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NoSoulsINC t1_iy4av6h wrote

Generally, I don’t think running low voltage yourself is against code anywhere if that’s what you’re asking.

If you’re asking more “how” and you think the conduit goes from one room to another, get some pull string or fishing line and tie a balled up grocery bag to it and stuff it in one end. Use a vacuum in the other end to get the pull string through. Tie/tape your Ethernet cable to it and pull it back through. If you have fish tape, you can rub that through instead

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NOT000 t1_iy4dxxv wrote

i didnt think about the vacuum idea. impressive.

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NotThatGuyAnother1 t1_iy4k1sl wrote

Another trick is to use an air compressor. As long as the path has only one way for the air to escape, the string will completely follow the air path to that exit. So you may need to tape up any spots that you don't want the string to follow.

It will make some crazy zig zaggy paths (if needed) to reach the end. But it works.

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showMEthatBholePLZ t1_iy5cbzc wrote

I used fish tape to run a wire across an office building with ceiling tiles, and I ran it over the ceiling tiles.

Well there all kinds of suspension stuff, other wires, ducts and shit up the wire zigged and zagged through because it’s hard to aim those suckers, I probably used 30-40% more wire than needed but it was a fun job nonetheless.

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NotThatGuyAnother1 t1_iy5cnrw wrote

Yeah. My trick only works when you can use air pressure and control the openings of a volume. Drop ceilings are another matter entirely.

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EViLTeW t1_iy52jpk wrote

I've watched wiring/fiber contractors do this a few times.

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Lamacorn t1_iy4eaw3 wrote

Or just get a fish tape tool, which is literally designed for this purpose. this

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dilligaf4lyfe t1_iy4er4a wrote

If you've got a vacuum on hand, might as well vacuum it instead of buying a fish stick you'll never use again. Vacuuming in lines is standard practice for long conduit runs, it'd be even easier here (although honestly if it's short with few bends you can just push it).

In this case, OP is going up 2 stories through a lot of bends, at that point they'll need a full fishtape, not sticks.

The problem with this run is it's probably emt with set screw connectors, which will lose vacuum. I'd try the vacuum route, then buy a fish tape and return it.

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5degreenegativerake t1_iy4i6ig wrote

I have combined the vacuum with a compressed air nozzle on the other end to supercharge the pull on PITA runs. Works great with masons line and then you can pull in a heftier string or the wire directly depending on the situation.

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Alis451 t1_iy4qa0n wrote

btw the air compressor/vacuum method is called Pigging(using a Pipe Pig) vs Fishing.

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dilligaf4lyfe t1_iy4xif5 wrote

Never heard it called that and I've been in the trade a while, but every area has its own trade terminology

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NoSoulsINC t1_iy4eveq wrote

I did mention using fish tape. However, if you don’t have one and probably won’t be pulling cables again it’s kind of a waste of time and money to go buy one if you can rig something else together.

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[deleted] t1_iy4iup3 wrote

[deleted]

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stachemz t1_iy4l6n4 wrote

Vacuums with a mouse...? Nozzle autocorrect? Or exciting new terminology to learn??

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Calm_Canary t1_iy4m5rb wrote

A mouse is what you tie to the end of the jetline, to pull the string through the pipe with the vacuum. But more realistically, your apprentice loses the mouse on the first pull and you use the corner of a glad bag from there on out.

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MR_SL0WP0K3 t1_iy4ma3i wrote

A "mouse" is a foam plug the diameter of the conduit it is intended for. Tie string on and suck thru with vacuum.

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m7samuel t1_iy4r36h wrote

Running high voltage isn't against code either.

The only question is permitting / code requirements and AFAIK there really aren't any for low voltage other than really really obvious things like "dont run non-plenum cable through plenums."

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NoSoulsINC t1_iy4vv9s wrote

I thought in some localities you could not run high voltage without a permit, people still do of course.

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m7samuel t1_iy4zn4k wrote

Homeowners can get a permit and do it themselves AFAIK. You do need to abide by code requirements.

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