FAQ

FAQ

Choosing the correct machine depends on several project factors:

  • Cable Type and Size: Consider the diameter and weight of the cables you will be pulling. Heavy-duty cables require a machine with a higher pulling force.

  • Distance and Environment: For long runs or pulls in challenging environments (e.g., underground, through multiple bends), a more robust and powerful machine like a hydraulic or capstan winch is often necessary.

  • Power Source: Assess the availability of power on your job site. If power is limited, battery-powered or manual options are more suitable.

  • Required Pulling Force: Calculate the estimated pulling tension, taking into account factors like the number and angle of bends, cable weight, and friction. Choose a machine with a pulling capacity that exceeds this calculation for safety.

A successful cable pulling project requires a combination of specialized tools for efficiency and safety. The most essential tools often include:

  • Cable Pulling Winches: Powerful machines for pulling heavy cables over long distances. We offer a wide range of winches suitable for overhead transmission lines and underground cable laying.

  • Cable Rollers and Sheaves: These are crucial for guiding cables and reducing friction at corners, bends, or along the trench, protecting the cable from damage.

  • Cable Grips and Swivels: Grips securely attach the pulling rope to the cable, while swivels prevent the cable from twisting during the pull, which is vital for maintaining the cable's integrity.

  • Duct Rodders or Fish Tapes: These are used to guide the pulling rope or a smaller line through conduits and ducts before the main cable is pulled.

  • Cable Drum Jacks or Trailers: These pieces of equipment are necessary for safely and stably supporting the heavy cable drums, ensuring smooth feeding of the cable during the pulling process.

Choosing the right tools is critical for a safe and efficient installation. When selecting equipment, consider these key factors:

  • Project Scale: For large-scale projects like overhead transmission lines or extensive underground laying, you will need heavy-duty winches, robust drum trailers, and a full set of rollers. For smaller jobs, lighter-duty pullers and hand tools may suffice.

  • Cable Specifications: The type, size, and weight of the cable determine the required pulling force and the capacity of the equipment you need. Always match the tool's specifications, like maximum load limit, to your cable's requirements.

  • Installation Environment: The work environment (e.g., overhead, underground, in a trench with many bends) dictates the type of rollers, sheaves, and pulling techniques necessary.

  • Safety Standards: Always ensure all equipment, from winches to grips, meets international safety standards and has been regularly inspected and maintained.

Cable pulling grips are essential tools for securing and pulling cables during installation. They are also known as cable socks or cable stockings. The most common types include:

  • Single-Eye Grips: These are used for pulling a single cable or conductor. The grip features a closed loop at one end for attaching to a pulling rope or winch.

  • Double-Eye Grips: Designed for more complex pulls, these grips have a loop at both ends, allowing them to join two cables or ropes together for continuous pulling.

  • Lace-Up Grips: These grips have an open-ended design with laces, making it possible to install the grip at any point along a cable, rather than just at the end.

  • Heavy-Duty Grips: These are constructed with a multi-weave design to provide extra strength and are ideal for pulling heavy loads like OHTL conductors.

All cable grips operate on the principle of a "Chinese finger trap," where tension on the grip causes the woven mesh to tighten and securely grip the cable.

Safety is our top priority. We emphasize that all operators must be properly trained and follow strict safety protocols. Key safety tips include:

  • Pre-Inspection: Before every use, thoroughly inspect all equipment for any signs of damage, wear, or defects. Never use faulty equipment.

  • Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots.

  • Tension Monitoring: When using a winch, continuously monitor the pulling tension. Many of our modern winches have built-in tension monitoring to prevent over-stressing the cable, which can lead to damage and accidents.

  • Proper Setup: Ensure all equipment is correctly set up and securely anchored. Incorrect setup can lead to equipment failure or cause injuries.

  • Work Area: Keep the work area clear of any obstructions, and ensure bystanders are at a safe distance from the pulling line and equipment.

For a comprehensive range of professional tools and equipment for your power line and electrical construction needs, please visit our website at www.ohtlstringingequipment.com.

Choosing the correct grip is critical for a safe and successful pull. You should consider the following factors:

  • Cable Diameter: The most important factor. The grip's specified diameter range must closely match your cable's outer diameter to prevent slipping or damage.

  • Working Load Limit (WLL): The WLL of the grip must be greater than the maximum anticipated pulling force for your project. Always consider a safety factor (e.g., 3:1 for pulling, 5:1 for lifting) to account for unexpected tension spikes.

  • Application: Will you be pulling a single cable, multiple cables, or joining two cables? The application will determine if you need a single-eye, double-eye, or lace-up grip.

  • Material: Most grips are made from high-tensile galvanized steel or stainless steel. Galvanized steel is a cost-effective choice for general use, while stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance for marine or harsh environments. We also offer non-metallic grips for specialized applications.

