Cable Pulling Tension Calculator

Paul H Johnson · Engineering Calculator · continuous pull methodology · PV / power cable routes
Handy Tools
Final Pulling Tension
continuous route
Manufacturer Limit
governing pull limit
Tension Utilisation
maximum route value
Max Sidewall Pressure
bend exit tension / radius
Overall
tension + bend + SWP checks

Continuous Pull Route

#Route SegmentTypeLength mAngle °Radius mμ Tension In NSegment Effect NCumulative Out NOut kN% LimitSWP N/mStatus

Tension Profile

Engineering Checks

Calculated cable weight forceN/m
Conductor pull limit (area × stress)N
Governing pull limitN
Manufacturer minimum bend radiusm
Smallest route bend radiusm
Bend radius check
Maximum sidewall pressureN/m
Overall continuous-pull result

Calculation Basis

Straight / inclined: Tout = Tin + wL(sin θ + μ cos θ)
Bend / capstan: Tout = Tin × eμθ, θ in radians
Vertical rise: Tout = Tin + wL
Sidewall pressure: SWP = Tout / R
Governing pull limit: lower of conductor stress limit and manufacturer maximum pulling tension
Friction coefficients, pulling attachment, bend radii, sidewall-pressure limit and all cable manufacturer constraints must be confirmed for the actual installation before construction.

References

[KEI-1] KEI Industries, 2 × 1C Aluminium Conductor XLPE Insulated & PVC Sheathed Feeder – Duplex Cable 1500 V DC to EN 50618 & AS/NZS 5000.1. Manufacturer cable construction and 400 mm² technical data.
https://www.kei-ind.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/solar_cable_Catalogue.pdf
[KEI-2] KEI Industries, Solar Cable Catalogue – Mechanical Features. Minimum bending radius = 4 × cable diameter; safe pulling force = 50 N/mm².
https://www.kei-ind.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/KEI-Solar-Cable-Catalogue.pdf
[R1] IEEE 1185-2019, IEEE Recommended Practice for Cable Installation in Generating Stations and Industrial Facilities.
https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/1185/6194/
[R2] Southwire, Power Cable Installation Guide, used as a general cross-check for pulling tension, capstan/bend and sidewall-pressure methodology.
https://www.southwire.com/medias/Power-Cable-Installation-Guide-Southwire.pdf