GB2488305A - Cable gland tightening method and guide - Google Patents
Cable gland tightening method and guide Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2488305A GB2488305A GB1019625.1A GB201019625A GB2488305A GB 2488305 A GB2488305 A GB 2488305A GB 201019625 A GB201019625 A GB 201019625A GB 2488305 A GB2488305 A GB 2488305A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- cable
- tape
- turns
- cable gland
- gland
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G15/00—Cable fittings
- H02G15/013—Sealing means for cable inlets
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/0295—Labels or tickets for tubes, pipes and the like
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables
- H01B13/34—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables for marking conductors or cables
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables
- H01B13/34—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables for marking conductors or cables
- H01B13/344—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables for marking conductors or cables by applying sleeves, ferrules, tags, clips, labels or short length strips
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B17/00—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by their form
- H01B17/56—Insulating bodies
- H01B17/58—Tubes, sleeves, beads, or bobbins through which the conductor passes
- H01B17/583—Grommets; Bushings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
- H01B7/36—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
- H01B7/36—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks
- H01B7/368—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks being a sleeve, ferrule, tag, clip, label or short length strip
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Cable Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
A tape 10 applied around a cable is used in determining a number of turns to be applied to a nut of a cable gland for tightening the cable gland onto a cable. The tape 10 has graduations 14 indicating a recommended number of turns to be applied to the nut of the cable gland for tightening the cable gland onto a cable of corresponding circumference. The distance of each graduation 14 from a reference point 16 on the tape 10 is substantially equal to the corresponding circumference of the cable.Thus the degree of tightening is related to the circumference or diameter of the cable. A method of calibrating the scale is described.
Description
CABLE GLAND TIGHTENING METHOD AND GUIDE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tape or guide for use in determining a number of turns to be applied to a nut of a cable gland for tightening the cable gland seal onto a cable, and a method for tightening a cable gland, including a method of using the tape. The invention also relates to a method for determining a number of turns for tightening a cable gland onto a cable, including a method for producing the tape.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
The use of cable glands to attach and secure a cable to equipment, for example a terminal box, is well known. Such glands may provide a secure and/or sealed junction between the cable and a terminal box into which the cable extends.
The cable gland may provide a waterproof or water resistant seal, and / or an electrical connection between the outer sheath of a cable and the terminal box.
The part of the cable gland which attaches to a cable generally is formed from two substantially cylindrical portions through which the cable passes. The two pcrtions are coupled to each other by correspondingly threaded surfaces. By rotating the two portions relative to each other, the two portions are brought closer together, and a seal member positioned between the two portions is displaced, compressed and/or distorted such that the seal member is brought into contact with the cable. In this way, the cable gland and cable are firmly secured together. By attaching the cable gland to equipment, such as a terminal box, the cable is securely held in place relative to the equipment.
A problem with cable glands is that there is an optimum seal compression, but they are susceptible to being over-tightened. This may compress the seal member to such an extent that it causes damage to the seal or ether gland components. Over-tightening may also cause damage to the cable outer sheath.
In order to prevent users from over tightening cable glands, manufacturers may supply usage instructions with their products. For example, the usage instructions may state that cable glands are to be tightened hand-tight' plus one turn using a spanner. However this type cf instruction does not take into account the size of the cable gland, the perception of what hand tight' is or the size of the cable with which it is being used, and therefore does not always result in optimum performance of a cable gland.
The present invention seeks to overcome the above problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a tape for use in determining a number of turns to be applied to a cable gland for tightening a cable gland onto a cable, the tape comprising graduations indicating a recommended number of turns to he applied to a cable gland for tightening the cable gland onto a cable having a corresponding circumference, the distance of each graduation from a reference point on the tape being substantially equal to the corresponding circumference.
Advantageously, the tape provides a means for determining a recommended number of turns to be applied to the cable gland, which may vary depending on the size of the cable to be used. In particular, the recommended number of turns can be deternined in a single operation, without the need to separately measure the cable size and then look up a recommended number of turns for the measured cable size.
The tape may comprise a plurality of sets of graduations, each set corresponding to a different size of cable gland.
The advantage of this feature is that a single tape can be used as a tightening guide for a number of different sizes of cable gland.
