foreign object in conduit

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waltsyd

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A 1.25" screw fell into a vertical piece of pvc schedule 40 conduit with four #4 conductors. It went in about three or four feet, judging from the sound. So I'm wondering whether this screw has to be gotten out, and how to do it! Is it a safety issue? Seems unlikely that it would ever abrade the insulation enough to cause a problem. What do you think?
 
If it just fell inside (i.e., was not screwed into the side), it poses no danger. You can leave it alone. You might do more damage trying to extract it.
 
If it really bothers you, the auto parts stores sell thin telescoping magnets. You might get lucky. Are you planning on pulling in more conductors next to the existing.

Welcome to the Forum.
 
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If there are no new wires going in that pipe and it isn't subject to vibration, I wouldn't think twice about leaving it. If you really think it has to be gotten out, what about just taping a rare-earth magnet onto a fish-tape and sliding it on in there?

-John
 
me, i would at least make an attempt to get it out. I too would attach a rare earth magnet to the end of a fishtape or a piece of #10 and thread it into the pipe.
 
He's how I'd go after it!

Snake the wire of a fish tape through a torpedo level, bend a hood, U could even
use the wire to be a bumper guard!
Then hook it together and tape it together, magnet side out.

Don't jiggle the wires!

Work it down and listen for the interaction, slowly try rolling the tape and retact.
Or, continue fishing, or just leave it! :D
 
waltsyd said:
A 1.25" screw fell into a vertical piece of pvc schedule 40 conduit with four #4 conductors. It went in about three or four feet, judging from the sound. So I'm wondering whether this screw has to be gotten out, and how to do it! Is it a safety issue? Seems unlikely that it would ever abrade the insulation enough to cause a problem. What do you think?
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I would definitely make an attempt at removing this screw. Most installations are for the long term. Leaving the screw whereever it may have landed is a long term issue.

P.S.
Loads that are ever changing, and start-stop of loads all add to the conductors possibly moving, even if ever so slightly. Over years this may spell the doom of this installation.
 
If I may make a suggestion... instead of fishing a magnet in, you may be able to slide a strong magnet slowly along the outside of the conduit and drag the screw along.
 
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