How is a cable's maximum pulling tension calculated?

2025-08-16

The maximum allowable tension is a crucial calculation based on the cable's construction. The standard formula for this is:

  • Tmax is the maximum allowable pulling tension.

  • K is the constant for the conductor material, typically 50 N/mm² for copper and 30 N/mm² for aluminum.

  • S is the total cross-sectional area of the conductors in mm2.

It's vital to note that this is an idealized calculation for straight pulls. The actual tension required on a job site will be much higher due to friction from bends and conduit walls. This is why a real-time tensiometer on a pulling machine is far more reliable than a static chart, as it provides live feedback and can be programmed to automatically shut down the pull if the tension limit is reached.

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