Best Meter Tail Glands for Consumer Unit Upgrades: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner, OR Electrics & 18th Edition Electrician
Since the introduction of Amendment 3 to the wiring regulations, metal consumer units have become the standard in UK dwellings to contain fire. However, a metal box is only as safe as the holes you punch in it. Leaving gaps around your meter tails or general cabling compromises the IP rating and fire integrity of the enclosure.
One of the most common issues I see in older installations or hurried jobs is poor cable entry. Cables stripped back too far, grommets missing, or main tails passing through sharp metal knockouts without protection. This isn't just untidy; it is a serious code violation (BS 7671) and a potential fire hazard.
In this review, I'll be looking at the essential gland kits needed for a proper board change. We will cover a specific solution for the heavy 25mm meter tails, alongside versatile gland packs for your outgoing circuits, ensuring the entire installation is solid, secure, and compliant.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "IP68 Waterproof Rating"
"The gland is completely submersible and prevents any water ingress."
Whilst IP68 is impressive, inside a domestic consumer unit (usually IP4X top / IP2X elsewhere), we are more concerned with mechanical strength and preventing dust/fingers entering. The high IP rating is a bonus for longevity but overkill for a hallway cupboard.
The Spec: "Standard M20 Gland Size"
"M20 glands fit 'standard' cables."
M20 glands are perfect for outgoing 1.5mm or 2.5mm Twin & Earth circuits (if round) or SWA. They will NOT fit 25mm meter tails. You need a specific 32mm gland kit for the main supply.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
15PCS M20 IP68 Cable Glands, Waterproof Plastic Nylon Cord Grip
BINKUOMCG
Whilst these won't fit your main meter tails, no consumer unit upgrade is complete without securing the outgoing circuits. This pack of M20 glands is excellent value for entry of round flex, data cables, or secondary earth wires needing strain relief.
The Good
- Extremely affordable for a bulk pack
- Includes locknut and washer (essential for metal boards)
- Good vibration resistance on the thread
The Bad
- M20 is too small for meter tails (use for outgoing circuits only)
- Plastic locknuts are less durable than brass equivalents
Installer Tip:
Use these for entering garage supplies or SWA gland shrouding accessories. Ensure the surface of the consumer unit is clean before tightening the washer to maintain the IP rating.
Priced at £4.63 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonZocipro 40Pcs Cable Glands Mixed Set, Waterproof Stuffing Glands M12 M16 M20 M25
Zocipro
A professional van stock essential. This kit covers sizes from M12 to M25. The M25 glands in this kit are particularly useful for smaller 16mm sub-mains or large SWA feeds that you might encounter in larger Leeds properties or HMOs.
The Good
- Comprehensive range of sizes for various cabling needs
- Flame retardant material (crucial for electrical safety)
- M25 size accommodates larger potential earth cables or sub-feeds
The Bad
- Higher upfront cost than buying single sizes
- Still insufficient size for 25mm double insulated tails
Installer Tip:
Keep this box in the van. The M12 glands are surprisingly useful for entering data or alarm cables into a mains enclosure whilst maintaining the fire seal, which is often overlooked.
Priced at £18.52 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon32mm Nylon Tails Kit Compression Gland for Meter Tails, 18th Edition
G-PROKIT
This is the specific product required for the main job. It allows two 25mm meter tails and a 16mm earth to pass through a single 32mm hole. It keeps the cables tidy, provides essential strain relief, and solves the issue of eddy currents in metal boards.
The Good
- Designed specifically for 18th Edition Amendment 3 compliance
- Passes L, N, and E through one hole to prevent eddy currents
- Includes a blanking insert if the earth hole isn't used
The Bad
- Requires a 32mm hole saw or cone cutter (standard knockouts are often 20/25mm)
- Can be a tight squeeze if tails are bent sharply immediately after entry
Installer Tip:
When entering a metal consumer unit, passing Live and Neutral through separate metal holes can induce heating (eddy currents). Using this gland ensures all conductors go through the same aperture, cancelling the magnetic fields and keeping the enclosure cool and safe.
Priced at £8.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What size gland do I need for 25mm meter tails?
Why do I need a gland used on a consumer unit?
Can I install these glands myself?
What are eddy currents in relation to cable glands?
Are these glands suitable for outdoor use?
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