Pulling MHF thru 2" PVC

[Mr onetwo]

Good morning all, I am looking for advice for a short pull I will be attempting in a week or so.I have an existing 2" pvc conduit that goes from the 200 amp meter/disconnect on the pole over to my garage.Total run is under 20ft with 2 sweeps underground and an LB at the end.I am removing the existing 2-2-2-4 MHF 100amp feed to the garage and replacing it with 2/0-2/0-2/0-1 to feed a new 150amp panel.There will also be a longer piece of 2-2-2-4 coming back to splice into the 90amp feed over to the house.I have Polaris connectors for that. Both existing 100 amp breakers will be removed and the opening blocked off.Conduit fill calculator says this is legal and I believe I can remove both the ground and neutral conductors if it makes things easier.I will have some mule tape and a helper on hand.HI really don't want to run another conduit if possible.Has anyone pulled this much aluminum thru 2" pvc? Tips or tricks or helpful hints are appreciated.

 

[briceandy4]

I will have to look at the code book and check wire fill. That seems like it would be a bit tight to me. One of the biggest problems will be that LB. Wire fill for condulets is actually pretty low. I would check and see if it is stamped with the volume. Other than that I would suggest using a lot of soap for the pull. Personally I would avoid yellow 77 as it can harden overtime and removing those wires in the future may be even more difficult. Something like this would work.

Klein Tools Premium Synthetic Clear Lubricant 1-Quart 51028 - The Home Depot

Reduce friction and effort while pulling wire through conduit by using this Premium Synthetic Clear Lubricant from Klein Tools.

www.homedepot.com

 

[PCustoms]

Klein Tools Premium Synthetic Clear Lubricant 1-Quart 51028 - The Home Depot

Reduce friction and effort while pulling wire through conduit by using this Premium Synthetic Clear Lubricant from Klein Tools.

www.homedepot.com

I pulled 90' of 4/0,4/0,2/0, 2 in 2" using that lube solo.

I was advised MHF would be fine as well. 2/0-2/0-2/0-1 should pull fine I think.

Not clear if you are pulling 2-2-2-4 in the same pipe? That sounds like an issue

 

[Mr onetwo]

Sorry for the confusion...both in same conduit.It has been suggested that I replace the LB with a 12x12x4 pvc junction/pull box.

 

[Mr onetwo]

I picked up a qt of Ideal clear gel and some 5/8 1800lb pull tape on Amazon for $20

 

[briceandy4]

Sorry for the confusion...both in same conduit.It has been suggested that I replace the LB with a 12x12x4 pvc junction/pull box.

Without having my code book in front of me I can’t say for sure if it would be code compliant with the LB but I know it will be tough to work the wires in there. If you’re able to pull the LB and replace it with a larger pull box like a 12x12 it will be more than enough room and will make your life easier.

 

[mike93lx]

That's going to be a PIA. Individual conductors would be a lot easier.

You also are going to have to deal with derating. 80% of the 90 degree column, so your #2 aluminum will be capped at 80a

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I wouldnt pull both of those in the same pipe. use individual XHHW conductors instead

 

[PCustoms]

I wouldnt pull both of those in the same pipe. use individual XHHW conductors instead

BTW, this was cheaper for me a couple months back.

 

[sparky 1971]

It's going to be enough of a ***** that I wouldn't even try it. You can't remove the neutrals, but can eliminate the smaller ground, but that defeats the purpose of MHF. Get individual conductors, those are still gonna be tough to get through the LB but with enough cussing, it can happen.

 

[nadogail]

Just because you can force it through and meet the minimum requirements of the NEC dose not make it a good idea.

Lots of lubricant and bigger connection boxes will be your friends.

 

[mike93lx]

It's going to be enough of a ***** that I wouldn't even try it. You can't remove the neutrals, but can eliminate the smaller ground, but that defeats the purpose of MHF. Get individual conductors, those are still gonna be tough to get through the LB but with enough cussing, it can happen.

Swearing makes the ******** world go 'round

 

[sparky 1971]

Swearing makes the ******** world go 'round

I have found that it makes the impossible possible.

 

[Norcal]

Swearing makes the ******** world go 'round

When using this computer there are issues with boxes popping up without me wanting them & so frequently blurt out "goddammit" and my German Shepard/Husky "cat"frequently will come over when I do blurt it out, but trying to stop because some people get offended by using the Lords name in vain, I am just a heathen but we all need to consider the feelings of others to some extent.

As to calling my dog a cat, if you are around him you would understand, he will open his eyes if you call his name and will not move otherwise, ignoring you like a cat, which I think comes with the Husky in him.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

When using this computer there are issues with boxes popping up without me wanting them & so frequently blurt out "goddammit" and my German Shepard/Husky "cat"frequently will come over when I do blurt it out, but trying to stop because some people get offended by using the Lords name in vain, I am just a heathen but we all need to consider the feelings of others to some extent.

As to calling my dog a cat, if you are around him you would understand, he will open his eyes if you call his name and will not move otherwise, ignoring you like a cat, which I think comes with the Husky in him.

