Choosing between an A2 and E1W cable gland starts with one basic question: what type of cable are you terminating?
Although both cable glands are used to secure cables and provide a reliable connection between the cable and an electrical enclosure, they are designed for different cable constructions. An A2 cable gland is intended for unarmoured cables, while an E1W cable gland is designed for SWA, or steel wire armoured, cables and provides a different sealing and armour termination arrangement.
Understanding this difference is important because choosing a gland based only on size or appearance can result in an unsuitable termination. The cable construction, sealing requirements, installation environment, and gland dimensions all need to be considered before making a selection.
A2 vs E1W Cable Glands: Quick Comparison
Feature | A2 Cable Gland | E1W Cable Gland |
Cable type | Unarmoured cable | SWA or single wire armoured cable |
Armour termination | Not applicable | Designed to clamp and terminate armour |
Sealing arrangement | Outer cable sheath sealing | Double sealing arrangement |
Typical application | Unarmoured cable termination | Armoured cable termination |
Cable dimensions to check | Overall cable diameter | Cable bedding, overall diameter and armour range |
Main selection factor | Cable outer diameter and gland compatibility | Cable construction, armour dimensions and cable diameter |
The most important distinction is therefore not simply the gland size. A2 and E1W glands serve different cable types.
What Is an A2 Cable Gland?
An A2 cable gland is a type of gland used for unarmoured cables with an outer sheath. Under typical BS 6121 classifications, A2 glands are associated with unarmoured cable termination and an outer sealing arrangement.
The gland grips and seals around the cable’s outer sheath, helping provide mechanical retention and protection at the point where the cable enters an enclosure.
A2 glands are commonly considered when terminating cables that do not have steel wire armour requiring mechanical clamping and electrical continuity through the armour.
Before selecting an A2 gland, the actual cable diameter should be checked against the manufacturer’s gland dimensions. Nominal cable size alone is not always sufficient because cable construction and manufacturing tolerances can affect the actual dimensions.
What Is an E1W Cable Gland?
An E1W cable gland is designed for single wire armoured cables, commonly SWA cables. Unlike an A2 gland, it incorporates components designed to accommodate and clamp the cable armour as part of the termination.
E1W glands are commonly described as double-seal cable glands, with sealing arrangements associated with both the inner cable bedding and outer sheath. They are used where the armoured cable requires secure mechanical termination and environmental sealing.
The armour clamping arrangement is an important part of the gland because the steel wires need to be properly terminated rather than simply passing through the gland.
This means E1W selection involves more than checking the overall cable diameter. The dimensions of the cable bedding and armour also need to fall within the gland manufacturer’s specified ranges.
A2 vs E1W: What Is the Main Difference?
The simplest way to understand the difference is to look at the cable construction.
If the cable is unarmoured, an A2 gland may be the appropriate gland type, subject to the specific cable and installation requirements.
If the cable is SWA or another compatible single wire armoured cable, an E1W gland is designed to accommodate the armour as well as provide the required cable termination and sealing arrangement.
This difference affects the construction of the gland itself. An A2 gland does not need an armour clamping system because there is no cable armour to terminate. An E1W gland, on the other hand, includes an arrangement for securing the armour.
So, A2 vs E1W is primarily a cable compatibility decision, not simply a choice between two similarly sized glands.
Cable Type and Armour Compatibility
Cable construction should always be checked before selecting a gland.
An unarmoured cable generally has its conductor insulation, additional insulation or bedding where applicable, and an outer sheath, without a layer of steel wire armour.
SWA cable includes steel wires around the cable construction. These armour wires provide mechanical protection and can form part of the electrical bonding or earth continuity arrangement when correctly terminated.
Because of this difference, an E1W gland is constructed to accommodate the armour. Technical specifications for E1W glands commonly identify SWA or single wire armour as the compatible cable type and include an armour clamping arrangement.
Using an A2 gland simply because its diameter appears suitable would therefore overlook one of the most important aspects of cable gland selection.
Sealing and Protection Differences
Sealing is another important difference between the two gland types.
An A2 gland uses a sealing arrangement around the outer sheath of an unarmoured cable. The exact protection level depends on the particular gland design and manufacturer’s specification.
An E1W gland is designed with a double sealing arrangement for compatible armoured cables. This can provide sealing around the cable bedding and outer sheath, depending on the particular product design.
The sealing requirement should always be matched to the actual installation. Outdoor, exposed, wet, dusty, or industrial environments may have different requirements from a clean and protected indoor enclosure.
