Barry Gregg and Scott Laughlin, Erico Inc.
Problem
Pulling multiple cables takes a lot of time and effort. In addition, it creates drag, or tension, which can cause damage to the cable.
Solution
Build a cable-pulling trapeze roller from scrap conduit at the job site. Use a subduct within the conduit to prevent tension on the cable and make the pull easier.
Procedure
1) Attach two 0.25-inch rods to the beam or concrete deck with pre-assembled fasteners.
2) Drop the rods 3 feet apart, or whatever distance is required.
3) Attach a 0.5-inch conduit hanger to the bottom of both rods.
4) Insert a 3.5-foot length of 0.5-inch conduit inside a 3-foot section of 1-inch conduit.
5) Secure the 0.5-inch conduit at each end to the 0.5-inch conduit clips on the bottom end of the rods.
6) The 1-inch conduit will now roll freely and is ready for a drag-free cable pull. You can leave this trapeze roller in the ceiling as a support member or take it down and use it again on another job.
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Reusable trapeze roller built from scrap conduit provides drag-free cable pull.
Barry Gregg is marketing services supervisor, and Scott Laughlin is product design specialist, both at Erico Inc., Fastening Products Div. (Solon, OH). This tip was a runner-up at the Installer Tips Contest at Cabling Installation Expo `96, held in Charlotte, NC, last October and was compiled by Dennis Mazaris, registered communications distribution designer (rcdd), a design consultant at PerfectSite, 100 Glenn Drive, Suite A-11, Sterling, VA 21065, tel: (703) 450-8986, fax: (703) 450-9343, e-mail: dmazaris@perfectsite.com.
