Otis Singleton
Blowing string through electrical conduits can be a challenging task, requiring creativity and improvisation. Various methods and tools can be employed to achieve this, such as using a vacuum, compressed air, or a combination of both. Some people use a mouse made from foam rubber, attaching it to a vacuum cleaner, while others opt for a blower or leaf blower. The choice between blowing and sucking depends on the situation, with some finding blowing to be more effective than vacuuming. Distance and existing pipes can also impact the success of different techniques. In addition, certain accessories like foam earplugs, plastic bags, or parachutes can assist in catching air and navigating bends in the conduit.
Techniques for Blowing String Through Electrical Conduit
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Shop vac, vacuum cleaner, leaf blower, air compressor, rotorooter service, Greenlee "mouse", jetline, mule tape, fishing line, nylon string, poly pull line, kite string, ping pong ball, cordless drill, electric fish tape, adapters |
| Techniques | Use a vacuum to suck the string through, blow air through the line with an air compressor, use a leaf blower, use a rotorooter service, use a Greenlee "mouse" with a vacuum cleaner, use jetline and a chute, use a plastic bag, use a bigger vacuum with a plastic bag, use a blower and a shop vac, use a cordless drill, use a fish tape, use a brush mandrel, use a blow gun, use a shop vac with adapters |
| Considerations | Seal the ends, ensure there is no water in the line, use lubricant, ensure the string is long enough, ensure the pipe is clear, use a two-person team, use a parachute or ball of taped rags, use a bucket of string, use a foam earplug, use a bobber, use a kite, use a plastic bag, use a tightly wadded plastic bag, use a draw cord |
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What You'll Learn
Using a shop vac to pull string through electrical conduit
Pulling cable through old conduits can be difficult due to the absence of a pull rope or the presence of existing cabling. Using a shop vac is an effective way to overcome this challenge. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a shop vac to pull string through an electrical conduit:
Firstly, ensure you have the necessary equipment: a shop vac, duct tape, and string. It is recommended to use a strong kite string or nylon pull string, and some sources suggest using a plastic bag as well. You can purchase an inexpensive shop vac from hardware stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, or Big Orange.
Before beginning, inspect the conduit for any bends or obstructions that may hinder the process. If there are bends, you may need to use a fish tape or wire to navigate them. It is also important to ensure the conduit is clear of any water or sediment, as this could impact the suction technique.
Now, let's begin the process:
- Unwind several feet of string, ensuring you have enough to make it through the section of pipe you're working with.
- Feed the string into one end of the pipe. You may consider tying a small ball of paper, a foam earplug, or a plastic bag to the end of the string to increase surface area and aid in catching air.
- On the opposite end of the pipe, attach the hose of the shop vac and create the tightest seal possible using duct tape. Ensure there are no air leaks.
- Turn on the shop vac to create suction and begin pulling the string through.
- Carefully watch the end of the pipe and check for the string as it moves through. Avoid pulling too much string into the vacuum drum.
- Once the string is through, tie it to the wire or cable you intend to pull through the conduit using electrical tape.
- Slowly pull the wire or cable through the pipe, being mindful of any bends or obstructions.
It is recommended to have a helper during this process. One person can operate the shop vac while the other guides and pulls the string or cable.
Using a shop vac in conjunction with a blower at the opposite end of the conduit can also be effective. This method involves creating a tight seal at both ends and running the blower and vacuum simultaneously to clear any blockages and aid in pulling the string through.
By following these steps, you can successfully use a shop vac to pull string through an electrical conduit, making it easier to install wires, cables, or speakers.
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Using a leaf blower to blow string through
If you do choose to use a leaf blower, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Firstly, ensure that there are no leaks in the blower supply, as air leaks will reduce the pressure generated by the blower. You can also try attaching a plastic shopping bag to the string, as this will help to catch the air and move the string through the conduit. Another option is to tie something lightweight, such as a small foam earplug, to the end of the string to help it catch the air.
If the conduit is full of water, you may need to first use a wet vac or a large air compressor to remove the water. This will ensure that the string can move through the conduit more easily. Once the water is removed, you can then use the leaf blower to blow the string through.
It is important to note that the length and diameter of the conduit will impact the effectiveness of using a leaf blower. Longer and narrower conduits will be easier to clear with a leaf blower, while shorter and wider conduits may require additional methods, such as attaching a funnel to the end of the string to catch more air. Additionally, it is recommended to have an assistant at the other end of the pipe to guide the string and ensure it is moving through the conduit as intended.
