The Deep-Sea M10 Gland Cable Penetrator provides a watertight interface for routing electrical cables into subsea enclosures by compressing a specialized sealing system around the cable sheath. The penetrator is compatible with Blu-Sub’s Deep-Sea Cable, and a compatibility guide is provided to assist with selecting the correct model for different cable diameters. It installs through standard M10 bulkhead ports.
While designed primarily for Blu-Sub cables, these penetrators can also work with many third-party subsea cables. Please refer to the specification guide and contact us for assistance selecting a compatible size.
Compatibility Chart for Deep-Sea M10 Gland Cable Penetrator with Deep-Sea Cable:
| 3-Core (16AWG) BS-SSC-3CORE-BLK-16A1 |
6-Core (24AWG) BS-SSC-6CORE-BLK-24A1 |
4-Core (28AWG) BS-SSC-4CORE-BLK-28A1 |
6-Core Mixed (2x16AWG / 4x26AWG) BS-SSC-6CORE-BLK-MXA1 |
4-Core Mixed (2x24AWG / 2x26AWG) BS-SSC-4CORE-BLK-MXA1 |
3-Core (20AWG) BS-SSC-3CORE-BLK-20A1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7.8 × 5.6 Stainless Steel BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-78A1 7.8 × 5.6 Aluminum BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-78A1 |
7.2 × 4.6 Stainless Steel BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-72A1 7.2 × 4.6 Aluminum BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-72A1 |
5.6 × 3.4 Stainless Steel BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-56A1 5.6 × 3.4 Aluminum BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-56A1 |
8.4 × 5.9 Stainless Steel BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-84A1 8.4 × 5.9 Aluminum BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-84A1 |
7.8 × 4.1 Stainless Steel BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-78A2 7.8 × 4.1 Aluminum BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-78A2 |
6.4 × 4.3 Stainless Steel BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-64A1 6.4 × 4.3 Aluminum BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-64A1 |
Seal Construction Theory:
The sealing mechanism uses a split compression plug and a sleeve ring, which are pressed inward by the locking cap to deform and expand the sealing element both radially and axially. This forms a watertight grip around the cable sheath while locking it mechanically into place. When the locking cap is properly tightened, the seal compresses until the cable sheath exhibits a visible reduction in diameter—indicating a secure hold and resistance to cable pullout. As external pressure increases with submersion, the cable sheath compresses inward, forcing the sealing sleeve to press more firmly into the beveled interior of the penetrator, enhancing the watertight seal under pressure.
Each penetrator model is supplied with a matched set of components: locking cap, split compression plug, sleeve ring, and sealing ring. These parts are tailored to accommodate different cable sheath diameters and wall thicknesses. The internal bore of the sleeve ring is sized to the cable's minimum sheath diameter, preventing pressure-driven cable migration. The split design of the compression plug ensures even sealing and prevents twisting or displacement during tightening. Optional custom sleeve rings may be used to reduce cost by integrating the sleeve directly into the penetrator body.
The thickness of the gap ring (washer) determines the depth of thread engagement, the compression pressure applied by the locking cap, and the final sealing force. It is important to follow the recommended gap ring thickness to ensure proper installation and consistent waterproofing performance.
| Item | Main Material | Applicable Cable Specifications | Sleeve Ring (A × B) | Compression Plug (A) | Gap Ring Thickness (S) | O-ring | Waterproofing Depth | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7.8 × 5.6 Stainless Steel Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-78A1 |
316 Stainless Steel |
3x16AWG BS-SSC-3CORE-BLK-16A1 |
7.8 × 5.6 | 7.8 | 3.0 | #3 Brown | 1,000 m | ≈50 g |
|
7.8 × 5.6 Aluminum Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-78A1 |
6061 Aluminum |
3x16AWG BS-SSC-3CORE-BLK-16A1 |
7.8 × 5.6 | 7.8 | 3.0 | #3 Brown | 300 m | ≈15 g |
|
7.2 × 4.6 Stainless Steel Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-72A1 |
316 Stainless Steel |
6x24AWG BS-SSC-6CORE-BLK-24A1 |
7.2 × 4.6 | 7.2 | 2.5 | #3 Brown | 1,000 m | ≈50 g |
|
7.2 × 4.6 Aluminum Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-72A1 |
6061 Aluminum |
6x24AWG BS-SSC-6CORE-BLK-24A1 |
7.2 × 4.6 | 7.2 | 2.5 | #3 Brown | 300 m | ≈15 g |
|
5.6 × 3.4 Stainless Steel Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-56A1 |
316 Stainless Steel |
4x28AWG BS-SSC-4CORE-BLK-28A1 |
5.6 × 3.4 | 5.6 | 4.0 | #2 Black | 1,000 m | ≈50 g |
|
5.6 × 3.4 Aluminum Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-56A1 |
6061 Aluminum |
4x28AWG BS-SSC-4CORE-BLK-28A1 |
5.6 × 3.4 | 5.6 | 4.0 | #2 Black | 300 m | ≈15 g |
|
8.4 × 5.9 Stainless Steel Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-84A1 |
316 Stainless Steel |
2x16AWG + 4x26AWG BS-SSC-6CORE-BLK-MXA1 |
8.4 × 5.9 | 8.4 | 3.5 | #3 Brown | 1,000 m | ≈50 g |
|
8.4 × 5.9 Aluminum Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-84A1 |
