[mythtv-users] OT: Wiring a new construction home for A/V, Ethernet, etc

[David Brodbeck]

straurig at comcast.net wrote:
> 6. In the attic and the basement run cable tray around to everywhere
> there are conduits poking into that space. It doesn't need to be
> expensive, fancy tray, it can be the cheap plastic stuff. It is
> substantially easier to lay cable in the tray and to make modifications
> and additions later this way. Your longest pull will be the straight 6
> or 10' conduits that go to the attic--an easy-do with a short snake.

It's even easier if you leave a pull rope in the conduit.  When you pull
new cable, tie a new length of pull rope to the old one before pulling,
so you have a new length to leave in place.  It greatly reduces the
amount of cussing involved, especially in conduit that has bends.  The
initial rope can be drawn through the empty conduit with a snake, or by
tying a rag to the end and sticking a vacuum cleaner hose into the other
end of the conduit.

I've sometimes used pull rope for attic and wall runs, too, in old
construction.  If there aren't too many obstacles for the cable to get
hung up on it can be a real time saver.  (I used to work at casinos
where I would often have to come back later and add new cable.)

Also, use cable lube when pulling cable through conduit.  It makes the
job ten times easier, and it's not really as messy as you'd think.  You
do need a buddy to stand there and smear the stuff on the cable as it
unspools, though.

> 9. Wait until the plumbers are done or the will screw with you (cut
> through your work and stuff). They ALWAYS go first!

Dropped ceiling installers have positively diabolical aim with their
screw guns, too.  Doesn't come up much in residential construction, though.