Replacing existing electrical line to outbuilding

AL C.

Hello all. I have an outbuilding that has 120V service. The outbuilding is about 75 feet from the house. The wire is run underground in conduit. Is there a way to connect the new wire to the existing wire and try to pull it through from the out building? Are there any tools or methods that will make this job easier or at least doable? If I have to dig a new trench and run a line I'll be powering the shop with my generator un til it thaws

k_buz

It is very rare to be able to pull new wire thru an existing underground unless the conduit is relatively new.

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joecaption

If the conduit is two small and your running a new larger wire, good luck.

AL C.

The outbuilding was built in 1978. Not sure when they wired but I'm sure its pretty old wiring job

Kyle_in_rure

What size wire and conduit are you dealing with? You could always give it a try, but It would probably be better just to run a new line.

AL C.

if I decide to try pulling it thru is there anything to connect the two wires together or should I use tape? It seems that tape may come apart once i start reefing on it

jbfan

You would need to make a loop on each end of the wire.
Tape will pull off.

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grizzzlle

What would be the best lube for him to use pulling the wire? Ive noticed couple different types on the shelf at the big box stores.

Oso954

Attach a pull rope to the old wire and pull the wire out. Attach the new wire to pull rope and pull new wire in.

It will make it easier.

AL C.

oso any specific type of rope you guys use?

Oso954

You need to tell us what size/type of conduit you have, what size/type wire or cable is coming out, and what size/type wire or cable is going in. Even why you are replacing the wire/cable might give us some hints, if some of the info is difficult for you to obtain.

For all we know, you may be attempting the equivalent of "pushing a new 3/4 steel rod into an old 1/2 inch steel hole".

The pull rope comment was made while rushed. Should have been prefaced with if you attempt reusing the conduit. If the task is possible, it will make it easier. If something goes wrong, it is cheaper to cut and abandon rope than new wire.

If you give us the info that has been previously asked for, you will get better answers.

Without additional info, the best advice I can give is: start digging a new trench.

AL C.

Its number 12 wire Planning on using 12 wire again. The conduit is 1 1/2" pvc. The reason I need to replace it is it got hit by a back hoe when I had a porch poured. The conduit didnt break but I think it kinked or damaged the wire inside. I had power out there for two months after it was hit without a problem then we started getting hit with alot of rain and some freezing temps here in michigan and its shorted. I would run a new line if necessary but that would mean running my woodshop off my generator until spring. The breakers and the wiring in the shop is ok.

joecaption

If you have a real wood shop out there you should be pulling much bigger wire then #12 since your going to all that work anyway.

firehawkmph

Al,
if the backhoe crunched the conduit, you should plan on repairing the pipe where it got hit. Like Joe said, I would look at what you really should have for electrical requirements for your woodshop and rewire accordingly.
Mike Hawkins