Choosing the right cable pulling machine is crucial for a project's safety and efficiency. The main types we offer at Ningbo Changshi are categorized by their power source and application.

  • Hydraulic Cable Pullers: These are ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as installing large, high-voltage cables over long distances. They provide powerful and consistent pulling force, making them well-suited for demanding industrial and utility projects.

  • Electric Cable Pullers: Powered by electric motors, these machines are excellent for long-distance pulls and repetitive tasks where a consistent power source is available. They offer controlled speed and are a cost-effective solution for various projects.

  • Capstan Winches (Petrol/Diesel/Electric): Often highly portable, these winches use a rotating drum (capstan) to generate pulling force. They are versatile for both overhead and underground applications and come in various pulling capacities to suit different cable sizes and project scales.

To select the best machine, consider the maximum pulling tension required, the cable diameter and type, the distance of the pull, and the worksite environment (e.g., access to power, terrain). Our team can assist you in evaluating your project needs to recommend the most suitable and cost-effective equipment.

Safety is our top priority at Ningbo Changshi. Before each use, always:

  1. Inspect the Grip: Check for any frayed, broken, or rusted wires. If any damage is present, the grip should be immediately replaced.

  2. Ensure Proper Sizing: Confirm that the grip is the correct size for the cable to prevent slippage.

  3. Use a Swivel: For long pulls or pulls with bends, a swivel should be used between the pulling grip and the winch line. This prevents the cable from twisting and damaging the grip or the cable itself.

  4. Secure the Grip: For high-tension pulls, we highly recommend using steel bands or strong tape to secure the tail end of the grip to the cable, preventing it from opening or snagging.

  5. Adhere to Load Limits: Never exceed the grip's specified Working Load Limit (WLL).

Using these tips will help ensure the safety of your personnel and the integrity of your equipment.

Safety is our top priority. Proper use and maintenance of our equipment are essential to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of both the machine and the cable. Operators should always follow these key safety measures:

  • Pre-Pull Inspection: Before any operation, conduct a thorough inspection of the machine, including the pulling rope, capstan drum, and all fittings. Ensure all components are in perfect working condition and free from damage.

  • Proper Setup: The machine must be set up on a stable, level surface. The pulling path should be clear of any obstructions, and the pulling angle should be properly aligned to minimize friction and strain on the cable.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All personnel involved must wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots.

  • Tension Monitoring: Always use a tension monitor or dynamometer to ensure the pulling force does not exceed the maximum rating of the cable or the machine. Monitoring tension is critical to prevent cable damage or a catastrophic failure.

  • Clear Communication: A designated team member should be in control of the pull, communicating clearly with all other workers. An emergency stop procedure should be in place and understood by everyone on-site.

A modern cable pulling machine significantly enhances project efficiency by automating a traditionally labor-intensive task. Instead of manual labor, which is slow and poses a high risk of injury, a machine provides a consistent and powerful pull, reducing the time required for installation.

The machine's ability to handle high pulling tensions allows for longer cable runs, often eliminating the need for multiple splices. This not only saves time but also improves the integrity of the power line. By reducing the number of workers needed for a single pull and minimizing physical strain, our equipment also contributes to a safer work environment and helps reduce potential labor-related costs.

A cable pulling sock (also known as a cable grip or stocking) is a woven, tubular wire mesh device used to securely attach a pulling rope to the end of a cable. It functions like a Chinese finger trap, tightening its grip as tension is applied, which ensures a secure and uniform distribution of pulling force. This tool is essential for installing and moving cables through ducts, trenches, and conduits, as it provides an efficient and reliable connection for both overhead and underground applications. It's especially useful for reducing the risk of cable damage and making the pulling process smoother.

Cable rollers are indispensable for guiding and supporting cables during installation. They are placed along the cable route to prevent the cable from dragging on the ground or against sharp edges in a trench or on a tray. By reducing friction and preventing overbending stress, rollers protect the cable's sheath from damage. This not only ensures the integrity of the cable but also reduces the pulling tension required, making the installation process safer, more efficient, and less labor-intensive. We offer a variety of rollers, including straight, corner, and multi-cable types, to suit different project layouts.

At Ningbo Changshi, we manufacture various types of cable pulling socks to meet diverse project needs. The main types include:

  • Single-Eye Cable Socks: The most common type, with a single loop at one end for attaching to the pulling line. They are used for standard, high-strength pulls.

  • Double-Eye Cable Socks: These grips have a loop at each end, allowing them to be slid down the cable and used for either pulling or supporting.

  • Lace-Up Cable Socks: This open-ended design can be wrapped around a cable at any point along its length and secured with lacing, making it ideal for mid-span applications or for attaching to an existing cable.

