Question for the electricians out there.

I need a new fishwire and see that there are now options such as steel, stainless steel, nylon, fibreglass etc. Need to poke it thru conduit (sometimes with elbows) that is often full of existing wires and quite long runs. Which material is the best?

 

All I've ever used are the steel ones in occupied conduits. Never a problem. I've used a nylon rope, tennis ball, and a leaf blower on empty ones. Just tell someone to keep an eye on the other end.

 

The nylon and fiberglass ones are used where a non-sparking material is required, like refineries, grain mills, medical facilities, etc....

 

..and ceilings where the conduit could be open/broken and live electrical wires were left exposed by "licensed" electricians.
Standing on a ladder, leaning against a drop ceiling grid while fishing communication conduits, and having the end of the steel fish tape find one is NOT a happy experience.

 

This is exactly why I thinking about a non-metallic fish. Can the nylon or fiberglass ones be pushed thu a long conduit like the steel, or do they tend to buckle? When I am using a fishwire and pushing it thru a conduit with live wires I always use gloves in an attempt to insulate me from any possible unexpected live stuff.

 

I only use fiberglass fish tape(rods) with a spring end.


Fiberglass will push through nearly anything. and tend not to hang up on pipe connectors.
Pulling back, just make sure you're not pulling out of the end at a sharp angle or they'll snap. Straight line pulls....... no problem.

 

Metal 1/8" tape works best for pushing through anything with bends, bend the eye tight and tape it up good. 9/10 times if I am by myself I just tie onto the ground wire (if there is one) and pull a new one with it.

 

Thanks guys for the answers so far.

Most of the time am working alone. Have never used any of the composite tapes, and was concerned about them buckling when pushing thru a packed conduit with bends. Still deciding which way to go. So far have never had a problem with the metal fishwire, but was just exploring my options.

 

Those are some good points from the other guys too. I hate getting shocked!!