CABLE GLANDS
for Power Safety
After electric power was first used in coal mines, it was discovered that lethal explosions were being started by electrical equipment such as lighting, signal bells or motors. Along with the danger of suspended coal dust, methane gas build-up in mines created catastrophic explosions when electrical lights were first used.
At least two British mine explosions were traced to an electric bell signal system. In the early mines, two bare wires were run along the walls of a shaft, and any miner desiring to signal the surface would momentarily touch the wires to each other. This resulted in sparks which could ignite methane or coal dust, causing an explosion.

Improvements in electrical wiring after these incidents led to the use of rubber insulation on electrical wires, and the use of cable connectors at the end of the power cables to avoid the creation of sparks. These connectors were used to securely attach and seal the power cables to motors, lights and other electrical equipment, and are referred to as Cable Glands.
Gland   [ɡland]  NOUN
 
1.   a sleeve used to produce a seal around a piston rod or wire cable
ORIGIN : Early 19th century: probably a variant of Scots glam ‘a vise or clamp’.
As shown in the HAZLOC Mini-Beast light fixture (left), Cable Glands are cable entry devices that attach, secure and terminate cable ends to the LED fixture. They provide for mechanical support to the cables and protect against gas fumes, dust and moisture that can enter the fixture.
Cable glands are made of various plastics, steel, brass or aluminum. Glands that resist moisture, dripping water or water pressure will include synthetic rubber or other types of water tight seals. There are also special types of cable glands rated for Hazardous Locations that serve to prevent the entry of flammable gas or dust into LED lighting fixtures.
Bill Nagengast, Lighting Engineer
Solas Ray Lighting
Holds over 20 patents in the lighting industry.
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TJ-55 1.11.11.