I need to pull some cable through a flexi plastic conduit which is a little on the tight side - the cable is twin and earth and the conduit is that grey flexi, convoluted stuff frequently seen on the continent (as it came from there) and apparently there is a yellow lubricant I think like a thin silicon grease that eases its way through the conduit. I haven't got the yellow grease,....
so the question is.... is there a suitable everyday UK alternative ?
Thanks,
Nick
Hellerman sleeve oil - that's what's used to ease rubber sleeves onto electronic cable. Electronics suppliers like RS etc. Quite pricey, but a little goes a long way, and it keeps well.
Other thing might be a medical lubricant safe on latex etc gloves? Probably more expensive, though.
A smear of margarine or washing-up liquid will do just as well. Not too much though, just a little on the leading end for about six inches, should work OK.
I've seen cable jointers using Swarfega to get pvc-sheathed concentric service cable through service ducting, if that's any help.
On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 20:51:40 GMT, "nick smith" strung together this:
Washing up liquid or squirty soap. (Probably be someone along in a minute to tell us of the scientific reasons why you shouldn't do this).
Talc - probably :-}
What sort of load are you pulling from the other end of the cable - have you allowed for changes to the rating of the cable given the "tight" nature of the conduit (unless its only a short run) ?
Do you intend to use the conduit and T&E in a "flexible" environment, where the cable might need to move with an appliance etc ?
============= The lubricant you're thinking about is probably tallow. Buy it at:
Cic.
I've always used KY Gel in these tight situations
Don.
KY or something similar? But don't buy in in a chemist - go to a "country store" (eg. Mole Valley Farmers) and get some cow lube by the litre, complete with retractable applicator tube...
Gordon
No, AIUI talc or French chalk use to be used with the old cotton rubber cable (i.e. single core cable for conduit installation), I've certainly come across chalk residue in old installation in the past whilst replacing (many years ago) cotton covered with PVC cable.
I can't what used to be suggested for PVC but it wasn't chalk.
In message , nick smith writes
Why not use KY Jelly ?
- should be safe on plastics and rubber
... and guarantee satisfaction
I am sure you will get some somewhat, er, interesting replies to this!
I was faced with an almost identical problem recently, when I had to pull a couple of grey twin-and-earth mains cables plus three 4-core alarm cables through a long length of flexible conduit. The solution I used, one that has worked for me many times before, is to squirt Mister Sheen or some similar silicone-based cleaner/polish on the cables, and then give them a quick wipe. Works a treat, but I don't recommend it for bedroom activities!
Rick
oooooooooooo, I remember those rubber sleeves so well, and the 3 pronged 'virgin breakers' we used to apply them with.
On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 22:48:04 -0000, "Richard Sterry" strung together this:
Oh dear oh dear, that's a failure for a start.
Try
Yes - load is about 300 watts and the cable is 1.5mm twin and earth, so I think there is enough margin of safety there.... I could use 1.0mm but 1.5mm is what I have so I am using it.
No - its a fixed environment - twin and earth is not intended for a flexible environment as the copper will work harden and fracture.
Nick
I used it all up on the first run - now eyeing up the washing up liquid... if I can find it... I last saw it on the bedside table I think, by the batteries...
Nick
Heh heh. I've heard it called the honeymoon tool.
I use them lots - nothing to beat them. Difficult to get the selection of colours that were once available.
The only scientific reason I can think of not to use squirty soap is that it's expensive. :-)) Washing-up liquid is cheaper.
The stuff you want is Yellow 77 Pulling Lubricant:-
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