Broadband Applications & Construction Manual - Public - CommScope

9.7 Residential Interior Cabling
Fishing Cable into Place
Using Fish Tape to Run Cable
Once cable is run to the attic, it can be fished through interior walls to the outlet location. Fishing cable usually
requires two people; one at the top to feed the fish tape and a helper to receive the tape. A pair of walkie-talkies
is a big help during this process. Use a non-metallic fish tape to avoid electrical shock.
Locate the Drop Point
The top of the walls should be visible under the beams in the attic. You can locate the studs by looking for the
nailheads on the cap, or top board, of the wall. Measuring from a common point, such as the exterior wall, will
give you an approximate reference point. Drill through the wall cap.
1) Fish the Tape
Cut the opening for the outlet as in page 9.3. Run the fish tape through the hole and into the wall. The helper
below should be able to hear the tape slide down the wall. It may be that you have entered the wrong wall cavity.
If so, drill a new hole in the proper location. Once the tape has reached the outlet hole, have the helper tape a
pull string to the tape. Retrieve the tape and the string.
2) Attach the Cable to the String
Tie the pull string to the fish tape, then use several turns
of electrician’s tape to secure about 6 in (15 cm) of cable
to the string. For easier pulling, build the tape up into a
shape with tapered end.
3) Pull the Cable Down
While feeding the cable through the wall, have the helper
gently but firmly pull the cable down to the outlet. If the
cable snags, pull the cable back up and try again. Once
the cable is at the outlet, untape it from the pull string and
draw enough cable to make a connection.