Everything You Need to Know About the Difference Between ET Gland and NPT Gland
Choosing the wrong cable gland can lead to serious operational failures system failures, downtime, or even safety hazards. Yet many teams across industries still underestimate its impact. In fact, electrical malfunctions are responsible for over 10 percent of non-residential structure fires, and wire or cable insulation faults cause about 11 percent of property damage in industrial facilities.
Many of these can be traced back to faulty installations due to choosing the wrong type of cable gland. Especially if you are someone who operates in regions like India, the Middle East, Africa, or Southeast Asia with diverse and harsh weather and work conditions, the choice can be critical.
That’s why understanding the difference between ET gland and NPT gland is more than a technical detail; it's a smart, proactive step in safeguarding your operations.
What Is an ET Gland?
ET glands, short for Electrical Thread glands, are based on British Standard threading. These glands use straight (parallel) threads and are common in systems built on UK legacy standards. These are widely used across India, Asia, and parts of Africa.
Their typical use case involves switchboards, control panels, and junction boxes. In order to form a proper seal, ET glands require a washer or sealing ring. At Braco, we manufacture ET glands that offer both thread compatibility and local regulation compliance.
What Is an NPT Gland?
NPT glands follow the American National Pipe Thread standard. Their tapered threads create a tight, pressure-resistant seal as the gland is tightened, eliminating the need for a washer. In harsher environments, PTFE tape is sometimes added for extra sealing.
Though originally designed for North America, NPT glands are now widely used internationally across oil, gas, petrochemical, and infrastructure installations across the Middle East and Africa. Braco’s NPT glands are built for performance in these rugged, high-risk conditions.
How to Choose the Right Cable Gland
Compliance with local standards not only avoids rework but also prevents certification issues during inspections.. These four factors will guide your decision:
Start with Your Local Standards
Before diving into thread types or materials, check the codes that apply in your region. If you're working in India or Southeast Asia, ET glands align well with IS or BS standards. For projects across the Middle East or Africa, NPT glands typically match local specifications based on ANSI/NPT.
Match the Thread Type to Your System
Next, we look at your equipment or enclosures. Check if they follow British-style straight threads or American-style tapered ones? ET glands are best for the former, while NPT glands are designed for a snug mechanical seal in tapered-thread systems which are especially common in global industrial projects.
Think About the Environment
If your installation is exposed to moisture, dust, or chemicals, sealing matters. NPT glands create a tight seal as they're screwed in. ET glands can perform just as well, but may need an O-ring or washer for added protection.
Factor in Vibration and Movement
In high-vibration work stations which work with heavy machinery or mobile systems NPT glands often hold their seal more reliably thanks to their tapered design. ET glands can work too, but might need extra locking accessories to stay secure over time.
Braco offers both options in brass, stainless steel, and polyamide, tested to meet IP protection ratings and ATEX safety standards.
Getting the Fit Right the First Time
All in all, knowing the difference between ET gland and NPT gland not only prevents installation issues but it also ensures long-term integrity of the electrical systems. At Braco, we believe a cable gland should do more than just secure a cable, it should enhance safety, ensure compliance, and preserve the integrity of your entire system
Braco supports professionals across India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia with a complete range of certified ET and NPT cable glands that exceed in quality and excel in their functionality. If you need guidance on selecting the right gland for your project, Braco’s technical team is always ready to help.