My cats act like dogs. He chases balls and comes when i call his name….

 

[Norcal]

My cats act like dogs. He chases balls and comes when i call his name….

Had a couple of cats that were full of personality, one was born under my bed, the other cat liked junk food. Sadly both are gone & still miss them.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Would an 8x8x4 box help or do I have to go up to a 12x12x4? Also what if I pull the 2/0-2/0-2/0-1 back to the pole along with 2- #2 XHHW conductors for the hots back to the house? The neutral and ground for the house is already at the pole.Just trying to use the MHF that I shouldn't have bought in the first place, but if I have to eat it then so be it.

 

[PCustoms]

Would an 8x8x4 box help or do I have to go up to a 12x12x4? Also what if I pull the 2/0-2/0-2/0-1 back to the pole along with 2- #2 XHHW conductors for the hots back to the house? The neutral and ground for the house is already at the pole.Just trying to use the MHF that I shouldn't have bought in the first place, but if I have to eat it then so be it.

I'm having a hard time visualizing the 2 runs in the same conduit. Can you do an overhead sketch showing what you're planning?

We might be able to suggest other ways that cost less/are easier.

 

[mike93lx]

Would an 8x8x4 box help or do I have to go up to a 12x12x4? Also what if I pull the 2/0-2/0-2/0-1 back to the pole along with 2- #2 XHHW conductors for the hots back to the house? The neutral and ground for the house is already at the pole.Just trying to use the MHF that I shouldn't have bought in the first place, but if I have to eat it then so be it.

Box sizing is done by conduit size and direction of the pull. If going through at 90 degrees, I believe it is 6x conduit, so you'd need 12x12.

Eithet way, 8x8 is better than a LB, but I'd go 12x12 if you really want to do this with all the wire in one pipe

At 20 feet, the cost is low enough that I wouldn't fight with the wrong wire

 

[sparky 1971]

Maybe I missed something, maybe there's another thread explaining what is going on, but why are you wanting to feed the house panel from the garage panel by passing through the meter main, bypassing the breaker that is already there for the house? You could make this a whole bunch easier by leaving the house panel alone.

 

[alfredeneuman]

When using this computer there are issues with boxes popping up without me wanting them

If you use Firefox you can get the Adblock extension. It blocks both ads and popups and can be disabled if you wish. The extension icon is at the top right and looks like a jigsaw puzzle piece. It will save you some swearing.

 

[PCustoms]

Maybe I missed something, maybe there's another thread explaining what is going on, but why are you wanting to feed the house panel from the garage panel by passing through the meter main, bypassing the breaker that is already there for the house? You could make this a whole bunch easier by leaving the house panel alone.

This is what I was having a hard time visualizing.

Assuming you're correct, the OP plan makes even less sense then before.

 

[Mr onetwo]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/transfer-switch-and-generator-install-questions.508651/ from comment #28 0n

 

[Mr onetwo]

New 150 amp panel in garage with battery/inverter for emergency backup.Using the meter/disconnect as a pass thru to splice into existing house feed.Originally was going to be a diesel generator...too many logistical problems with that source of em power.

 

[Mr onetwo]

I am just going to bite the bullet and get the XHHW. *****, but it's my fault.Most important question...can I just bring the hots out to the pole to splice?I don't know why you would need to bring the neutral and ground back out since it is already out on the pole.Fill is acceptable with Southwire calculator either way

 

[PCustoms]

Isn't a 4.1 jam probability really bad?

 

[Mr onetwo]

they say very low

 

[PCustoms]

they say very low

Yeah I was thinking backwards

 

[Mr onetwo]

I ordered the wire and found a pretty good deal on a 12x12x6 pvc pull box.I will post up the results when we are done.

 

[Norcal]

If you use Firefox you can get the Adblock extension. It blocks both ads and popups and can be disabled if you wish. The extension icon is at the top right and looks like a jigsaw puzzle piece. It will save you some swearing.

The boxes are not adverts do not have much of a problem with ads, they are related to the operating system.

 

[Galaxywide]

The boxes are not adverts do not have much of a problem with ads, they are related to the operating system.

What do they say?

 

[mike93lx]

What do they say?

How is this related to the OP's issue?

 

[Galaxywide]

How is this related to the OP's issue?

It's not, was just curious since usually windows pop up for a reason. Mods can feel free to clean up the thread/delete my posts if needed.

 

[Mr onetwo]

How is this related to the OP's issue?

I was wondering that myself, can't find it in the NEC..thanks Mike

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The boxes are not adverts do not have much of a problem with ads, they are related to the operating system.

Sounds like spyware…. But dont worry. Microshaft technical support from india is here to help. Just give us your credit card info and remote access to your computer

 

[alfredeneuman]

I was wondering that myself, can't find it in the NEC..thanks Mike

You "liked" the first post where I answered Norcal.
Looking back I probably should have PMd him.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Good news guys....the 6 conductors (3-2/0, 2-#2, 1-#1 XHHW) pulled thru very easily with a little lube.New panel installed and battery arriving sometime this week.