Interduct for mast conduit?

[chollapete]

I'm thinking of using interduct, that orange, HPDE, corrugated tubing, also known as smurf tube, as conduit inside the mast. Any thoughts on this? It's typically used inside metal electrical conduit and then optical fiber is run inside the interduct.

[rgleason]

Not a bad idea, but perhaps a lighter slightly bigger flexible tube like a 1.25" light bilge pump hose. If you have a couple of inside tracks in the mast, you can get the proper slugs and wire ties 1' oc for each tube (I'd suggest separate mast head and spreader tubes in different slots if possible). I tie the masthead tube up at the masthead so it does not slide out when lifting the mast (unlikely).

I've tried most everything to prevent slapping of wires, this has worked for quite awhile.

[billknny]

Originally Posted by chollapete

I'm thinking of using interduct, that orange, HPDE, corrugated tubing, also known as smurf tube, as conduit inside the mast. Any thoughts on this? It's typically used inside metal electrical conduit and then optical fiber is run inside the interduct.

How are you going to secure it?

I used PVC conduit to install a conduit in a mast. It was riveted to the mast about every 2 feet. Worked a treat.

[rgleason]

I used PVC conduit to install a conduit in a mast. It was riveted to the mast about every 2 feet.

That works if there are no inside tracks. It is heavier.

[billknny]

Originally Posted by rgleason

That works if there are no inside tracks. It is heavier.

Are you thinking maybe PVC water pipe? PVC conduit is very thin and light. I am betting for the same diameter it is a lot lighter than the interduct proposed by the OP. Just a straight thin wall, with integral connectors, no corrugations.

[bletso]

Originally Posted by billknny

How are you going to secure it?

I used PVC conduit to install a conduit in a mast. It was riveted to the mast about every 2 feet. Worked a treat.

As did I. I used the grey electrical conduit. The big problem I had was holding the conduit whilst drilling. I made a weighted car which I pulled to each drill location. masts (bottom section of the page)

[roverhi]

To pop rivet conduit in the mast, drill a hole and insert wire hook to hold the conduit then drill into the mast/conduit and pop rivet, remove the wire and pop rivet the hole. For light weight, irrigation grade PVC pipe is thin wall and light, think it's schedule 20 pipe.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by bletso

As did I. I used the grey electrical conduit. The big problem I had was holding the conduit whilst drilling. I made a weighted car which I pulled to each drill location. masts (bottom section of the page)

Bletso,
Your weighted car idea to hold the conduit down is a good one!


Bill O.

[anchorman]

I use pipe insulation. Just duct tape it at the top and bottom and let it swing. It is so soft that you never hear it hit the mast, if it does. I installed it 12 years ago and 2 years ago I took the mast down and the insulation was just like I installed it.
It's cheap and you don't have to drill any holes in the mast.

[bletso]

Originally Posted by Bill O

Bletso,
Your weighted car idea to hold the conduit down is a good one!


Bill O.

Thanks. As they say, necessity is the mother if invention. Now if I could only get motivated. I need to paint the darn things, the only major project left.