Cable Pulling Eye
A cable pulling eye is a specialized end fitting, formed as a loop or eye and bonded or mechanically attached to the end of a cable or wire rope, enabling safe pulling through ducts, conduits, or reeving systems without damaging the cable or exceeding allowable pulling tension. It distributes forces to prevent overstressing the jacket, armour, or conductors.
On a shop floor, cable pulling eyes are attached to power, communication, or fibre-optic cables for installation through conduits or ducts. For copper conductors, eyes are soldered into socket-type fittings; for aluminum, they are mechanically compressed. Armour or metal sheath must be secured to the eye to withstand pulling tension. In wire rope systems, pulling eyes facilitate re-reeving by connecting new ropes to old ones. Pulling tension is calculated using Tmax = CTC × CA × N, where CTC depends on conductor material and eye type. Planners use this to set winch limits and select eye types like swivel or breakaway eyes for specific routes.
Does WorkSafeBC explicitly regulate cable pulling eyes?
WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 15 does not use the phrase 'cable pulling eye' directly, but it regulates wire rope terminations, including swaged fold-back eyes, when used in rigging where worker safety could be affected. Such eyes must be suitable, uniquely identified, proof-tested, and marked with WLL.
What is the difference between a pulling eye and a standard wire rope eye splice?
A pulling eye is an end preparation for installation or re-reeving, not intended for service loads. A standard eye splice is a structural termination for service loads, meeting WLL and inspection criteria. Pulling eyes should be tagged as installation-only hardware.
How is pulling tension calculated for cable pulls using a cable pulling eye?
Pulling tension is calculated as Tmax = CTC × CA × N, where CTC is the conductor tension constant (based on material and eye type), CA is conductor area in circular mils, and N is the number of conductors. This ensures safe limits and should be documented in compliance records.