What is the purpose of lubrication when pulling cables, if allowed?

• A. It reduces friction in the conduit, easing the pull.
• B. It reduces torque requirements.
• C. It changes the shielding effectiveness.
• D. It prevents corrosion on the outer jacket.

Answer: (C)

Lubrication during a pull is used to reduce friction where the cable jacket glides along the conduit or duct. When friction is lowered, the pull becomes smoother and requires less force, which also reduces the torque needed to pull the cable through bends and long runs. This helps protect the cable from damage and can speed up the installation when allowed by the specification.

Lubrication does not change shielding effectiveness; shielding is an electrical property of the cable, not something that lubrication alters. Nor is lubrication intended to prevent corrosion on the outer jacket; environmental protection and material quality handle corrosion resistance, not the pulling lubricant. If lubrication is allowed, it should be an approved product compatible with the cable type and installation environment to avoid contaminating connections or degrading materials.