The newest version of the classic Yellow 77 wire lubricant from IDEAL Electrical maintains the performance of the classic wax-based formula, but now comes in a convenient, easy-to-use aerosol spray format. Beyond the ease of application, another feature that sets the Yellow 77 Aerosol apart is its extended stability range. The aerosol is temperature-stable from -17 to 50°C, surpassing anything else in the IDEAL catalog except for the Aqua-Gel^® Cold Weather Pulling Lubricant. This wide range makes the aerosol version a versatile and user-friendly choice, especially in colder conditions.

Oscar Perez, a commercial and residential electrician from St. Charles, Ill., put this latest IDEAL innovation to the test. With over 28 years of experience in the electrical field, Oscar is used to traditional wax-based lubricants that leave his hands messy. So what did he think of the new Yellow 77 Aerosol Wire Pulling Lubricant? Below, Oscar shares his thoughts after trying out the product on his jobsite.

What did you think of the new IDEAL Electrical Yellow 77 Aerosol lubricant compared to the old IDEAL^® bucket/bottle of Yellow 77?

"I think this product is an improvement from the Yellow 77 bottle. It’s more efficient on conduit pulls that go up and contains the same amount of lubricant as 4 quart-sized bottles. Since it’s more product in one small bottle, it is also easier to store in the truck. If the aerosolized can tips over, you don't run into the problem of it spilling all over the truck. The bucket lube is a challenge because it gets messy, leaving you with super slippery hands when you’re trying to feed or pull wire. I really like the less messy aerosolized version."

How did it compare to competitors' offerings and/or dish soap?

"Compared to other products, the aerosolized Yellow 77 is easy to use and very convenient as a space saver in the truck. While dishsoap works to pull wires, it's not safe because it can conduct electricity. Soap is just not made for pulling wires and doesn’t have the protective elements of actual electrical lubricants – it’s meant for washing dishes!"

What's your favorite thing about it?

"The best feature is the aerosolized version is less messy, helping you pull and feed the wire a lot better."

Oscar's no-mess experience is the result of over two years of work for the IDEAL Electrical product, manufacturing and engineering teams. Kristin Gacon, a Market Segment Manager at IDEAL Electrical™, described the group’s aim with the new aerosol version.

"Yellow 77 Aerosol is about making our customers' lives easier,” said Kristin Gacon. “The aerosol’s applicator tube allows precise placement of the lubricant within conduit openings, providing customers with a cleaner and more efficient solution for wire lubrication."

For Oscar and his crew, the Yellow 77 Aerosol Wire Pulling Lubricant meets this goal, providing the same great performance as the classic Yellow 77 wax with less mess on the jobsite.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LUBRICANT FOR THE JOB