Pointers for pulling 12 gauge wire in existing conduit.

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Hi,
The conduit is 3/4 metric. It has 2 8 gauge and 2 12 gauge conductors.
I would like pull another 2 12 gauge conductors. All copper conductors.

Roughly 100 feet with 3 90 degree conduit turns (not elbows but regular conduit turns).

Any pointers and advice how to approach it? Thanks.

 

[oldwino]

I don't have my code book handy but sounds like adding two more 12's may put you beyond the fill limit per code. You can try running a fish tape through but it won't be easy.

Good reason to ALWAYS run a pull string in conduit when installing new wiring.

 

[mike93lx]

You also need to consider derating.

Either way, I think that is going to be tight and tough, at best. Especially at that length

Edit: well the sparkies have spoken. Shouldn't be a problem, I guess

 

[jeepxj]

lube.

 

[sberry]

It's not a problem.

 

[Bert_]

Not sure what 3/4 metric conduit is?

Just use one of the existing #12's as a pull wire. Pull in an extra number 12 to replace it.

Two #8's and four #12's is nowhere near the limit for 3/4.

 

[sberry]

Ya, did one recently where I used a white to pull and made a multi wire,, ha

 

[MrSurly]

If pulling one 12 out (use it to pull three 12s in) proves to be a problem (there can be a kink, twisted with other wires, etc), you can pull ALL of the wire out while pulling a string in their place, then pull all six back in.

 

[Shiftless]

Not sure what 3/4 metric conduit is?

I bet that the OP meant to type in “EMT”, got the letters mixed up while typing fast, and then autocorrect changed met to “metric”.

 

[mobiledynamics]

U boys pulling alone ?

Man, sometimes I feel like it's always got me a 2 man job....one on one end , the other is just giving it a shake whenever you hit a resistance point, etc.

 

[sparky 1971]

Not sure what 3/4 metric conduit is?

Just use one of the existing #12's as a pull wire. Pull in an extra number 12 to replace it.

Two #8's and four #12's is nowhere near the limit for 3/4.

This. And maybe put a little pulling lube on it. Use stranded wire, especially if you are by yourself.

 

[Bert_]

Don't even attempt to pull a hundred feet by yourself. This is a two man job.

 

[sparky 1971]

Don't even attempt to pull a hundred feet by yourself. This is a two man job.

Why? Last Friday I pulled out one #12 using it to pull in a replacement #12 and two #10's. It was about 125'. It only had two 90's, but I had to go through two 1900 boxes. I only had to go back to the wire cart once when a wire jumped off the spool and got wrapped around the axle. I soaped the head and it actually pulled very easy.

 

[sberry]

There was a wire got missed on a job I was on a little while ago. We managed to use a 14/2 to pull thru a wall to pull in another 2 conductor and a new 3 conductor for a 3 way.

 

[Bert_]

Why? Last Friday I pulled out one #12 using it to pull in a replacement #12 and two #10's. It was about 125'. It only had two 90's, but I had to go through two 1900 boxes. I only had to go back to the wire cart once when a wire jumped off the spool and got wrapped around the axle. I soaped the head and it actually pulled very easy.

Not saying it can't be done. It's just way easier pulling and less likely to burn through the other wires if you have someone feeding.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Thank you all. I meant to say 3/4 EMT, mistyped it and my iPad autocorrected it as Metric.

I never thought about using an existing 12 to pull 3 new 12s. That is a great idea! I will do that and will use lube. I will also have some help on the feeding end while I pull on the other end.

Thanks again.

 

[ddawg16]

Don't even attempt to pull a hundred feet by yourself. This is a two man job.

Why? Last Friday I pulled out one #12 using it to pull in a replacement #12 and two #10's. It was about 125'. It only had two 90's, but I had to go through two 1900 boxes. I only had to go back to the wire cart once when a wire jumped off the spool and got wrapped around the axle. I soaped the head and it actually pulled very easy.

Bert is right....especially with the wires in there.

If it was me, I'd disconnect the existing wires....tape a pull string to them and pull the whole mess out.

Give the existing bundle a good inspection...then add the desired wires and pull it back as one bundle.

Still going to be a 2 person job....one pulling and one pushing...and making sure the bundle does not get kinked.

It can be done with one person....but I can assure you, the puller is going to be making 'many' trips back to the start.

When I pulled a bundle of wires from my new panel to the existing part of the house, I had about 18 wires over 80's long....my kids helped. I had my oldest son (12) at the first pull box....I was at the second pull box...son #2 (10) in the attic pulling the string and my 8 year old daughter outside making sure the bundle did not get in a tangle....

 

[sparky 1971]

Don't pull the existing wires out unless you plan on pulling all new in. Those wires will turn into a giant rats nest on the floor. Contrary to popular opinion, it can be done alone. I have no employees and very rarely have help so I am speaking from experience. You do have help so it will be even easier. Just tie on to a wire, soap it up and pull it.

 

[Kevin Essiambre]

Don't pull the existing wires out unless you plan on pulling all new in. Those wires will turn into a giant rats nest on the floor. Contrary to popular opinion, it can be done alone. I have no employees and very rarely have help so I am speaking from experience. You do have help so it will be even easier. Just tie on to a wire, soap it up and pull it.

The wires can be successfully removed and re-installed without turning into a rat's nest...

The trick is not to pile it all on the ground where you are pulling it out. Have someone pull it into a giant loop on the ground behind you. I've done it many times.

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.

 

[Bert_]

The wires can be successfully removed and re-installed without turning into a rat's nest...

The trick is not to pile it all on the ground where you are pulling it out. Have someone pull it into a giant loop on the ground behind you. I've done it many times.

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.

This^

Wires can be reused no problem. As said don't throw them in a pile and it's easy.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, 1. wire pulling is almost without exception a 2 person job. 2. It is impossible to have too much lubricant.