Handi-Hoops ™

Handi-Hoops Explained!

Lee — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:13:20 +0000

Hi,
My name is Kris Hansen. I want to give you a little information on how I use this piece of equipment. For many years I have made my own “hoops” to help me pull wires in buildings. Over time, I had never seen or heard of anyone using a similar method of pulling and supporting wire. Initially I had a hard time encouraging electrical inspectors to approve installations using the hoops because they weren’t “listed for the purpose”. As time went on however, local inspectors began to realize the value and started to approve my use of these homemade hoops. I’m sure they came to agree that this device and method increased both safety and the quality of the wire installation. I became somewhat discouraged however, in hearing the phrase “Not approved for the purpose”, and eventually I decided such an approved device was definitely needed on the market.
This device and technique can best be described as a “wire support and guidance system”, and the general method of installation is as follows: You pre-fasten the hoops to the structure in a planned approach at the job of pulling wires throughout the structure. With the devices acting as both supports and pivot points, you are able to easily guide the wire pull in the desired direction to its destination. This method allows wire or cable to pass efficiently and safely around obstructions in the path of the pull, as well as keeping it on a predetermined course in order to comply with electrical code. Using this approach, we can accomplish a pull in a continuous motion of feeding and pulling, until the wires are routed to their destination. At the end of the pull, the wire is already supported, it is “neat and complete with excellent integrity”.
The usual way an electrician will pull wire is in steps. Pulling from one direction and then, at a direction change, wire is piled to facilitate pulling in a new direction. The cycle starts over again for the next run and so on. These steps take unnecessary energy and time, oftentimes it takes 2 people to accomplish the task, after which the wire is left sagging and un-squared making necessary another step of gaining and pulling slack while permanently securing the wire to the structure. This contrasts the afore mentioned method, the nature of which results in the wire being at its perfect length throughout and at the end of the pull. This device and method also eliminates the need for a second man in many cases.
The installation of communication wire, especially CAT5e, is particularly benefited by the use of the above method. CAT5e is easily damaged at over 25 lbs. of pulling pressure and as such needs special handling. In large commercial buildings I have seen communication wire looking like a rats nest, tied up here and there in various fashion, visually lacking integrity of installation, let alone something that anyonecould or would be proud of. With the hoop method, several lines can be pulled at one time, safely and neatly with a minimum amount of effort. The result is an excellent support system for the wire without much additional handling. I have seen a metal hoop, called a “bridle” in a Caddy Catalogue. The use of the bridle is not recommended with CAT5e wiring. The Hoop Device however, is unique in two separate fashions;
1. It is plastic and has a specifically designed radius for pulling CAT5e and other “pull pressure sensitive” wire and cable.
2. The Hoop, in comparison to the bridle, very quickly installed and easier to put into place. It simply nails on or can be screwed to the surface with a cordless driver.

Now coming from a technical standpoint, once you see this technique in action you will agree that this method of installation is over all better, and will save time, energy and not to mention… money. Thank you.

Home Wiring

Lee — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:55 +0000

OK, so you want to install home theater audio cabling. You have to go above the ceiling and below the floor, I know, AND You want to go there at most, once, but not more than that. Well, now you can.

With a handful of handi-hoops you pull the wire as you install… and secure it nicely on either end and not have to go into the “hole” again, OR, above to risk a misplaced step… I know the needs… You want to crawl only once.

This is amazing equipment. I just wish it was around when I did my apprenticeship. I cant tell you how many times I just wanted to be through with one pull or I had to have someone help. You can now enter, install and pull at the same time with no return trips, if you do it right the first time. Which is the goal right? Work smarter, not harder?

These handi-hoops can and will save time, money, and effort. Really, isn’t that what its all about? Time IS money these days. You can’t go wrong with this. You have to try one job with handi-hoops. You will be hooked on them and wonder how you got along without them in the first place!

These work for not just home theaters, but computer networks as well! Both Hi and Low voltages can benefit with this equipment. Imagine the savings in time and effort! Not to mention wire! OK I will… You will save at least 2 -3 feet per run because there is no waste!

I have had to go back to the origin of the pull and get more slack, now I don’t. Just a little tug and you have it. No binding or chaffing, even with multiple wires! The wires are inherently protected if properly installed.

This is the best thing for the handyman, low voltage electricians, and residential electricians alike. Imagine a one man install in half of the time. Really!! Half the time!

Handi-hoops.com is the only place you can find these babies. Be the first to try them and tell your associates!

Next Gen Wiring Management

Travis — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:52:52 +0000

Its common to install electrical wire in a two man configuration. The first step is to rough in the electrical wire, the second step is to go back and staple it all in for support.

With our handi-hoops product, we’ve found that electrical line runs can often be done with one person in a much more efficient fashion.

The first step with handi-hoops is to visualize and engineer your wiring run. What is the most efficient way for you to run your wire through the structure in the cleanest and least wasteful way. With open studs or posts, you can install handi-hoops to build a strong, secure channel in which to run your cable. Turns are managed easily by the hoops themselves, or you can provide extra support by running your cable through EMT with a Hoop on either end.

Once the channel has been laid throughout the structure, pulling your cable can be done by a single person. The kinks and friction associated with an unsupported cable run, make single man wiring installations very challenging, often damaging the cable. With a safe wiring channel provided by the Hoops, you can pull your cable safely and confidently throughout the home with a greatly reduced risk of damage to your cabling.

At $0.29/each in quantities of 800 or more (available for less through our retailer HomeTech), a typical low voltage install in a 2500 square foot home can be done with around 200 hoops for under $60. If you choose to use it as a positioning mechanism for line voltage installations as well, a case of 800 will fulfill all of your wiring needs in a full size home for just over $230. When you consider the time savings in labor expenses, from reducing the crew from two to one, for your wire pulls, and, the cost savings of avoiding damaged cable, the cost of the hoops more than justifies it in both telco hanging and line voltage positioning applications.

Structured Cabling with Handi Hoops

Travis — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:45:16 +0000

Structured cabling is the process of organizing and designing the system by which you lay out your cable installations. Typically installed in a star formation, structured cabling installs allow maximum flexibility in future expansion. Each cable run typically runs back to a single patch panel or ‘hub’ where all cables are terminated at their central point. Switching lines in a single office, room or cubicle is often as easy as reconfiguring at the patch panel, no construction or modifications are required in the wall or even in the office or room itself.

In order to successfully deploy a structured cabling solution, clean and organized cable runs are a requirement. Running sensitive CAT5 or CAT6 lines along with low voltage power and cable video runs requires a protected channel in which to run your cables throughout your internal walls, ceilings and sub-floors.

The handi-hoop product provides a safe and organized cabling solution. Constructed of high grade plastic with smooth edges, you can use the handi hoop as a positioning mechanism for your structured cabling runs. Running through interior walls, around 90 degree bends and even running multi-way cable runs is simple if you desire to separate the various types of cables in your runs back to the hub.

For purchasing prices on our products, please visit our reseller HomeTech Solutions.