Armored Cable Gland — SWA, AWA & Flameproof Types | Bulk & OEM Supply
Armored Cable Glands — Factory-Direct Supply, CE & RoHS Certified
When your cable specification calls for SWA or AWA cable entry, the gland you choose determines whether that termination performs reliably under mechanical stress, vibration, and environmental exposure — or fails when it matters most. At Difvan, we manufacture a complete BDM range of armored cable glands, including single compression, double compression, barrier, Ex e, Ex d, and flameproof types, supplying directly from our factory in Yueqing, Zhejiang to customers in over 50 countries.
Whether you need standard SWA glands for industrial panel builds, Ex d flameproof glands for hazardous areas, or barrier armored glands to meet strict certification requirements, our BDM range covers every variant. Available in brass and stainless steel 316, with metric, NPT, and PG threads, our products are backed by ISO 9001 manufacturing, CE and RoHS certification, and ATEX/IECEx options on selected models — ensuring reliable performance with factory-direct cost and lead time advantages.
Our Armored Cable Gland Range
We manufacture the BDM series to cover every armored cable gland application — from standard SWA cable entry in industrial switchgear to Ex d flameproof terminations in oil & gas installations. Every gland is designed to IEC 62444 / BS EN 62444, available in brass or stainless steel 316, with metric (M16–M63), NPT, or PG thread to match your enclosure entry.
Each BDM product below is a distinct model targeting a specific cable type, protection concept, and area classification. If you are unsure which model fits your specification, share your cable datasheet and installation requirements with us — we will confirm the correct model and size within 24 hours.
BDM-21 Armored Cable Gland
The BDM-21 is our core armored cable gland for standard industrial and infrastructure applications. Its double compression design uses an inner cone to grip the cable armor (SWA or AWA) and an outer seal to compress on the cable sheath — two independent clamping and sealing actions in one assembly.
The result is high pull-out resistance, IP66/IP68 ingress protection, and integral armor earth continuity through the built-in earth tag. No separate earthing component is required.
BDM-21 — Double Compression Armored Cable Gland | |
Application | SWA and AWA armored cables — industrial switchgear, distribution boards, MV/LV panels, infrastructure |
Cable type | Steel wire armored (SWA) | Aluminum wire armored (AWA) |
Compression | Double compression — independent armor clamp + outer sheath seal |
IP rating | IP66 | IP68 (1 m / 24 h) |
Thread | Metric M16–M63 | NPT ½”–2″ | PG 11–PG 48 |
Material | Brass (nickel-plated or self-colour) | Stainless steel 316 |
Certification | CE | RoHS | IEC 62444 / BS EN 62444 |
Includes | Earth tag | Locknut | Armor clamp | Sealing ring |
BDM-2 Single Compression Armored Ex e Cable Gland
The BDM-2 is our armored cable gland for hazardous area installations where the Ex e (increased safety) protection concept is specified. A single compression armor clamp grips the cable armor wire, while a certified entry seal meets the requirements of IEC 60079-7 for Ex e equipment entries.
If your enclosure carries an Ex e certificate and your installation is in Zone 1 or Zone 2, the BDM-2 is the correct model. It prevents hazardous atmospheres from entering the connected equipment through the cable entry point.
BDM-2 — Single Compression Armored Ex e Cable Gland | |
Application | Hazardous areas — Zone 1 / Zone 2 | Ex e (increased safety) equipment entries |
Cable type | Steel wire armored (SWA) | Aluminum wire armored (AWA) |
Compression | Single compression — armor clamp + Ex e certified entry seal |
Ex protection | Ex e — Increased safety | IEC 60079-0 | IEC 60079-7 |
IP rating | IP66 |
Thread | Metric M16–M63 | NPT | PG |
Material | Brass (nickel-plated) |
Certification | CE | ATEX | IECEx | RoHS |
BDM-3 Flameproof Armored Cable Gland
The BDM-3 is our flameproof armored cable gland for Ex d installations requiring both armor cable entry and a certified flameproof seal. The flameproof seal meets the flame path requirements of IEC 60079-1 — any ignition inside the connected equipment cannot propagate through the gland to the surrounding hazardous atmosphere.
The BDM-3 is widely specified for oil & gas, refinery, offshore, and chemical plant installations in Zone 1 classified areas where SWA or AWA cable entry is required.
