Buildings Data and Voice Network Cable Pulling

When you are pulling multiple cables through a conduit using a draw cord of rope, it helps to use a cable-pulling swivel. These are available in various pulling strengths, from about 4 to 5 pounds and up. They usually incorporate a bolt that will break off (if necessary) before there is a risk of the cable stretching.

Pulling the cable with a cable-pulling swivel prevents the natural untwisting of the rope or cord that winds the cables together, letting them remain parallel throughout the conduit. (Adding some cable lubricant will lessen the pulling tension and rubbing friction.) In addition, if the conduit is large enough, a rope can be pulled in for future cable pulling.

procedure

• Attach the pulling rope to the swivel with a round turn and 2 half-hitches. Apply a couple of wraps of electrical tape to the trailing end of the rope.
• Using a section of rope approximately 2 meters long, (about 61/2 feet) tie one end to the opposite end of the swivel using the method in the previous step.
• Using several rounds of electrical tape, connect the other end of the 2-meter section of rope to the cables, approximately 600 millimeters (about 23 1/2 inches) from the end.
• Tie 4 to 6 half-hitches, spaced about 100 millimeters (4 inches)apart.
• Keeping the rope firmly pulled tight, wrap several layers of electrical tape around the end of the cables and the pulling rope. This will let the cables follow the pull of the rope, starting off with the knots pulled tight.
• Add some cable-pulling lubricant if necessary, then begin pulling, keeping in mind pulling tensions.
• When finished pulling, cut off the ends of the cable that were damaged by the pulling and pressure of the rope.

Pulling tools

Jack-stands and cable reel arbors are typically used for large diameter cable installations. Jack-stands must have an adequate base dimension in order to be stable on the resting surface. In some cases, it may be necessary to anchor jack-stands to the resting surface for additional support. Jack-stand height is recommended to be just high enough to keep the cable reel from dragging on the ground. Excessive jack-stand elevation will make the reel assembly top heavy and unstable.

Arranging multiple cable reels in-line or side-by-side for a single cable pull is solely a matter of personal preference or site conditions. Reel arbors must be sized appropriately for the respective cable reels in use. There are numerous cable pulling rack assemblies for smaller conductors. These racks must also be stable and secure for each cable pull. For all multiple conductor pulls, there are also tools available to dress and feed multiple conductors into a raceway without entanglement or crossing.

A cable pulling winch is an installer's best friend when used correctly. These devices are manufactured in various torque ratings. Cable pullers must be in good working condition, their dynamometers properly calibrated, and be securely mounted prior to use. You must also familiarize yourself with all manufacturer operating instructions prior to the actual pull.

Cable Drum Winch

• Mechanical drive
• Small dimensions
• Rope drum with 250 m steel wire rope, dia. 5 mm
• Rope drum disengegable for pulling-out the rope
• Manual rope layering by hand lever
• Pulling force limitation by adjustable limit switch by means of scale
• Petrol or electric engine
• Painting: RAL 5015 (blue)

Optional Equipment

Single phase AC engine 1,5 kW 230 V, 50 Hz
Bigger rope lengths up to max. 400 m
Electric brake motor for holding the load