How to Select the Proper Backshell

The key to successful backshell selection is proper product application. To do this, a complete description of the backshell's intended use is required. The more complex the application is, the more detailed the questions become. The following are basic application requirements:

  • Connector type; part number
  • Cable or wire bundle diameter, including detailed description of cable make-up.
  • Intended environment; shipboard, space, airframe, ground support, etc.
  • Restrictions; size, shape, weight, etc.
  • Performance required; strain-relief, water-tight, moisture-resistant, shield termination, working room, repairable, potted or molded, light, medium or heavy duty product performance per MIL-C-85049 or a MS product required.

Shield terminating backshells require detailed cable construction description, and application definition. There is no panacea to shield terminations, or any one method that meets a majority of requirements. Band-it bands are the most universal termination method. However, bands require special tools to install. Backshell manufacturers have several designs to meet each requirement. The following are the basic or common designs:

  • Multiple conical rings
  • Single conical ring, internal chamfer seat
  • Castellated or splined ring
  • Lampbase thread ring
  • Crimp ring
  • Radial compression spring
  • Magformed or crimp ring with shield sock and shrink boot
  • Band-it Bands

All of the basic shield ring designs have specific uses and are manufactured by Glenair, Inc. The one you select depends on many factors. Costs, repairability, shield type, shield effectiveness, shield termination method, shield construction, shield combinations, cable type, cable jacket thickness, cable diameter tolerance, product performance, weight, working room, temperature, shock, vibration, strain-relief, dissimilar metals, corrosion, etc. The primary factor is cable construction--what type of shield is being terminated, where is the shield or combination of shields located within the cable or wire bundle, and type of outer jacket construction are key factors. Customer preference, established methods and practices, tradition, manual skill level and inspection must also be considered.


Standard Shield Termination Design

Multiple Conical Rings
Single Conical Rings
Crimp Ring and Banding Terminations
Special Application

Basic Backshell Configurations

Strain-Relief Clamps Used on Backshells
Strain-Relief Clamps Used on Connectors
Basic Backshell Configurations - Shapes





Standard Shield Termination Design

Multiple Conical Rings
380-001
Dual Ring, C-Bore


Heavy Duty
MIL-C-85049/23,/24,/25
Overall Shield
380-086
Dual Ring, C-Bore


Heavy Duty
Individual and/or Overall Shield
380-018
Triple Ring, C-Bore


Medium Duty
Individual and/or Overall Shield
380-071
Internal Ring


Heavy Duty
MIL-C-28840/6
Individual and/or Overall Shield
Single Conical Rings
380-013
Single Ring


General Duty
Individual or Overall Shields
380-007
Single Cone Ring


Medium Duty
MIL-C-85049/17,/19,/36
Overall Shield
Crimp Ring and Banding Terminations
440-032
Crimp Ring


Medium Duty
M85049/26
Overall Shield
319-001

Medium Duty
Overall Shield
440-030

Medium Duty
M85049/82 - M85049/90
Overall Shield
Special Application
311-001

General Duty
Overall Shield
460-001

General Duty
Overall Shield
470-005

General Duty
Individual and Overall Shield
400-001

Light Duty
Individual Shield



Basic Backshell Configurations

Strain Relief Clamps Used on Backshells
MIL-C-85049/41
MS3057A Clamp
Proprietary
Light-Weight
Clamp
MIL-C-85049/42
MS3057D Clamp
Proprietary
G61911 Clamp
Proprietary Cable Grip
Strain Relief Clamps Used on Connectors

MS3417, MS27506,
M83723/15S
M85049/38, /49, /52
MS3418, MS27507
M83723/15R
M85049/39, /47, /51
M85049/53, /56
Cable Tie
Backshell
M85049/55, /63
Cable Tie


Basic Backshell Configurations - Shapes

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