The tape may further comprise graduations indicating a recommended cable gland size to be used with a cable having a corresponding circumference, the distance of each graduation from a reference point on the tape being substantially equal to the corresponding circumference.
The advantage of this feature is that the tape may be used both to select the preferred cable gland size for a given cable, based on the size of the cable, and to determine the recommended number cf turns to be used for tightening the selected cable gland onto the cable.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable gland kit, comprising at least one cable gland, and at least one tape as defined above.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for determining a number of turns to be applied to a cable gland for tightening a cable gland onto a cable, using a tape as defined above, the method comprising: wrapping the tape around the cable; and determining the number of turns based on the graduations on the tape.
The number of turns may be determined by identifying a graduation which is closest to the reference point.
The method may further comprise selecting a set of graduations corresponding to the size of the cable gland, wherein the number of turns is determined based on graduations belonging to the selected set of graduations.
The method may further comprise applying the determined number of turns to the cable gland to tighten the cable gland.
Using the tape to determine the number of turns to be applied to the cable gland reduces the likelihood of damage to the cable due to over-tightening, and may ensure that the cable gland is tightened by an amount which provides optimum functionality, for example, sealing effectiveness or pull-out resistance.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for tightening a cable gland, the cable gland comprising a first portion comprising an internally threaded surface and a second portion comprising an externally threaded surface for coupling to the internally threaded surface of the first portion, and a deformable member, wherein each of the first and second portions comprise a through-hole for receiving a cable, the first and second portions being adapted to exert a force on the deformable member placed therebetween to secure the cable to the cable gland, the method comprising the steps of: threading a cable through the first and second portions, the deformable member being positioned between the first and second portions; rotating the second portion relative to the first portion to couple the first and second portions together and to deform the deformable member into contact with the cable; wherein the second portion is rotated by a number of turns determined with reference to the circumference or diameter of the cable.
By tightening the cable gland by a number of turns which is determined with reference to the circumference or diameter of the cable, the process for installing a cable gland on a cable is adapted to specific size of cable used, so that a gccd pull-out resistance and/or degree of water-tightness is obtained, regardless of the size of the cable.
The method may further comprise the step of: wrapping a tape around the cable; and determining the number of turns based on an indication from the tape.
The tape may be a tape as defined above.
The number of turns may be determined using the above-defined method for determining a number of turns to be applied to a cable gland for tightening a cable gland onto a + cable.
Accordingly to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for determining a number of turns for tightening a cable gland onto a cable, the cable gland comprising a first portion comprising an internally threaded surface and a second portion comprising an externally threaded surface for coupling to the internally threaded surface of the first portion, and a deformabie member, wherein each of the first and second portions and the deformable member comprise a through-hole for receiving a cable, the first and second portions being adapted to exert a force on the deformable member placed therebetween to secure the cable to the cable gland, the method comprising: threading a cable having a first circumference through first and second portions and the deformable member, the deformable member being positioned between the first and second portions; rotating the second portion relative to the first portion to couple the first and second portions together and to deform the deformable member into contact with the cable; and measuring a pulling force required to pull the cable irom the cable gland as a function of the number of turns by which the second portion is rctated relative to the first portion.
The method may further comprise repeating the method for cables having different circumferences.
The method may further comprise repeating the method for cable glands of different sizes.
The method may further comprise: providing a tape with a plurality of graduations corresponding to respective cable circumferences; and providing an indication next to at least one graduation of a determined number of turns corresponding to the respective cable circumference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
IA preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way cf example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a tape according to a first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 shows the use of a tape according to a second embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 shows a tape 10 for use in determining the number of turns to be applied to a cable gland for tightening a cable gland onto a cable. The tape 10 has first and second surfaces 12a, 12b, and is marked with graduations 14 at selected distances from a reference mark 16, the distances between the graduations 14 and the reference mark 16 corresponding to various cable circumferences. The indices 18 next to the graduations 14 indicate a recommended number of turns to be applied to a cable gland to secure it onto a cable having the corresponding circumference. The tape may be made of any suitable material, in particular those materials commonly used for tape measures, including paper, plastics and fibreglass.
The tape shown in Figure 1 comprises a plurality of sets 20 of graduations 14, each set 20 corresponding to a different size of cable gland indicated by cable gland identifiers 22.
