Flexible Conduit For Pulling Through Cables

n30_mkii

n30_mkii

n30_mkii

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I'm about to plasterboard my garage which has the main consumer unit. Before I do, I've purchased some flexibile conduit from my local electrical merchant, its the plastic ribbed stuff. The idea was to install it as with a draw string for pulling cables through down the line to certain key locations. I've installed it, but there's simply too much friction that even a piece of string becomes impossible to pull through over a 5m length with no crazy bends. Tried with some smooth cat6 and same thing. Is it possible to get a smooth internal version for this purpose as the corregated stuff isn't going to work.

Thanks
 
I have found when drawing

Easier to step up so something like cotton -> thin string -> a single thin cable (like live from T&E), -> flex cable (eg like you get on extension lead) then full T&E/Network cable, then multiples

You need to connect end to end not side by side when connecting draw to thing being pulled

You need to taper in, so use electrical tape to smooth the transition from one to the other

And lastly always pull all through together (see top point about building up, so 1 cable to 2, to 3 etc if multiples). Its almost certain if your trying to draw and something is already in there they will wrap around each other, its sods law.
 
I think the stuff I've brought must be pretty crap as I can't pull either of the cable or string though it. I'm familiar with pull strings as Ive done a fair amount of similar stuff when I did some data center type work many moons ago. I've just never hit this kind of resistance on a run, and I've never used this flexible conduit before.
 
I really don't like the look of the flexible conduit when I see it in YouTube videos. It's generally used in Europe with single cores so slightly more flexible I think.

That said, a handful of the worst runs in my home rewire were helped along by smurf *****, er, cable lube. Screwfix carry it. It's a bit messy but is apparently safe on cables and in walls etc. Giant 1L bottle which I've used probably 5% of but, it got me through the challenging runs.
 
If it's not too late pull out the tube you have and use sink waste pipe with swept bends. you could also put in tee pieces for future use
I would also use nylon string as it has less resistance when pulling things through. I am not talking string you use on parcels but much bigger diam.
Also when pulling cables through don't forget to put a new draw rope in as well for next time.
A set of electricians rods might come in handy.
If all elso fails tie some string to a big sandwich bag with handles - stuff bag in pipe then go to the other end and plug your vacuum cleaner to the pipe it should suck it through.
www.webfittings.co.uk

4mm White Drawstring Braided Cord x 10 metres

4mm Polypropeleyne White Drawstring Braided cord x 10 meters.
www.webfittings.co.uk www.webfittings.co.uk

PS what diam is this conduit?
 
Last edited:
DXP55 said:
If it's not too late pull out the tube you have and use sink waste pipe with swept bends. you could also put in tee pieces for future use
I would also use nylon string as it has less resistance when pulling things through. I am not talking string you use on parcels but much bigger diam.
Also when pulling cables through don't forget to put a new draw rope in as well for next time.
A set of electricians rods might come in handy.
If all elso fails tie some string to a big sandwich bag with handles - stuff bag in pipe then go to the other end and plug your vacuum cleaner to the pipe it should suck it through.
www.webfittings.co.uk

4mm White Drawstring Braided Cord x 10 metres

4mm Polypropeleyne White Drawstring Braided cord x 10 meters.
www.webfittings.co.uk www.webfittings.co.uk

PS what diam is this conduit?
Click to expand...
20mm
 
I remember trying some up in the loft and it was frankly ****. Unless you've got a straight run it's going to end up catching on the inside.

As above if you've still got access then I'd swap it out for some straight through pipe that's not flexi.

Also fishing rod wire has incredibly high tensile strength so that's useful for fishing wires through walls. Just wear gloves or something because it can really cut into your hands.
 
I've pulled cables through flexi condiuit at work, mostly fiber optics though.

I found, for us at least, the key was to use loads of electrical tape on the end to make it really smooth and then cover it all with washing up liquid.. Even then it is a pig compared to smooth pipe, for anything you're doing yourself i'd highly recommend just using smooth water piping, it's way easier to pull stuff through afterwards.
 
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