PG Thread: Old Standard, New Perspective – Why It Still Matters Today
Although the PG thread (Panzerrohrgewinde, or Armoured Conduit Thread) has not been an official industry standard since the year 2000, it is still used in many areas today. Anyone mounting cable glands or maintaining older machinery repeatedly encounters PG threads. VÖLKEL shows why this thread standard is still relevant – and how you can cut precise PG threads with the right tools.
What Is a PG Thread?
PG stands for Stahlpanzerrohr-Gewinde (Steel Armoured Conduit Thread). It was originally developed for use in electrical installations – with the aim of securely laying cables in armoured conduits.
It is often found in:
Cable glands
Control cabinets
Connectors and housing bushings
Particularly characteristic: The flank angle is 80°, which distinguishes the thread from metric ISO threads.
Scrapped by the Standard – Irreplaceable in Practice
The PG thread has officially no longer been standardised since the year 2000. Instead, metric fine threads with a 1.5 mm pitch are intended for use.
A direct 1:1 replacement does not exist: Only eight metric variants were defined from the former ten PG sizes, which often prevents a complete conversion.
Even after the withdrawal of the standard, the use of PG threads is permitted, particularly for repairs or the replacement of components.
Relevance in Practice
Anyone maintaining existing plants still needs suitable PG tools. The PG thread is also still present in the retrofit sector, where old systems are modernised. For electricians, maintenance personnel, and machine builders, this means: PG taps are essential.
Typical Challenges
Dimensional Accuracy: PG and metric threads are structurally not interchangeable. For existing systems with PG threads, the appropriate PG tool must be used to ensure correct fits and functional threads.
Tool Availability: Many manufacturers no longer offer PG taps.
Material Variety: Applications range from thin-walled steel to robust control cabinet housings.
From Planning to Repair: Reliably Implement PG Threads with VÖLKEL
VÖLKEL offers a complete range of PG taps – immediately available from stock:
Precisely ground for clean cuts
Robust and durable for daily use
Available in combination with suitable metric fine thread taps
This equips users for every situation – whether retrofitting, repairing, or manufacturing.
Possible Applications
PG threads are still used today in numerous technical applications. Typical areas of application are:
Electrical Installation: Cable glands, armoured conduits, and control cabinets
Maintenance: Recutting and repairing existing threads
Adjustments: Manufacturing special solutions or retrofitting existing systems
Available Immediately – Without Long Searches
All common PG taps and metric fine threads are available from stock at VÖLKEL. This saves time and makes work more predictable and efficient.
Conclusion
Despite the withdrawal of the standard, PG threads have not disappeared. With VÖLKEL’s PG taps, you always have the right tool for repairs, retrofits, or manufacturing in your hand.
