Lubrication Techniques to Allow Placement of Long Lengths of Innerduct and Fiber Optic Cable in a Conduit

Because of the present emphasis on placement of long unspliced lengths of fiber optic cable, conventional lubricants are being pushed to their limits. This paper discusses an installation where a newgeneration lubricant, consisting of silicone oil and tiny plastic ball bearings, was used to lower the effective coefficient of friction to 0.09. This allowed the contractor to place fiber optic cable in a single unassisted unidirectional pull on a run that would have otherwise required additional expenditures and time. A description of the run and discussion of pulling lubricants is included.