The tape 10 is used in the following way as a guide for tightening a cable gland onto a cable. The tape 10 is wrapped around the cable, with the enlarged end 24 of the tape 10 is against the cable. The reference mark 16 is printed across the enlarged end 24 of the tape 10 so that it remains visible when the main body 26 of the tape 10 is overlapped with the end 24. The graduation 14 closest to the reference mark 16 is identified, and the indices 18 associated with the graduations 14 are used to read off a recommended number of turns associated with the selected graduation 14. Alternatively, if the reference point falls between two graduations, then the graduation with the largest number is selected.
The cable gland is then assembled onto the cable, finger tightened to remove any slack, and the appropriate number of spanner turns is applied in order to tighten the cable gland onto the cable.
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a tape 110 being used in the manner described above. The tape 110 is wrapped around a cable 140, and the graduation 114 closest to the reference mark 116 is used to read off the recommended number of spanner turns, in this example, three turns? The tape 110 of the second embodiment is designed for use with only one type or size of cable gland and therefore includes only one set of graduations 114. When using the tape 10 of the first embodiment, the user must refer to the set 20 of graduations 14 corresponding to the type of cable gland to be used, as indicated by the respective cable gland identifier 22.
The tape 10 of the first embodiment is also provided on one surface 12b with a separate scale 28 indicating a preferred cable gland size depending on a cable size to be used. The scale 28 is marked with graduations 30 and/or ranges 32, each labelled with a cable gland identifier 34.
The tape 10 may therefore be used to select a type or size of cable gland appropriate to any given cable, prior to determining the number of turns to be applied to the cable gland. The tape 10 is wrapped around the cable as above, and the range or ranges 32 overlapping with the reference mark 16 corresponds to the preferred type(s) or size(s) of cable glands suitable for use with that cable. In addition, the range of each set 20 of graduations 14 may be used to indicate which types or sizes of cable gland are suitable for use with a cable of a particular size, Once a cable gland has been selected, the number of turns to be used to secure it to the cable is then determined as described above with reference to the graduations 14.
The tape 10, 110 may be calibrated according to the following method. Generally, a cable gland includes a first portion having an internally threaded surface and a second portion having a corresponding externally threaded surface.
Each of the two portions has a through-hole, through which a cable can be threaded. The first and second portions are coupled together by engaging the threaded surfaces, and rotating one portion, generally known as the outer seal nut, relative to the other to tighten the two portions together.
A deformable sealing member, often in the form of a sealing ring, is located between the two portions. As the two portions are tightened towards each other, the sealing member is displaced or deformed so that it contacts the cable, thereby clamping the cable in place.
By measuring the pulling force required to pull the cable from the cable gland, as a function of the number of turns by which the second portion has been rotated relative to the first portion, the number of turns giving the best pull-out resistance can be determined. For each type or size of cable gland, this process may be repeated for cables of different diameter. Instead of measuring maximum pull-out strength, other criteria may be used, for example, the minimum number of turns required to obtain the desired pull-out resistance, or the number of turns required to obtain a desired degree of water-tightness.
In this way, a scale is cbtained for a recommended number of turns as a function of cable circumference. This scale is then marked on a tape as described above, for example by printing. Alternatively, the scale information may be presented as a conversion table, showing recommended number of turns as a function of cable diameter and/or circumference.
When tightening a cable gland onto a cable, the outer seal nut of the cable gland may be rotated by a predetermined number of turns, which depends on the circumference or diameter of the cable. The predetermined number of turns may be obtained from scale information such as that described above, and may be obtained by using a tape as described above.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (19)
- CLAIMS1. A tape for use in determining a number of turns to be applied to a threaded cable gland for tightening a cable gland seal onto a cable, the tape comprising graduations indicating a recommended number of turns to be applied to a cable gland for tightening the cable gland onto a cable having a corresponding circumference, and the distance of each graduation from a reference point on the tape being substantially equal to the corresponding circumference.
- 2. A tape according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of sets of graduations, each set corresponding to a different size of cable gland.
