Chloe Zhang
Pulling wire through plastic conduit can be a complex process and needs to be done efficiently and safely. The conduit's length, material, and type determine the best approach for getting a wire or cable through one end and out the other side. Some common methods for pulling wire through a conduit include using a conduit mouse, a shop vacuum, a string, a fishing weight, or a fish tape. The string method, for instance, involves tying a strong string to a long, inflexible rod, pushing the rod through the conduit, and then tying and pulling the wire through. Longer conduits may require an extra pair of hands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of conduit | Provides a secure barrier between electrical wiring and exterior conditions that could damage or corrode it over time |
| Tools required | Basic tools and supplies, such as a conduit mouse, fish tape, string, fishing weight, lubricant, wire reel jacks, pay-out trees, Quik-Pull, electrical or mechanical pulling tool, vacuum, etc. |
| Considerations | Length of the conduit, number of cables, type of conduit, presence of existing wires, obstacles and bends, friction, etc. |
| Methods | String method, conduit mouse method, fishing weight method, mule tape method, steel fish tape method, fiberglass fish tape method, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a conduit mouse and a vacuum
A conduit mouse, also called a conduit piston, is a small cylinder of foam that is slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the conduit. It is used in tandem with a shop vacuum. This method is a variation of the string method, which uses a rod instead of a conduit mouse.
- Tie a strong, light string to the conduit mouse. There should be a wire loop running through the mouse for this purpose.
- Insert the mouse into the conduit from the opposite side of where you plan to pull from. Ensure that the mouse fills the conduit space and that the string follows behind it.
- Fit the hose of the vacuum over the mouth of the conduit at the opposite end. If the conduit is too large, you can insert the hose inside.
- Turn on the vacuum and wait until the mouse is sucked out at the end of the conduit.
- Turn off the vacuum and remove the mouse.
- Untie the string from the wire loop on the mouse and secure it to the wire.
- Pull the opposite end of the string to guide the wire into the conduit. For longer conduits, it is helpful to have a partner feed the wire.
This method is particularly useful for conduits with complex twists and turns. However, it may be limited by the length of the conduit. It is important to note that the conduit mouse and fishing weight method cannot be used if there are existing wires in the conduit, as any technique may get caught on them.
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The string method
- Tie a strong string to the long, inflexible rod. Ensure the string is securely attached to the rod.
- Push the rod through the conduit, with the tied end going first. Keep pushing until the string emerges from the opposite side of the conduit.
- Tie the electrical wire to the loose end of the string. Ensure that the wire is securely attached to the string.
- Pull the rod and string back through the conduit, which will pull the wire along with them.
- If you are working with a longer conduit, it may be helpful to have a partner feed the wire into the conduit as you pull it through.
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Using a fishing weight
Pulling wire through a conduit with a fishing weight is a simple method that can be effective, but it does have some limitations. The fishing weight method is best suited for free-moving conduits that can be angled or moved around to allow gravity to assist in pulling the weight through. It is not ideal for fixed, horizontal conduits or those with excessive curves. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the fishing weight method:
Firstly, prepare the fishing weight by tying a heavy and narrow fishing weight to the end of the wire using string or fishing line. Ensure there is a lead of 2 to 3 inches of wire in front of the wire when you tie the knot. The weight should be thin enough to fit through the conduit but heavy enough to pull the lubricated wire.
Next, insert the fishing weight inside the conduit and adjust the wire so that it sits straight behind the weight, not coiled or pulling from a spool. This step ensures that the wire follows the weight smoothly as it moves through the conduit.
Now, drop the fishing weight into the conduit and let gravity do its work. If needed, tilt or adjust the conduit orientation to guide the weight around curves or bends. It is helpful to have an assistant for this step, especially if the conduit is long or complex.
As the weight moves through the conduit, continue to feed the wire from the spool, ensuring it stays straight and does not tangle. Communicate with your assistant at the other end of the conduit to ensure the wire is feeding smoothly and does not get snagged.
Finally, once the weight has reached the end of the conduit, pull the wire gently to ensure it has passed through successfully. This method may require some trial and error, depending on the complexity of the conduit. It is important to note that this method may not work if there are existing wires in the conduit, as the fishing weight can get caught on them.
The fishing weight method is a straightforward technique for pulling wire through a conduit, but it is essential to consider the limitations and challenges that may arise.
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Using a fish tape
Fish tape is a tool used by electricians to pull electrical wires through conduits. It is a long, stiff, flat steel wire wound inside a spool with a hook at the end. It is available in various lengths, from 25 feet to 200 feet, and is stored in a round, plastic casing.
Prepare the Fish Tape
Before you begin, ensure you are wearing safety glasses. The stiff metal wire of the fish tape can be dangerous if allowed to unreel suddenly. Open the casing and pull out 5 to 6 inches of the fish tape. Do not unreel the entire length. You may need to push a button to release the tape.