BDM-3 — Flameproof Armored Cable Gland — Ex d | |
Application | Zone 1 / Zone 2 hazardous areas | Oil & gas | Offshore | Refinery | Chemical plant |
Cable type | Steel wire armored (SWA) | Aluminum wire armored (AWA) |
Ex protection | Ex d — Flameproof enclosure | IEC 60079-0 | IEC 60079-1 |
Armor clamp | Brass compression clamp — mechanical grip on cable armor |
IP rating | IP66 | IP68 |
Thread | Metric M20–M63 | NPT ¾”–2″ |
Material | Brass (nickel-plated) |
Certification | CE | ATEX | IECEx | RoHS |
BDM-4 Ex d Armored Cable Gland
The BDM-4 is an Ex d flameproof armored cable gland for Zone 1 and Zone 2 installations where both a certified flameproof entry and mechanical armor grip are required. It delivers both in a single body, eliminating the need for a separate flameproof stopping box in many applications.
The BDM-4 is commonly specified for motor terminal boxes, junction boxes, and control panels on chemical or petrochemical sites where the area classification and equipment certificate both require Ex d flameproof protection.
BDM-4 — Ex d Armored Cable Gland — Flameproof | |
Application | Zone 1 / Zone 2 | Motor terminal boxes | Junction boxes | Control panels in hazardous areas |
Ex protection | Ex d — Flameproof | IEC 60079-0 | IEC 60079-1 |
Cable type | Steel wire armored (SWA) | Aluminum wire armored (AWA) |
IP rating | IP66 | IP68 |
Thread | Metric M20–M63 | NPT ¾”–2″ |
Material | Brass (nickel-plated) | Stainless steel 316 (for corrosive environments) |
Certification | CE | ATEX | IECEx | RoHS |
BDM-5 Explosion-proof Cable Gland
The BDM-5 is a general-purpose explosion-proof cable gland for classified hazardous areas where a certified explosion-proof entry is required for armored or unarmored cables. It provides a secure certified seal and positive mechanical cable grip in a single compact assembly.
Available in brass (nickel-plated) for standard hazardous environments and stainless steel 316 for installations in coastal, offshore, or chemically aggressive locations where long-term corrosion resistance is required.
BDM-5 — Explosion-proof Cable Gland | |
Application | General-purpose hazardous area installations — Zone 1 / Zone 2 |
Cable type | Armored and unarmored cables |
IP rating | IP66 | IP68 |
Thread | Metric M16–M63 | NPT | PG |
Material | Brass (nickel-plated) | Stainless steel 316 |
Certification | CE | ATEX | IECEx | RoHS |
BDM-6 Explosion-proof Cable Gland
The BDM-6 is our heavy-duty explosion-proof cable gland for large-diameter cables where the BDM-5 entry range is insufficient. A deeper armor clamp engagement and higher torque rating allow it to grip heavier SWA cables and large cross-section feeders with the clamping force these cables demand.
The BDM-6 is commonly specified for MV power cables and large industrial feeder cables in hazardous area installations where a heavy-duty certified entry solution is required.
BDM-6 — Explosion-proof Cable Gland — Heavy Duty | |
Application | Large-diameter SWA / AWA cables | MV power cables | Heavy industrial hazardous area installations |
Cable type | Armored and unarmored large-diameter cables |
IP rating | IP66 | IP68 |
Thread | Metric M32–M63 | NPT 1″–2″ |
Material | Brass (nickel-plated) | Stainless steel 316 |
Certification | CE | ATEX | IECEx | RoHS |
BDM-17 Flameproof Cable Gland
The BDM-17 is a compact Ex d flameproof cable gland for armored and unarmored cables entering flameproof equipment where enclosure entry spacing is restricted. Its reduced body length makes it the right choice for densely packed junction boxes, small motor terminal compartments, and compact hazardous area panels.
Despite its compact dimensions, the BDM-17 fully meets IEC 60079-1 flameproof requirements, covering M16 to M50 metric thread in brass nickel-plated finish as standard.
