Ex-cable glands suitable for cables with "coldflow" characteristics
What does coldflow mean?
In materials science, coldflow is the tendency of a solid material to move or deform under the influence of mechanical stresses over a period of time. Although temperature and various other environmental factors affect coldflow, materials such as plastics and rubber begin to deform at room temperature.
The coldflow of a cable is affected by ambient temperature, applied force and time. When the external force/load is removed, there is no shape recovery of the cold flow that has occurred.
The sealing element found in most Ex cable glands forms an effective seal on a cable only when compressed or displaced by tightening. In either case, the force applied when the gland is tightened is transmitted through the sealing element to the cable's inner jacket. This force can cause coldflow, moving the cable's inner jacket away from the gasket and creating a possible path for gas or flame to spread in the event of an explosion.
How can I prevent coldflow?
All cables suffer from coldflow to some degree - the extent depends on the materials used in the cable construction, as well as the environmental conditions.
In hazardous areas, where cables are frequently exposed to ambient temperatures of 40°C or more for extended periods of time, a cable gland manufacturer can only help reduce the effects of coldflow by reducing the stress on the cable.
With its passive, captive cylindrical seal, Hawke's patented 501/453/UNIVERSAL cable gland provides protection against gas migration and explosive gases without damaging the cable.
Damage due to coldflow
The ICG653/UNIVERSAL potting compound cable gland is suitable for armored and shielded cables. The cable inner sheath is removed and the individual wires are sealed by 2K potting compound or liquid resin. It has a non-metallic, completely transparent and inspection-capable potting compound chamber made of silicone.
The game-changer PSG 553/RAC is an innovative barrier cable gland that does not require 2K potting compound or liquid resin. The inner cable jacket is removed and the individual wires are fed through a pre-punched seal.
We have a large range of Hawke cable glands in our warehouse in Kernen, Germany.