pulling wire through conduit

[MossRoad]

When I do something like that, I'd lay the first 8 wire down, then stagger the next 8 a foot down the line, then the next 8, then the 10. Then I roll a loop or two of tape around each just to hold them together. Then I use a pull line, not a fish tape. I throw an overhand knot around the entire bundle and tape it down, then a series of overhand knots down the line to the tip. Then hold the line tight and tape the entire 3-4' from back towards the tip. I'd have to take some pictures to make it clear. But what it does is give you a foot to clear every turn before the next wire, and the next, and the next. Lube the heck out of it and it pulls like butter.

Since you can fit 9 #8 wires in a 1" conduit, you should have no problems with 3 and one #10.

 

[MossRoad]

To be clear, I despise fish tape.

I use a piece of plastic bag or rag tied to a string and suck it through conduit with a shop vac. Then pull a heavier cord through with the string.

 

[4570Man]

To be clear, I despise fish tape.

I use a piece of plastic bag or rag tied to a string and suck it through conduit with a shop vac. Then pull a heavier cord through with the string.

That’s how I do it it as well. The fish tapes are slow and aggravating to get through. I’ve had good success blowing the string through with a cordless blower since I don’t generally carry a shop vac.

 

[MossRoad]

I generally pull another pull string through along with the wires as well on long runs. You never know if you're gonna have to pull another wire through in the future. There's a risk of burning the insulation on the existing wires if you pull more through in the future, but if you're careful when pulling the initial wires through, they generally don't twist around too much, and again, if you use plenty of pulling lube and pull slowly, it's not been a problem for me.

 

[grsthegreat]

I made a living using fish tapes. Never had an issue using one. But i use vacuum and blow line when pipe exceeds 100’.

honestly, pulling 3 #8 and a 10 thru 1” even without lube is easy with 2 people, as long as electrical 90’s are used.

 

[ponytug]

Another vote for @MossRoad's suggested method of connecting a rope or tape to the bundle. I don't trust the mesh for anything long or important, but I do use it.

I have used both fish tape and rope. Personally, I prefer rope, or pulling tape for longer runs.

From running fiber, I learned the trick of pulling an extra rope/tape when you do your main pull. It will save you grief later if you ever need it. The other trick I learned was to pull a line with a lube soaked raccoon tail or rag through the pull both ways before doing the real pull. It leaves extra lube on all the tight bits.

The first time that I saw the vacuum trick, I felt like I was watching magic. That thought was quickly followed by the thought of all the hours that I had wasted trying to fish something with fish tape. It works like a charm. Light rope and a plastic shopping bag and you are in clover.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Thanks a lot for all the good ideas. I am leaning toward Moss Road's methods. I have a 125' nylon fish tape that I pushed through to get my measurements as I only have one reel of white #8 so have to cut two pieces for the wires I will mark as black and red each end with a magic marker.

Any one here in the Puget Sound Area need the #8 and green #10 I have left over? This is my last electrical project for this address where I need those sizes.

I will report my results. Plan to get this done this week.

Ron

 

[newbury]

The other trick I learned was to pull a line with a lube soaked raccoon tail or rag through the pull both ways before doing the real pull. It leaves extra lube on all the tight bits.

Doesn't the racoon get mad?

 

[plowhog]

Since you can fit 9 #8 wires in a 1" conduit, you should have no problems with 3 and one #10.

Some time ago a licensed electrician told me just because wires will physically fit in a conduit doesn't mean you can, or should, do it. I believe there is also an amperage / heat rating limit as well. Probably not an issue with this job, but it's something I ran into with my construction a while ago.

 

[turnkey4099]

Na, easy pull. 1” conduit plenty big

not going aroud 2 90 and a 45...oops, I read a bit farther and see those are long bend corners, They will still add some resistance though.