Pulling cable, or not

[Fred B]

Have a lot of GC's who do there own wiring and even service installations here (no requirements locally requiring licensing). Have come across where most will lay service wire out then slide conduit over it then try to glue up. Is there a code violation there? Nobody around here has equipment for the large cable pulls, and that become even harder on some really long pulls.

 

[augie47]

300.18 Raceway Installations. (A) Complete Runs. Raceways, other than busways or exposed raceways having hinged or removable covers, shall be installed complete between outlet, junction, or splicing points prior to the installation of conductors.

 

[Fred B]

300.18 Raceway Installations. (A) Complete Runs. Raceways, other than busways or exposed raceways having hinged or removable covers, shall be installed complete between outlet, junction, or splicing points prior to the installation of conductors.

Thanks, That's what I thought but could find it for reference, kept just missing the section. I knew I saw this somewhere.
One more thing, here, by allowing GC's and handiman to do this work, something that gets run right over. And by this being skipped over the supply house doesn't even have pulling equipment listed easily and if you ask they don't know what it is because nobody has asked for it. Can't even find a rental source within 100 miles. I just don't do enough long pull to warrent the costs of purchase.
Anybody have the reasoning for this code? My thoughts, without actual substantiation, fealt that this adhesive used if contact with the conductors can actually damage the insulation, based on how it welds the PVC pipe.

 

[drcampbell]

I don't know the rationale, either, but I can visualize insulation being physically damaged while metal conduit is pushed over it.

 

[kwired]

Thanks, That's what I thought but could find it for reference, kept just missing the section. I knew I saw this somewhere.
One more thing, here, by allowing GC's and handiman to do this work, something that gets run right over. And by this being skipped over the supply house doesn't even have pulling equipment listed easily and if you ask they don't know what it is because nobody has asked for it. Can't even find a rental source within 100 miles. I just don't do enough long pull to warrent the costs of purchase.
Anybody have the reasoning for this code? My thoughts, without actual substantiation, fealt that this adhesive used if contact with the conductors can actually damage the insulation, based on how it welds the PVC pipe.

It applies to all raceways not just PVC which would have the solvent used to make it up.

My guess is they figure there is more risk of damaging conductors on potential sharp edges of the raceway.

That said I have slid raceway over conductors many times. Almost always for underground runs of larger conductors.

How many times you change a panel or other enclosure out that had multiple raceways entering it and needed to cut raceways to fit the new setup? If you want to strictly follow this rule you need to pull conductors out of every one of them assemble the enclosure and raceways then pull conductors back in.

 

[LarryFine]

That said I have slid raceway over conductors many times. Almost always for underground runs of larger conductors.

Same here, and sometimes large conductors in short runs with LBs, etc. UF in PVC is the worst to try to pull.

I've often said that we professionals know how to break the rules correctly.

 

[Eddie702]

Just guessing but I suspect the rule was written that way to make sure the conductor could actually be pulled in.

An old timer told me you cant pull a bundle of wires into a pipe with any tape on the bundles so I never have but I don't think I have seen a code rule against it. I will sometimes tape wires together to keep them straight and then cut the tape off as the wire gets pulled in

 

[Greentagger]

We referred that practice as ” flagging”. Sure comes in handy if you have a bunch of smaller stranded conductors that you have to pre - cut and have off the spools.

 

[Dsg319]

Just guessing but I suspect the rule was written that way to make sure the conductor could actually be pulled in.

An old timer told me you cant pull a bundle of wires into a pipe with any tape on the bundles so I never have but I don't think I have seen a code rule against it. I will sometimes tape wires together to keep them straight and then cut the tape off as the wire gets pulled in

I have also heard that, although I understand the reasoning behind not having tape wrapped in the middle of a conduit (not being able to pull out and replace single conductors if you would have too). I’ve never urged too look for any actual CODE references.

 

[electrofelon]

Thanks, That's what I thought but could find it for reference, kept just missing the section. I knew I saw this somewhere.
One more thing, here, by allowing GC's and handiman to do this work, something that gets run right over. And by this being skipped over the supply house doesn't even have pulling equipment listed easily and if you ask they don't know what it is because nobody has asked for it. Can't even find a rental source within 100 miles. I just don't do enough long pull to warrent the costs of purchase.
Anybody have the reasoning for this code? My thoughts, without actual substantiation, fealt that this adhesive used if contact with the conductors can actually damage the insulation, based on how it welds the PVC pipe.

As a one-man show, I do this all the time. IMO that rule is pointless, and pretty much unenforceable and should just go away.

And, for what it's worth, I have done plenty of big wire pulls, and actually have never used professional pulling equipment (other than some pullys and grips) we will typically just use a tractor or other machine.