Technical Foundation
What Is a Cable Connector?
A cable connector terminates a cable or flexible conduit into an enclosure, junction box, or piece of equipment, providing strain relief, a sealed or grounded entry point, and in many cases an environmental seal against moisture and dust ingress. Liquid-tight connectors use a compression ferrule and integral seal designed for liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) or liquid-tight flexible non-metallic conduit (LFNC), while armored cable connectors are specifically shaped to grip and ground the interlocked or corrugated armor of MC or AC cable without damaging the conductors inside.
Cord grip connectors seal around a round jacketed cable (rather than conduit) using a compressible grommet sized to a specific cable diameter range, commonly used on portable cord entries into control panels and equipment enclosures. Connector thread size must match the enclosure's knockout or threaded hub, and for hazardous location or wet/washdown applications, the connector's own ingress protection and hazardous-location rating (not just the cable it's terminating) must meet the area's requirements.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cable/Conduit Compatibility | LFMC, LFNC, MC/AC armored cable, round jacketed cord | Connector sealing and gripping mechanism is specific to the cable/conduit construction |
| Thread/Hub Size | Common NPT or metric sizes matched to enclosure knockouts | Must match the panel or enclosure's threaded entry exactly |
| Sealing Rating | Liquid-tight (IP65-68 typical) vs. non-sealed | Determines suitability for wet, washdown, or outdoor enclosure entries |
| Angle | Straight vs. 45°/90° angle body | Angled bodies accommodate tight enclosure clearance or cable routing constraints |
| Hazardous Location Rating | Explosion-proof / Class I Div 1-2 rated where required | Required for cable entries into enclosures in classified hazardous areas |
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Applications
Where Cable Connectors Get Used
Cable connectors are specified anywhere a cable or flexible conduit needs a sealed, strain-relieved, code-compliant entry into an enclosure or piece of equipment.
Industrial Control Panel Wiring
Liquid-tight connectors terminating flexible conduit runs into control panel enclosures with a sealed entry.
Outdoor & Washdown Equipment Wiring
Sealed cord grip and liquid-tight connectors protecting cable entries from moisture ingress in wet environments.
Residential & Commercial Branch Wiring
Armored cable connectors terminating MC cable into junction boxes and panels per electrical code.
Hazardous Location Electrical Installations
Explosion-proof rated cable connectors specified for equipment wiring in classified hazardous areas.
Machine Building & OEM Panel Assembly
Cord grip connectors providing strain relief and sealing for portable cord entries into machine control enclosures.
FAQ
Cable Connectors Questions, Answered
What's the difference between a liquid-tight connector and a cord grip connector?
A liquid-tight connector is designed to terminate liquid-tight flexible conduit (metallic or non-metallic), using a compression ferrule that seals against the conduit's specific corrugated construction. A cord grip connector instead seals around a round, smooth-jacketed cable using a compressible grommet, and is used where flexible cord — not conduit — enters an enclosure.
How do I terminate armored (MC/AC) cable correctly?
Use a connector specifically designed for armored cable, which has an internal mechanism (often a bushing and set screw or a spring-clip) that grips the cable's interlocked or corrugated metal armor without cutting into or crushing the conductors inside, while also providing proper grounding continuity from the armor to the enclosure — a connector meant for jacketed cord or liquid-tight conduit will not grip or ground armored cable correctly.
Do I need a hazardous location rated cable connector for my installation?
If the enclosure or equipment is located in an area classified as hazardous under NEC/NFPA 70 (or the applicable local code) due to flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust, yes — the cable connector itself must carry the appropriate hazardous location rating (such as explosion-proof) in addition to the enclosure, since an unrated connector is a potential ignition path even if the enclosure itself is properly rated.
Why does connector thread size need to match the enclosure exactly?
The connector threads into the enclosure's knockout or hub, and a mismatched thread size or type either won't seal properly or won't thread in fully, compromising both the mechanical strain relief and any environmental sealing rating the connector is supposed to provide. Always confirm the enclosure's hub thread size and type before ordering a connector.
What does the connector's sealing/IP rating tell me?
It indicates the connector's own resistance to dust and water ingress once properly installed — a connector rated IP68, for example, is suitable for continuous submersion, while a lower-rated or non-sealed connector is only appropriate for dry indoor locations. Match the connector's IP rating to the environmental exposure of the actual installation location, not just the cable type.
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