InfoPower

Cable is a sleek composite of resins and metals which are vital materials of making world-class power cords and cord sets. While dependable and durable, even essential to modern-day life, cable is also susceptible to acute bending, especially near the point where the cord exits the equipment. Underneath the smooth resinous skin of our example cord, lay three conductors of extruded copper wire. If those wires are extremely bent or otherwise damaged, the result could be loss of electrical continuity or shortened lifespan—protecting your cord’s bend radius helps maintain connectivity. And understanding your cord’s recommended minimum bend radius for cable is critical to the maintenance and longevity of the cable and the machines and equipment powering them.

The main purpose of a “strain relief” or “cable gland” is to provide protection to a power cord. They help extend cord life and add stability to the equipment. In generic terms, it is used to secure a power supply cord to a piece of electrical equipment. The term strain relief is commonly used in North America, while cable gland is the preferred term in Europe and other continents.

A strain relief or cable gland extends cord life and reinforces the cord connection to the equipment. The main purpose is to help protect the electrical connection and circuitry inside the equipment. The most common application is on a power cord providing electricity to equipment. In many situations, the equipment is portable and requires protection so the cable cannot be pulled out of the equipment.

Strain reliefs, also known as cable glands, can have an important role in the design of equipment which uses power cords. The main purpose of a strain relief/cable gland is to help protect the electrical connection and circuitry inside the equipment. It helps to eliminate tugs or pulls on the power cord that could cause the wires to become disconnected resulting in injury, accident, or failure of equipment.

Dust, dirt, water—all “enemies” of electronic products due to the potential damage they can cause. To help address this issue, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has created a classification system (IEC 60529) designating degrees of protection regarding enclosures of electrical equipment against the invasion of contaminants, such as dust, dirt, or moisture, plus other foreign bodies (e.g. tools or fingers).