Necessary Considerations for a Cable Pull
A lot of mechanical damages on cables occur during installation as compared to during the service periods. It is therefore important to consider all the relevant details that would lead to a successful installation. Pulling the cables is part of the installation work, therefore one should know how to correctly pull a cable under various circumstances. If cables are not pulled correctly then it is probable that they will have short life span and also deliver poor services. There are various parameters that constitute every method of installation. For example when you do conduit installation, you need to consider the maximum cable pulling tension, the side wall pressure and the clearance. Some of the minor details which are important to consider include:
• The cable bending radius- for correct pulling this radius has to be as minimum as possible.
• Sidewall pressure- an excess of sidewall pressure may damage a cable.
• Pulling tension. The highest pulling force implied should cause damage to the cable.
When you do conduit installation then cable pulling is an act you will not avoid. Gaining knowledge on how to do it successfully should be your desire. Here, I outline the major obligations you should consider during the exercise.
a) Thorough planning
This, as any other major activity requires you to do a very elaborate prior planning. The success of the installation really matter to the system you are running therefore as part of your prior planning, you should check the sizes of the cables, if it has some damage, check for any specifications before you begin. It is appropriate to seek consultation from local authority, learn the state, local or federal codes that are applicable. Besides, you need to consult the manufacturers for effective equipment for pulling.
b) Temperature variation
Temperature fluctuation causes either expansion or contraction in cables. These variations affect how you carry out the cable pulling. When installations are done during the low temperature seasons, one is advised to carry out a slow pulling process. Cables tend to contract at low temperature therefore drastic pulling could lead to damages. It is appropriate in cold weather to store the cables in a heated store before installation for about 24 hours.
c) Cable ends
There is a stage in installation where cables are placed in their channels and cable ends are put which act as limits. It is however not appropriate to use them when a cable is under pulling tension.
d) Bend radius
How to bend the cables during cable pulling is a factor to consider. For conduit bends, round curved geometries and sheaves, the bend radius has to be larger, therefore the cable pulling may be done during installation. Cables which are no shielded tend to easily make sharper bends than the shielded cables.
e) Type of equipment to be installed
Different machines have different ways of using the installed cable therefore one has to know the mode of operation of the machine to be used.
With these information you are able to make appropriate cable pull during your installation. Check through this considerations, implement them and you never shall regret.