[chancecr]

I am trying to pull old wire out of underground conduit by our pool to install a new pool light. Trying to pull at the junction box and believe 2 90 degree turns. The old wire just won't budge. How should I proceed? Thanks, Corey

[tkrussell]

You can try to insert wire pulling lube, at least at one end, I assume the fixture is below water level.

Be sure to use only wire lube, available at electrical distributors. Use no other lube.

It may seep down into the conduit to help.

You may need to use a mechanical device, if possible, such as a come-along.

Any idea what type wire insulation and type of conduit?

[chancecr]

I believe it is brass conduit. I have already cut the cord to the pool light fixture and disconnected at the junction box. So I was hoping all I had to do was pull wire but it just won't move, tried in both directions. I have wire lube but don't think it will go far enough in the conduit. I agree I will need a mechanical device to help. Someone else said the cable might be "fused" to the conduit. I have not heard of that before. Thanks for responding.

[ballengerb1]

If that someone else was correct you would have had a dead short, did you? How long is the total run, gauge of the wire and size of the conduit. Never seen brass conduit, where do you live?

[chancecr]

Maybe it is copper conduit. 1" conduit. not sure on the wire gauge, it is from a Pentair pool light 120v. Same brand and wire size as the original wire currently run. The length is right at 22 feet with 2 90's not including the vertical 90 ground up 8" to the box. Thanks.

[ballengerb1]

OK copper conduit fpor pool lights I have seen. Plans calling for Type L copper electrical conduit? Duid you have a dead short?

[ballengerb1]

OK copper conduit for pool lights I have seen. Plans calling for Type L copper electrical conduit? Did you have a dead short?

[chancecr]

No dead short, everything worked fine. I am just upgrading to a LED color light fixture. The original installed unit was a typical white incandescent bulb.

[ballengerb1]

OK but now you have me wondering why you need to pull new wire. The old wire was enough for incandescent so it is plenty for LED

[chancecr]

I have to pull the old wire out because of the new underwater light fixture, it is a sealed unit and you order it by length of wire, as 30ft, 50ft, etc. No way would I try to splice wire that is exposed to water and the manufacturer states as well.

[ballengerb1]

OK now I understand. That length of wire was once pulled by someone but it can be harder to remove. TK mentioned possibly using a come along which should give you a huge mechanical advantage if you can still grab a length of wire. Buffalo Tools Mini Power Puller - 4,000 lbs Buffalo Tools Cargo Tie Downs,Trailer Cargo Control BTMP2T or you can rent them for about $10. Do not try to pull one wire, pull all at once.

[chancecr]

Got it, thanks very much for all your time...