Do not assume that every A2 or E1W gland has the same ingress protection rating. Check the manufacturer’s technical documentation for the exact gland being used.
Where Are A2 Cable Glands Used?
A2 cable glands are generally used where an unarmoured cable needs to be terminated into an electrical enclosure or equipment.
Typical applications can include:
- Electrical control panels
- Distribution equipment
- Industrial enclosures
- Equipment with unarmoured power or control cables
- Indoor and outdoor installations where the selected gland provides the required protection
The application alone should not determine the gland type. The cable construction and the gland’s specified operating conditions must also be checked.
Where Are E1W Cable Glands Used?
E1W cable glands are used where SWA or compatible single wire armoured cables require termination.
They can be suitable for industrial installations where the cable requires armour clamping, mechanical retention, electrical continuity, and environmental sealing. Technical data from E1W gland manufacturers commonly identifies indoor and outdoor industrial applications for SWA cable.
Depending on the product specification, E1W glands may also be supplied with accessories such as locknuts, earth tags, washers, and shrouds.
The exact application should always be checked against the gland manufacturer’s installation instructions and technical data.
How to Choose Between A2 and E1W Cable Glands
Selecting the right gland becomes much easier when the process is approached in the correct order.
1. Identify the cable construction
First determine whether the cable is unarmoured or armoured.
For an unarmoured cable, investigate the appropriate unarmoured gland type, such as A2 where applicable.
For SWA or compatible single wire armoured cable, an E1W type may be appropriate.
2. Check the cable dimensions
Do not select the gland based only on the cable’s nominal cross-sectional area.
Check the actual cable dimensions against the gland manufacturer’s specified range. For E1W glands, this can include the cable bedding diameter, overall cable diameter, and armour dimensions.
3. Consider the installation environment
Think about where the cable gland will be installed.
Ask:
- Is the installation indoors or outdoors?
- Will the gland be exposed to moisture?
- Is dust or dirt likely to be present?
- Is mechanical protection required?
- Is the installation subject to vibration or movement?
- What level of ingress protection is required?
The answers help determine the appropriate gland specification and accessories.
4. Check the enclosure entry
The gland also needs to match the enclosure or equipment entry.
Check the required thread type, thread size, available space, and whether a locknut, washer, earth tag, or other accessory is required.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s specification
Always verify the selected gland against the technical data and installation instructions for the specific product.
Cable dimensions can vary between manufacturers and cable constructions. Selection charts should therefore be treated as guidance, with actual cable and gland dimensions checked before final selection.
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Common Mistakes When Selecting A2 and E1W Cable Glands
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a gland based only on the cable’s nominal size. Two cables with the same nominal conductor size can have different overall dimensions or construction.
Another mistake is ignoring the presence of armour. If the cable is armoured, the gland needs to accommodate and terminate that armour correctly.
It is also important not to assume that all glands with the same basic designation have identical sealing performance, materials, temperature ranges, or ingress protection. These specifications can vary between products.
Finally, installation should not be overlooked. Even a correctly selected gland can perform poorly if it is installed incorrectly, overtightened, undertightened, or fitted without the required components.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between A2 vs E1W cable glands starts with the cable itself. A2 glands are intended for unarmoured cable termination, while E1W glands are designed for armoured cable such as SWA and include an arrangement for terminating the armour.
From there, selection should be based on the actual cable dimensions, sealing requirements, installation environment, enclosure entry, and manufacturer’s specifications. Taking these factors into account helps avoid common sizing and compatibility problems.
The right cable gland is not simply the one that fits the cable. It is the one that matches the cable construction and provides the mechanical, sealing, and electrical termination characteristics required by the installation.
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A2 vs E1W Cable Glands FAQs
An A2 gland is classified for unarmoured cable, while E1W is a gland type intended for SWA cable. Therefore, an A2 gland should not be selected for SWA simply because the cable diameter appears to fit.
An E1W cable gland is generally used to terminate single wire armoured cables such as SWA. It provides an arrangement for armour clamping and commonly uses double sealing around the cable construction
A2 is a gland designation for unarmoured cable with an outer sheath.
For an E1W gland, check the manufacturer’s required dimensions for the cable bedding, overall cable diameter, and armour range. The exact measurements required can vary by gland design.
Many E1W gland designs are specified for indoor and outdoor use, but the exact environmental and ingress protection rating depends on the individual product. Always check the manufacturer’s technical specification before installation.
No. They are designed around different cable constructions. A2 is associated with unarmoured cables, while E1W is designed for compatible armoured cables such as SWA.