What Is a Cable Clamp?
A cable clamp is a device used to insert and securely fasten a cable (an electric wire consisting of insulation and sheath used in electrical and control systems) into the enclosure of a control panel or operation panel or into a device.
The main functions of a cable clamp are as follows:
External environmental protection: Prevents dust, dirt, and moisture from entering through openings in enclosures such as control panels.
Retention: Securely holds cables in place and prevents them from loosening under external mechanical tension or vibration.
Sealing: Prevents dust and water from entering the cable from the outside.
Usage of Cable Clamps
Cable clamps, also known as “wire penetration hardware,” are used to penetrate the walls of enclosures by attaching to cable intakes (connection holes) in enclosures such as control panels. Cable clamps are used at various points in the indoor and outdoor wiring of electrical and control equipment.
They prevent dust and water from entering the enclosure and equipment of control panels and operation panels, prevent disconnection due to vibration or pulling, and securely fasten and retract cables.
There are also cable clamps made of materials such as stainless steel and polyamide resin (PA). It is especially important to select a material suitable for the operating environment, such as weather resistance for outdoor use, oil resistance for an oil-covered environment, and heat resistance for a high-temperature atmosphere.
In addition to cable clamps, devices for pulling cables into enclosures such as control panels. A cable clamp is used when pulling in one cable at a time, and a ground clamp is used when pulling in multiple cables at once.
Principle of Cable Grounding
When selecting the size of the cable clamp, select a size suitable for the finished outer diameter of the cable to be used and the opening dimensions of the mounting hole. In particular, the cable gasket (bushing) is available in sizes “a” to “c” and “f” to “c”, where the hole diameter is machined by the user. The size should be selected appropriately for the finished O.D. of the cable.
The body is cylindrical in shape, and the male thread is inserted into the mounting hole drilled in the enclosure of a control panel, etc., with a gasket inserted between the threads.
The cable is firmly secured and sealed on the outer surface of the cable by pressing down on the gasket (bushing) when the tightening clamp is screwed in and tightened.