BDM-17 — Flameproof Cable Gland — Compact Ex d | |
Application | Compact hazardous area enclosures | Zone 1 / Zone 2 | Motor terminal boxes with restricted entry spacing |
Ex protection | Ex d — Flameproof | IEC 60079-0 | IEC 60079-1 |
Cable type | Armored and unarmored cables |
IP rating | IP66 |
Thread | Metric M16–M50 |
Material | Brass (nickel-plated) |
Certification | CE | ATEX | IECEx | RoHS |
Specifications & Certifications
The table below covers the full BDM range specifications. For model-specific dimensional drawings, cable range charts, or certification documents, contact us and we will provide the relevant technical datasheet within 24 hours.
Parameter | Detail |
Thread Standards | Metric M16 – M63 | NPT ½” – 2″ | PG 11 – PG 48 |
Materials | Brass (nickel-plated or natural finish) | Stainless Steel 316 |
IP Rating | IP66 | IP68 (1 m / 24 h standard; 3 m / 24 h on request) |
Temperature Range | -20°C to +80°C standard | -60°C to +80°C low-temperature variant |
Cable Compatibility | SWA (steel wire armored) | AWA (aluminum wire armored) | Unarmored round cable |
Armor Clamp | Brass compression ring — grips armor diameter, provides earth continuity |
Seal Type | Single compression (Ex e models) | Double compression (standard armored) |
Standards | IEC 62444 / BS EN 62444 | IEC 60079-0 | IEC 60079-1 | IEC 60079-7 |
Certifications | CE | RoHS | ATEX | IECEx (BDM-2, BDM-3, BDM-4, BDM-5, BDM-6, BDM-17) |
Ex Protection | Ex e (increased safety) | Ex d (flameproof) | Zone 1 | Zone 2 |
Surface Finish | Nickel plated | Self-colour brass | Electro-zinc plated |
Packing | Bag + carton | OEM branded packaging available |
MOQ | Trial sample orders accepted | Bulk pricing from 500 pcs/model | OEM from 1,000 pcs |
Armored vs Unarmored Cable Glands — Which Type Do You Need?
Not every cable in your installation will be armored, and specifying the wrong gland type is one of the most common errors on large panel builds and site installations. Here is how to get it right before you order.
Armored Cable Glands — For SWA and AWA Cables
If your cable specification includes steel wire armor (SWA) or aluminum wire armor (AWA), you need an armored cable gland. The armor layer in SWA and AWA cables carries significant mechanical load — it protects the cable from crushing, rodent attack, and physical damage, and it provides an earth path through the cable run. Your gland must grip that armor layer mechanically, bond it to earth at the termination point, and seal the outer sheath against water and dust ingress.
Armored glands — the BDM-21, BDM-2, BDM-3, and BDM-4 — have a brass compression ring that clamps around the armor wires, locking the cable in place and providing armor earth continuity through the gland body to the equipment earthing terminal. Without an armored gland on an SWA cable, the armor is not gripped or earthed — a code violation in most jurisdictions and a safety risk in any installation.
Unarmored Cable Glands — For Cables Without an Armor Layer
If your cable is a standard round PVC or XLPE sheathed cable with no armor layer, you need an unarmored cable gland. Unarmored glands grip and seal the cable outer sheath only — they do not have an armor clamp because there is no armor to grip. Our BDM-5, BDM-6, and BDM-17 can be supplied in configurations suitable for unarmored cable entry in hazardous areas.
Specifying an armored gland on an unarmored cable results in a poorly sealed, mechanically unsecured termination — the armor clamp has nothing to grip and the outer sheath seal is compromised. If you are not certain whether your cable is armored or unarmored, check the cable outer sheath markings or share the cable part number with us.
Barrier Glands — When Your Ex Certificate Requires a Sealed Cable Entry
A barrier gland contains a compound-filled barrier between the cable conductors inside the gland body. This compound seals the interstices — the spaces between individual conductors and the spaces between the conductors and the cable sheath — preventing gas or flame from migrating through the cable itself from one atmosphere into another.
You need a barrier gland when your equipment’s Ex certificate, the area classification study, or the project specification specifically requires a sealed cable entry. This is most common in Zone 0 and Zone 1 installations, where the risk of gas migration through a non-barrier cable entry into the connected equipment creates an unacceptable ignition risk. Our BDM-2 (Ex e) and BDM-3 (Ex d) can be supplied in barrier configurations — contact us with your equipment’s Ex certificate number and we will confirm whether a barrier entry is required.
