Home Back

General Cable Pulling Tension Calculator

General Cable Pulling Tension Formula:

\[ T_{out} = T_{in} \times e^{\mu \times \theta} \]

lb or N
dimensionless
radians

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is the General Cable Pulling Tension Equation?

The General Cable Pulling Tension equation calculates the output tension when pulling cable through conduits or around bends. It accounts for friction and bend angles to determine the required pulling force.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the general cable pulling tension equation:

\[ T_{out} = T_{in} \times e^{\mu \times \theta} \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation calculates how tension increases exponentially as cable is pulled around bends due to friction.

3. Importance of Cable Pulling Tension Calculation

Details: Accurate tension calculation is crucial for preventing cable damage during installation, ensuring proper cable performance, and determining appropriate pulling equipment requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input tension in lb or N, coefficient of friction (typically 0.1-0.5 for most cable/conduit combinations), and angle in radians. All values must be non-negative.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical coefficient of friction values?
A: For most cable/conduit combinations, μ ranges from 0.1 to 0.5. Lubricated pulls typically have lower coefficients (0.1-0.3).

Q2: How do I convert degrees to radians?
A: Multiply degrees by π/180. For example, 90° = 90 × π/180 = π/2 ≈ 1.57 radians.

Q3: What is the maximum recommended pulling tension?
A: Maximum tension varies by cable type but is typically 0.008 × number of conductors × conductor cross-sectional area for copper cables.

Q4: Does this equation account for multiple bends?
A: For multiple bends, calculate tension sequentially through each bend, using the output tension from one bend as input to the next.

Q5: When should I use sidewall pressure calculations?
A: Sidewall pressure should be calculated for bends to ensure the cable isn't crushed. It's calculated as T/R where T is tension and R is bend radius.

General Cable Pulling Tension Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025