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 BRITISH STANDARD BS 6121-5:
1993

Mechanical cable
glands —
Part 5: Code of practice for selection,
installation and inspection of cable
glands used in electrical installations
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 10 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
 BS 6121-5:1993

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Cables and
Insulation Standards Policy Committee (CIL/-) to Technical Committee
CIL/20, upon which the following bodies were represented:

Aluminium Federation
Association of Consulting Engineers
Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Electrical Appliances
British Approvals Service for Cables
British Cable Makers’ Confederation
British Plastics Federation
British Steel Industry
British Telecommunications plc
Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency)
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 10 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Department of Trade and Industry (Consumer Safety Unit, CA Division)

Electricity Association
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association
Institution of Electrical Engineers
London Regional Transport

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

Association of British Mining Equipment Companies

Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA Ltd.)
Gland Manufacturers’ Technical Committee

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Cables and
Insulation Standards Policy
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 January 1993
Amd. No. Date Comments
© BSI 07-1999

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference CIL/20
Draft for comment 91/33339 DC

ISBN 0 580 21260 2

 BS 6121-5:1993

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
Introduction 1
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions 1
4 Selection of cable glands 1
5 Installation 2
6 Inspection and test 3
Annex A (informative) Guidance chart for the selection
of BS 6121 cable glands 4
Table 1 — Non-integral earth connection short circuit ratings 2
Table 2 — Integral earth connection short circuit ratings 2
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List of references Inside back cover

© BSI 07-1999 i
 BS 6121-5:1993

Foreword

This Part of BS 6121 has been prepared under the direction of the Cables and
Insulation Standards Policy Committee.
Other Parts of the standard are as follows.
BS 6121-1, gives a specification for metallic glands.
BS 6121-2, gives a specification for polymeric glands.
BS 6121-3, gives a specification for special corrosion resistant glands.
BS 6121-4, will give a specification for insulated cable glands1).
BS 6121-6, will give a specification for polymeric glands for light industrial
and commercial use, with or without mechanical restraint or cable guards1).
This Part of BS 6121 is a code of practice and gives recommendations on the
selection, installation and inspection of cable glands for use in electrical
installations.
It is necessary to read this code in conjunction with the other relevant Parts of
BS 6121.
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 10 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

NOTE There is a high probability that BS 6121-1:1989, BS 6121-2:1989 and BS 6121-3:1990 will be
withdrawn and replaced by European CENELEC standards. BS 6121-4 and BS 6121-6 may be
published as European Standards rather than as Parts of the BS 6121 series.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity

from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 4, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

1)
In preparation.

ii © BSI 07-1999
 BS 6121-5:1993

Introduction
Cable glands used in electrical installations should
be selected for the specified duty, and should be
installed and inspected in a manner which ensures
safe use.
This Part of BS 6121 gives recommendations for the
selection, installation and inspection of cable glands
and should be used in all new, existing or
replacement installations, in conjunction with
national standards or regulations concerned with
electrical installations.
This standard is not intended to inhibit innovative
techniques in cable installation practice, protective
circuit design and earthing circuitry, or consultation
with manufacturers of cable glands and/or
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3.1
non-integral earth connection
an accessory which is fitted to the cable gland and
which, when installed, will carry the fault current
rating in accordance with Table 1
3.2
integral earth connection
a connection point which is permanently attached to
the gland component part and is in contact with the
armour clamping arrangement. It is of sufficient
cross-sectional area to carry the maximum fault
current and has a means for attaching an earth
conductor
3.3
cable support

accessories.
1 Scope
This Part of BS 6121 gives recommendations on the
selection, installation and inspection of cable
glands.
This code applies to the basic requirements for the
installation of cable glands for industrial
applications. For cable glands installed in
potentially explosive atmospheres, reference should
be made to the relevant Parts of BS 5345.
2 References
2.1 Normative references
This Part of BS 6121 incorporates, by reference,
provisions from specific editions of other
publications. These normative references are cited
at the appropriate points in the text and the
publications are listed on the inside back cover.
Subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of
these publications apply to this Part of BS 6121 only
when incorporated in it by updating or revision.
2.2 Informative references
This Part of BS 6121 refers to other publications
that provide information or guidance. Editions of
these publications current at the time of issue of this
standard are listed on the inside back cover, but
reference should be made to the latest editions.
NOTE The following publication is currently available and
should be associated with this standard: IEE Regulations for
electrical installations in buildings,
(IEE Wiring Regulations), 16th edition [1].
3 Definitions
NOTE The definitions and terms applicable to specific cable
glands are included in the other Parts of BS 6121, as relevant.
For the purposes of this Part of BS 6121, the
following definitions apply.
an additional means of supporting cables, used as
fixed wiring in such a way that the cable is not
exposed to excessive mechanical strain
3.4
locking device
an additional means of securing the cable gland into
apparatus or equipment
3.5
shroud
an elastomeric or plastic shaped moulding which
provides a cover over the cable gland assembly and
cable oversheath to give additional protection
(e.g. taking into account environment conditions
and operator safety)
4 Selection of cable glands
4.1 General
This code of practice has been prepared to give
recommendations for the selection of the correct
cable gland. However, the purchaser has
responsibility for the selection of the correct size and
type of gland and further advice should be sought
from the manufacturer where special problems
arise.
4.2 Flow chart selector
For a flow chart giving guidance for the selection of
cable glands, see Annex A.
4.3 Materials
Care should be taken when selecting cable glands,
to ensure compatibility of materials used to avoid
detrimental effects caused by:
a) electrolytic action;
b) corrosion;
c) environment.

