
What is a "breakaway swivel" and when is it a critical safety tool?
2025-08-16Answer from Ningbo Changshi: A breakaway Swivel is a specialized safety device designed to protect a valuable cable from being over-stressed during a pull. Unlike a standard Swivel, which is engineered to handle a load and prevent twisting, a breakaway swivel contains a shear pin that is designed to "break away" or fracture at a pre-set tensile load.
This is a critical safety tool, especially for delicate and expensive cables like fiber optic or high-voltage cables, which have a specific maximum pulling tension that should never be exceeded. If the pulling tension unexpectedly reaches this limit due to an obstruction or friction in the conduit, the breakaway pin will snap, disconnecting the pulling line from the cable. This prevents damage to the cable's internal structure and saves a potentially costly repair or replacement. Our breakaway swivels are available with various shear pin ratings, allowing you to select the precise breaking point needed for your specific project.