How to Fish Electrical Cables

Fishing electrical wires or cables is typically done by using a fish tape. The slender coils of metal are contained in a round plastic housing and generally come in lengths that are multiples of 50 feet. By following a basic process, you can fish electrical wires or cables through wood-framed walls or electrical conduit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electrical fish tape
• Wire pliers
• Wire strippers
• Black electrical tape
• Dish soap
• Helper

1. Pull out approximately 5 to 6 feet of the fish tape from the round plastic holder. Lay the holder on the floor, and with the pair of pliers bend a small oblong loop on the end of the metal coil. You will use this loop to feed and secure the ends of the wires through the fish tape.

2. Feed the fish tape through the wall cavity or electrical conduit that you want to pull the wires through and out to the other side. The plastic housing will generally be on the pulling end of the cable run, while the looped end of the fish tape will be on the "feed" wire side of the wall cavity or conduit.

3. Strip back the insulation on the wire to be pulled through the conduit or cavity approximately 3 to 4 inches. All the cables or wires must be stripped back to bare copper to ensure a secure attachment to the loop end of the fish tape.

4. Insert the end of the bare wires, one at time, through the loop of the fish tape. When the insulation reaches the loop, bend the wire over so it lays against itself to make a narrow or streamline profile. Perform this method of insertion and "close profiling" with each wire. It is a good idea to feed every other wire from the opposite side of the loop to alternate the wires.

5. Attach black electrical tape to the wires so they cannot "pop off" of the fish tape's loop. The electrical tape will also act to help streamline the attached wires. Squirt some dish soap on the end of the taped end package and insert it into the conduit. If pulling the wires through a wall cavity, omit the soap for lubricant.

6. Pull the fish tape back through while a helper feeds the wires into the wall cavity or conduit. Try to establish a "rhythm" to the pulling and feeding of the wires. Generally a 3-foot "feed and pull" works well for this type of process. Keep pulling the fish tape until the desired amount or length of wire is exposed from the wall cavity or conduit.

Tips & Warnings

• For wire runs that are of great length or between floors, the use of two-way radios or cell phones is of great assistance.

References

• Industrial Motor Control; Stephen L. Herman, Walter N. Alerich; 1985