Feed the Fish Tape
Push the fish tape forward and feed it into the plastic conduit. Continue pushing the tape through the conduit and unwinding the spool as you go. When the end of the fish tape emerges from the other end of the conduit, stop feeding the tape.
Prepare the Wires
Strip the insulation from the ends of the wires to expose the copper wire. Hold the wires together so that the insulation is aligned, and twist them together with pliers. Bend the longest wire to form a hook, which will attach to the hook on the end of the fish tape.
Attach the Wires
Once the hooks are attached, wrap the attachment point with electrical tape to ensure the connection remains secure during the pulling process.
Pull the Wires
Pull the wire into the conduit by pulling the fish tape while a partner feeds the wire. Work slowly and patiently, and ensure that about a foot or more of the cable is exposed at the end to prevent it from retracting.
It is important to note that conduits with severe turns or existing wires will require thorough lubrication to get the wires through without catching. Additionally, check for any existing wires or cables in the conduit, as these can be used as pull strings for the new wiring.
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Using an electrical or mechanical pulling tool
Pulling wire through a conduit is a fundamental skill for electricians or anyone who installs wiring systems. It can be a complex process and needs to be done efficiently and safely.
One method of pulling wire through a conduit is to use a fish tape, a tool commonly used by electricians for pulling wire. Fish tape is a long, flat metal wire wound inside a wheel-shaped spool with a hook at one end. To use this method, you will need wire strippers and linesman pliers. Feed the end of the fish tape into the conduit, unwinding the spool as you go. When the hook end emerges from the other side of the conduit, stop feeding the tape. Then, use the wire strippers to strip the insulation from the end of the wire. Wrap the fish tape hook and the bare wire ends with electrical tape. Apply lubricant to the tape and wires, if desired. Feed the wires into the conduit from the starting end. It is best to have another person help pull the wires through from the other end by pulling on the fish tape.
Another method is to use a conduit mouse, also called a conduit piston, with a shop vacuum. This method is a variation of the string method. The conduit mouse is a small cylinder of foam that is slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the conduit. Tie a strong string (a pull string) to the loop on the wire running through the mouse. Insert the mouse at the start of the conduit, followed by the string. At the opposite end, fit the hose of a shop vacuum over the mouth of the conduit. Turn on the vacuum and wait until the mouse is sucked out at the end. Remove the mouse from the conduit and untie the string from the wire loop. Secure the pull string to the wires at the start of the conduit. Lubricate the wires, as needed. One person should feed the wires straight into the conduit, while the other person uses the pull string to guide the wire.
A third method is the string method, which is the simplest technique for pulling wire through a conduit. This method works best on short, straight conduits. Tie a long, strong string to a long, inflexible rod. Push the rod into the conduit with the tied end going first. Continue pushing until the string emerges from the opposite side of the conduit. Tie the electrical wire to the string. Pull the rod and string through the conduit, pulling the wire along with them.
A final method is to use a fishing weight. Tie a heavy fishing weight to the end of the wires using string or fishing wire to give the weight a 2- to 3-inch lead in front of the wiring. Choose a fishing weight that is thin enough to run through the conduit but heavy enough to pull lubricated wire. Place the fishing weight inside the conduit and adjust the placement of the wiring so that it can easily move behind the weight. Drop the weight into the conduit. If you are working with a free-moving length of conduit, lift the end of the conduit higher than the weight so that gravity can pull the weight along. When necessary, adjust the conduit orientation to get the weight around curves in the conduit. Continue this process until all the wire has been pulled through the conduit.
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Frequently asked questions
The simplest technique for pulling wire through a conduit is the string method. This method works best on short and straight conduits. Tie a strong string to a long, inflexible rod. Push the rod through the conduit, and once the tied end emerges from the other side, tie the electrical wire to the loose end of the string. Then, pull the rod from the end of the conduit, pulling the tied wire along with it.
A conduit mouse, also called a conduit piston, is a small cylinder of foam that is slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the conduit. It is used in conjunction with a shop vacuum to pull wire through a conduit. First, tie a strong string to the wire loop on the mouse. Then, insert the mouse into the conduit, followed by the string. Apply the vacuum to the opposite end of the conduit and turn it on until the mouse is sucked out at the end. Finally, remove the mouse, untie the string from the wire loop, and secure the string to the wire.
The fishing weight method involves tying a heavy fishing weight to the end of the wire using string or fishing wire. The weight should be thin enough to run through the conduit but heavy enough to pull lubricated wire. Place the weight inside the conduit and drop it in, adjusting the conduit orientation to guide the weight around curves. This method is best used with free-moving conduits that can be raised at an angle or moved around, allowing gravity to pull the weight from start to finish.
Before pulling wire through a conduit, it is important to consider the length of the conduit run, the number of cables being pulled, and the type of conduit. Longer runs create more friction, which can damage wires and expose the conductor. Pulling multiple wires at once also increases friction and the risk of jams. Different types of conduits have different properties, such as flexibility and smoothness, which can impact the pulling process. It is also recommended to use a wire-pulling lubricant to reduce friction and minimize the risk of damage.
