HomeTechnical notes › How to Wire an Explosion-Proof Distribution Box: Cable Gland and Sealing Ring Installation Code

05 Informational content / Technical articles 2026-09-11 Published ~ 11 min read GB 3836.1 · GB 3836.2

How to Wire an Explosion-Proof Distribution Box: Cable Gland and Sealing Ring Installation Code
Installation Code

80% of explosion-proof distribution box failures start at the incoming cable connection: a gland not tightened down, a sealing ring cut open, a spare entry left unplugged — any one of these voids the explosion-proof rating of the entire enclosure. This article follows GB 3836.1 and GB 3836.2 to break down the correct practice for cable entry devices (glands) and sealing rings, with a 5-step installation sequence and a checklist of common violations. Zhejiang Golden Unicornoffers joint supply with an Ex-qualified manufacturer, holds ISO 9001:2015,MOQ 1 unit · 15–25 days.

1. Cable Entry Device (Gland) Construction (4-Piece Set)

The explosion-proof gland is theonly legal passagebetween an explosion-proof enclosure and a cable. Standard construction:

ComponentFunctionKey point
Compression nutCompresses the sealing ringLocks against loosening once fully tightened
Elastic sealing ringSeals against the cable outer diameterInterference fit between inner diameter and cable outer diameter
Metal washerProtects the sealing ring / prevents pull-outCannot be omitted
Entry body + threadConnects to the enclosure wallG/M thread engagement ≥ 5 threads
SCHEMATICBusbarsTerminal blocksMain circuit breakerControl & protection devicesTerminal block outgoing cables
Figure — 1. Cable Entry Device (Gland) ConstructionCabinet structure diagram · photo pending

2. Sealing Ring Rules (One Hole, One Cable, One Seal)

Step 3: Incoming Cable Installation — 5 Steps (from stripping to labeling)

  1. Step 1: Verify the box's entry thread matches the cable gland (G1/2, G3/4, G1). Engage at least 5 threads and tighten.
  2. Step 2: Feed the cable through. Check the cable's outer diameter against the sealing ring's inner diameter. Confirm the interference fit before tightening.
  3. Step 3: Tighten the compression nut symmetrically to the specified torque. Pull the cable by hand —no movement.
  4. Step 4: Wiring inside the box: crimp the copper lug + tighten terminals. Torque per terminal specification. Maintain creepage distance.
  5. Step 5: Hang cable identification tags (circuit number, destination). Install a plug on every spare entry and log it.

Section 4: 4 Common Violations (items that will fail inspection)

🔴 Red line

Spare entry left unplugged— a direct flame path; ② Sealing ring slit to fit a thicker cable— seal failure; ③ Using an ordinary PVC grommet instead of an explosion-proof cable gland— no explosion-proof rating at all; ④ Excess cable coiled inside the flameproof cavity— takes up volume and traps heat. After wiring, the cavity should be clean with no excess exposed conductors.

SCHEMATICBusbarsTerminal blocksMain circuit breakerControl & protection devicesTerminal block outgoing cables
Figure — Section 4: 4 Common ViolationsCabinet structure diagram · photo pending

Section 5: Circuit Wiring Key Points (terminals and grounding)

Terminal: Per GB 3836.3 increased safety requirements, creepage distance and clearance must be increased. Terminal screws must be vibration-proof (spring washer / self-locking); stranded wire must be terminated with a ferrule.Grounding: The box has one internal and one external grounding terminal. The internal ground connects to the cable shield/PE. The external ground connects to the site grounding grid. Grounding continuity < 0.1Ω.

When reassembling a flameproof box after wiring,retighten the cover bolts diagonally one by one to the original torque. Apply a thin coat of anti-rust oil to the flameproof surface — get this step wrong and the entire box's explosion-proof integrity is lost.

FAQ FAQ

Can I drill extra cable entries on site if the explosion-proof box doesn't have enough?

No. Drilling destroys the flameproof enclosure structure and voids the certification immediately. If you need more entries, specify them at selection time based on the number of cables.

How tight should a cable gland be?

Tighten the compression nut untilthe cable cannot be moved by hand and the sealing ring is evenly compressed. If possible, follow the manufacturer's torque value. Better too tight than too loose, but do not crack the sealing ring.

What should I use to plug spare entries?

ApplyA threaded plug (blind plug) matching the entry thread, metal, engaging at least 5 threads. Rubber plugs or putty are not acceptable substitutes.

Can I add terminal blocks inside an explosion-proof box?

Can only addspecification terminals consistent with the certificationand leave sufficient creepage distance; adding components without authorization alters the certified structure and is not permitted.

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