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Using a rotorooter service to clear a jammed conduit
Roto-Rooter is a well-known provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services in North America. The company was founded by Samuel Blanc, who invented the world's first electromechanical sewer and drain cleaning machine in 1933. This machine revolutionized the industry by efficiently cutting through and removing tree roots and other blockages from sewer lines, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming excavations.
When electrical conduits become severely jammed, a rotorooter service can be highly beneficial. In such cases, it is more practical to use a rotorooter than to install a new conduit, especially if the conduit is located under a paved road. Old conduits, such as the Orangeburg type, are particularly prone to clogging due to the layers of tar and paper that swell and peel off over time.
To use a Roto-Rooter machine effectively, follow these general steps:
- Insert the blade and cable: Place the spring-loaded C-shaped cutting blade and cable into a sewer cleanout access port. Push the cable several feet into the sewer pipe before turning on the machine.
- Turn on the machine: With the blade and cable in place, turn on the Roto-Rooter machine. This will activate the cutting blade and enable it to cut through any clogs or blockages in the pipe.
- Clear the clog: The Roto-Rooter machine will cut and remove any tree roots, debris, or other obstructions in the sewer pipe. This process will restore flow to the pipe and ensure it functions like new again.
- Clean the entire drain line: Unlike some drain cleaning companies, Roto-Rooter doesn't just clear clogs. They clean the entire drain line from end to end, ensuring that the drain remains clean and functional for an extended period.
It is important to note that operating a Roto-Rooter machine or similar electric sewer cleaning equipment can be dangerous for inexperienced individuals. Therefore, it is highly recommended to leave this task to professionals who have the necessary training and expertise to handle such machinery safely and effectively.
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Using a vacuum and a plastic bag to pull string through
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the vacuum has strong suction. The trick is to seal off the vacuum hose end where it meets the conduit. This can be done by wrapping a poly trash bag or plastic shopping bag around the connection joint to seal it.
Next, insert a plastic bag, tied to a reel of kite string, into the feed end of the conduit. A thin-walled plastic bag is recommended as it will form a better seal than a sponge if there is an existing cable in the duct. The bag should be tied securely to the kite string, which should be strong and preferably fishing line as it is much stronger than kite string.
Then, fit the hose of the vacuum onto the pull end of the conduit and secure it with duct tape. Turn on the vacuum to create airflow through the conduit. As the bag gets sucked through, the kite-string reel will spin. Once the reel stops spinning, the bag has made it through the conduit and into the vacuum.
At this point, the kite string can be used to pull the new cable through the conduit. It is important to note that this process may require two people, with one person operating the vacuum and the other wiggling the string and bag to guide it through the conduit.
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Using a compressor to blow lines through
When using a compressor, it is essential to have a safety release valve on the hose at the unit's air hose input. The air hose must be of the locking type, with couplings tied through a hole. This is crucial for safety, as per OSHA rules. Additionally, hearing protection is recommended due to the noise level of the compressor.
To effectively blow lines through the conduit, a large and powerful compressor is required. A small compressor may not have sufficient power to clear the conduit. A compressor with 125 CFM or more and 25 feet of 3/4 inch hose is recommended. Connect the hose to both the conduit and the compressor, and build up the pressure to 100 psi. Then, open the valve on the compressor fully and ensure that any blockages are cleared.
For longer runs of over 500 feet, a more powerful compressor is necessary. A 130-pound air compressor is typically used for these longer runs, and a stainless steel braided cable is shot through the conduit to pull the rope. This technique is effective for clearing blockages and ensuring the smooth passage of lines.
It is worth noting that some professionals have shared their experiences with using CO2 cartridges fired through the conduits with a string attached. While this method was exciting, it may not be considered safe by today's standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Some tools that can be used to blow a pull string through an electrical conduit include a shop vac, a cordless leaf blower, a full-size compressor, a rotorooter service, and a blow gun. It is important to seal both ends of the conduit tightly.
It is important to get a good seal where the shop vac connects to the conduit. Some people have had success using a bigger vacuum with a plastic bag tied to a very light string.
One tip is to tie the string to a ping pong ball and push it through with the leaf blower. Then, tie the pull rope to the string, hook the string to a dowel in a cordless drill, and pull the pull rope through while winding the string up on the dowel.
Some alternatives include using a fish tape or wire to fish out the string, using a hooked string with a kite, or using a tightly wadded plastic with a draw cord attached.
