500 McM puller

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normbac

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I have to pull 500 McM cu x 4 in 4 in conduit 2 sweeps underground and 2 overhead 260 ft I have a greenlee UT2 tugger it is not rated for this pull but I was wondering if anyone has used this size tugger for a similiar pull and how it went if so please advise. don't want to burn up or get stuck in the middle of a pull. Thanks
 
normbac said:
I have to pull 500 McM cu x 4 in 4 in conduit 2 sweeps underground and 2 overhead 260 ft I have a greenlee UT2 tugger it is not rated for this pull but I was wondering if anyone has used this size tugger for a similiar pull and how it went if so please advise. don't want to burn up or get stuck in the middle of a pull. Thanks
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disregard thread I misread pullers specs It is rated for this pull
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Have you done a pulling calculation to find the pulling force and sidewall pressure?
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I would like to know how you calculate this value, unless you hire a PE to calculate it. I have never heard of anyone doing this or even discussing it. The closest I have come is to use the phrase, "we will have to use a lot of snot on this one". Would that count?

BTW, I am not trying to sound snotty, I truly am curious if there is a way to calculate this without using my TI-89 and a large dose of calculus.

Bob
 
I had the Polywater software and often used in planning hard pulls. Many times before I ran the conduit so I could find out if I needed large radius elbows. They often have to be used to keep the sidewall pressure to a safe level. The side wall pressure is the crushing force that is applied to the insulation as you pull around a bend. The longer the radius, the less sidewall pressure.

There is an online calculator here. A bit harder to use than the Polywater software, but it can get the job done.
 
Thanks for the online calculator. Most of my work has been residential with me pulling the underground wire from utility service point from their Meter/panel to the house. I use the longer radius sweeps because of the easier pulls they make. :happyyes:
 
JDB3 said:
... I use the longer radius sweeps because of the easier pulls they make. :happyyes:
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Note that the pulling tension calculator does not have an input for the radius of the bend for calculating the tension or pulling force. The radius is only used for the sidewall pressure calculation.
 
normbac said:
I have to pull 500 McM cu x 4 in 4 in conduit 2 sweeps underground and 2 overhead 260 ft I have a greenlee UT2 tugger it is not rated for this pull but I was wondering if anyone has used this size tugger for a similiar pull and how it went if so please advise. don't want to burn up or get stuck in the middle of a pull. Thanks
Click to expand...

While it is virtually impossible for use to do a calculation based on the information you have provided I would say based on the information provided that your tug is about 300-400 pounds and your SWP is about less than 300 lbs. However, to be more accurate you would need to provide us with:

1) Angle of starting pull
2) Starting pull force (usually about 35-40 lbs)
3) Each segment of the pull and all elbows and offsets included and if they are up or down
4) what Coefficient of Friction are you using as the value? is it .14 to .17 for superslick elite or simpull products or using pulling lubricants and so on with traditional non pre-lubricated conductors.

If you can provide all the details then we can tell you exactly...but based on what you have presented and the limited bends I would say you are fine.
 
The radius will make a difference in the tension just because of the stiffness of the wire if the radius is below a minimum value (like a plumbing elbow).
 
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And don't forget the jam ratio calc. I don't care if you use the left hand, right hand, or both hands the biggest tugger won't get you out of a jam like that. :lol:

Go to Southwire's webpage, under calculators they have a really good free tool for pulling calcs.

Now, quit tugging and get to work.......................
 
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