EMC glands cover all protection requirements

A KEC product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 26, 2001

KEC has introduced a new range of EMC glands for all levels of electromagnetic shielding and environmental sealing at entry points of instrument racks, cabinets, panels and bulkheads

KEC, the Aldermaston based EMC interconnect specialist, has introduced a new range of EMC glands that provide a total solution for all levels of electromagnetic shielding and environmental sealing at entry points of instrument racks, enclosures, cabinets, panels and bulkheads.

The KEC KG range comprises nine different but interrelated models that use a number of different techniques developed by KEC over many years of experience in this field.

The result is a selection of products that provide screening, including Tempest levels, and environmental protection for all types of military, commercial and industrial applications.

The KG range is designed to meet the requirement of both small batch and high volume production runs and suits the full spectrum of budgetary requirements.

Using state-of-the-art technology to provide the correct EMC solution no matter what the target specification, the KG range also provides a choice of individual and/or overall screening, a simple and efficient method of assembly and easy reworkability.

A choice of finishes to suit different applications, integral and additional strain relief options and special bespoke designs is also available.

The glands are designed to cater for a wide range of panel and bulkhead thickness and cable size.

Three series (KG1, KG2 and KG5) use the IRIS spring method to provide the highest possible levels of overall screening and of these the KG2 and KG5 can use the KEC tube and braid technique to provide individual screening.

The KG3 and KG4 use the braid trap method to provide overall screening whereas the KG6 and KG7 use a band strap system that is terminated either by hand or with a pneumatic tool.

The KG8 and KG9 use a reworkable band clamp that is terminated manually.

With all three methods, individual screening can be provided by interweaving a special braid around the individual screens and tightening by means of a slotted body in the gland back nut, a system developed and patented by KEC.

A combination of 'O' ring and/or heat shrink sleeve provide the required level of environmental protection.

All the methods used ensure that the required levels of performance and protection are achieved without any of the drawbacks associated with solder sleeves, daisy chains or pigtailing techniques.

In addition, production and rework times are minimised because of the mechanical simplicity of the methods used.

On panels, enclosures and boxes, the cable braid has to be terminated whereas in bulkheads the braid may be terminated or the cable may be passed straight through the bulkhead.

The KG range provides a cost-effective method for both types of requirement.

The KG range is a rationalisation, consolidation and enhancement of techniques that have been developed by KEC over many years.

This rationalisation has allowed the use of common parts within the different models resulting in an increase in production flexibility and a reduction in piece part stock holding for our assembling distributors and customers.

Many systems experience problems with interference because of inadequate screening where it is necessary to make holes in cabinets, panels or other enclosures to allow routing for wiring or cabling systems.

The physical hole can easily be plugged with a standard rubber grommet or cable gland but these will not seal the 'electrical' window and the leakage path created can result in a system failing EMC test requirements.

Traditionally it was thought that providing the braid of the cable was contacted in some way or taken down to an earthing point using tags, cone traps or pigtailing successful electrical screening had been achieved.

In practice however, this is not the case as some forms of braid termination cause more problems than they solve.

All the models in the KG range are both cable and operator friendly and employ the tenet that the less the cable is disturbed the better the system.