Selecting the correct pulling lubricant is a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in successful underground cable pulling. It directly impacts pulling tension, cable integrity, and installation efficiency. Key factors to consider include:

• Cable Jacket Material: Lubricants must be chemically compatible with the cable's outer jacket (e.g., PVC, polyethylene, LLDPE, LSZH - Low Smoke Zero Halogen). Incompatible lubricants can cause swelling, cracking, or degradation of the jacket over time, leading to premature cable failure. Always consult the cable manufacturer's recommendations.

• Conduit Material: Similarly, the lubricant must be compatible with the conduit material (e.g., PVC, HDPE, steel).

• Friction Reduction Coefficient: The primary purpose of a lubricant is to reduce friction between the cable and the conduit wall. Look for lubricants with a high coefficient of friction reduction to minimize pulling tension.

• Temperature Range: The lubricant must maintain its properties and effectiveness across the expected ambient and pulling temperatures. Some lubricants can become too viscous in cold weather or break down in high heat.

• Residue and Clean-up: Consider whether the lubricant leaves a messy, sticky residue that needs extensive cleanup, or if it dries clean and won't attract dirt or obstruct future cable additions. Water-based, non-toxic, and biodegradable lubricants are often preferred for environmental reasons.

• Ease of Application: The lubricant should be easy to apply uniformly throughout the conduit run, whether manually, with a pump, or through pre-lubricated conduits.

• Shear Stability: The lubricant needs to maintain its lubricating properties even under the high shear forces experienced during a long, tight pull.

• Impact on Operation:

  • Reduced Pulling Tension: The most significant benefit. Lower tension means less strain on the cable, puller, and crew, reducing the risk of cable damage (stretching, jacket abrasion, conductor deformation).

  • Prevention of Cable Damage: Minimizes friction burns, jacket scoring, and insulation damage caused by dragging against rough conduit surfaces or tight bends.

  • Longer Pulls: Enables longer continuous pulls, reducing the need for intermediate pull points (manholes/vaults), which saves time and cost.

  • Improved Efficiency: Smoother pulls mean faster installation times and less effort for the crew.

While our company provides the robust cable pulling equipment, we strongly advise our clients on the importance of selecting the correct, high-quality cable lubricant as an integral part of ensuring the success and longevity of their underground cable installations.