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I have been examining several EVSE Charger installations online, along with photographs. I have observed that the SWA glands utilised at the Charger and Mini CU terminus are composed of plastic.
I believed that they were supposed to be metallic if connecting externally to the property, or am I misinterpreting the regulations?
If metal glands are not utilised, what purpose does the steel in the cable serve, particularly in surface-mounted applications?
I am not an electrician, by the way; I merely seek comprehension.
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What is the rationale behind utilising plastic glands for EVSE installations instead of metal alternatives?
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GURU4U2BUY
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:40 pm
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AndrewGuidon67
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:44 pm
Is the cable genuinely composed of steel-wire-armour (SWA)? SWA is typically employed in situations where mechanical damage is a concern; thus, it is utilised when buried or in high-impact zones. Conversely, if the cable runs along the exterior of a house, is not buried, and is at minimal risk of damage, it may not require armoured cable.
The majority, if not all, SWA glands are constructed from metal, as the steel armour wires of the SWA are secured against the metallic gland to establish the electrical grounding connection to the armour wires. Generally, they possess a black plastic clover that glides over and conceals the brass gland.
If the cable lacks armouring, stuffing type glands are employed, which grip the cable sheath and secure the cable entry; these may be metallic, although nylon or plastic variants are predominant.
The majority, if not all, SWA glands are constructed from metal, as the steel armour wires of the SWA are secured against the metallic gland to establish the electrical grounding connection to the armour wires. Generally, they possess a black plastic clover that glides over and conceals the brass gland.
If the cable lacks armouring, stuffing type glands are employed, which grip the cable sheath and secure the cable entry; these may be metallic, although nylon or plastic variants are predominant.
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GURU4U2BUY
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:40 pm
Understood.
I appreciate your response; I believe I now comprehend. I conducted a search and discovered EV power cables devoid of SWA. I merely presumed that everyone is SWA. Considering that, I have observed videos in which they have reduced the steel and utilised plastic stuffing glands. I suppose this is acceptable, albeit a squander of a pricier cable.
I appreciate your response; I believe I now comprehend. I conducted a search and discovered EV power cables devoid of SWA. I merely presumed that everyone is SWA. Considering that, I have observed videos in which they have reduced the steel and utilised plastic stuffing glands. I suppose this is acceptable, albeit a squander of a pricier cable.
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AndrewGuidon67
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:44 pm
No, that is inadequate; if it is SWA cable, it must be appropriately glanded to guarantee the armouring is grounded. This is especially crucial when the cable is subterranean, as the earthed armouring offers protection in the event of accidental excavation, providing a return pathway for fault currents; the same principle applies in high-impact zones. If the armours are inadequately grounded via the glanding, then that safeguard is compromised.
If it is swa, then it ought to be glanded at a minimum of one end, preferably both. It may be a non-armored nyy cable that resembles another type, or perhaps they have utilised storm swa glands that appear more plastic than typical swa glands.
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lumperjack
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:51 pm
I ponder whether this could be intentional?
I am contemplating an older EVSE that utilised an earth rod, ensuring the PME earth remained isolated to prevent external shocks.
I am contemplating an older EVSE that utilised an earth rod, ensuring the PME earth remained isolated to prevent external shocks.
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lumperjack
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:51 pm
I do not believe that the plastic gland by itself indicates any wrongdoing on the part of the EVSE. Brass SWA glands represent the conventional method; however, with plastic EV chargers, the armour can be independently terminated or grounded. I would be more intrigued by their actual modifications to the armour rather than the material composition of the gland.
This appears to be a typical configuration with electric vehicle chargers that utilise less expensive materials, yet it does not contravene the regulations.
This appears to be a typical configuration with electric vehicle chargers that utilise less expensive materials, yet it does not contravene the regulations.