Cable pulling grips are an invaluable tool for electricians and other tradespeople, who need to install cables within conduits or enclosed spaces. But what exactly are they and when are they used?
Cable pulling grips are components attached
to the end of cables to provide a secure hold point during the installation
process. They allow cables to be safely pulled through conduits, within cavity
walls, through floor voids and inside other restricted spaces.
The grips temporarily hold cables in place while force is exerted to pull them to the desired destination. They are an essential asset for achieving smooth, efficient cable pulls.
Key Uses of Cable Pulling Grips
One of the most common uses for cable grips
is feeding cables through electrical conduit. The conduit provides protected
containment for wiring, but its narrow diameter makes manoeuvring cables
difficult. Grips allow controlled, steady tension to be applied to pull cables
through the conduit smoothly and without damage.
The tight grip gives precise control over the cable so it can be steered around bends in the conduit. This avoids cables snagging or jamming on the way through.
Pulling Cables Within Cavity Walls
Cable grips enable easy installation of
electrical cables within the void inside cavity walls. Cables can be securely
gripped then pulled vertically between floors within the wall void.
They can also be used horizontally to feed cables across cavity walls, from one section of the wall to another. Tight access within the wall makes this difficult without a proper grip on cables.
Pulling Cables Under Floorboards
When cables need to be routed beneath
floorboards to service floor-level outlets, grips allow installers to neatly
pull them into position. Again, the restrictive space underneath floors make
pulling cables by hand alone very challenging.
The tension applied via the grip lets cables be smoothly pulled under the flooring between joists. Eliminating dragging or snagging as the cables are positioned.
Pulling Cables Down Wall Cavities
For running cables down inside stud wall partitions, grips provide the necessary controlled tension. Whether installing power or communications cabling behind drywalls, grips prevent cables from slipping and sliding out of position as they are lowered into the wall void, allowing smooth vertical runs down cavity walls to service outlets positioned at different heights.
General Cable Pulling & Management
In any situation where cables must be
routed within an enclosed space, cable grips are invaluable. Their firm hold on
cables gives installers maximum control when positioning cables behind walls,
within cable trays, inside equipment racks, through voids – anywhere that
access is limited.
Good cable pulling practice depends on controlling cables to avoid damage caused by uncontrolled tugging and snagging. Grips provide the firm, but flexible grip needed to pull, guide and steer cables with precision during installation.
Why Use Cable Grips?
Even with care, there is always a
possibility of damaging the cables when trying to pull them by insulation or
sheath. A pull-on cable, without slippage on the ends of cables is provided
through a grip.
Cables are allowed to run through the
containment as tension is applied through the grip, so they reduce friction and
hence make it easy to manage cables. The reason for this is that it assists in
removing the friction, wear and tear on cables while keeping them positioned.
They are flexible to allow different cable
types and diameters. Quick to attach, easy to release, cable grips are perfect
for every job. After an installation is completed, they are removed.
In cable work, cable pulling grips are
indispensable particularly in inaccessible and enclosed areas. Such accessories
make it easy. Doing away with uncontrolled pulls that can damage cables, they
enable accurate positioning of cables.
Cable pulling grips are engineered to provide a professional control pulling the cables into position in conduits, walls, the floor or anywhere space is tight. They grip firmly, providing a perfect anchor point to be able to apply smooth tension to feed the cables through to their destination unscathed. A good set of cable socks should be a necessity in the toolkit of an electrical or cabling installer.