- 3. A tape according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising graduations indicating a recommended cable gland size to be used with a cable having a corresponding circumferences, the distance cf each graduation from a reference point on the tape being substantially equal to the corresponding circumference,
- 4. A cable gland kit, comprising: at least one cable gland; and at least one tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3-
- 5. A method for determining a number of turns to be applied to a threaded cable gland for tightening a cable gland onto a cable, using a tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the method comprising: wrapping the tape around the cable; and determining the number of turns based on the graduations on the tape.
- 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the number of turns is determined by identifying a graduation which is closest to the reference point.
- 7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, and claim 2, further comprising selecting a set of graduations corresponding to the size of the cable gland, wherein the number of turns is determined based on graduations belonging to the selected set of graduations.
- 8. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising applying the determined number of turns to the cable gland to tighten the cable gland.
- 9. A method for tightening a cable gland, the cable gland comprising a first portion comprising an internally threaded surface and a second portion comprising an externally threaded surface for coupling to the internally threaded surface of the first portion, and a deformable member, wherein each of the first and second portions comprise a through-hole for receiving a cable, the first and second portions being adapted to exert a force on the deformable member placed therebetween to secure the cable to the cable gland, the method comprising the steps of: threading a cable through the first and second portions, the deformable member being positioned between the first and second porticns; and rotating the second portion relative to the first portion to couple the first and second portions together and to deform the deformable member into contact with the cable, wherein the second portion is rotated by a number of turns determined with reference to the circumference or diameter of the cable.
- 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of: wrapping a tape around the cable; and determining the number of turns based on an indication from the tape.
- 11, The method of claim 10 wherein the tape is a tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
- 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the number of turns is determined using the method of any one of claims 5 to 7.
- 13. A method for deternining a number of turns for tightening a cable gland onto a cable, the cable gland comprising a first portion comprising an internally threaded surface and a second portion comprising an externally threaded surface for coupling to the internally threaded surface of the first portion, and a deformable member, wherein each of the first and second portions and the deformable member comprise a through-hole for receiving a cable, the first and second portions being adapted to exert a force on the deformable member placed therebetween to secure the cable to the cable gland, the method comprising: threading a cable having a first circumference through first and second portions and the deforrnable member, the deformable member being positioned between the first and second portions; rotating the second portion relative to the first portion to couple the first and second portions together and to deform the deformable member into contact with the cable; F and measuring a pulling force required to pull the cable from the cable gland as a function of the number of turns by which the second portion is rotated relative to the first portion.
- 14. The methcd of claim 13, further comprising repeating the method for cables having different circumferences.
- 15. The method of claim 14 or claim 14, further comprising repeating the method for cable glands of different sizes.
- 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising: providing a tape with a plurality cf graduations corresponding to respective cable circumferences; and providing an indication next to at least one graduation of a determined number of turns corresponding to the respective cable circumference.
- 17. A tape substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- 18. A method for determining a number of turns for tightening a cable gland onto a cable, substantially as described herein.
- 19. A method for tightening a cable gland onto a cable, substantially as described herein. h
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1019625.1A GB2488305B (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
GB1700066.2A GB2548192A (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
GB1700067.0A GB2542980B (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1019625.1A GB2488305B (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB201019625D0 GB201019625D0 (en) | 2010-12-29 |
GB2488305A true GB2488305A (en) | 2012-08-29 |
GB2488305B GB2488305B (en) | 2017-06-07 |
Family
ID=43431709
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB1700066.2A Withdrawn GB2548192A (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
GB1700067.0A Active GB2542980B (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
GB1019625.1A Active GB2488305B (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB1700066.2A Withdrawn GB2548192A (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
GB1700067.0A Active GB2542980B (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2010-11-19 | Cable gland tightening method and guide |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (3) | GB2548192A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10714922B2 (en) | 2018-10-02 | 2020-07-14 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Cable gland compression limiter |
-
2010
- 2010-11-19 GB GB1700066.2A patent/GB2548192A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-11-19 GB GB1700067.0A patent/GB2542980B/en active Active
- 2010-11-19 GB GB1019625.1A patent/GB2488305B/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201700067D0 (en) | 2017-02-15 |
GB2542980A (en) | 2017-04-05 |
GB201019625D0 (en) | 2010-12-29 |
GB201700066D0 (en) | 2017-02-15 |
GB2542980B (en) | 2017-06-07 |
GB2488305B (en) | 2017-06-07 |
GB2548192A (en) | 2017-09-13 |
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