Have you heard of cord grips? These otherwise simple devices play an important role in many electrical systems. Electrical systems receive power via cords. Over time, these cords may wear down or fray, resulting in loss of power to the system. Cord grips, however, can protect cords from damage such as this to ensure the operation of electrical systems.
Overview of Cord Grips
Cord grips are devices that protect electrical cords from strain-related damage. Also known as strain relief connectors, they secure cords at points of entry into electrical systems and machines. Even if someone or something pulls on the cord, the cord grip will relieve the strain so that damage doesn’t occur.
How Cord Grips Work
There are many different types of cord grips, but most of them leverage a locking nut to protect cords from strain-related damage. You can use a cord grip by inserting the cord through the center, followed by tightening the locking nut. As you tighten the locking nut, an insert will compress around the cable. The cord will now be secured and protected from movement or stress.
Why Use Cord Grips
Strain-related damage is a leading cause of cable failure. Electrical cables feature one or more conductors. When exposed to mechanical strain, these conductors may fail, at which point they may no longer provide power to the electrical systems or machines to which they are connected. Cord grips prevent this from happening by securing cords where they enter electrical systems and machines.
Some cord grips provide sealing as well. They form a seal around the cable’s entry point, keeping out dust, moisture and other potential contaminants. In addition to sealing, cord grips may also provide grounding for enhanced safety.
Types of Cord Grips
There are several different types of cord grips. Plastic cord grips are among the most common. They are lightweight, inexpensive and corrosion-resistant.
You can also find cord grips made of metal. Metal cord grips are typically used in industrial applications. They can withstand higher levels of mechanical strain than their plastic counterparts.
Sealing cord grips live up to their namesake by sealing points of entry. They still protect cords from strain-related damage, but sealing cord grips are able to seal the space where the cable connects to the electrical system or machine.
Finally, there are EMI/RFI cord grips. EMI/RFI cord grips are designed to block electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.