Heavy 6/3 MC install tips/tricks?

[haywirefarm]

I have 6/3 MC cable and need to run it overhead inside my metal tube frame building with 12' walls. It's so heavy and awkward, I'm having a difficult time just making the run from the wall to the first rafter. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to help me get the wire at least pulled up and over to the other side of the building? It's a 30' span. To add insult to injury, I'm trying to do a double pull and run a 12/2 with it as well. I might stand down on running the 12/2 with the 6/3 and run it separate.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

I have 6/3 MC cable and need to run it overhead inside my metal tube frame building with 12' walls. It's so heavy and awkward, I'm having a difficult time just making the run from the wall to the first rafter. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to help me get the wire at least pulled up and over to the other side of the building? It's a 30' span. To add insult to injury, I'm trying to do a double pull and run a 12/2 with it as well. I might stand down on running the 12/2 with the 6/3 and run it separate.

Thanks in advance!

Lay down a 2x8” piece of lumber (fastened to the structure) and secure the 6-3 MC down with pipe straps.…… And you can use this 2x8 "roadway" for other wire runs.
I don’t know the spacing of the steel supports but you can check into using "cowboy" straps, unistrut, caddy clips for a few options.

TIP! Having a helper will make the job easier!

BTW! A few pictures would help.

 

[mm08822]

Use some 1/4 - 3/8" rope and sling it across the rafters and down to the floor. Tie the cable ends onto it and pull across the rafters. Tie off the rope as needed so the weight of the cables don't make them run away.
You may need to assist the MC over the first rafter (while someone pulling) while pulling it up from the floor so it doesn't kink or get hung up and damaged.

Running boards for future use would help as Chuckster mentioned.

Another thought if you aren't already committed to the MC, use emt.

 

[haywirefarm]

Awesome, these are great ideas. Thank you.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Another thought if you aren't already committed to the MC, use emt.

Another tip is to unroll ALL of the MC so it lays flat and doesn’t have any "loops" THEN have someone push (feed) the MC while someone pulls it into place.

BTW! I didn’t want to "pee on the OP's parade" but I would have used EMT because I know how to bend pipe and I have the tools.

 

[haywirefarm]

Here is a picture of what I’m working with

 

[haywirefarm]

I managed to get it pulled across! Only took another tall friend and some elbow grease! Now have to get it all button up and tidy.