How to Choose the Right Armored Cable Gland
Choosing the wrong gland costs time on site, creates compliance problems, and can fail at inspection. Here are the five things you need to confirm before you specify a gland model — and how your choice of BDM model maps to each.
Identify Your Cable Construction — SWA, AWA, or Unarmored
Before you do anything else, confirm your cable construction. Check the cable drum label or specification sheet for ‘SWA’ (steel wire armored) or ‘AWA’ (aluminum wire armored). If neither abbreviation appears, your cable is likely unarmored. The armor type affects which armor clamp sizing you need, so get this right first.
Also note the cable outer sheath OD (overall diameter in mm) and the armor OD range — both appear on the cable datasheet and are the two dimensional parameters that determine which gland size you need. Share these dimensions with us if you want us to confirm the correct gland size.
Establish Your Area Classification and Protection Concept
If your installation is in a classified hazardous area — Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2 — your gland must carry the appropriate Ex certification. Confirm the zone classification from the area classification drawing and check the Ex protection concept on your equipment’s nameplate or certificate. This tells you whether you need Ex e (increased safety), Ex d (flameproof), or a general explosion-proof entry.
Non-hazardous area installations do not require Ex certification — the BDM-21 covers all standard industrial, commercial, and infrastructure applications.
Also note the cable outer sheath OD (overall diameter in mm) and the armor OD range — both appear on the cable datasheet and are the two dimensional parameters that determine which gland size you need. Share these dimensions with us if you want us to confirm the correct gland size.
Decide Between Barrier and Non-Barrier
Check your equipment’s Ex certificate and the area classification study to determine whether a barrier cable entry is required. If the equipment certificate specifies ‘barrier gland’ or ‘sealed cable entry’, you need a barrier gland. If the project specification references a cable transit barrier requirement, you need a barrier gland. If neither applies, a standard non-barrier gland is correct.
When in doubt, ask your equipment manufacturer or refer to IEC 60079-14 (the standard that governs electrical installation in hazardous areas) — it specifies when barrier entries are required for each equipment protection concept.
Non-hazardous area installations do not require Ex certification — the BDM-21 covers all standard industrial, commercial, and infrastructure applications.
Also note the cable outer sheath OD (overall diameter in mm) and the armor OD range — both appear on the cable datasheet and are the two dimensional parameters that determine which gland size you need. Share these dimensions with us if you want us to confirm the correct gland size.
Choose Your Thread Standard — Metric, NPT, or PG
Your enclosure’s cable entry thread standard determines which gland thread you need. Metric (M thread) is the global standard — M20 and M25 are by far the most common sizes for general industrial cable entries. NPT (American National Standard taper pipe thread) is standard in North America and commonly specified in US-designed equipment exported worldwide. PG (Panzergewinde — DIN 40430) is still common in older European equipment and some Middle East specifications.
Difvan supplies all three thread standards across the full BDM range. If you are unsure of the thread on your enclosure, send us a photo or the enclosure part number and we will confirm.
When in doubt, ask your equipment manufacturer or refer to IEC 60079-14 (the standard that governs electrical installation in hazardous areas) — it specifies when barrier entries are required for each equipment protection concept.
Non-hazardous area installations do not require Ex certification — the BDM-21 covers all standard industrial, commercial, and infrastructure applications.
Also note the cable outer sheath OD (overall diameter in mm) and the armor OD range — both appear on the cable datasheet and are the two dimensional parameters that determine which gland size you need. Share these dimensions with us if you want us to confirm the correct gland size.
Confirm Your IP Rating and Operating Environment
For most indoor industrial installations, IP66 (dust-tight + protected against powerful water jets) is sufficient. For outdoor, exposed, marine, or buried installations, specify IP68 (dust-tight + protected against continuous immersion). Our BDM-21, BDM-3, and BDM-4 are available with IP68 certification.
If your installation environment includes aggressive chemicals, salt spray, or high humidity — common in coastal, offshore, petrochemical, and food processing sites — specify stainless steel 316 construction. Brass glands are suitable for most standard environments, but stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance where the long-term integrity of the installation matters.
Difvan supplies all three thread standards across the full BDM range. If you are unsure of the thread on your enclosure, send us a photo or the enclosure part number and we will confirm.
