Source
r/cableadvice•
serpentdrive

Help on clean conduit runs in house?

I am in the process of running 2x 1-1/4" conduits from my server rack in the basement up into the attic to disperse out to various rooms of the top floor. I am looking to do this the most clean and professional way I can. My server rack is in the corner of the basement, so the run is along an exterior wall; there was no good alternative location for the run. I was planning on this being a straight shot up, but I have ran into a couple snags:

  • The basement wall is inset about 10" from the exterior wall above it. This isn't a huge deal, but adds at best 90* of turn, and at worst 180*, depending on how I tackle it.
  • Being in a corner, it also happens to be right where the roof slants. So, there's not even 10" between the roof and the top plate where the holes for conduit are coming into the attic. I can't reach that location to put a pvc 45 or 90, and even if I could, they are both too tall to fit.

I have some solid pvc pipe, but am thinking something like innerduct would make more sense with all the angles. It would let me tackle the bends, and run it to an easier to access portion of the attic to then run the cables through J-hooks to their final destinations.

I do plan on running additional cabling through the conduit at later dates.

This brings me some questions:

  • Would you just end the pvc vertical, debur the end, and see if you can manage to get the pull tape to bridge the gap between the pvc that's in the corner and the j hooks going down the center of the roof..... or would you do some sort of flex conduit?
  • If I'm going for some sort of flex conduit, am I looking for "innerduct", "raceway" or just "non-split wire loom"? I'm not really sure what the difference is. Do only some of them have ability for connectors/boxes/panels?
  • How would you terminate the conduit run in the wall of the basement? A simple plate that has a hole, or something more elaborate?

Sorry that's pretty lengthy, but I wanted to provide enough information. I've been trying to find videos/channels that do networking runs professionally, but mostly been finding videos of people pulling ziptied bundles through splintered wood. What would you guys do?

Posted May 15, 2021, 3:05 AM UTC

35
Ender06•

I would do my best to try to find another route (Preferably one that is straight up from the basement to the attic). Even if it has to go thru the basement a bit before turning upwards.

In regards to the conduit, I've always heard it called 'smurf tube' (as it's usually blue in color). You can most likely find it in other colors as well. Usually searching for 'flexible low voltage conduit' will get you the results you're looking for.

But again, I would search for the best route up to the attic, not shortest length, but straightest shot. It's going to be a bear trying to pull any extra cables through that smurf tube at a later date.

With regards to how to end the 'hole'... with me I don't really do anything. In the attic, I'll attach a J-hook or similar above the hole (in attics, usually directly above, wherever that may be) for the cables to hang in to avoid having them drape over the edge of the hole.

3
jtrsniper690•

Yes to last paragraph. And smurf tube is that like fiber optic orange tube? If he can hide his wires in floor joists there's no need for any pvc or tube imo

1
tobyfromthebronx•

So my n/w cabinet is in my laundry room in the basement. I also had to get cabling from basement to attic. Do you have a chimney? If so does it go straight up. I was able to use the chimney chase to get cabling from basement to attic. Not trying discourage you from your plan but pvc/innerduct is gonna be tough. But if its a must innerduct will be easier. Keep your runs of innerduct secure and tight. No slack. You can also cut the inner duct for sharp turns yo make life easier when pulling. Also remember every run you pull thru your pipe/innerduct the string will get wrapped up around the cabling. So try and pull as many as possible in one pull.

2
jtrsniper690•

Running pvc is kinda pointless if you have space and can use p clips. It will make life easier and flex tube isn't going to protect from much. If you can hide it just use zip ties, p clips, and staples. It's only data lines so it will be code compliant, no need for a jbox or flex tube to get to j hooks, if you secure it properly. Without photos, it's hard to understand what your doing.

1
tobyfromthebronx•

I would respectfully disagree on the staples. But ya piping/innerduct really isnt necessary. unless maybe you are trying yo conceal in visible areas. I have about 25 cat6 cables throughout my home none are visible except obviously at the cabinet. No wiremold or pipe was run. If so wiremold would be best imo as it is accessible simply by unlatching.

1