Being a pioneer in the development of breathable cable glands, WISKA today is an expert for breathable components avoiding condensation.
With the launch of the VentGLAND® in 2007, the world's first cable gland with pressure equalisation, WISKA set new benchmarks. VentGLAND® cable glands and VentPLUG pressure equalisation units are nowadays being used around the world, especially in sectors that are moisture and temperature sensitive such as shipping, and the lighting and solar industries.
WISKA VentGLAND® Cable glands
The VentGLAND® combines pressure equalisation and cable gland in a single unit and features high air flow rates as well as high water protection capacity.
The breathable VentGLAND® cable glands are a part of the tried and tested modular SPRINT system. The VentGLAND® can easily be used to replace standard cable glands due to its identical clamping ranges and compatibility with all cap nuts and ranges of multiple and special sealing inserts. The product portfolio is rounded off with VentGLAND® cable glands with EMC-inserts for protection against electromagnetic interference.
The new VentPLUG Pressure equalisation units by WISKA
The VentPLUG is used when a cable gland with an additional pressure equalisation unit is required to vent the enclosure.
Pressure equalisation units from WISKA are now also available in thread sizes M 20 and M 40, in addition to M 12. Both feature a flat, space-saving design to enable flexible usage. Thanks to an improved membrane, the air flow rate of the new VentPLUG in the sizes M 20 and M 40 has more than doubled. The high air flow version even achieves a 2.5 times higher value.
Product range of WISKA venting products in plastic, brass and stainless steel
WISKA products are built of highest quality and made for most demanding conditions. Our Venting products offer:
The diversity of our products provide venting solutions for a broad range of applications. Thread sizes include M 12 to M 63 with a wide range of materials such as polyamide, brass and stainless steel. Completed by their high protection classes of IP 68 and 69, venting products by WISKA appear to be true multitalents. On top of that, they have application specific membranes with different air flow rates and robust properties such as resistance to UV, salt water and aggressive chemicals.
WISKA offers many years of experience and working with customers to provide solutions that meet any individual requirements. You may also use our venting calculator to compute the optimal application of our pressure equalisation products.
Electrical installations and moisture do not go well together. They lead to power failures in electrical casings, sensors and electrical devices. The danger of short circuits – and thus electrical breakdowns, shortages and disruption of operation – increases wherever there is water. In order to find a solution to this problem, it is necessary to understand how condensation forms.
How does condensation form?
Pressure, temperature and air moisture are constantly changing. Even electrical installations, which must be secured in sealed casings in order to be protected against moisture, are subject to the formation of condensation. The reason: Whether caused by climate or operational conditions, fast fluctuations in temperatures create a disparity in pressure between the inside and outside of the casing. This happens when there is rain, wave impact or entry to a tunnel. Because of the vacuum inside the casing, moist air from outside is sucked in, i.e. through the casing’s seal. Inside the casing, the moist air condenses and causes corrosion or a short circuit.
By using the breathable cable gland VentGLAND® and/or the pressure equalisation plug VentPLUG, the pressure inside of the casing can be adjusted to the surrounding pressure. The casing’s verified protection class is fully guaranteed.
The ideal solution is pressure equalisation
In the past, expensive, high-maintenance electric heating and ventilation systems were installed in order to prevent condensation from forming in the casing. Drip holes in the casings are a less expensive alternative, albeit at the expense of water-tightness and, thus, a high protection rating. The ideal solution is to eradicate the internal and external pressure disparity which causes the formation of condensation. WISKA was the first to develop and produce a water-tight, yet breathable cable gland for pressure equalisation and ventilation.
Enclosure without pressure equalisation (left) and using VentGLAND® (right) after two years time
Hermetically sealed enclosures are insufficient to protect electrical installations from moisture and contaminants. Fluctuating temperatures and environmental factors, especially during outdoor usage, create pressure inside tightly sealed enclosures. This leads to a build-up of condensation as well as damage to the seal that can result in the penetration of moisture and dirt.
Breathable venting products from WISKA ensure effective pressure equalisation between the interior and exterior. This reduces stress on the seal and maintains the enclosure´s protection classes. Venting products from WISKA therefore help to increase operational safety and extend the service lives of electrical installations. This has a sustaining positive effect on maintenance costs.
Moisture and dirt are prevented from entering the enclosure. Air molecules are able to penetrate both sides of the membrane.
The high performance ePTFE membrane used in WISKA venting products has billions of breathable pores to enable an effective air exchange between the interior and exterior. The micrometer pores also prevent liquids, dirt and contaminants from passing through the membrane and entering the enclosure.
The membrane is available with different air flow rates. All of them offer all the properties required for the roughest environmental conditions: They are resistant against UV, salt water, oils and grease. Chemicals and aggressive cleaning substances also have no effect on the membrane's structure and performance.
In a municipal district, 2,000 street and outdoor lights with an IP 68 protection classification require maintenance every 3 years. If pressure equalisation components are not used in the lighting enclosures, protection classes and lighting performance are reduced. This results in maintenance being required every 1.75 years.¹
2,000 lights | IP 68 protection | IP 5X protection |
Maintenance interval | 3 years | 1,75 years |
Maintenance per year | 667 lights | 1.143 lights |
Maintenance cost per light | 20 Euros | 20 Euros |
Maintenance cost per year | 13.340 Euros | 22.860 Euros |
Conclusion: Without using venting products additional costs of more than 70 percent may arise due to higher maintenance requirements.
¹ Based on the CIE report 154:2003 of the International Commission on Illumination "The Maintenance of Outdoor Lighting Systems".