Technical Foundation
What Is a Strain Relief Grip?
A strain relief grip is a woven mesh or split-body fitting that clamps around a cable's outer jacket and transfers pulling or mechanical tension away from the electrical termination or connector, preventing the conductors and connection point from bearing load they weren't designed for. The most common style is the woven-mesh cable grip (often called a Kellems grip after the original brand), where interlocking strands of galvanized steel, stainless steel, or aluminized mesh tighten around the cable as tension increases — the harder it's pulled, the tighter the grip.
Grip selection is governed almost entirely by cable outer diameter, since mesh grips are manufactured in overlapping diameter ranges (not exact sizes) to accommodate normal cable tolerance. Mounting style — threaded connector body, eye/loop for pulling, or open mesh for deadending — depends on whether the grip is protecting a fixed connector entry or being used to physically pull cable through conduit or overhead runs.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Diameter Range | Overlapping ranges, e.g. 0.50–0.62 in | Grip mesh must match the actual cable OD within its rated range to achieve proper clamping tension |
| Mesh Material | Galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminized steel | Determines corrosion resistance and suitability for outdoor, washdown or corrosive environments |
| Mounting Style | Threaded (NPT), eye/pulling, split, deadend | Determines whether the grip terminates at a connector, forms a pulling eye, or anchors a fixed cable run |
| Weave Type | Single, double or triple weave mesh | More weaves increase grip strength and pulling load rating for heavier or higher-tension cable runs |
| Hazardous Location Rating | Explosion-proof / Class I Div 1 rated bodies | Required where cable enters equipment in classified hazardous areas per NEC/CEC |
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Applications
Where Strain Relief Grips Get Used
Strain relief grips are specified anywhere a cable's weight or pulling tension needs to be kept off its electrical termination or connector.
Industrial Cable Pulling
Woven mesh pulling grips used to pull heavy power and control cable through conduit runs without stressing the conductors.
Portable Cord & Equipment Connections
Cord grips relieving strain on portable power cords entering motors, panels and portable equipment.
Overhead & Aerial Cable Support
Deadend grips supporting the weight of aerial cable spans at poles and structures.
Hazardous Location Electrical Installations
Explosion-proof strain relief fittings specified where cable enters equipment in classified Class I/II areas.
Marine & Offshore Cabling
Stainless steel mesh grips specified for corrosion resistance in saltwater exposure and washdown environments.
Crane & Hoist Festoon Cable Support
Strain relief grips anchoring festoon cable ends to prevent conductor damage from repeated travel cycling.
FAQ
Strain Relief Grips Questions, Answered
How do I size a woven mesh cable grip correctly?
Measure the actual outer diameter of the cable at the point the grip will be installed, then select a grip whose rated diameter range brackets that measurement, ideally near the middle of the range rather than at either extreme. A grip sized at the edge of its range may not achieve full clamping tension or may be difficult to install over the cable jacket.
What's the difference between a strain relief grip and a cord grip fitting?
A woven mesh strain relief grip clamps the cable through interlocking mesh strands that tighten under tension, commonly used for pulling and deadending. A cord grip fitting is typically a threaded, split-body compression fitting (often NPT-threaded to mount directly into an enclosure) that seals and relieves strain where a cord enters equipment — the two overlap in function but differ in mounting method and are often chosen based on whether a sealed enclosure entry or an open cable run is being protected.
Can strain relief grips be used in hazardous or explosion-proof locations?
Only grips specifically rated and listed for the applicable hazardous location class (e.g., Class I, Division 1) may be used in classified areas — standard mesh grips are not automatically suitable. Explosion-proof cord grip fittings are UL/CSA listed for this purpose and should be selected based on the area classification determined by a qualified electrical engineer.
How much pulling tension can a woven mesh grip withstand?
Rated pulling capacity depends on mesh material, weave count (single, double, or triple), and cable diameter — heavier weave counts and larger cable diameters generally support higher tension. Always check the manufacturer's published pulling tension rating for the specific grip model rather than assuming based on cable diameter alone, since mesh construction varies significantly between grip lines.
Do strain relief grips provide a watertight seal?
Not inherently — woven mesh grips relieve mechanical strain but are typically open-mesh construction, not sealed. Where a watertight or dust-tight seal is also required at an enclosure entry, a cord grip fitting with an integral sealing gland (often rated IP68 or NEMA 4X) should be used instead of, or in addition to, a mesh strain relief grip.
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