Minimizing friction and preventing conductor damage is paramount for the longevity and performance of both overhead and underground power lines. Current best practices involve a combination of high-quality equipment, meticulous planning, and skilled execution:

For Overhead Conductor Stringing (Tension Stringing):

• Properly Sized & Lined Stringing Blocks:

  • Large Sheave Diameter: Ensures the conductor maintains its natural bending radius, reducing localized stress.

  • Non-Metallic Liners: Critical for sensitive conductors (HTLS, ACCC, OPGW). Our blocks feature durable polyurethane or nylon liners to prevent scratching, denting, or crushing of the conductor's surface or sensitive core.

  • Smooth, Sealed Bearings: High-quality, sealed bearings minimize rolling friction and ensure the sheave spins freely, reducing the required pulling force.

• Precision Hydraulic Pullers & Tensioners:

  • Closed-Loop Systems: Provide infinitely variable and consistent tension control, preventing sudden jerks or uncontrolled conductor movement.

  • Real-time Tension Monitoring: Operators can continuously monitor pulling force and back-tension, ensuring limits are not exceeded.

• Specialized Pulling Grips & Running Boards:

  • Even Force Distribution: Grips designed to distribute force uniformly along the conductor to prevent localized stress or crushing.

  • Integrated Swivels: Critical for bundled conductors and OPGW to prevent twisting and transfer of torsional forces.

• Optimized Stringing Path: Planning the route to minimize severe angle structures, as bends significantly increase friction on stringing blocks.

• Controlled Pulling Speed: Maintaining a smooth, consistent pulling speed to avoid dynamic loading and excessive friction.

For Underground Cable Stringing (Pulling):

• High-Quality Cable Lubricants:

  • Chemical Compatibility: Crucial to select lubricants chemically compatible with both the cable jacket and conduit material to prevent degradation.

  • High Friction Reduction: Using lubricants specifically designed for electrical cables that drastically reduce pulling tension.

  • Proper Application: Ensuring uniform and sufficient application of lubricant along the entire length of the cable and/or inside the conduit.

• Cable Rollers & Guides:

  • Appropriate Size & Material: Using rollers and guides that support the cable adequately and have smooth, non-abrasive surfaces to prevent dragging or abrasion in manholes, vaults, or open trenches.

  • Radius Control: Ensuring rollers guide the cable around bends without exceeding its minimum bending radius.

• Properly Sized Conduits/Ducts: Selecting conduit sizes that provide sufficient clearance for the cable, minimizing friction.

• Automated Cable Pullers with Tension Monitoring: Modern pullers with automatic tension control prevent exceeding the cable's maximum allowable pulling tension.

• Pulling Eyes vs. Grips: Using manufacturer-recommended pulling eyes for direct connection to the cable's strength member whenever possible, or specialized grips designed for minimal jacket damage.

• Clean Conduits: Ensuring conduits are free from debris, water, or kinks before pulling.

Our company provides a full range of equipment and tools designed to implement these best practices, ensuring the safe, efficient, and damage-free installation of conductors and cables, maximizing their operational lifespan.