define the mounting interface and panel stack
Provide the complete thread designation, including pitch or thread-series details, and identify a tapped entry or clearance hole. Include hole tolerance, panel thickness, finish, available thread engagement, internal clearance and wrench access.
CMP's selection checklist treats entry-hole type and size, wall thickness, thread length and installation accessories as separate selection inputs. A thicker gland plate may require a longer entry thread. CMP gland and accessory selection.
Request a section drawing showing the gland, panel, specified interface seal and retaining hardware. Confirm seal location and installation sequence. Include any adapter in that drawing and in the evidence package.
Build a comparable cable gland RFQ
Use this procurement table to expose missing assumptions before comparing quotations.
| RFQ item | Buyer supplies | Supplier confirms |
|---|---|---|
| Cable identity | Drawing, construction, OD limits and shape | Accepted cable and seal combination |
| Entry layout | Cable count, connectors and spare positions | Insert arrangement and unused-opening treatment |
| Mounting | Hole, thread, panel stack and access drawing | Fit, engagement and included hardware |
| Service | Temperature, fluids, movement and ingress exposure | Applicable limits and supporting evidence |
| Release | Quantity mix, sample scope and acceptance plan | Exact part numbers, deviations and documentation |
Validate the assembled combination
Make sample approval traceable to the cable lot, gland and insert part numbers, panel drawing and installation-instruction revision. Agree checks for dimensions, jacket condition, retention and ingress performance appropriate to the project. Define test conditions, sample selection and acceptance limits with the responsible engineer.
Use the manufacturer's assembly method and specified tightening requirements. A sample that feels tight does not establish sealing performance. Where cable or panel tolerances approach selection limits, ask the supplier to justify the validation coverage.
Keep ingress claims tied to their actual configuration and conditions; the IP67/IP68 procurement guide explains that evidence review. For a gland incorporated into a PV connector, use the connector manufacturer's complete assembly instructions and the PV connector compatibility guide.
Require review before substitutions of cable, insert, mounting hardware or assembly instructions enter production.
Buyer FAQ
Can I select a gland from AWG or mm² alone?
No. Obtain the finished cable OD limits and construction. Conductor size is useful identification, but it does not define the surface dimensions that the gland seals against.
Will every M20 gland fit the same cable?
No. M20 identifies the mounting thread family; the exact designation also needs its pitch. Check the selected part's cable range and insert. Different variants can use the same mounting thread.
Can two cables share one gland?
Only with a configuration expressly intended and validated for those cables. Specify separate openings, each cable's dimensions, the insert arrangement and the manufacturer's method for unused positions.
What should a supplier quote include?
Request exact gland and accessory part numbers, drawings, accepted cable limits, instructions, relevant evidence and deviations. Ask for sample and production terms separately, with any validation dependencies stated.
Send the interface details with your RFQ
Send a cable gland RFQ with the cable and panel drawings, operating conditions and quantity mix. Ask SINAWATTS to confirm the proposed configuration and available documentation before approval.