  • Non-Metallic Cable Socks: Made from materials like Aramid, these are specifically designed for environments where conductivity is a concern, such as near live electrical lines.

The choice of sock depends on the specific cable size, pulling tension, and application, such as overhead transmission line stringing or underground cable laying.

A swivel link is a vital connector that allows the pulling rope and the cable to rotate independently of each other. During a long pull, especially with a winch, cables can naturally twist due to the winding action of the rope. Without a swivel, this twisting motion can build up significant torque, leading to kinks, internal damage, or even catastrophic failure of the cable. By incorporating a high-quality swivel link into the pulling setup, you can eliminate this rotational stress, ensuring a smooth, tangle-free installation and prolonging the life of your cables.

Safety is paramount when working with cable pulling equipment. The most important factor is the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS), which is the maximum load a new, unused sock can withstand before failure. To ensure safe operation, a Safety Factor (SF) must be applied to the MBS. We recommend the following:

  • For ground-level horizontal pulls: A minimum safety factor of 3:1.

  • For overhead pulls or lifting: A minimum safety factor of 5:1.

  • For high-risk applications: A minimum safety factor of 10:1.

Before each use, it is crucial to inspect the cable sock for any frayed wires or damage. Always select a sock that is correctly sized for the cable diameter to ensure a secure and effective grip.

Cable pulling lubricant is a specialty product designed to significantly reduce friction between the cable and the inside of a conduit. Using a lubricant is highly recommended for longer pulls, installations with multiple bends, or when working with heavy cables. The reduced friction lowers the pulling force required, which protects the cable jacket from physical damage and minimizes the risk of a failed pull. We recommend using a water-based gel lubricant, as it provides an excellent low-friction coefficient and is compatible with a wide variety of cable jackets. The best lubricant is one that is slow-drying and leaves a thin, slippery film that retains its lubricity throughout the entire pull.

Answer: Armoured cable pulling machines, often referred to as cable winches or cable pullers, are essential for the safe and efficient installation of armored cables. The primary types include:

  • Capstan Winches: These use a rotating drum (capstan) to pull the rope, offering precise control over the pulling speed and tension. They are highly versatile and ideal for projects requiring smooth, controlled pulls.

  • Hydraulic Winches: Powered by heavy-duty diesel engines, these winches use hydraulic transmission for high pulling forces and smooth operation, making them suitable for demanding projects with high tension requirements.

  • Electric and Battery-Powered Winches: These are perfect for applications where power is readily available or for smaller jobs requiring portability and convenience.

Choosing the right machine depends on the project's specific needs, including the cable size, required pulling force, and the length and complexity of the cable route. We offer a comprehensive range of equipment and can provide expert consultation to help you select the ideal machine.

Answer: Safety is paramount. When using our equipment, we always recommend the following best practices:

  • Proper Setup: Ensure the machine is securely anchored, and the cable drum is mounted on stable drum jacks with adequate ground clearance to prevent twisting or kinking.

  • Tension Management: Use a machine with a tension indicator to monitor and maintain pulling force within the cable's maximum allowable tension. This prevents damage to the cable's insulation and armor.

  • Use Proper Accessories: Utilize specialized equipment like cable socks, swivels, and rollers. Swivel links prevent cable torsion, while rollers guide the cable smoothly around bends and through conduits, minimizing friction and stress.

  • Maintain Bending Radius: Adhere to the cable manufacturer’s minimum bending radius to prevent damage, especially with armoured cables. Avoid sharp bends at all costs.

Answer: An automatic cable pulling machine provides significant advantages in power line construction and maintenance. Unlike manual methods which are labor-intensive and prone to human error, an automatic machine ensures a consistent and controlled pulling force. This minimizes the risk of damaging the cable's insulation, conductors, or protective armor. The primary benefits include:

  • Enhanced Safety: Reduces physical strain and the risk of injuries to workers.

  • Increased Efficiency: Completes cable pulls faster and with fewer personnel, saving time and labor costs.

  • Superior Quality: Provides a smooth, continuous pull, which is crucial for preventing cable damage and ensuring the longevity of the installation.

Answer: When choosing an automatic cable pulling machine, it's important to consider your project's specific requirements. Key features to evaluate include:

  • Pulling Force and Speed: Ensure the machine's capacity matches the weight and length of the cables you are installing.

  • Portability: Some machines are designed for easy transport and use in various locations, including confined spaces.

  • Tension Control: Look for machines with advanced tension monitoring systems to prevent over-stressing the cable.

  • Motor and Power Source: Options include electric, hydraulic, or battery-powered motors, each suited for different site conditions. Our range of automatic cable pullers is designed to meet the demands of various industrial and construction environments, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

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