What is sidewall pressure, and how is it calculated for bends in a conduit?

2025-08-16

Answer from Ningbo Changshi: Sidewall pressure is the force exerted by the cable on the inner wall of the conduit as it is pulled around a bend. Unlike pulling tension, which is a force along the cable's length, sidewall pressure is a crushing force that can cause serious, often invisible, damage to the cable's insulation and sheath.

The general formula for calculating sidewall pressure is:

Where:

  • P = Sidewall pressure

  • Tout = The pulling tension leaving the bend

  • R = The radius of the bend

Sidewall pressure can often be the limiting factor in a cable pull, especially with heavy cables and tight bends. The maximum allowable sidewall pressure (MASP) is a crucial specification provided by the cable manufacturer. Our team always emphasizes the importance of using a large-radius bend and a high-quality lubricant to minimize sidewall pressure, thus protecting the integrity of your valuable cable.

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