When in doubt, ask your equipment manufacturer or refer to IEC 60079-14 (the standard that governs electrical installation in hazardous areas) — it specifies when barrier entries are required for each equipment protection concept.
Non-hazardous area installations do not require Ex certification — the BDM-21 covers all standard industrial, commercial, and infrastructure applications.
Also note the cable outer sheath OD (overall diameter in mm) and the armor OD range — both appear on the cable datasheet and are the two dimensional parameters that determine which gland size you need. Share these dimensions with us if you want us to confirm the correct gland size.
Where Our Armored Cable Glands Are Used
The BDM range is designed for the environments where armored cable entry matters most — heavy industry, hazardous area installations, and critical infrastructure where mechanical integrity and certified protection are non-negotiable. Here are the sectors our customers operate in.
Oil & Gas / Petrochemical
Classified hazardous areas on offshore platforms, onshore refineries, and chemical processing plants are the highest-specification environment for armored cable glands. Zone 1 and Zone 2 installations require Ex e or Ex d certified entries — the BDM-2, BDM-3, BDM-4, and BDM-5 are regularly supplied for these projects. We supply directly to EPC contractors, panel builders, and maintenance teams working on oil & gas projects in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
Power Generation & Utilities
MV and LV distribution panels, transformer termination boxes, and substation switchgear use SWA armored cables as standard for their mechanical protection and earth screening. The BDM-21 is the standard armored gland for power generation and utility applications — its double compression design provides the armor continuity and IP66/IP68 sealing that grid-scale electrical infrastructure demands.
Industrial Machinery & Manufacturing
Heavy manufacturing environments — steel mills, automotive plants, paper mills, and cement works — specify armored cables for resistance to mechanical damage, rodent attack, and chemical exposure. SWA cables route throughout these facilities connecting motors, drives, and control panels. Our BDM range provides the armor clamp engagement, IP protection, and long service life these demanding environments require.
Rail, Infrastructure & Civil
Rail signaling and power systems, road tunnel lighting and ventilation controls, bridge electrical systems, and civil infrastructure projects all specify SWA armored cables and armored cable glands as standard. We supply to electrical contractors and panel builders working on rail infrastructure projects across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe — often as part of a larger cable management supply package.
Mining & Heavy Industry
Underground mining and surface mining operations require cables and glands that can withstand the combined stress of moving equipment, water ingress, dust, and mechanical impact. Our stainless steel 316 BDM variants provide the corrosion resistance and IP68 immersion protection that mining environments demand, while our ATEX/IECEx certified models cover the explosion-risk zones present in coal and gas-bearing seams.
Data Centers & Telecoms
Data center power distribution — MV incoming feeds, UPS cabling, and critical circuit distribution — uses SWA armored cables for their mechanical protection and fire performance. BDM-21 double compression glands are commonly specified for main distribution boards and sub-distribution systems in data centers, particularly where IP-rated cable entry into cable management containment is required.
Why Source Armored Cable Glands from Difvan?
There are a lot of cable gland manufacturers. Here is what makes sourcing from us the right decision for your project or business:
- Factory direct — You buy from us, not a distributor or trading company. That means lower unit cost, direct access to production scheduling, and no markup between factory and buyer.
- Complete BDM range — We manufacture and stock the full BDM armored cable gland range — BDM-2, BDM-3, BDM-4, BDM-5, BDM-6, BDM-17, BDM-21 — across all thread standards, materials, and sizes. One supplier for your entire armored gland requirement.
- 25 years of manufacturing experience — Difvan has manufactured cable glands since 1997. Armored glands are one of our core product lines — we understand the dimensional tolerances, material grades, and assembly process that determine whether a gland performs reliably in the field.
- Certified and documented — CE, RoHS, and ISO 9001 as standard. ATEX and IECEx certification on BDM-2, BDM-3, BDM-4, BDM-5, BDM-6, and BDM-17. We can provide test reports, material certificates, and Declaration of Conformity with every order.
- Flexible MOQ and fast sampling — Trial sample orders are accepted before you commit to bulk. Bulk pricing applies from 500 pieces per model. OEM orders with custom packaging or private labeling are available from 1,000 pieces.
