As a pioneer in the development of venting cable glands, WISKA® is now recognized as an expert in breathable components that help prevent condensation.
Back in 2007, WISKA® launched a global innovation with the VentGLAND® – the first breathable cable gland with integrated pressure equalization – setting new industry standards. Today, VentGLAND® cable glands and VentPLUG pressure equalization elements are used around the world, especially in moisture- and temperature-sensitive environments such as shipbuilding, lighting, and the solar industry.
VentGLAND® – cable gland with integrated pressure equalization.
The VentGLAND® combines two functions in a single component: efficient pressure equalization and reliable cable entry. It offers a high air permeability rate while providing excellent water retention capabilities.
These breathable VentGLAND® solutions are part of our modular SPRINT system. Thanks to identical clamping ranges and full compatibility with all cap nuts as well as special and multi-insert seals, a standard cable gland can easily be replaced with a VentGLAND®.
For additional protection, we also offer EMC versions that effectively shield against electromagnetic interference – meeting the highest standards for functionality and safety.
WISKA’s VentPLUG pressure equalization elements.
Our VentPLUG products are used wherever effective pressure equalization is required in addition to the cable gland.
New in the range: In addition to the proven M12 size, VentPLUG pressure equalization elements are now also available in thread sizes M20 and M40. Both versions impress with their compact, ultra-flat design – ideal for applications with limited installation space.
Thanks to optimized membrane technology, the airflow in sizes M20 and M40 has been more than doubled – and even increased by a factor of 2.5 in the High Airflow version. This ensures more efficiency, safety, and flexibility in enclosure design.
Thanks to their wide variety, WISKA’s venting solutions are suitable for a broad range of applications. Thread sizes from M12 to M63, various materials such as plastic, brass, and stainless steel, and the high protection classes IP68 and IP69 make the venting range a true all-rounder.
In addition, application-specific membranes with different airflow rates and robust properties – such as UV and saltwater resistance, as well as resistance to aggressive chemicals – are available.
With many years of experience and customer-focused consultation, WISKA develops tailored solutions for every requirement.
You can also use our venting calculator to determine the optimal application of our pressure equalization 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 micrometre 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".
