Panzergewinde sizes are named with the prefix PG plus a nominal number which approximately corresponds to the maximum cable diameter (in millimeters) that can be passed through the conduit.
The Verband der Elektrotechnik, Elektronik und Informationstechnik (VDE) originally standardized the thread for use with conduit and cable glands that were made of steel.
Today the thread is used with both steel (typically plated to resist rusting) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
After a transitional period of several years during which it could still be used, it was replaced in 2003 by a final metric fine thread with 1.5 mm (0.0591 in) pitch.
Even today, Panzergewinde cable glands are still often found on chemical reactors and bioreactors (for example, PG13.5 thread for screwing in sensors) and various other equipment, enclosures, junction boxes, and connectors.