Cable Rods

A cable rod is a flexible tool used to guide electrical cables through narrow or hard-to-reach spaces. By attaching a cable to the end of the rod, you can pull it through crawl spaces, ceiling ducts, and wall cavities, making it essential for both construction and domestic audio-video setups

The RS range of cable rods offers a safe and practical solution, featuring products from trusted brands like Rittal, Hellermann Tyton, Schneider Electric, and our own RS PRO. Explore our selection of cable rods today for efficient cable management.

Types of Cable Rod Solutions

Individual Cable Rods

Individual non-conductive wiring rods are available in nylon or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) with high quality brass fittings. The secure end fittings are tested to a pull weight of up to 80kg, ensuring safety and reliability. The 1000mm rods are available in 4mm, 5mm and 6mm diameter in a variety of colours.

Cable Rod Sets / Kits

A range of cable rod sets to suit every cable management application. The rod set contains multiple lengths of cable rod, often flexible, along with various attachment accessories, all supplied in handy carrying bags. These sets are particularly appealing to professional electricians in New Zealand who need a comprehensive solution for pulling and pushing wire through difficult electrical infrastructure.

Draw Wires / Fish Tapes

Draw wires, commonly known as fish tapes, are long, stiff yet flexible bands of wire or fibre rod used for pulling cable through conduit or trunking. While both draw wires and cable rods serve a similar function, fish tapes are typically thinner and longer, making them better suited for longer, less obstructed runs in electrical conduit. Electricians frequently use fish tape when installing new wires over long distances.

Cable Rod Accessories

Various accessories attach to the end of a cable rod to enhance the pulling or pushing capability of the electrician.

• Grippers: A standard way of gripping cables onto the cable routing tool, these compression-style grippers are designed to securely pull and hold many different sizes of wire and cable without damaging the insulation.
• Hook ends and rings: These versatile hook and ring heads are perfect tools for guiding cables, but can also be used for retrieving lost wires from inaccessible places where human hands cannot reach.
• Glider: This whisk-shaped head attaches to your cable rod tip, allowing you to push the cable over abrasive ground or rough edges without damaging the connector head during the pulling process.
• Magnet head: A strong metal magnet latches onto cables or connectors without having to manually fix it. This proves very useful for retrieving dropped wires or cables from deep, difficult-to-reach cavities.
• Inspection beam: A small LED torch light that affixes to the cable routing tool. It is perfect for inspecting dark crevices, where cables may have become lost or tangled, enhancing visibility during the pushing process.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cable Rods

Selecting the correct cable rod is important for achieving maximum efficiency and safety in electrical installations. Consider these factors when choosing your rod or set:

• Job Type & Route Complexity: Determine the complexity of the installation. For short, straight runs, a simple draw wire (fish tape) works well. For complex routes with multiple bends or obstructions, a cable rod set with flexible joints is necessary to push and guide the wire.
• Required Reach: Match the total length of the cable rod set to the longest distance you need to pull the cable. Buying a set with multiple interlocking rods allows you to customize the length precisely for the job.
• Push vs. Flexibility: Balance rigidity for pushing through insulation (requiring thicker rods) with flexibility for navigating bends (requiring thinner, more flexible rods). Many electricians use GRP rods for rigidity while still retaining some flex.
• Site Safety: Choose non-conductive materials like Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) or nylon. Non-conductive cable rods are crucial for electrical work to prevent accidental contact with live wires, enhancing job site safety.
• Accessory Needs: Consider the attachments required. Standard sets include hooks for pulling and rings for pushing. For retrieval, a magnet head is vital, while a glider protects cable heads from abrasive surfaces during the pulling process.

Applications of Cable Rods

Cable rods are essential tools for electricians and technicians in New Zealand, simplifying the often challenging task of pulling and routing wire and cable through concealed or obstructed spaces.

• Electrical Installation & Maintenance: Electricians routinely use cable rods to pull new electrical wire through conduit, trunking, or inaccessible wall cavities during installation and maintenance. This saves time and avoids costly damage to existing structures.
• Data/AV Cabling: Professionals use flexible rods to push and pull data, fibre, and audio-visual cables through suspended ceilings and under raised floors in commercial buildings and data centres. These tasks ensure neat and compliant wire routing.
• Facilities & Industrial: Facility maintenance teams rely on cable rod sets for electrical system upkeep in factories and large commercial complexes. The rods are used to fish and retrieve lost wires or pull cables over long runs.
• Plumbing & HVAC: Cable rods serve as useful tools for guiding inspection cameras or control wires through ventilation ducts and complex pipework during diagnostic and installation work.
• Renovation & Retrofitting: In renovation projects, cable rods are the preferred method for running new wire or cable through existing, enclosed walls without causing unnecessary damage, which is a common requirement across New Zealand housing.

Get The Right Cable Rod Kit Now

RS New Zealand is a trusted supplier and distributor of comprehensive cable rods and electrical routing solutions. We offer a wide range of individual rods and cable rod sets sourced from reputable brands like HellermannTyton, Schneider Electric, Rittal, and RS PRO, ensuring reliable options for every pulling and pushing task.

Beyond cable rods, we also provide a wide array of other cable management solutions, such as cable trays, cable trunking, and cable covers, catering to all your wire routing and organization requirements.

Explore our user-friendly online site for the full range of products and have them shipped to your door at your convenience. With our flexible delivery options, you can receive your products precisely when needed. For comprehensive details on delivery times and fees, please consult our Delivery page.