Strain relief connector
This makes the assembly time shorter, but does not guarantee a water-tight seal or the cord may not be as secure as the slide-on one. In contrast, mounting of both the molded versions and the mechanical snap-on versions are done by the use of a cutout mounting hole in the panel and snapping the strain relief/cable gland into place. Both of these methods can provide a water-tight seal if used with an O-ring. The lock nut will secure it to the panel. The other method is to determine the diameter of the cutout hole and use a strain relief/cable gland which is close to the size of the hole. One option is to make a threaded hole to fit the size being used and simply thread it into the panel. The slide-on strain relief/cable gland is threaded and is usually provided with a nut offering two methods of attachment to the panel. Methods of Mounting the Strain Relief/Cable Gland to the Framework Two examples are the mounting threads can be threaded directly into the panel of the equipment or it can be eased through a clearance hole in the panel and fitted with a locking nut. Mounting ThreadsĪ strain relief/cable gland can be threaded and assembled in different ways. It should be noted that nylon fittings installed in a threaded connection and exposed to elevated temperatures should be retained with a sealing compound to avoid a loose connection when temperatures fluctuate. PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) is a good choice to use on equipment that is around food preparation because it does not retain oils, chemicals, or bacteria that can spoil or poison food. Strain reliefs/cable glands come in a number of different materials, such as nickel-plated brass, nylon, and stainless steel. Material of the Strain Relief/Cable Gland These are not liquid-tight and like the molded ones, snap into cutouts with a squared or flat side. There is also a mechanical snap-on strain relief/cable gland. Molded strain reliefs/cable glands bond to the cable in order to hold the cable in place and fill the junction. Some are molded permanently onto the cable. Many slide on over the cord and then are tightened down onto the jacket. Method of Attachment to the CordĬord attachment refers to how the strain relief/cable gland and cord are assembled together. The last step is to select the correct size strain relief for the cord with which it will be used. The flex relief protects the cord from stress that is applied perpendicular to the axis of its entry into the equipment. Depending on the application, a strain relief with an integral flex relief may be best. The aluminum strain reliefs offer the best performance for larger cable sizes. For applications requiring small to medium-sized cable, several varieties are offered. The first step in specifying Interpower strain reliefs is to determine which general type will work best. The term “strain relief” is commonly used in North America, while “cable gland” is commonly used throughout Europe and the other parts of the world. While it does not relieve strain on a cable as it exits the equipment, it does relieve the strain on the electrical connection and circuitry inside the equipment. It helps to protect from stress and damage as it runs through the panel of the equipment. More Information on Strain Reliefs/Cable GlandsĪ strain relief or cable gland can provide protection to the wires and cable by securing the cable of a power cord to the panel of the electrical equipment.