- OEM and custom manufacturing — If your specification requires a non-standard thread, material, finish, or dimensional variant, our engineering team can assess and quote for custom production. Share your spec and we will advise.
- Export experience — We have shipped to more than 50 countries. Our team handles export documentation, certificates of origin, packing declarations, and all the paperwork your freight forwarder or customs broker needs.
- Fast response — Send us your specification, cable datasheet, or quantity requirement today. We will confirm model, pricing, and lead time promptly.
Need Waterproof Cable Glands from a Trusted Manufacturer?
Questions We Get Asked About Armored Cable Glands
Q: What is the difference between a single compression and double compression armored cable gland?
A: A single compression gland — such as the BDM-2 — uses one compression element that seals on the cable outer sheath. It provides sheath sealing and, in Ex e variants, a certified entry seal, but does not independently clamp the armor wire with a separate compression action. A double compression gland — the BDM-21 — uses two separate compression elements: an inner cone that grips the armor wire directly, and an outer seal that compresses on the cable sheath. Double compression gives you superior armor clamp engagement, higher pull-out resistance, better armor earth continuity, and typically a higher IP rating. For most standard industrial applications, double compression is the preferred specification.
Q: What is a barrier armored cable gland, and when do I need one?
A: A barrier gland contains a compound-filled section between the cable conductors inside the gland body. This compound seals the interstices — the air spaces between individual cable conductors and between conductors and the cable sheath — preventing gas or flame from migrating through the cable itself from a hazardous area into the connected safe-area equipment. You need a barrier gland when your equipment’s Ex certificate or the project specification requires a sealed cable entry. This is most commonly required for Zone 0 and Zone 1 installations, and for certain Ex e and Ex d equipment types where the equipment manufacturer’s certificate specifies a ‘barrier cable entry’. Our BDM-2 and BDM-3 are available in barrier configurations — contact us with your equipment certificate reference.
Q: Do your BDM armored cable glands include an earth tag?
A: Yes. All BDM series armored cable glands include an integral earth tag as standard. The earth tag connects to the cable armor at the point of termination, providing a direct earth bond between the cable armor and the equipment earthing terminal. This ensures armor earth continuity throughout the cable run and complies with the earthing requirements of IEC 60364 and BS 7671. No separate earthing component is required.
Q: Which BDM models are ATEX and IECEx certified?
A: ATEX and IECEx certification is available on BDM-2 (Ex e), BDM-3 (Ex d flameproof armored), BDM-4 (Ex d), BDM-5 (explosion-proof), BDM-6 (explosion-proof heavy-duty), and BDM-17 (Ex d compact flameproof). The BDM-21 is not ATEX/IECEx certified — it is designed for non-hazardous area applications. Contact us with your zone classification and area classification documentation and we will confirm the correct certified model.
Q: What cable sizes and armor diameters does the BDM range cover?
A: The BDM range covers cable outer sheath ODs from approximately 7 mm up to 60+ mm, depending on the gland size and model. Thread sizes run from M16 to M63 metric, ½” to 2″ NPT, and PG11 to PG48. For a specific cable, share the cable part number or datasheet — we will confirm the exact gland size from the armor OD and cable OD dimensions. We can also supply dimensional drawings and cable range charts for each model on request.
Q: Can you supply armored cable glands in stainless steel 316?
A: Yes. Stainless steel 316 is available for BDM-21, BDM-4, BDM-5, and BDM-6. Stainless steel is recommended for installations in coastal or marine environments, offshore platforms, chemical processing plants, food and beverage facilities, or any location where the brass nickel-plated finish would be insufficient against the corrosive environment. Lead times for stainless steel variants are slightly longer than brass — contact us for current stock and lead time confirmation.
Q: What is your minimum order quantity for BDM armored cable glands?
A: We accept sample orders for evaluation and qualification before you commit to bulk production. Standard bulk pricing applies from 500 pieces per model per size. OEM orders with custom packaging, private labeling, or non-standard specifications are available from 1,000 pieces. For project-specific requirements — for example, a full BDM range supply for a single EPC project — contact us with the full bill of materials and we will provide a project-specific quote.
Contact Difvan Directly
Response within 24 hours. Factory direct — no middlemen.
No.1 HongQi Road, Xinguang Industrial Zone,
Liushi, Yueqing, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China 325603
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