Wiktor Wise
Bending conduit is a crucial skill for electricians, whether they are working on a new home, replacing old electrical construction, or creating a masterpiece. Electric benders are used for heavier-duty conduits with thick walls, such as rigid metal conduits (RMC), which require more force to achieve precise angles. When using an electric bender, it is important to calculate the extra conduit needed, as bending reduces the effective length. Additionally, the conduit should be cut to size and any burrs removed to prevent electrical faults. Before bending, the bender's arrow must be aligned with the marked conduit, and the desired angle should be identified on the bender. Applying force to the bender's foot pedal and pulling the handle will initiate the bend, and the process is repeated for additional angles. With practice, one can master the art of bending conduits with an electric bender, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and safety in electrical setups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Conduit bender type | Electric bender |
| Conduit type | Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) |
| Bender selection | Choose a bender that matches the size of the conduit |
| Bender characteristics | Long handle, curved cast head, series of marks, channel for conduit, arrow pointing to the channel |
| Preparation | Calculate extra conduit needed, cut to size, remove burrs with a conduit reamer or knife |
| Stub Up bend | Decide on free end height, calculate stub height, mark on conduit, attach bender with hook towards free end, line up start point symbol, apply pressure until 90-degree position |
| Back-to-Back bend | Measure distance between objects, follow Stub Up bend process, place bender on opposite free end, line up mark with start point symbol, apply pressure until 90-degree position |
| Offset bend | Measure height and distance to clear obstacle, determine angle, use Offset Formula Table, mark conduit, bend to desired angle |
| Angle measurement | Use a level and protractor or water level to double-check measurements |
| U-shaped bend | Line up with star mark on bender, ensure second bend is in the same plane to avoid a dog leg |
| Overbending | Use the built-in tool on the bender to correct overbending |
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What You'll Learn
Ensure the bender matches the conduit size
Ensuring that the bender matches the conduit size is crucial for achieving accurate, efficient, and safe results when bending conduit. Different types of electrical conduits are designed for specific purposes based on their material and intended application. For instance, lightweight galvanized steel conduits are commonly used in residential and light commercial wiring due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while rigid steel or aluminum conduits are more suitable for high-durability installations such as underground or industrial projects.
When selecting a bender, it is essential to consider the size and type of conduit you will be working with. Electric benders, for example, can handle various conduit types, including EMT, IMC, rigid piping, and PVC-coated conduit. They are particularly useful for high-production conduit bending, as they can quickly create precise bends with minimal effort. However, electric benders may not be suitable for larger pipe diameters, typically ranging from 1 to 2 inches, as they can struggle to produce smooth bends without squeezing, splitting, or bulging the conduit.
In contrast, hydraulic benders are recommended when working with rigid electrical conduits with diameters ranging from 2.5 to 5 inches. These benders utilize hydraulic systems to generate powerful force, enabling smooth and precise bends in thick and heavy-duty materials. While hydraulic benders tend to be more expensive and less portable, they excel in producing consistent and professional bends, ensuring the integrity of the conduit.
Additionally, specialty benders, such as heated PVC benders, are designed for specific conduit materials. These benders are ideal for projects requiring customized shapes or precise angles in PVC conduit. By using controlled heat to soften the PVC, these benders prevent cracking or deforming during the bending process.
It is important to note that conduit benders come in different sizes, depending on the diameter of the conduit. For example, a 1/2-inch conduit should not be bent using a 1-inch bender. Therefore, it is crucial to select a bender that matches the conduit's size and type to ensure successful bending outcomes.
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Mark the conduit with a sharpie
When preparing to bend conduit with an electric bender, marking the conduit with a Sharpie is a crucial step. This process requires careful calculations and measurements to ensure accurate bends and connections. Here is a detailed guide on marking the conduit with a Sharpie:
First, it is essential to determine the type of bend required for your project. Common types of bends include the "L" or Stub Up bend, Back-to-Back bend, and Offset bend. Each bend requires specific measurements and calculations to mark the conduit accurately. For example, for a Stub Up bend, you must decide on the desired free-end height and then calculate the stub height by subtracting the stub adjustment from the free-end height.
Next, using the calculations from the previous step, mark the conduit with the Sharpie. For instance, when creating a Stub Up bend, you would mark the calculated stub height from the "up" free end of the conduit. This mark serves as a critical reference point for aligning the bender. It is important to be precise and confident in your markings, as they will guide the bending process.
When marking the conduit, consider any adjustments or offsets required for your specific project. For example, if you need to clear an obstacle, calculate the height and distance needed to bypass it. These calculations will influence where you place your marks on the conduit. It is crucial to take your time during this step and double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
Finally, consider the overall layout of your conduit and any connections or bends that will be made in subsequent steps. This includes marking the conduit for U-shaped bends or ensuring that multiple bends remain in the same plane to avoid a "dog leg" formation. Proper marking will ensure that your conduit bends align correctly and that your project meets the necessary electrical standards and safety requirements.
