Selecting an Appropriate Lube for the Installation Environment
IDEAL Electrical offers a range of high-quality lubricants that have been independently tested to IEEE and UL standards. The products are pH neutral, environmentally safe, non-toxic, non-flammable and non-corrosive; all properties that contractors should be mindful of when selecting the desired lube.
With no mixing required, the IDEAL Yellow 77® Wire Pulling Lubricant is particularly popular in the Middle East construction industry as it suits the specific requirements of projects there, with temperature stability of critical consideration since lube performance can be affected if installed outside the recommended temperature range. Yellow 77’s wax-based formula remains stable in high temperatures of 32°F to 130°F (0°C to 54°C), sufficient variability for even the harshest of installation environments, including dry climates, cold desert evenings and hot summer days.
Yellow 77 also offers enhanced ‘clingability’ for tougher environments – essential for optimum performance throughout the pull, particularly for the longer and more complex runs typical in Middle East construction. It also has the lowest co-efficient of friction of any lubricant in the Ideal Industries range, and the lower the co-efficient of friction, the more protected the cable throughout the pull.
It’s also important to choose a lubricant that is benign when in contact with the cable jacket to prevent any loss of integrity to the jacket protecting the wire. A wide range of jacket materials are used in cable manufacture, so checking that the chosen lubricant is certified for use on the cable being installed is essential. Yellow 77 is safe to use with most cable types and is clearly labelled to verify compatibility.