If a conduit is missing a pulling line, what can be used as an alternative?

A pulling line is essential for facilitating the installation of fiber-optic cables through conduits. In scenarios where a conduit lacks a pulling line, the use of an unused cable serves as an effective alternative. This is primarily due to the ability of an unused cable to provide the necessary strength and flexibility required to maneuver through the conduit without damaging the existing infrastructure.

Utilizing an unused cable allows for a smoother pulling process, making it easier to guide the new fiber-optic cable without risking entanglement or excessive friction that could impair the fibers. It is important to select a cable that is not already in use to prevent potential interruptions to existing services and to ensure that it does not affect the integrity or performance of the installed systems.

In contrast, using another fiber-optic cable may not be feasible, as it could lead to damage or complications when navigating through the conduit due to the fragility of fiber-optic strands. Steel wire, while strong, might not be the best choice as it lacks the necessary flexibility and can cause abrasions to the conduit or the new cable being pulled. Ropes may not provide the level of support needed for the weight and resistance encountered when pulling through conduits, which could result in failure during the installation process. Thus,