© BSI 07-1999 1
 BS 6121-5:1993

NOTE Certain types of cable employ materials which can 4.6.3 Integral earth connection
exhibit significant “cold flow” characteristics which could reduce
the effectiveness of seals and have adverse effects on the An integral earth connection should be used where
protection of the apparatus or equipment. The cable supplier the non-integral connection is not suitable. It is
should be consulted and, if necessary, a suitable cable entry recommended that the short circuit ratings are in
device should be employed, for example, a cable entry device not
employing compression seals. accordance with Table 2.
4.4 IP ratings Table 2 — Integral earth connection
short circuit ratings
All cable glands having cable sealing arrangements
and conforming to BS 6121 will meet the rating Gland size Short circuit rating for 1 s
mm kA (min.)
IP66 and are, therefore, suitable for use with
equipment having equal or lower degrees of IP 16 to 40 26
rating. 50 to 75 43
The method of connection of the cable gland to the
equipment should maintain IP66, or the IP rating of 5 Installation
the equipment, whichever is the lower. To achieve
this it may be necessary to seal between the cable 5.1 General
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gland and the equipment (e.g. by using a sealing Cable glands conforming to BS 6121 should be
washer or thread sealant). installed in accordance with this code of practice as
NOTE 1 Higher IP ratings than IP66 may be available. well as in accordance with the installation
NOTE 2 Reference should be made to BS EN 60529:1991. instructions of the manufacturer.
4.5 Shrouds 5.2 Torque levels for cable gland components
If additional protection against environmental Although cable glands are designed to be installed
conditions or operator safety is required, then cable with a torque of at least 50 % of the proof torque
gland shrouds should be specified. specified in the appropriate Parts of BS 6121, due
4.6 External earth connections consideration should be given to the mechanical
strength of the equipment to which the gland is
4.6.1 General attached.
The following methods of additional earthing or NOTE Where cable gland seals are incorporated, consideration
bonding of cable glands are recognized. should be given to possible damage of the cable due to excessive
torque/compression values, in which case, torque levels may
4.6.2 Non-integral earth connection differ from those stated in the relevant Parts of BS 6121.
A non-integral earth connection should be used 5.3 Cable supports
where there is a requirement for attaching an earth
A cable support should be installed as near as
connection (e.g. to the cable armour). It is
reasonably practicable to the cable gland with due
recommended that the short circuit ratings are in
reference to the IEE Regulations for electrical
accordance with Table 1.
installations in buildings, (IEE Wiring
NOTE If interface sealing arrangements are required when Regulations), 16th edition [1].
using a non-integral earth connection, advice should be sought
from the cable gland manufacturer. 5.4 IP rating
Table 1 — Non-integral earth connection The method of connection of the cable gland to the
short circuit ratings equipment should maintain IP66, or the IP rating of
Gland size Short circuit rating for 1 s the equipment, whichever is the lower. To achieve
mm kA (min.) this it may be necessary to seal between the cable
16 3.06 gland and the equipment (e.g. by using a sealing
washer or thread sealant).
20 3.06
Where the interface between cable gland and
25 4.00
equipment is the sole means of earth continuity the
32 5.40 thread seal, if any, should not impair the earth path.
40 7.20 5.5 Shrouds
50 10.40 Cable gland shrouds should be used where
63 10.40 additional protection against environmental
75 10.40 conditions is required.
NOTE Where the system short circuit rating is higher than Care should be taken to use the correct size of
that recommended in Table 1, the non-integral earth shroud and, where required, it should be trimmed to
connection should be chosen to suit that rating or, if not suit the cable diameter.
practical, an integral earth connection is recommended.

