Electrical Cable Lube

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Forum Name: Miscellaneous - Off Topic
Forum Discription: Topics that just don't fit anywhere else.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=79914
Printed Date: April 28, 2024 at 10:58 PM

Topic: Electrical Cable Lube

Posted By: Zilverado
Subject: Electrical Cable Lube
Date Posted: July 04, 2006 at 8:58 AM

Hey Guys,

I realize this is not a "12 volt" question, but I thought there may be some folks out there with experience in AC wiring as well - - perhaps some electricians.

I was installing electrical service into my new garage on the weekend. I pulled the conductor (USEI #2 - direct bury aluminum cables) through a PVC conduit. It got a little difficult to pull, so I was forced to lube it. Unfortunately, I did not have any "purpose made" cable pulling lube, so I used a little bit of petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

Question: Is petroleum jelly OK to use for this purpose? Is it compatible with the PVC pipe and the wire jacket (some form of plastic as well)?

I just don't want to end up with damage cable or conduit in a few years. Any experience with this?

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Zilverado,
Backyard Mechanic
1986 Chevy Truck & 1992 Nissan Pathfinder

Replies:

Posted By: Zilverado
Date Posted: July 04, 2006 at 9:46 AM

Just a quick follow-up to my own question...

I just poke with the electrical supply house that sold me the cable and they assured me I should have no issues with the use of petroleum jelly with these electrical cables. They said I could even have used regular grease and I would have been fine - - hope they're right. posted_image

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Zilverado,
Backyard Mechanic
1986 Chevy Truck & 1992 Nissan Pathfinder

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: July 05, 2006 at 12:23 AM

haha, I've been known to use either hand soap or dish soap when in a bind with no cable lube. I've never resorted to petroleum jelly though!

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Kevin Pierson

Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: July 05, 2006 at 10:26 AM

It should be ok

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.

Posted By: Zilverado
Date Posted: July 05, 2006 at 10:45 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys.

After talking to a few more people and looking around the web a bit more, I'm feeling pretty OK about it myself. I just got a little nervous about it, and thought I'd ask around.

Thanks again.

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Zilverado,
Backyard Mechanic
1986 Chevy Truck & 1992 Nissan Pathfinder

Posted By: placebo-pete
Date Posted: August 04, 2006 at 6:54 AM

I too was worried about the whole petroleum jelly thing so I used Ky liquid worked very well actually if only i knew what its real use was for posted_image