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Complete Guide to Grommets
The Complete Guide to Rubber Grommets and Cable Grommets
Rubber grommets protect cables, wires and hoses as they pass through holes in sheet metal, panels, enclosures and machinery. By covering the sharp edge of a grommet hole, they help reduce abrasion, fraying and premature cable damage.
Our range includes open rubber grommets, closed rubber grommets, cable entry grommets, electrical grommets, sealing grommets, blanking grommets and grommet strip for a wide variety of industrial applications.
Common Grommet Uses
- Cable and wire protection
- Electrical panel entry
- Blanking unused holes
- Liquid-tight sealing
- Panel edge protection
Grommets at a Glance
A quick overview of the main rubber grommet and cable grommet functions.
| Grommet Type | Main Function | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Open Rubber Grommet | Protects a cable or wire passing through a panel hole. | Electrical panels, automotive wiring and machinery. |
| Closed Rubber Grommet | Blanks an unused opening and can be pierced later if required. | Enclosures, cabinets and temporary hole protection. |
| Sealing Cable Grommet | Supports cable protection while helping resist water and dust. | Outdoor equipment, HVAC and industrial controls. |
| Grommet Strip | Protects long, rough or irregular panel edges. | Sheet metal, cabinets, ducting and fabricated panels. |
What Are Grommets?
A grommet is a protective component fitted into a hole in a panel, enclosure or piece of machinery. Rubber grommets and plastic grommets create a smooth barrier between the cable and the sharp edge of the opening.
A rubber cable grommet is especially useful where flexibility, vibration resistance and a secure push-fit installation are required. Electrical grommets are commonly fitted to consumer units, control boxes, automotive panels and fabricated housings.
Grommets Help To
- Protect cable insulation
- Cover sharp panel edges
- Reduce vibration and movement
- Blank unused grommet holes
- Improve cable entry sealing
Where Are Rubber Grommets Used?
Rubber grommets, wire grommets and cable entry grommets are used wherever wiring passes through a panel, wall or enclosure.
Electrical Panels
Electrical grommets protect wires entering consumer units, control boxes and metal cabinets.
Automotive Wiring
Rubber cable grommets help protect wiring looms where they pass through body panels and bulkheads.
HVAC Equipment
Cable entry grommets protect wires and hoses in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
Manufacturing
Wire grommets reduce abrasion around cable entry points in machinery and fabricated equipment.
Construction
Wall grommets for cables provide a neater and safer passage through panels, partitions and enclosures.
Aerospace and Transport
High-performance wiring grommets support cable protection where vibration and movement are present.
Grommet Selection Guide
Compare open grommets, closed grommets, sealing grommets and specialist cable entry products.
Open Rubber Grommets
Open grommets provide a protected cable passage through sheet metal and panel holes.
View Open Grommets
Stepped Grommets
Cut-to-size stepped grommets suit cable diameters that require an adjustable opening.
View Stepped Grommets
Quick Fit Grommets
Snap-in cable grommets made from TPE or PVC for fast panel installation.
View Quick Fit Grommets
Closed Rubber Grommets
Closed grommets act as rubber grommet plugs or blanking grommets for unused panel holes.
View Closed Grommets
Conical Sealing Grommets IP67
Heavy-duty electrical wire grommets for sheet metal panels and dual cable sealing.
View Conical Grommets
Low Profile Sealing Grommets IP67
Compact cable entry grommets for restricted spaces and sealed panel applications.
View Low Profile Grommets.jpg)
Strain Relief Sealing Grommets
Sealing grommets with a mechanical cable grip for strain relief and ingress protection.
View Strain Relief Grommets_1.png)
Liquid Tight Break Through Plugs
Nylon and TPE cable entry plugs for IP67 and IP68 panel protection.
View Break Through PlugsHow to Measure Grommet Sizes
Use the panel hole, cable diameter and panel thickness to select the correct rubber hole grommet.
| Measurement | What to Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Hole Diameter | The diameter of the grommet hole in the panel. | Determines the mounting diameter of the grommet. |
| Panel Thickness | The thickness of the sheet metal, wall or enclosure. | Must match the grommet groove width. |
| Cable Diameter | The outside diameter of the wire, cable or hose. | Determines the internal diameter of the cable grommet. |
| Outside Diameter | The overall diameter of the fitted grommet flange. | Confirms available space around the panel opening. |
Size example: Whether you are searching for a 10mm rubber grommet, 20mm grommet, 25mm rubber grommet, 30mm grommet or 32mm grommet, always confirm whether the stated measurement refers to the panel hole, internal cable opening or outside flange diameter.
How to Install a Rubber Grommet
A correctly fitted electrical grommet should sit evenly within the panel hole without twisting or pulling out.
Measure the Hole
Confirm the panel hole diameter and thickness.
Check the Edge
Remove burrs that could damage the grommet.
Angle the Grommet
Insert one side of the groove into the panel.
Press into Place
Work around the edge until the grommet is seated.
Feed the Cable
Pass the cable through without overstretching the opening.
Grommet Strip and Cable Glands
Alternative cable protection for irregular panel edges and heavy-duty cable entry.
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Grommet Strip
Grommet strip protects exposed panel edges where a round rubber hole grommet is not suitable. The strip can be cut to length and fitted around irregular openings, long slots and unfinished sheet metal edges.
View Grommet Strip
Cable Glands
Cable glands provide a more secure cable clamp and strain relief solution where a standard wiring grommet is not enough. They are commonly selected for heavy-duty industrial cable entry and sealed machinery connections.
View Cable GlandsFrequently Asked Questions About Rubber Grommets
Common questions about grommet sizes, electrical grommets, blanking grommets and cable entry protection.
Need Help Choosing Rubber Grommets?
Contact our sales team for help with grommet dimensions, cable entry grommets, electrical wire grommets, open grommets, closed grommets, blanking grommets or IP-rated sealing products.
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Comments
Open Grommet Query
By: Glenn Wallace On 27/05/2026Hi. Can you do a 40mm inside dia open grommet to fit a 60mm hole with an overlap of approx. 10mm. i.e. 80mm outside dia. any thickness from 12mm up with 6mm slot to fit onto glass panel. Thank you