
	Friday Fax A Weekly Summary of Polywater^® News of Incredible Importance

Issue #419

Approval

Lubricant Criterion #5: Cable Manufacturer Approval – This stamp of approval indicates that a lubricant manufacturer has taken the time to test for compatibility and to convince the cable manufacturer that they can safely make a lubricant recommendation. Contact either the cable or lubricant manufacturer for a recommendation on your specific cable type. (But when you call for approval, our competitors may think you're dealing with self-esteem issues.) See our Approvals List for more information.

Compatibility

Lubricant Criterion #6: Cable Compatibility – Never assume that a commercial lubricant is universally compatible. Most aren’t. This could result in liability issues. Lubricants must endure long-term contact with a wide variety of cable jackets without causing degradation, which is why petroleum-based lubes are unacceptable. Every lubricant should be tested on the most common jacket types available, with results available from reputable manufacturers. But the landscape is constantly changing. New jacket materials—particularly fire-retardant, “Category 6,” and other premise types—are highly susceptible to damage caused by chemical interaction. Shortened cable life, changes in semi-conducting properties, or attenuation can result. Ask manufacturers for compatibility statements, particularly when installing newer cable types. (Our competitors may think you're looking for a dating service.) See our Compatibility Statement and Technical Talk #13 for more information.

The Friday Fax Editor's Joke of the Week

The Joke

Homespun Advice How to end ant infestations without the use of chemicals. NOTE: Despite no chemicals, this method is not approved by PETA or the ASPCA. Ants are social critters that communicate with each other regularly in ways that only scientists comprehend. If you see ants in your work area, capture one alive. Then, as you talk sternly to it, slowly pull off two or three of its legs. Then growl at it and release the small beast. The ant will limp back to its "hill" or be rescued and dragged there by fellow ants. The wounded ant will "tell" the rest of the community where and how it was injured and how insanely evil you are. All ants from that group will avoid your cube or office in the future. This works. If later you see ants in your area, you can be sure they're from a different group. Repeat the process. This method also works well with bees and wasps, but is more difficult to implement.

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American Polywater Corporation -- The world's leading manufacturer of cable pulling lubricants, cable cleaners, and MRO & construction chemicals.
P.O. Box 53 | Stillwater, MN 55082 USA
1-(651) 430-2270 (Voice) | 1-(651) 430-3634 (Fax)
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