Hi Mark,
Cable glands are designed to suit enclosure applications that require high IP ratings and good cable retention. Thus, enclosures with knockouts or machined entries for cable glands are designed to maintain elevated IP ratings when the cables are inserted.
However, ingress protection is only guaranteed when the equipment, i.e. enclosures, knockouts and cable glands, are used properly. More precisely, the presence of holes or empty voids will affect the IP rating, allowing dust or water to enter the enclosure. To avoid this, it is important to bear in mind a few considerations.
Firstly, the IP ratings of the cable glands and the enclosures should at least match or be of a higher rating, the use of a sealing ring between the enclosure and the cable gland will also help to maintain a high level of IP rating.
Finally, the shape and diameter of the cables should match the sealing range of the cable gland, in order for it to take hold of the cable without creating empty spaces where dust and water can pass through. Inserts for cables such as twin and earth (T&E) can be used to ensure a perfect fit.
If you’d like more specific information about IP ratings on Spelsberg electrical enclosures and cable glands or have specific IP rating requirements for your intended application, please feel free to send me a private message to discuss the solution that best fits your needs.
For further information of Spelsberg’s range of enclosure entry options, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkG0aLsyex0
For further information on IP ratings in different electrical enclosures, please visit: https://www.spelsberg.co.uk/news/news-press/detail/understanding-ingress-protection-techniques-in-electrical-enclosures/cHash/5c907835ef162fa111652d9395a0df39/
Thanks,
Chris