In residential wiring, what is the purpose of a fish tape?

A fish tape is a tool specifically designed for the purpose of aiding in the process of pulling insulated wire through conduits and walls. It consists of a long, flexible strip of metal or fiberglass that can navigate through tight spaces and bends within conduits, helping electricians to effectively and efficiently route wiring from one location to another.

When installing new electrical systems or making upgrades, running wires through walls, floors, or ceilings can present challenges due to the physical obstructions and the length of the run. The fish tape allows the installer to create a pathway for the wire by first feeding the tape through the desired route and then attaching the wire to the end of the fish tape. By pulling the tape back out, the attached wire is drawn into place. This makes the wire installation process much smoother and can save significant time and effort.

In contrast, measuring wire lengths, checking voltage, or cutting wire do not align with the specific function of a fish tape, which is focused solely on assisting with the pulling of wiring through conduits.