Beatrice Lang
Bending plastic electrical conduit is a skill that electricians need to know, and there are several methods to do it. The most common technique is to use a heating tool, such as a heat gun, to heat the desired location of the bend until the plastic becomes malleable. It is important to heat the conduit evenly to avoid scorching or burning the plastic. Once malleable, the conduit is held in the desired position until it cools and sets. This process can be time-consuming, so it is recommended to have a spray bottle of cool water or a wet rag on hand to speed up the cooling process.
How to bend plastic electrical conduit
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required tools | Heat gun, propane torch, electric oven-type heat box, hot blanket pipe heater, hot tanks, commercial heaters, PVC conduit bending tool, Pipe Viper, Bender's Friend |
| Temperature | 225-275 F for uniform softening; max temperature varies from 120 F to 400 F depending on the source |
| Tips | Heat the desired location until the PVC becomes malleable; use ductwork underneath the PVC to circulate heat; use sand to prevent collapse; tape the ends to hold the heat; cool with water |
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Using a heat gun
Bending plastic electrical conduit, also known as PVC electrical conduit, with a heat gun is a simple process but requires some preparation and safety measures. Firstly, it is important to note that you should never heat the conduit with wires in place, as this can be dangerous and damage the wires. It is also crucial to wear gloves to protect your hands from burns and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Additionally, melted PVC emits toxic fumes, so ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area.
To begin the bending process, mark the spots on the PVC conduit where you want it to bend. This step will help you maintain a consistent angle while heating the plastic. Once you have marked the spots, you can turn on your heat gun. It is recommended to set the heat gun to high heat and hold it about six inches away from the PVC conduit. Slowly move the heat gun back and forth over the desired area, ensuring that you keep it moving to avoid overheating any single spot.
As you heat the conduit, you will notice that it starts to soften and become pliable or malleable. At this point, you can carefully begin to bend it to your desired angle. It is important to work slowly and bend the conduit a little at a time to avoid cracking or collapsing the conduit. Once you have achieved the desired angle, turn off the heat gun and allow the conduit to cool and harden in that position. To speed up the cooling process, you can use wet rags or a wet microfiber cloth on the bend.
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Commercial heaters
One type of commercial heater is the electric blanket, which is wrapped around the pipe and secured with velcro. This method provides even heat distribution and can be left on the pipe until the desired shape is achieved. Another option is a hot box, which uses an insulated tank of liquid maintained at a high temperature, typically around 400°F. While effective, this method is more expensive and requires careful handling due to the extreme temperatures involved.
When using commercial heaters, it is important to follow safety precautions. PVC, when heated, can release harmful vapors and fumes, including carbon monoxide and chlorinated furans. Therefore, it is crucial to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as a gas mask, safety glasses, and heat-proof gloves. Additionally, inspectors may disapprove of scorched conduits as they can substantially weaken the structure.
To achieve the desired bends, it is recommended to mark the pipe with the desired bending points before applying heat. Commercial heaters can then be used to soften the PVC, allowing it to be bent to the required shape. Once the desired shape is achieved, the pipe should be cooled, and the bends can be inspected and adjusted if needed. It is important to note that repeated heating and bending can cause the PVC to become brittle over time.
In conclusion, commercial heaters offer a convenient and effective solution for bending plastic electrical conduits. By following the necessary safety precautions and employing the appropriate techniques, electricians can create clean, professional bends in PVC conduits, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation process.
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Cold bends
Cold bending is a simple and straightforward process for bending plastic electrical conduit without the use of heat. This method is suitable for creating gentle and wide bends in the conduit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform cold bends:
Start by measuring and marking the conduit: Using a measuring tape, determine the length of the conduit that needs to be bent. Mark the conduit at the desired
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Pre-bent angles
Bending plastic electrical conduit is a skill every electrician needs. The most common technique for bending PVC conduit is to use a heating tool, such as a heat gun, to heat the desired location of the bend until the PVC becomes malleable. Once malleable, the conduit can be held in the desired position.
However, there is an alternative to this method: purchasing manufactured pre-bent angles. Pre-bent angles are available in a variety of shapes, including 90s, 45s, and 30s. These pre-made angles can be used to create uncommon wiring routes without the effort of heating and bending PVC conduit.
Using pre-bent angles can save time and effort, especially when working with larger conduits. It also eliminates the risk of damaging the conduit by applying too much heat. Pre-bent angles can be easily joined together to create the desired shape, without the need for specialised tools or equipment.
Additionally, pre-bent angles can be more cost-effective than custom-bent conduit. They are mass-produced, which can drive down the cost per unit. This makes them a convenient and affordable option for electricians and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Overall, pre-bent angles offer a simple and efficient solution for creating bends in plastic electrical conduit, providing a reliable alternative to the traditional heating and bending method.
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Bending tools
For PVC conduit, the most common technique for bending is to use a heating tool, such as a heat gun. A heat gun will supply enough heat for the job without the risk of easily damaging the conduit. When using a heat gun, work in larger areas and avoid applying heat to a very small area, as this could damage the conduit. Once the conduit is hot and malleable, you can bend it into the desired shape. It is important to wear gloves during this process to prevent burns from the hot plastic.
There are also commercial heaters designed specifically for bending PVC, such as electric blankets that you can wrap around the pipe and hold with velcro, or an electric PVC heater/bender box with holes in the end and a flip-top lid. Purpose-built heaters are easier to use than a heat gun or torch, but they can be more expensive.
Another option is to use a specially designed PVC conduit bending tool to get accurate custom angles. The Pipe Viper, for example, is a cost-effective tool that can be inserted into the pipe and bent across your knee to achieve cold bends. The Bender's Friend from Rack-A-Tiers is another tool that can be used to guide your bend for a clean, professional result.
For conduit made of metal, a hand bender or a power tool can be used to achieve the desired bends. A torpedo-style level is necessary to ensure accurate bends.
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Frequently asked questions
To bend plastic electrical conduit, you must heat it to make it malleable. You can use a heat gun, a propane torch, an electric oven, or a hot blanket pipe heater. Once the conduit is malleable, hold it in the desired position.
There are several tools designed to help bend plastic electrical conduit. The Pipe Viper is a cost-effective tool for cold-bending smaller conduits. The Bender's Friend is a template that helps guide your bend for a clean, professional result.
It is important to heat the conduit evenly without burning it. Inspectors will frown upon scorched conduits as they can weaken the material. To avoid burning, keep point sources like heat guns moving and use duct work to circulate heat. Taping the ends of the conduit can help hold in the heat. Once the desired shape is achieved, cool the conduit with a spray bottle of water, a wet rag, or a water hose.