2 © BSI 07-1999

5.6 Temperature
Cable glands should not be installed at a
temperature below that recommended by the
manufacturer, since the temperature can be critical
for the correct function of the cable seal.
The minimum temperature can be taken as being
below 0 °C. If the minimum temperature for the
gland being installed is not shown, the
manufacturer should be consulted.
After installation, the temperature is not a critical
factor. However, glands should not be chosen for
installation outside the operating temperature
range declared by the manufacturer.
5.7 Earth connections
When provision is made for integral or non-integral
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earth connections, reference should be made to 4.6.
5.8 Locking devices
Cable glands fitted into clearance holes should be
secured by a locking device, e.g. a locknut, inside the
apparatus, which is capable of meeting the gland
torque requirements of the relevant Parts of
BS 6121. Where such a locking device is the sole
means of providing earth continuity to the
apparatus, it should be metallic and should not
impair the earth path.
NOTE It is recommended that all clearance holes have a
diametrical clearance not greater than that of the thread major
diameter + 0.7 mm.
6 Inspection and test
6.1 General
It is recommended that the inspection and test
procedures of 6.2 to 6.4 are carried out on all new,
existing or modified installations.
6.2 Visual inspection
In a visual inspection, the following procedure
applies.
a) Check cable gland markings to ensure cable
gland type is suitable for the type of cable
(see Annex A).
b) Visually check that the outer seal is in contact
with the sheath of the cable, where applicable.
c) Check that any external thread sealing device
is in position, where applicable.
© BSI 07-1999
BS 6121-5:1993
d) Check for any apparent damage to the cable
gland shroud, if fitted. If irreparable damage is
observed, refer to the mechanical inspection
procedure, detailed in item c) of 6.3.
e) Where applicable, check that the cable
restraint device is in place and effective.
f) Check that external earth connections, where
fitted, are effective, making due reference to 4.6.
g) Check any cable gland deterioration resulting
from environmental conditions (see 4.3). If severe
deterioration is apparent, the advice of the cable
gland manufacturer should be sought.
h) Check the cable gland for any mechanical
damage which may impair the construction or
performance of the cable gland [see item c) of 6.3].
6.3 Mechanical inspection
In a mechanical inspection, the following procedure
applies.
a) Check the tightness of the cable gland entry
thread component to the equipment (see 5.2).
b) Check the tightness of all cable gland
components and accessories, where applicable
(see 5.2).
c) If any irreparable damage is observed to the
cable gland shroud, remove the shroud
completely to enable closer visual inspection of
the cable gland [see item d) and item h) of 6.2]. If
the cable gland is damaged then it should be
replaced. If no damage to the cable gland is
observed, then temporarily replace the shroud
with an equivalent, e.g. a self-amalgamating
tape, until a new shroud can be fitted.
d) Where locking devices are fitted, reference
should be made to 5.2 and 5.8.
6.4 Electrical tests
It is recommended that earth fault loop impedance
and withstand voltage tests are carried out in
accordance with the IEE Regulations for electrical
installations in buildings, (IEE Wiring
Regulations) 16th edition [1], as appropriate.
Cable glands and earthing accessories should be
included in the earth loop impedance test.
3
 Annex A (informative)
4

BS 6121-5:1993
Guidance chart for the selection of BS 6121 cable glands
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 10 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
© BSI 07-1999

NOTE When ordering cable glands, reference should be made to the annexes of the relevant parts of BS 6121, for other essential information.
1) In preparation.
 BS 6121-5:1993

List of references (see clause 2)

Normative references

BSI standards publications

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 5345, Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of electrical apparatus for use in
potentially explosive atmospheres (other than mining applications or explosives processing and
manufacture).
BS 5345-1:1989, General recommendations.
BS 5345-2:1983, Classification of hazardous area.
BS 5345-3:1979, Installation and maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus with type of
protection “d”. Flameproof enclosure.
BS 5345-4:1977, Installation and maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus with type of
protection “i”. Intrinsically safe electrical apparatus and systems.
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 10 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

BS 5345-5:1983, Installation and maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus protected by

pressurization “p” and by continuous dilution, and for pressurized rooms.
BS 5345-6:1978, Installation and maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus with type of
protection “e”. Increased safety.
BS 5345-7:1979, Installation and maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus with type of
protection N.
BS 5345-8:1980, Installation and maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus with type of
protection “s”. Special protection.
BS 6121, Mechanical cable glands.
BS 6121-1:1989, Specification for metallic glands.
BS 6121-2:1989, Specification for polymeric glands.
BS 6121-3:1990, Specification for special corrosion resistant glands.
BS 6121-4, Specification for insulated cable glands2).
BS 6121-6, Specification for polymeric glands for light industrial and commercial use, with or without
mechanical restraint2).
BS EN 60529:1991, Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code).

Informative references

Other references

[1] IEE Regulations for electrical installations in buildings, (IEE Wiring Regulations), 16th edition.
Available from The Institution of Electrical Engineers, P.O. Box 8, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1RS.

2)
In preparation.

© BSI 07-1999
 BS 6121-5:
1993
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