How to Use IP68 Nylon Cable Glands for Outdoor Ethernet Installations

Introduction

Your outdoor camera or Wi-Fi access point can usually operate stably for a long time. However, if moisture seeps into the weatherproof junction box (that is, the outdoor casing) through the cable entry point, it may affect the normal operation of the device. This situation sometimes leads to rust at the interface, intermittent signals, or unstable connections. Taking preventive sealing measures can ensure that the equipment serves you more reliably.

In this guide, we’ll see how IP68 nylon cable glands seal the cables’ entry points, how to size them, and how to install them so the seal stays tight even through temperature and weather swings.

Why Outdoor Ethernet Runs Require Waterproof Protection

Outdoor Ethernet runs need sealed entry points to diminish corrosion, intermittent link drops, and electrical faults caused by moisture ingress. Ingress protection keeps water and dust out at the cable entry, while UV and temperature resistance depend on the cable jacket and on whether the gland building material is rated for outdoor exposure.

Outdoor failures typically start at the cable’s entry point, where water seeps along the jacket, condensation forms within the enclosure, and metal begins to oxidize. Wind and freeze-thaw cycles can also tug the cable and loosen seals.

Many people use tape to protect the enclosure, but this works only in the short term since the tape can split, peel, or retain moisture. A nylon cable gland, on the other hand, provides a secure seal against dust and liquids and strong strain relief, which creates a grip on the jacket.

Waterproofing outdoor Ethernet installations is essential to prevent:

• Short circuits
• Corrosion
• Material degradation
• Electrical damage

The Purpose of a Cable Gland

Cable glands function as mechanical seals and anchors. They secure the electrical cables to the equipment while protecting them and the enclosure from environmental threats (dust, moisture, and vibration).

Besides their “waterproof” feature for some models, their three main purposes include:

• Sealing the enclosure opening
• Holding the cable so it doesn’t slide
• Relieving strain at the panel entry

Strain relief is important outdoors because the cable can get bumped, pulled, or moved by the wind.

What Is an IP68 Nylon Cable Gland?

An IP68 nylon cable gland is a sealed fitting that permits a cable to pass through the wall of an outdoor enclosure while preventing water and dust from entering. It compresses a flexible insert around the cable jacket and tightens against the enclosure wall (to protect the cable entry point).

Typically, cable glands include:

• A threaded body
• Locknut
• A compression nut (to squeeze a sealing insert around the jacket)

Cable glands can be made from nylon, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals. Nylon cable glands are a suitable choice for outdoor settings because they don’t rust and are lightweight.

Important note: Some models are made for long-term sun exposure, so look for the “UV-resistant” label on the product information.

The IP rating designates the level of protection of the nylon cable glands against solids ( the first digit) and liquids (the second digit).

What Does IP68 Mean?

IP68 specifies that the gland has been designed to withstand constant immersion. The accurate depth and time are defined by the manufacturer for each model. “6” means it’s dust-tight, and “8” indicates continuous immersion.

Even with an IP68 rating, the level of protection that IP68 nylon cable glands provide depends on:

• Selecting the correct gland size
• Installing it correctly
• The immersion conditions as stated by the manufacturer for that model

Why Nylon?

A nylon cable gland won’t rust, is electrically insulating, and can support several outdoor and industrial scenarios. What you should watch out for is sun exposure since not every nylon part is UV-stabilized.  

For direct sun installs, seek a cable gland that is clearly labeled as UV-resistant and apt for outdoor use.

Why choose nylon cable glands

Nylon cable glands are chosen for their:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Lightweight
• Superior electrical insulation
• Corrosion resistance
• Moisture and dust protection (frequently IP68 rated)
• Easy installation

When and Where You Need IP68 Cable Glands

If your installation requires complete dust protection and resistance to continuous water immersion, you’ll need IP68 cable glands. For rain, hose-down, or spray, IP65 or IP66 is enough protection. IP67 and IP68 are immersion ratings.  

You can use IP68 cable glands for:

• Outdoor
• Marine
• Underground
• Industrial settings

When to use IP68:

• When the cable gland will be under continuous submersion
• Harsh outdoor settings, such as streetlights, agricultural equipment, or outdoor machinery
• Underground and marine locations where cables need to be protected
• Whenever an Ethernet cable passes through a wall into an outdoor enclosure, such as:

✅Garages or shelters with exposed exterior walls

✅Intercom, gate, or controller enclosures

✅Camera and access point junction boxes

Important note: IP68 cable glands are also helpful in damp indoor spaces where condensation is present.

Types of Ethernet Cables Compatible with IP68 Cable Glands

Most Ethernet cables can work properly with IP68 nylon cable glands because the glands seal on the outside of the cable jackets; the cable category (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a) isn’t relevant here. What matters are jacket size and the jacket construction, since they determine whether the gland can compress a reliable seal.

For outdoors, opt for an outdoor-rated jacket and a gland based on the cable outer diameter (OD).  This is why you should verify the cable’s OD and jacket type before buying a gland. For example, an IP68 cable gland for Cat6 is a gland sized for that Cat6 cable’s OD.

The Ethernet cable types you’ll find in outdoor settings include:

• Outdoor-rated and UV-resistant (exposed runs)
• Direct-burial Ethernet (underground runs)
• Gel-filled or water-blocked “outside-plant” (wet environments)
• Shielded Ethernet cable (when outdoor exposure and/or electrical noise make it necessary)
• Pre-terminated Ethernet patch cords (these already have an attached RJ45 plug)
• Special models (armored, aerial, or very thick industrial ones)

Many IP68 cable gland product sheets publish a minimum and maximum cable diameter range needed to achieve the stated protection.

