A fish tape (also called a draw wire, draw tape, or an electrician’s snake) is a tool used by electricians to route new wiring through walls and electrical conduit.

What is electrical fish tape used for?

You’ve probably heard the term fish tape, but what in the world is it? Actually, it’s an ingeniously simple tool that electricians use to pull wire through electrical conduits. A fish tape is long, thin, flat steel wire wound up inside a donut-shaped wheel with a sturdy handle.

What makes a good fish tape?

The tape is of high-quality blued steel designed for longevity and easy pulling. Bluing adds a level of corrosion-resistance to the steel, making it more durable. Also, the tape has laser-etched marks to identify the length of pulling. That way, you get exact measurements and provide for an accurate wire length.

What kind of fish tape do I need?

“Steel is a good general-purpose, fish tape material,” said Jason Schaper, tools and supplies product manager at Ideal Industries, Sycamore, Ill. “Steel tape is durable, low-cost, and known for its push and pull strength.

How do you clean fish tape?

Keep fish tape clean of dirt and built-up lubricant by washing it with a gentle detergent and warm water. Dirty tape can be difficult to play out and retrieve. Inspect fish tapes and leaders for corrosion, cracks, or other wear that may lead to it breaking during pulling.

What is mule tape?

Muletape is a unique pull tape designed to reduce damage to the underground plant. Resulting in improved efficiency, and enhanced worker safety. … This improves efficiency and prevents “snap back”, which occurs when a rope under high tension elongates and either breaks or snaps back… often injuring the installer.

What is MC cable?

MC Cable Definition MC Cable, by most common definition, is a factory assembly of one or more insulated circuit conductors enclosed in an armor of interlocking metal tape or a smooth or corrugated metal sheath.

What can you use instead of fish tape?

A fish tape is a thin, flexible steel tape, typically 1/4 to 1/2-inch wide, that comes on a large reel, similar to a surveyor’s tape measure. Heavy gauge wire can be used to create a fish tape. Much of the wiring in new construction can be done without it, since the interior of walls and ceilings is still accessible.

How do you use HDMI fish tape?

The simplest way is to unhook one of your existing cables and tape a string to the end. When you pull it out, you pull the string in. Then tape the HDMI cable along with the existing cable to the string and pull them both back in through the two horizontal studs.

What can I use to pull electrical wire through conduit?

The most commonly used tool for pulling wire through conduit is fish tape, an electrician’s tool with a long, flat metal wire wound inside a wheel-shaped spool.

Article first time published on

What tool is used to pull wires?

Fish tape, also known as draw wire, draw tape, or an “electricians snake,” is a thin, long band of steel or fiberglass that’s coiled around a reel. It’s particularly popular for pulling 12 gauge wires or low voltage cable.

Can I run an extension cord through a wall?

No, not worth the risk. It is against the National Electrical Code to connect extension cord wiring through a hole or opening in a wall, inside a dropped ceiling or under flooring.

What is the difference between Romex and MC?

The primary difference when comparing Romex wire versus MC cable is the sheathing. MC cable has a metal casing, while Romex has a non-metallic sheath. … Handling: Romex cable is light and easy to handle — the smooth coating makes it simple to pull through holes and conduit.

Is it OK to run Romex in conduit?

Running Romex in a Conduit When using any non metallic wire outdoor, including Romex, it is a good idea to run it through a conduit. Yes, they can be used outdoors, it is better to be safe than sorry. We recommend using a conduit when running the wire underground.

What is BX wire?

What Are BX Cable and Wire? Going under alternative names such as metallic sheathed cable, type AC, MC, Greenfield, or armored cable, BX cable is a collection of plastic-coated insulated wires (typically 14- or 12-gauge), bundled together and protected by a ribbon-like metal sheathing.

How do you wire a 90 degree fish?

Drill a hole from the attic and basement (alignment doesn’t need to be perfect, just hit the same cavity). Use a paperclip & string from the top, and magnet from the bottom, to fish a line between the two. Then use that line to pull your Cat6 cable through.

Should cables be protected in walls?

All cables should either be contained in steel conduit or protected by 30mA RCD. If these two cannot be met, then the cables should be installed at least 50mm (2″) from the surface.

Is surface wiring legal?

It is important to realize that surface wiring is only an acceptable practice indoors, and poses many safety concerns when implemented outside.

Where are electrical wires in walls?

Vertical wires, for example, will be located directly above outlets and switches and usually run alongside studs. Wall studs are about 16 to 24 inches apart in most homes in any direction. If there is a spacing change, it usually occurs where the wall ends or around windows or doors.

What is a bull line used for?

Definition: Heavy line used to pull wire or cable into a conduit or into an overhead configuration.

What is detectable mule tape?

Detectable MULETAPE Woven Polyester Mule Tape 3000′ Flat, woven, polyester tape used for installing fiber optic, copper, and coaxial cables in underground conduit. Insulated metallic conductor enables location of all-dielectric cables and empty conduit. Lubricated for easy pulling and reduced friction.

Is mule tape the same as pull tape?

Pull tape, also called mule tape, is used for the routing of wires through walls and electrical conduits. It’s made of polyester or yarn fibers that are flattened into a ribbon-like shape to disperse pull load. This tool has useful features, such as measurement markings, that facilitate the routing process.

How can I hide my TV wires?

1. Use hooks behind your furniture to hide TV wires. A DIY-hack for packing away all of those pesky wires hanging from your wall-mounted TV is to use plastic hooks/pegs. …
2. Use cord covers to hide TV wires. …
3. Hide TV Wires Behind the Wall. …
4. Get the Best of all Worlds with MantelMount.

Can HDMI be run in wall?

There are two standard solutions for installing your HDMI cabling in the wall. The commonly used solutions are to hide the cables on the wall or inside the wall. … However, cables hanging everywhere are not only annoying but also dangerous for your small children, running all over the house.

How do you pull wires?

1. Tie the string: Tie a strong string to a long, inflexible rod.
2. Push the rod: Push the rod through the conduit, tied end first. …
3. Attach the wire: Tie the electrical wires to the string.
4. Pull the wire: Pull the rod and string through the conduit, pulling the wire along with them.