For cable pulls below freezing, use a Polywater winter grade lubricant. Polywater makes two winter grade pulling lubricants: Polywater J Winter Grade (WJ) for most underground power and communications pulls, and Polywater + Silicone Type NN Winter Grade (WNN) for heavy transmission cable and long, complex or wet pulls. Both are rated for application down to -30°C (-20°F).

Winter grades work the same way as the standard J and NN lubricants. They are formulated to stay usable in the cold, so crews in New England and New York can keep pulling cable through the winter with a lubricant made for those temperatures.

Why use a winter grade lubricant?

Standard water-based pulling lubricants are made for normal temperatures. Below freezing, the water in them is the problem. Winter grades are made for application as cold as -20°F, so the lube still goes on smoothly and still cuts pulling tension when the job site is frozen.

Polywater J is also listed as temperature stable and unaffected by freeze/thaw cycles, which matters for pails that ride on a truck or sit in an unheated yard all season.

What is the difference between WJ and WNN?

• WJ (Polywater J Winter Grade) is a slow-drying, non-staining gel that clings to the cable jacket on long or multiple-bend pulls. It is UL listed and passes IEEE 1210 testing. It is the everyday choice for underground power and communications cable.
• WNN (Polywater + Silicone Type NN Winter Grade) is Polywater's premier lubricant for heavy underground transmission cable and complex pulls. It dries slowly to a thin, slippery film and is especially recommended for wet conduit. It passes IEEE 1210 and meets Telcordia GR-356-CORE.

What sizes do Polywater winter grade lubricants come in?

Each winter grade part number is the standard part number with a W in front. Linked part numbers are available in the UPSC online store. Contact us for the other sizes.

• 1 qt squeeze bottle: WJ-35, WNN-35
• 1/2 gal bag in carton: WJ-55
• 1/2 gal bags in 5-gal pail: WJ-110
• 1 gal pail or jug: WJ-128, WNN-128
• 5 gal pail: WJ-640, WNN-640
• 55 gal drum: WJ-DRUM, WNN-DRUM

Tips for pulling cable in cold weather

• Switch before the first freeze. Stock winter grade before temperatures drop so crews are not stuck with standard lube on a cold morning.
• Match the lube to the pull. Use WJ for most underground work and WNN for heavy transmission cable, long complex runs or wet conduit.
• Pump it on long runs. WJ can be applied by hand or pumped with Polywater's LP-D5 drill-powered pump.
• Pick the right package. Quarts and half-gallon bags suit service crews, while 5-gallon pails and drums suit contractors running long duct banks.

Frequently asked questions

How cold can Polywater winter grade lubricant be used?

Both Polywater WJ and WNN are rated for application at temperatures as cold as -30°C (-20°F).

What does the W mean in Polywater part numbers?

It marks the winter grade version. WJ-128 is the 1-gallon winter grade of Polywater J-128, and WNN-640 is the 5-gallon winter grade of NN-640.

Is Polywater WJ UL listed?

Yes. Polywater J, including the winter grade, is UL listed and passes IEEE 1210 testing.

Which winter lubricant is best for transmission cable?

WNN. Polywater + Silicone Type NN is Polywater's premier lubricant for heavy underground transmission cable and complex pulls, and it is especially recommended for wet environments.

Does Polywater J freeze?

Polywater lists J as temperature stable and unaffected by freeze/thaw cycles. For application below freezing, use the WJ winter grade.

Is Polywater WJ messy to clean up?

No. It is a non-staining gel that leaves little residue, so it also works for finished indoor installations.

Where can I buy Polywater winter grade lubricant in New England or New York?

Utility Power Supply Company (UPSC) and Powertech Associates represent Polywater across New England and New York State. Order winter grade WJ or WNN online, or contact us at info@powertech-upsc.com or (860) 678-8772 for case and drum quantities.