Remember, bending conduit is an art, and it may take practice to perfect your technique. Take your time, double-check your measurements, and don't be afraid to seek additional resources or guidance if needed.
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Line up the arrow with the mark
When preparing to bend conduit with an electric bender, it is important to first calculate the amount of extra conduit you will need. Bending conduit requires careful planning, as the process of bending will cause you to lose length as the conduit is bent in the direction of another plane. The amount of conduit required for the corner depends on the diameter of the conduit. For example, a 1-inch conduit pipe requires 8 inches of extra conduit.
Once you have cut the conduit to size, you can begin to mark the conduit with a sharpie or marker. If you want your bend to be 12" from the end of the pipe, you would mark the conduit at this point. The next step is to line up the arrow with the mark. The arrow is usually the start point symbol on the bender, and this should be aligned with the line you have made.
The bender will have a long handle and a curved cast head. The arrow will be on the head, pointing to the channel where the conduit will sit while being bent. The handle of the bender is used as a lever, and you will apply pressure to the heel end with your foot to start the bend.
It is important to take your time and make sure the bends are aligned, especially if you are working with conduits that have multiple bends. A dog leg can occur when multiple bends on a line do not line up in the same plane. You can correct overbending by using the built-in tool on the bender, sliding the handle over the over-bent conduit and pulling the pipe to adjust the bend.
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Step on the foot pedal and pull the handle
To bend conduit with an electric bender, you will need to step on the foot pedal and pull the handle. This process will apply the necessary force to create the desired bend in the conduit.
The foot pedal, or stem, is the part of the bender that sticks up in the air, resembling a foot pedal. By stepping on it, you can generate the necessary force to initiate the bending process. Meanwhile, the handle is used as a lever to control the direction and angle of the bend.
As you step on the foot pedal, be sure to line up the arrow on the head of the bender with the mark you made on the conduit to indicate the desired bend location. This mark should correspond to the distance from the end of the pipe where you want the bend to start. For example, if you want a 12" bend from the end of the pipe, mark the conduit accordingly and then line up the arrow with that mark.
While stepping on the foot pedal, pull the handle to begin bending the conduit. The handle serves as a lever, allowing you to guide the conduit and achieve the desired angle. Keep pulling the handle until you reach the desired angle, such as 45 degrees or any other required angle. The side of the channel on the bender has marks indicating the angle, so you can stop pulling once you reach the desired angle mark.
Remember to choose the appropriate size of the bender that matches the size of the EMT conduit you are working with. This ensures accuracy and precision in your bends.
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Check the angle using a protractor
After removing the conduit from the electric bender, you can use a protractor to check the angle of the bend. Place the protractor's centre on the conduit's centre line and align its base with the conduit's unbent portion. Check that the angle measurement matches your desired angle.
It is important to be precise with your angle measurements, as a single angle that is off by 5° can throw off the whole conduit system. If you are not satisfied with the angle, you can attempt to correct it by overbending, especially if you experience spring-back when you remove your foot from the bender.
To avoid spring-back, you can use a bender with a built-in tool to correct overbends. The handle of such a bender has a slightly larger radius than the conduit, allowing you to slide it over the conduit and pull the pipe to correct the angle.
Additionally, when working with multiple bends, ensure that they are in the same plane to prevent a "dog leg" from forming. A dog leg occurs when multiple bends on a line do not align, causing the pipe to become crooked. Take your time to examine the alignment in all directions before bending, especially if you are working with conduits that have multiple bends.
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Frequently asked questions
First, calculate the extra conduit you will need, as bending the conduit will result in a loss of length. Then, cut the conduit to size and remove any burrs from the end using a conduit reamer or knife. Ensure that the bender matches the size of the conduit. Mark the conduit with a sharpie or marker and line up the arrow on the bender with that mark. Apply force by stepping on the foot pedal and pulling the handle to begin the bend. Continue stepping and applying force until the desired angle is reached.
A Stub Up or “L” conduit bend creates a vertical bend in the conduit that is in an “L” shape. A Back-to-Back conduit bend involves making two close bends in opposite directions, resulting in a “U” shape. An Offset conduit bend changes the direction of the conduit at an angle while keeping a consistent distance to a wall, ceiling, or other surface.
It is important to choose the right conduit bender for the specific type of conduit being used. For example, Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) can be bent manually or with electric benders, while Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) requires more powerful benders like hydraulic or electric models. Additionally, take your time to ensure that all bends are accurately aligned, as even a slight deviation in a single angle can throw off the entire conduit system.