How to Choose the Right IP68 Nylon Cable Gland

To choose a cable gland, you need to match the cable OD range and the enclosure thread and the appropriate weather and UV protection. Consider these aspects:

Cable OD compatibility

Measure the OD carefully (if possible, use calipers). Afterward, match the OD to the gland’s clamping range and leave a bit of room to compress.

Thread size: PG, metric, or NPT

Before drilling, verify the thread standard and the panel hole size on the product specifications sheet. Some enclosures are pre-threaded, while others may need a locknut through a smooth hole.  

Many cable grip and gland models are available in NPT, PG, and metric variants:

NPT (National Pipe Thread): It’s a common US tapered thread standard. Since it’s tapered, it progressively tightens as it engages, and it’s not interchangeable with straight metric or PG threads. NPTs are usually longer than PG or metric threads and taper to a point at the end.

PG (Panzer-Gewinde): This older German type of thread has a smaller depth and an 80° angle, which gives it a shorter profile than the common angle (60°) of metric threads.

Metric threads (M): These are ISO-standard and widely used worldwide. They use a 60° thread profile and the pitch is specified in millimeters.

UV and weather resistance

If your setup will be exposed to direct sunlight or harsh weather, select a UV-resistant nylon cable gland. Prefer a brand that gives the specifications of the product (not just generic “plastic glands”). If your gland is out of the sun and protected, UV is not so important, but the sealing quality is still relevant.  If the install is under full sun, prioritize UV resistance and clamping ranges.

Strain relief

A good gland is the one that holds the jacket firmly without flattening it. Look for a compression design that tightens smoothly and remains tight under vibration.

If you can slide or rotate the cable after you tighten it, then the retention is not reliable enough. Some model brands highlight strain relief and vibration resistance as key features.

How to Install IP68 Nylon Cable Glands: Step-by-Step Guide

A reliable seal is a combination of clean surfaces, correct part order, and controlled tightening.

Step 1: Prepare the enclosure or junction box

Prefer an entry point without sharp bends. Drill the precise hole size and deburr and clean the surface for the sealing washer to sit flat.

Step 2: Disassemble the cable gland

Pick a clean surface and lay out the parts in order: compression nut, sealing insert, body, locknut, and washer or O-ring. Check that no part is missing and assemble the body through the hole so it seats square to the wall.

Product sheets habitually show the components and their assembly order.

Step 3: Insert the Ethernet cable

Insert the cable through the gland before making connections inside the box. Leave a small service loop to prevent the entry seal from being under tension.

If you’re building a waterproof Ethernet cable entry, determine carefully where you’ll place the RJ45 inside the enclosure so it stays dry and strain-free.

Tip: Don’t pull your cable tight; tension can make the seal loose over time.

Step 4: Tighten the sealing insert

Tighten the compression nut until the sealing insert clasps the jacket firmly. Don’t crush the jacket. You’ll want a snug seal, not a distorted jacket. Do a gentle pull test. If the cable slides, re-check the size and assembly.

Tip: If the jacket flattens noticeably, check if you’re within the required OD range.

Step 5: Secure the gland to the box

Tighten the locknut so the washer compresses evenly against the wall. Make sure the body doesn’t rotate while you’re tightening. If your enclosure is plastic, tighten firmly, but be careful not to crack the wall.

Step 6: Test for weatherproofing

Examine the seal and then do a gentle pull test. If it’s safe, perform a controlled water test (spraying briefly), open the box, and see if there’s any moisture.

Ensure to re-check after the first big temperature swing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Purchasing by cable category (like Cat6), instead of by cable outer diameter (OD)
• Mismatching the thread type or the hole size
• Skipping the deburring phase
• Over-tightening and deforming the jacket
• Using indoor cable jackets outdoors
• Forgetting that outdoor Ethernet waterproofing also requires protecting the RJ45 connection inside the box

Benefits of Using IP68 Nylon Cable Glands

An appropriately sized gland makes a clean entry seal, adds better cable retention, and puts less strain on the terminations. It also eases maintenance and troubleshooting since you can reopen the enclosure without destroying the tape or sealant.

IP68 nylon cable glands are an ideal choice to protect your cables in outdoor, industrial, and wet conditions because they:

• Offer superior sealing, as IP68 indicates continuous immersion under the depth and duration specified by the manufacturer (always check the immersion conditions for your model)
• Are corrosion resistant, as many nylon glands resist fuels, oil, and various common solvents (but they may be vulnerable to strong mineral acids and some oxidizers).
• Add electrical insulation which can reduce the probability of unintended contact at the entry point (yet never neglect proper sealing and good wiring practices)
• Have mechanical strength, which provides strain relief, prevents cable pull-out, and cuts damage from vibration or tension
• Are lightweight and cost-effective as they are lighter than metal alternatives and more budget-friendly.
• Resist several chemicals and solvents, making them versatile for many industrial uses
• Are easy to install;  some models even have features like swivel threads that simplify alignment, and quick-fit designs enable a fast assembly.

Conclusion

It’s common to find out that outdoor Ethernet installation problems start at the cable entry point. When you match the gland to the cable’s external diameter, select the right thread type for your enclosure, and tighten the seal without damaging the jacket, you create a clean and effective barrier against water and dust.

The correct size, the right thread, and a careful install convert the enclosure entry into a sealed pass-through that holds the cable in place.

Tip: If you install outdoor cameras, gate controllers, or access points regularly, keep a small set of IP68 nylon cable glands in the most common sizes so you can seal almost any enclosure correctly without having to improvise on-site or having to rush to find a suitable model for the setting.