Initial or Reelback Tension

The initial or reelback tension is the tension required to pull the cable from the reel while the reel is moving. This tension varies with a number of factors, the most influential being the phase conductor size and weight. However, the amount of cable on the reel, the manner in which the cable is unwound, and the ability of the reel to spin freely all play an important role in determining this value. Due to the virtually unlimited values these factors may assume, it is extremely difficult to accurately predict the initial or reelback tension.

The following table provides a rough estimate of the initial or reelback tension for a specified phase conductor.

Phase Conductor		Reelback Tension (lb)
Primary Aluminum	#2, 7 strd AL CN 15 KV XLP #1/0, 19 strd AL CN 15 KV XLP #4/0, 19 strd AL CN 15 KV XLP 3-750, KCM, 61 strd AL 15 KV XLP w/ #4/0 bare CU neut 3-1000 KCM, 61 strd AL 15 KV XLP w/ #4/0 bare CU neut	50 50 60 0* 0*
Primary Copper	all PILC cable 3-500 KCM, 37 strd CU 15 KV XLP w/ #4/0 bare CU neut 3-750, KCM, 61 strd AL 15 KV XLP w/ #4/0 bare CU neut	0* 0* 0*
Secondary Aluminum	#1/0, 19 strd AL 600 V XLP & triplex #4/0, 19 strd AL 600 V XLP & triplex 350 KCM, 37 strd AL 600 V XLP & triplex 500 KCM, 37 strd AL 600 V XLP & triplex 750 KCM, 37 strd AL 600 V XLP & triplex 750 KCM quadruplex	40 40 45 45 50 50
Secondary Copper	#2, 7 strd CU 600 V XLP #1/0, 19 strd CU 600 V XLP #2/0, 19 strd CU 600 V XLP #4/0, 19 strd CU 600 V XLP 350 KCM, 37 strd CU 600 V XLP 500 KCM, 37 strd CU 600 V XLP 750 KCM, 61 strd CU 600 V XLP	45 45 50 50 55 55 60

* A motorized reel must be used because of the cable weight.