Breakaway Connectors & Breakaway Swivels

Short Answer: Breakaway swivels and breakaway connectors are used to protect polyethylene duct and conduit from overload during pullback.

Correct use: These tools are installed between the pulling device and the product so they will separate at a predetermined load before the duct is damaged. They act as a mechanical fuse during installation.

Technical details: Breakaway swivels and connectors are available in light-duty and heavy-duty versions with defined break ranges, allowing crews to match the break strength to the duct's allowable pull force.

Incorrect use includes: Bypassing breakaway protection or selecting a break strength higher than the duct's rating. Incorrect use can introduce greater risk of duct failure or costly product damage.

Short Answer: Breakaway swivels and connectors are compatible with pulling eyes, duct pullers, and pullback assemblies with matching load ratings.

Correct use: Select a breakaway device that matches both the connection type and the desired break strength for the product being installed. They are commonly paired with pulling eyes, duct pullers, or swivels during conduit and duct installations.

Technical details: Compatibility is determined by connection geometry and load rating, not ground type. Breakaway pins are color-coded to indicate break strength and allow precise load selection.

Incorrect use includes: Mixing incompatible connection types or using breakaway pins with unknown or mismatched ratings. Incorrect use can introduce greater risk of unintended separation or lack of protection.

Short Answer: Breakaway swivels and connectors can be used in any ground condition where pullback loads must be controlled.

Correct use: Ground conditions are addressed during drilling and reaming. Breakaway devices are used during pullback to protect duct regardless of soil type.

Technical details: Pull loads can spike in any ground due to bore instability, bends, or lubrication loss. Breakaway protection helps limit damage when unexpected resistance occurs.

Incorrect use includes: Relying on ground conditions alone to control pull force instead of using a properly rated breakaway device. Incorrect use can introduce greater risk of duct overload.

Short Answer: Use a breakaway connector when rotation is not required, and use a breakaway swivel when the product needs to rotate during pullback.

Correct use: Breakaway connectors provide overload protection in straight pull applications where rotation is unnecessary. Breakaway swivels add the same overload protection while allowing the product to rotate independently of the drill string. In some underground utility installations, breakaway devices are required by specification or local standards, so requirements should always be verified before installation.

Technical details: Both devices function as mechanical fuses that separate at a predetermined load, but swivels include a rotating bearing surface to prevent product twist. The correct choice depends on whether rotation is needed and whether breakaway protection is mandated for the job.

Incorrect use includes: Using a connector where rotation is required, omitting required breakaway protection, or installing a device with an incorrect break strength. Incorrect use can introduce greater risk of product twist, overload damage, or non-compliant installation.