General Cable Installation Rules Posted on February 27, 2017 by Brandy McNeil 1. Do not exceed a pulling tension of 20% of the ultimate breaking strength of the cable (these figures are available from the cable maker.) 2. Lubricate the raceway generously with a suitable pulling compound. (Check with the manufacturer for types of lubricants that are best suited to the type of cable.) 3. Use pulling eyes for manhole installations. 4. For long underground runs, pull the cable both ways from a centrally located manhole to avoid splicing. Use pulling eyes on each end. 5. Do not bend, install, or rack any cable in an arc of less than 12 times the cable diameter.