If something is “as slippery as an eel” it is hard to pin down. But when it comes to Cable blowing, let’s commit to this: lubricating your duct is crucial for successful cable blowing. Slippery is good.

There are many different factors needing attention in order to achieve the best possible cable blowing job. In our previous blog, we discussed the importance of having the ideal fill ratio in order to ensure a productive cable blow. Along with the correct fill ratio and of course pressure-tight duct splices, lubrication is one of the most important success factors of cable blowing. In this article we will discuss the reasons why lubricant is necessary to blow cable the right way, the first time.

It is important to use lubricant in cable blowing because it reduces the frictional drag between the cable and duct. Essentially, the lube helps reduce friction that can build up when you pull cable around corners or through innerduct, helping to prevent damage.

Lubricant is absolutely necessary for longer cable blowing runs. The use of lubricant will measurably increase the length of cable that can be blown in a single shot. This increases the efficiency of your team and reduces the time it takes to complete a job.

Without lubrication, the friction between the fast moving cable and the stationary duct could impede the distance attainable or worse, cause cable damage. The cable can fold over in the duct, sometimes causing enough damage to need a replacement, halting the job and costing your company a lot of money.

One more thing to know is that lubricant for cable blowing is very different from lubricant for cable pulling. Never use pulling lubricant for cable blowing.

 

GMP offers two lubricants:

Polywater® Prelube 2000™ [1]

  • Proven superior to paraffin oils and cable pulling lubricants for cable blowing. The use of this lubricant results in longer installation distances
  • Proven and recommended by GMP and CBS Products for our blowing equipment – it increases installation distance on of our machines.
  • More economical than pre-lubricated duct. It is fresh lubrication in the field that is quick and easy.
  • Compatible with common fiber optic cable jackets.

Polywater® Prelube 5000™ [1]

  • Easy to use. It can be squeezed into small diameter microducts.
  • Works at extremely low coating levels. It coats further and more effectively than conventional blowing lubricants.
  • Proven superior in side-by-side testing in blown micro cable installations.
  • Compatible with known micro cable plastic jackets. However, it should not be used for resin-coated fiber cables.

Since 1936, GMP has been a top provider of durable and long lasting tools that can get the job done right. Our Cable Blowing Machines are designed for maximum efficiency to successfully complete even the toughest jobs. To learn more about our cable blowing products and accessories, visit our website at www.gmptools.com