6061 Aluminum |
2x16AWG + 4x26AWG BS-SSC-6CORE-BLK-MXA1 |
8.4 × 5.9 | 8.4 | 3.5 | #3 Brown | 300 m | ≈15 g |
|
7.8 × 4.1 Stainless Steel Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-78A2 |
316 Stainless Steel |
2x24AWG + 2x26AWG BS-SSC-4CORE-BLK-MXA1 |
7.8 × 4.1 | 7.8 | 2.5 | #3 Brown | 1,000 m | ≈50 g |
|
7.8 × 4.1 Aluminum Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-78A2 |
6061 Aluminum |
2x24AWG + 2x26AWG BS-SSC-4CORE-BLK-MXA1 |
7.8 × 4.1 | 7.8 | 2.5 | #3 Brown | 300 m | ≈15 g |
|
6.4 × 4.3 Stainless Steel Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-SSX-64A1 |
316 Stainless Steel |
3x20AWG BS-SSC-3CORE-BLK-20A1 |
6.4 × 4.3 | 6.4 | 4.5 | #2 Black | 1,000 m | ≈50 g |
|
6.4 × 4.3 Aluminum Gland Penetrator BS-SSC-GLPEN-ALU-64A1 |
6061 Aluminum |
3x20AWG BS-SSC-3CORE-BLK-20A1 |
6.4 × 4.3 | 6.4 | 4.5 | #2 Black | 300 m | ≈15 g |
Dimension drawings provided below:
When using cables other than Blu-Sub’s standard Deep-Sea Cable, it's important to carefully select a compatible M10 Gland Cable Penetrator model based on two key cable measurements:
- Outer Diameter of the cable sheath (a)
- Inner Diameter or the minimum clearance required to pass the internal conductors (b)
To determine compatibility, compare these dimensions against the AxB specifications shown in the dimension drawings above (e.g., 7.8 × 5.6 mm). A proper fit requires:
- A ≥ a
- B ≥ b
- (A − a) ≤ 0.8 mm and (B − b) ≤ 0.8 mm
If your third-party cable falls within these limits, the corresponding penetrator size can likely be used with the labeled gap ring specifications. However, note that cable sheath material and hardness significantly affect sealing reliability and must also be considered.
For cables outside these tolerances, we strongly recommend performing validation tests, including:
- Pull-out resistance check after installation
- Pressure holding for a minimum of two weeks
- Thermal cycling and pressure shock testing when possible
If your cable does not align with available sizes, custom sleeve rings or full-size penetrator assemblies can be developed to match your specific needs. Please refer to the specification drawings above and contact us for expert guidance, compatibility assistance, or to request a custom solution.
Note: In the dimension drawings, "S" refers to the thickness of the gap ring.
Product: Deep-Sea Cable Penetrators – Gland-Style
Description: Gland-style cable penetrators provide a watertight seal for Deep-Sea Cables entering an enclosure. Proper assembly and cleaning are essential for reliable performance.
Installation Guide:
- Cut the cable to the required length. Strip the sheath and core filler at the enclosure end, ensuring a flat cut at the sheath's end.
- Clean the outer jacket of the cable and all gland penetrator components with alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
- Thread the penetrator parts onto the cable in the correct order. Push the cable inward until the shear surface meets the sleeve ring. Hand-tighten the locking cap.
- Use a wrench and vise (or a scratch-proof wrench tool – highly recommended for aluminum gland penetrators) to tighten the locking cap and penetrator body until snug against the gap ring. Do not overtighten.
Notes:
- Ensure the sheath end fits flat against the sleeve ring to maintain sealing integrity.
- All parts must be free of dust, oils, or debris. Contamination can compromise the seal.
- Aluminum versions of the penetrator should not be used with standard wrenches or vises—this may deform the housing. Use a scratch-proof wrench tool.
- Scratch-proof wrench tools may loosen slightly with repeated use. Tighten only until the gap ring is secure—do not overtighten.
- Gap ring thickness may vary slightly, but this is within acceptable sealing tolerance.
- During final tightening, maintain inward pressure on the cable to ensure the shear face contacts the sleeve ring.
Can the sealing part be disassembled and assembled repeatedly?
It is not recommended to repeatedly disassemble the sealing section. If disassembly is necessary, limit it to no more than two times. Do not reuse the same section of compressed cable — trim the cable sheath before reassembly.
How is the waterproof depth guaranteed?
The patented dimensional structure ensures that, when the locking cap is torqued to the correct position, the internal compression meets sealing requirements for the rated water depth.
What are the advantages over glue-filled cable penetrators or Deep-Sea Cable Connectors?
Unlike glued penetrators, the gland penetrator does not require curing time or potting. The seal is achieved through mechanical compression. It is more convenient, allows disassembly, and offers a fixed outlet solution — unlike Deep-Sea Cable Connectors, which are pluggable.
Is the water depth rating a theoretical value?
No — depth ratings are based on actual pressure testing. For example, models rated for 1,000 m have been pressure-tested at 1,200 m for extended durations exceeding one week.
Can other brands of cable be used?
Yes, but pressure testing is highly recommended. The rated depth is validated using Blu-Sub standard cables and may not apply to third-party alternatives.