Key Takeaways
- Determine accurate measurements before bending.
- Apply proper technique and marking for successful bends.
- Aluminum conduit offers ease of use and lower cost.
Determining the 90-Degree Bend Measurement
Measuring the Obstacle Clearance
To accurately bend a 90-degree angle in a conduit, you need to first determine the overall distance needed to clear any obstacles, such as a wall. Begin by marking the total distance from the starting point of the conduit to where the 90-degree bend needs to end. For example, if you need a 36-inch bend, mark that point precisely on the conduit.
Understanding Conduit Takeoff
Conduit takeoff is essential for ensuring your bend aligns perfectly with your measurements. Depending on the size of your conduit, you'll subtract a specific takeoff value from your initial measurement to determine where to start the bend:
- Three-quarter-inch conduit: Subtract 6 inches.
- Half-inch conduit: Subtract 5 inches.
- One-inch conduit: Subtract 8 inches.
Mark this new point on the conduit as your bending start point. Align the arrow on your conduit bender with this mark to perform the bend correctly. Ensure that you apply pressure steadily when bending to maintain a smooth curve, avoiding any kinks. Use a pencil for marking to keep your conduit clean and professional.
Marking the Conduit for Bending
Mark Placement for Different Conduit Sizes
When preparing to bend a 90-degree angle in conduit, it’s crucial to establish the correct measurements based on the conduit size. For a ¾-inch conduit, you'll make a take-off of 6 inches; for a ½-inch conduit, it's 5 inches, and for a 1-inch conduit, an 8-inch take-off. Having a consistent approach ensures accuracy in your bends, keeping your work neat and professional.
Tool and Marking Recommendations
To achieve clean markings without cluttering your work, use a pencil instead of a marker. A construction pencil can easily be rubbed off, keeping the appearance professional. Align your marks with the arrow indicator on the bender for precise bending. Remember, aluminum conduit is typically easier to bend than steel due to its lighter weight, reducing physical strain and potential bending inaccuracies.
Technique for Bending the Conduit
Using the Bender's Direction and Takeoff
To properly bend a 90-degree angle in conduit, start by determining the desired length of the bend. This requires calculating the distance from the start of the conduit to the point where the bend will clear any obstacles. If you’re aiming for a 36-inch distance, make a mark at 36 inches on the conduit. Important: Adjust for the takeoff, which varies by conduit size—6 inches for three-quarter-inch conduit, 5 inches for half-inch, and 8 inches for one-inch.
Attach your tape measure to the starting point and face your bender in the direction of the measurement. Use the arrow on the bender to align with your adjusted mark for precision. This will help you achieve the exact angle without needing further calculations.
Applying Correct Pressure When Bending
Applying the correct pressure when bending conduit is essential. Always press downward with your foot on the bender while pulling back on the pipe. This method ensures the conduit remains securely in the shoe and doesn’t distort during bending. Using a steady, gradual motion prevents kinking, particularly with materials like aluminum, which bend easily.
For consistent results, observe how far the shoe descends during bending. Typically, the bottom of the shoe should be about an inch off the conduit when level. Experience will guide you on how much pressure to apply with different benders for precise bends.
Working With Aluminum Conduit
Advantages of Aluminum Over Steel
Aluminum conduit offers several benefits compared to steel. Firstly, it is significantly lighter, making it much easier to transport and handle on job sites. Imagine being able to carry a large bundle effortlessly; this is something not as easily achieved with heavier steel conduit.
Bending aluminum is also more straightforward. When dealing with sizes like one inch or inch and a half, the difference becomes apparent—there's much less struggle with aluminum, saving time and effort. In terms of cost, aluminum is more economical than steel, allowing for budget-friendly construction without sacrificing quality.
Pen Aluminum's Blue Lightning Coating
The Blue Lightning coating from Pen Aluminum is a game-changer for those working with aluminum conduit. This coating functions similar to Teflon, drastically improving the ease of pulling wires through the conduit. While aluminum naturally has more friction than steel, which can make wire pulling a bit more challenging, the Blue Lightning coating minimizes this issue, letting conductors glide smoothly.
This innovation eliminates the need for additional pulling lubricants, which can be messy and inconvenient. By incorporating this coating, the conduit combines the lightweight and cost-effective benefits of aluminum with enhanced performance, setting a new standard for electrical installations.
Alternate 90-Degree Bend Method
Using the Star on the Bender
To create a 90-degree bend without using the traditional method, use the star mark on your conduit bender. Begin by measuring from the end of the conduit to your desired length, making a single mark at that point. Unlike the first method, this approach does not require any takeoff calculation.
Ensure that the star mark on the bender is aligned with your measurement mark before starting the bend. This method allows a different orientation for bending the conduit, making it versatile for specific scenarios where space or direction is a constraint. Practice helps in mastering the star mark method, slightly differing from the regular 90-degree bend by providing a quick and straightforward option without extra markings.
Facing the Opposite Direction for Bending
Position yourself in the opposite direction when using the star mark method. If you've measured from one side, place your bender facing that same direction but complete the bend from the opposite end. This means you will orient the bender to face away from your initial measuring point.
Align the star mark on the bender with your single mark and apply firm and consistent pressure while bending. This technique requires that you carefully manage the conduit’s position, ensuring it stays tight in the shoe to prevent kinking. This opposite orientation can sometimes be beneficial in tight spaces, making your work more adaptable to the conditions of your worksite.