Bill Ebberts
Enterprise Electric
Problem
You need to pull additional cables in a ceiling cable tray using the existing pull string. This can become a problem, however, when the cables become intertwined with the pull string.
Solution
Install a simple pulley system above the cable tray. Tie the pull string around the pulley wheels, making a continuous pull. Tie the new cable to the string and pull (or push) the string through the pulleys. Once the new cable is in position, release it from the string and place it into the cable tray.
Procedure
1) Install two pulley wheels above the cable tray. Fasten tie wrap to support beams, or drill fastener into ceiling slab to ensure pulley system is anchored securely.
2) Use tie wraps to ensure that both ends of the pulley system are anchored in place.
3) Holding the end of the pull string with one hand, feed the string through the left pulley wheel, pull it tightly around the right wheel and, still keeping it taut, bring the string back to the left wheel to complete the pulley system. Tie the two ends of the string together, completing your continuous pulley system.
4) Connect your new cable to the pull string.
5) Pull (or push) the string, bringing the cable along with the string in either direction.
6) When the cable is in position, release it from the pull string and place it in the cable tray.
7) You can then continue the process for additional cables.
This tip was compiled by Dennis Mazaris, registered communications distribution designer (rcdd), a design consultant at PerfectSite, 100 Glenn Drive, Suite A-11, Sterling, VA 20164, tel: (703) 450-8986, fax: (703) 450-9343, e-mail: [email protected].
Attach additional new cable to the pull string on the pulley and pull the cable into position. Then, when you release the cable from the pull string, it drops into place in the cable tray.
Bill Ebberts, director at Enterprise Electric (Baltimore, MD), submitted this tip in the Installer Tips contest held at Cabling Expo `96 last October in Charlotte, NC.