There are a variety of ways to pull electric cable through a conduit or raceway. Manual pulling works best for short distances (of 50 feet or less) and thinner cables (American Wire Gauge No.6 or less). Cable pulling equipment is better for thicker wire and longer distances.
Manual Cable Pulling:
Fish tape is the most commonly used tool for manually pulling cables and wire. Fish tape consists of several feet of springy steel, usually 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. The end of this steel forms a loop, or eye, through which wire or cables are attached. On the opposite end is a handle used for gripping and pulling.
Attach wire to the end of the fish tape by looping it through the eye. Then tape the wire back on itself to secure. Pull gently but firmly on the handle to pull the wire through a conduit. This is usually a two person job -- one to attach the wire, one to pull on the handle. Use lubricant on heavy wires as they enter the wireway for a smooth, easy pull.
Another method of manual pulling involves the use of a vacuum and string. First, feed a little bit of light string into one end of the pipe. Then set up your vacuum cleaner on the other end of the conduit. Use the vacuum cleaner to pull the string through the pipe. Next, attach a heavier string or rope to the light string and pull it through. Finally, attach your wire or cable to the heavier string and pull it through manually. This method can easily be a one person job. Hand winches are capable of pulling several hundred pounds. They can be used as a labor saving device with heavier power cable.