In any high-stakes industrial or electrical installation, success often hinges on the small details. You can have the most advanced machinery and the highest quality cable, but if the components holding everything together fail, the entire system is at risk. This is especially true when it comes to selecting cable grips.
Choosing the correct cord grips and the right cable clamp isn’t just a matter of finding something that “fits.” It’s a critical decision that directly impacts the safety, reliability, and longevity of your work. This practical guide will walk you through the essential questions to ask, helping you select the perfect cable attachment for any application.
Part 1: Understand the Core Function – Grip vs. Clamp
Before you can choose the right product, you must understand the distinct role each one plays. While often discussed together, they are not interchangeable.
Cord Grips (also known as Cable Glands or Strain Relief Connectors)
The primary job of cord grips is to secure a cable or cord at the point where it enters an enclosure, panel, or piece of equipment.
- Their Main Functions Are:
- Strain Relief: They absorb the force from pulling, bending, and vibration, protecting the delicate electrical termination points inside.
- Sealing: They create a seal around the cable, protecting the internal components from dust, moisture, oil, and other contaminants. This is often indicated by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
The Cable Clamp and Wire Mesh Grips
A cable clamp is fundamentally a fastening device. Its main job is to secure and route a cable or conduit along a surface, like a wall, strut, or machine frame.
This category also includes other cable grips like wire mesh grips, which are designed for two distinct, heavy-duty purposes:
- Pulling Grips: Used to pull cables through conduits.
- Support Grips: Used to support the vertical weight of heavy cables to prevent sagging and strain.
The Bottom Line: Use cord grips at connection points for strain relief and sealing. Use a cable clamp or support-style wire mesh grips for routing and supporting a cable run.
Part 2: Your 4-Step Selection Guide
To ensure you get the right component every time, follow this step-by-step process.
Step 1: Define Your Application – What Is the Primary Job?
First, clearly identify the task at hand. This is the most important step in the process of selecting cable grips.
- Am I terminating a cable into an enclosure and need strain relief?
- ✅ Your answer is cord grips.
- Am I fastening a cable or conduit to a flat surface or beam?
- ✅ You need a cable clamp.
- Am I supporting the dead weight of a heavy electrical cable running down a long vertical drop?
- ✅ You need a support-style wire mesh grip.
- Am I pulling a new cable through a long run of conduit?
- ✅ You need a pulling-style wire mesh grip.
Step 2: Get the Sizing Right – Measure Twice, Order Once
An improperly sized component can lead to cable damage or a failed connection.
- For Cord Grips: The most critical measurement is the Outer Diameter (OD) of your cable. The cord grip you choose must list your cable’s OD within its specified “sealing range.” Additionally, you must know the thread specification (e.g., NPT, Metric, PG) and size of the mounting hole where the grip will be installed.
- For a Cable Clamp: The selection is based on the diameter of the cable or conduit bundle it needs to hold. For heavy-duty clamps designed to bear weight, you must also consider the load rating. Always consult the manufacturer’s data sheet to ensure the clamp can handle the static and dynamic forces it will be subjected to.
Step 3: Choose Your Material – Match It to the Mission
The material of your cable attachment dictates its durability and suitability for the environment.
- Nylon / Plastic: The workhorse for general-purpose applications. It’s lightweight, cost-effective, and provides excellent corrosion resistance. Often the best choice for achieving a high IP rating for water and dust protection.
- Nickel-Plated Brass & Aluminum: A great middle-ground, offering more durability and impact resistance than plastic. Ideal for general industrial machinery and provides a professional, metallic finish.
- Stainless Steel (Type 304 & 316): The premium choice for the most demanding environments. Use stainless steel where there is exposure to frequent washdowns (food & beverage), harsh chemicals, or saltwater (marine applications). It offers superior strength and is the most corrosion-resistant option.
Step 4: Analyze the Environment – Where Will It Live?
Finally, consider the conditions the component will face day-to-day.
- Liquid & Dust (IP Rating): For cord grips, how much sealing do you need? An IP68 rating means the component is dust-tight and protected against long-term water submersion, making it ideal for outdoor or washdown locations.
- Hazardous Locations: Environments with flammable gases or dust require specially certified, explosion-proof components. Never use a general-purpose part in a hazardous-rated zone.
- Temperature: Ensure the material’s operating temperature range is suitable for the ambient and process temperatures it will encounter.
- UV Exposure: If the part will be in direct sunlight, choose a UV-stabilized material (like specific types of nylon or stainless steel) to prevent it from becoming brittle over time.
Quick Reference Checklist
Use this checklist to simplify your next order:
- [ ] Primary Function: Strain Relief, Securing, or Support?
- [ ] Cable Size: What is the Outer Diameter?
- [ ] Mounting: What is the thread size or fastener requirement?
- [ ] Environment: What is the required IP rating, temperature, and chemical exposure?
- [ ] Material: Nylon, Brass, or Stainless Steel?
- [ ] Load: Does the cable clamp or grip need to support a specific weight?
By methodically working through these questions, you can move beyond guesswork and make an informed, professional choice. Selecting cable grips correctly is a small detail that ensures the safety, quality, and durability of your entire installation.