Despite their small and simple design, cable glands are an important component of electrical installations. They are used in nearly all areas of industry and trade.

They allow strain-relieved, water-protected cables to be connected to systems such as junction boxes, distribution boards and switchboards. Cable glands protect electrical components against mechanical and environmental forces such as dust and moisture by connecting the cables securely to casings.

Cable glands consist of three main parts: the cap nut, sealing insert and fitting. So-called EMC inserts may also be used for WISKA cable glands for electromagnetic compatibility. This eliminates the need for special EMC cable glands. Other cable gland designs include ex-cable glands, which are used in hazardous areas, and special hygienic design cable glands, which are used wherever sanitary conditions are necessary (e.g. in the food industry).

Cable glands typically have metric threads that meet global standards. However, standardised steel conduit threads (PG) can also be used. The corresponding glands are called PG cable glands. Unlike in Europe, the standardised, self-sealing NPT thread (national pipe thread) is widely used in the US market. Depending on the application, threadless cable entries may also be used instead of threaded cable glands.