Conduit question

[bluedog225]

I’m laying out my conduit runs in my little 25’x25’ shop. A bunch of quad boxes and lighting. One ceiling fan.

I probably won‘t fill 1/2 emt, even derated. But may go 3/4 depending on what deals I can find at restore or craigslist. Small place so it won’t matter much.

My question is what type of line can I leave in the conduit for pulling future thhn? Is there something code acceptable? Or do I need to make final decisions now? Seems wise to allow for the possibility of future circuits. Esp if I use 3/4.

I’m new to designing and installing electrical.

Thanks

 

[ycgoat]

I don’t think there are restrictions on the types of strings you can use. A “tape” type is the best, because it is less likely to cut into bends or existing cables. They all have a tendency to wrap around the wires while being pulled into the conduit, but for the short runs you will have pulling or even pushing wire should be easy.

 

[nadogail]

I would use a good string like Mason's Twine. If necessary I might pull the existing conductors out off the conduit and use the string to pull in the "fish tape" so I could pull the whole package into the conduit at once. I firmly believe that it is impossible to use too much lube when pulling wire, over application of lube will look sloppy but I can always wipe it up. Wiping up is easier than working hard because you were too cheap to use lube.

 

[billconner]

I don't know how often you'd do this but kind of think a fibreglass fish tape could be slipped through a conduit with wire in it. I don't think I'd bother with strings unless I knew I'd be adding wire to it soon.

 

[bluedog225]

Got it. Thanks. I’d thought mason’s twine would be too light. But using it to make the fish tape pull easy is a pretty good idea. Easy peasy. And lots of lube.

 

[sparky 1971]

I use this but I buy it in the bucket with a 6500 ft spool inside. That's probably overkill for this project, but this is Garage Journal.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01590RMLU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And use 3/4 out of the panel. you can branch off from junction boxes in 1/2.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I would use a good string like Mason's Twine.

Mason's string has too much stretch.

I use the same pull line as Sparky 1971. It's useful for a lot more than pulling through conduit.

 

[Jim greengo]

I've got a bucket of jet line in the van.

 

[Mzungu]

I have used similar to this for many years. Self feeds from the box, easy to vac, strong, and cheap.

 

[kaffine]

I normally try and leave a pull string in conduit. I tied the new pull string up ahead of where I attach the wires I'm pulling in. I have a few times have that save me when the pull string broke where the wires I was pulling in were attached so the new pull string still made it through. However I've also had the pull string break ahead of the where the new pull string was attached so had to start from scratch. Generally the only times I don't put in a new pull string are if the conduit is going to be full with the cables I'm pulling in so I will have to pull a wire out anyways. The run is so short I can just push the wire through without a pull string.

I have found having the new pull string attached ahead of the other wires also seems to keep it from getting tangled in with the other wires. Makes it easier to use the pull string if needed.

I don't do much larger wire so I can normally get away with pulling the wire in with just the pull string. Occasionally I'm pulling heavier wire or cables and need to use the pull string to pull in mule tape or rope and then use it the pull in the new wire.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner...-Value-Blow-Line-in-a-Bucket-PL132B/313821648