Strain Relief

Strain relief components, also known as cord grips or bushings, are essential cable management solutions designed to protect cables and wires from mechanical stress, environmental hazards, and premature failure. These protective devices secure cables at entry points into panels, enclosures, and equipment whilst preventing damage from pulling, twisting, bending, and kinking forces. In the UK market, strain relief products are critical components across numerous industries including manufacturing, automation, telecommunications, marine, and renewable energy sectors, where reliable cable protection directly impacts operational efficiency and safety compliance.

The primary function of strain relief bushings and glands is to anchor cables securely whilst absorbing mechanical forces that could otherwise cause conductor damage, insulation breakdown, or connection failure. Modern strain relief solutions offer liquid-tight sealing capabilities up to IP68 ratings, providing comprehensive protection against moisture ingress, dust, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Available in various materials including nylon 6/6 and thermoplastic elastomers, these components accommodate cable diameters from 2mm to 40mm, with different entry configurations including straight-through, right-angle, and flexible protection designs to suit diverse installation requirements.

Available Materials & Style Options:

• Nylon 6/6 strain relief bushings - black, offering excellent chemical resistance and temperature stability (-20°C to +100°C)
• Liquid-tight cord grips with IP68 sealing protection and UL94-V2 flammability ratings
• Bell mouth strain relief bushings for smooth cable entry and reduced stress concentration
• Flex protect strain relief bushings with integrated cable bend protection
• Straight-through strain relief bushings for standard panel mounting applications
• Right-angle strain relief bushings for space-constrained installations
• RDD (Reduced Diameter Design) versions for applications requiring smaller panel openings
• Strain relief bushings specifically designed for non-round holes and irregular panel cutouts

Key Features & Benefits:

• Secure cable anchorage with finger-locking design prevents cable rotation and pull-out under mechanical stress
• IP68 liquid-tight sealing capability withstands high-pressure wash down and submersible applications up to 5 bar
• UL94-V2 flammability rating and UL listing ensures compliance with electrical safety standards
• Tool-free installation with snap-in design reduces assembly time and labour costs
• Pre-assembly capability allows cable preparation off-site for faster field installation
• Vibration-resistant ratchet design sealing nuts maintain secure connection in high-vibration environments
• Chemical and temperature resistance suitable for harsh industrial environments
• Low-profile, smooth edges facilitate cable pulling through conduit systems
• Wide cable diameter range accommodation from 2mm to 40mm in single product families
• Certified protection ratings including IP68, NEMA 6P, and relevant British and European standards

Common UK Use Cases:

• Manufacturing equipment and industrial machinery - protecting power and control cables entering motor junction boxes, control panels, and sensor housings
• Marine and offshore applications - providing watertight sealing for navigation equipment, lighting systems, and communication cables on vessels and platforms
• Renewable energy installations - securing cables in solar panel junction boxes, wind turbine control systems, and battery storage enclosures
• Food and beverage processing - liquid-tight protection for cables in wash-down areas, filling equipment, and packaging machinery
• Transportation and rail systems - vibration-resistant cable protection for rolling stock electrical systems, signalling equipment, and platform infrastructure

Related Vital Parts Products:

• Cable glands and liquid-tight plugs for comprehensive cable sealing solutions
• Panel mount cable protection products including grommets and edge protection
• Cable ties and cable clamps for complete cable management systems

For comprehensive guidance on selecting the right strain relief solution for your application, visit our Guide to Strain Relief which provides detailed technical specifications, installation instructions, and application examples.

Call Vital Parts:

For quick quotes, same-day dispatch, custom sizes, or bulk discounts, call our sales line on 01233 713 581. Businesses can register for a Vital Parts Business Account to benefit from priority shipping, trade pricing, free product samples, credit accounts, and a dedicated account manager.