Gel cable connectors: the quick rescue from short circuits

Gel cable connectors shield their electrical connections from external influences such as dirt, dust, moisture or water and thus prevent short circuits. Gel cable connectorsfrom HellermannTyton are suitable for low-voltage cable connections up to 1 kV (1000 volts) of underground and overhead cables. They consist of a polypropylene shell and are filled with a silicone gel - you can find more about our gels in this article. This interaction meets the highest requirements of electrical installation. The gel cable connectors from HellermannTyton are available for conductor diameters from 0.35 to 25 mm² and a number of conductors from 2 to 6.

The advantage of gel joints over cast resin joints is that they are much faster to install, as there is no need to mix and cure the resin. Some of our gel joints have integrated strain relief and IP68 protection requirements. Electrical installers appreciate the mechanical protection, insulation and sealing in just one step, without special tools. Our experience shows that the issues surrounding gel joints are considered complex. We would like to counteract this and provide clarity based on collected questions and presentation of our joints.

For what kind of cables are gel cable connectors suitable?

What does the IP68 protection class include?

In general, IP codes indicate how well a product performs in different environments against the ingress of foreign objects and water. IP stands for "International Protection" and is a recognized European standard. The subsequent first number indicates the level of protection against the ingress of foreign objects. The second number indicates the degree of protection against water. The higher the number, the stronger the protection.

Reliseal: An all-rounder in water or under the ground - even resistant to root ingrowth

The Reliseal joint is our robust connection joint and can be used in the ground, under water, outdoors as well as indoors. The special feature is that the joint not only meets the protection class against water, but also against foreign bodies (IP68). For this reason, this sleeve is the perfect variant in the ground, as it also protects against root ingrowth. In addition, it exceeds the requirements of the protection class, as protection against water is guaranteed even to a depth of 10 meters.

Strain relief is ensured by the patented screw system. It is resistant to UV rays, aging, weathering and temperatures from -20 °C to 90 °C. Reliseal joints are supplied as a complete package. This includes the fittings including gel and the screw connectors. Installation is therefore quick and uncomplicated. The convenient solution for every electrician.

Reliseal: An all-rounder in water or underground - even resistant to root ingrowth.

No equipment of an electrician should be without the Relilight. The small design makes this gel socket an indispensable product in the lighting installation, both for outdoor and indoor use, as well as especially for LED lighting, whereby this of course meets the high requirements of power engineering. The developed design has not only been conceived for small space conditions, but also makes an additional visual impact. Accordingly, the delicate sleek black sleeve can be installed visibly without disturbing the sight.

The small all-rounder is used in the low-voltage network and can be used both as a connection and branch set. It can withstand temperatures from -30 °C to 130 °C. Finally, the Relilight meets the IP68 protection class standard, tested in accordance with DIN EN 60998-2-1:2004. The joints are supplied as a complete package. This includes the molded shell made of flame-retardant (UL94 V0) material incl. gel, as well as the connector block.

Relifix: A branching and connecting sleeve for the small purse

For cables with a cross-section of 3 x 0.5 - 5 x 25 mm², we have gel cable connectors in our portfolio that comply with protection class IPX6 - Relifix. The X means that no test against foreign bodies has been carried out. Couplers that meet protection class IPX8 are therefore only tested according to DIN EN 50393, 1 m water depth. This gel cable connector is suitable for industrial equipment and for installations in building services. The special feature of this joint is that we offer it both as a branching and connecting joint.

Moreover, the joint sleeve can be purchased with or without connector block, which allows us to offer different prices. The joint can be used in the temperature range from -20 °C to +90 °C. It is quick and easy to install. The molded shells are equipped with a film hinge and are made of thick-walled, tough and impact-resistant polypropylene (PP). The RELICON gel in the shells insulates and seals the entire connection when the joint is closed. Depending on the connection type, Relifix can be used as a universal straight-through or branch connection, so it covers typical applications perfectly. Lastly, the rectangular design ensures that other contents, in addition to the connector block, can be accommodated.