1. **Select the Right Bender**: Choose a bender that matches the diameter of the conduit you are working with. 2. **Measure and Mark**: Determine the length of the conduit and mark the point where the bend should start using a permanent marker or pencil. 3. **Align the Conduit**: Place the conduit in the bender with the mark aligned to the arrow or star on the bender, which indicates the start of the bend. 4. **Position the Bender**: Stand on the foot pedal of the bender to secure it. Ensure the handle is positioned for optimal leverage. 5. **Bend the Conduit**: Pull the handle towards you while applying steady pressure. Keep an eye on the degree scale on the bender to achieve the desired angle, typically 90 degrees for standard bends. 6. **Check the Angle**: Use a protractor or angle finder to verify the accuracy of the bend. Adjust if necessary by applying slight pressure. 7. **Recheck Measurements**: Measure the conduit again to ensure the bend is at the correct location and angle. 8. **Make Additional Bends**: If multiple bends are needed, repeat the process, ensuring each bend is accurately measured and marked. 9. **Fine-Tuning**: If the bend is slightly off, make minor adjustments by applying gentle pressure in the opposite direction. 10. **Safety Precautions**: Always wear gloves and safety glasses to protect against sharp edges and metal shavings. 11. **Practice**: Practice on scrap pieces to improve accuracy and technique. By following these steps, you can make precise and accurate bends in metal conduit using a bender.

The common angles used in conduit bending are: 1. **90 Degrees (Right Angle Bend):** This is the most common bend, used to change the direction of the conduit by 90 degrees. It is often used to run conduit along walls or ceilings and to navigate around corners. 2. **45 Degrees (Offset Bend):** This angle is used to create an offset, allowing the conduit to bypass obstacles or align with a different plane. It is often used in pairs to return the conduit to its original direction after bypassing an obstruction. 3. **30 Degrees:** This angle is frequently used in offset bends to achieve a more gradual change in direction. It is less sharp than a 45-degree bend and is often used when space constraints or specific design requirements dictate a gentler angle. 4. **22.5 Degrees:** This angle is used for slight offsets or when a very gradual change in direction is needed. It is often used in combination with other angles to achieve precise conduit routing. 5. **60 Degrees:** Although less common, this angle is used when a sharper turn is needed than a 45-degree bend but not as sharp as a 90-degree bend. It can be useful in tight spaces or specific design scenarios. These angles are typically achieved using a conduit bender, which allows electricians to create precise bends to fit the conduit into the desired path while maintaining the integrity and safety of the electrical system.

To calculate the bend radius for conduit, you need to follow these steps: 1. **Determine the Conduit Size**: Identify the diameter of the conduit you are using. This is typically measured in inches or millimeters. 2. **Refer to Standards**: Check the National Electrical Code (NEC) or other relevant standards for the minimum bend radius requirements for the specific type of conduit (e.g., EMT, PVC, RMC). 3. **Use the Formula**: The bend radius is often calculated as a multiple of the conduit diameter. A common rule of thumb is that the minimum bend radius is 6 times the diameter of the conduit for rigid conduits. For flexible conduits, it might be different. 4. **Calculate the Bend Radius**: Multiply the conduit diameter by the factor specified in the standards or guidelines. For example, if the conduit diameter is 2 inches and the standard requires a bend radius of 6 times the diameter, the bend radius would be 12 inches. 5. **Consider the Application**: Ensure that the calculated bend radius is suitable for the installation environment and does not exceed the space available for the conduit run. 6. **Use Bending Tools**: When bending the conduit, use appropriate tools like a conduit bender to achieve the desired radius without kinking or damaging the conduit. 7. **Verify Compliance**: Double-check that the bend radius complies with all applicable codes and standards to ensure safety and functionality. By following these steps, you can accurately calculate and implement the correct bend radius for conduit installations.

EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) benders and rigid conduit benders are tools used to bend different types of electrical conduits, but they differ in design, application, and the type of conduit they are intended for. 1. **Material and Conduit Type**: - **EMT Benders**: Specifically designed for EMT, which is a thin-walled, lightweight conduit. EMT is easier to bend due to its thinner walls and is typically used in indoor applications. - **Rigid Conduit Benders**: Designed for rigid metal conduit (RMC), which is thicker, heavier, and more robust. RMC is used in outdoor or industrial settings where more protection is needed. 2. **Construction and Design**: - **EMT Benders**: Usually made from aluminum or lightweight steel, featuring a simple design with a handle and a shoe that fits the diameter of the EMT. They often have markings for common bends like 30°, 45°, and 90°. - **Rigid Conduit Benders**: Constructed from heavier materials like cast iron or steel to withstand the force needed to bend rigid conduit. They may include additional features like a ratcheting mechanism or hydraulic assistance for ease of use. 3. **Bending Process**: - **EMT Benders**: Typically operated manually due to the ease of bending EMT. The user applies force to the handle to achieve the desired bend. - **Rigid Conduit Benders**: May require mechanical or hydraulic assistance due to the strength needed to bend rigid conduit. This can involve a more complex setup and operation. 4. **Applications**: - **EMT Benders**: Used in residential and commercial settings where flexibility and ease of installation are priorities. - **Rigid Conduit Benders**: Used in environments requiring high durability and protection, such as industrial facilities or outdoor installations.

To prevent kinking when bending conduit, follow these steps: 1. **Use the Right Tools**: Utilize a conduit bender specifically designed for the type and size of conduit you are working with. Ensure the bender is in good condition and appropriate for the material (e.g., EMT, PVC, or rigid). 2. **Correct Positioning**: Place the conduit in the bender's shoe, aligning it properly with the bender's markings. Ensure the conduit is straight and centered to avoid uneven pressure. 3. **Apply Steady Pressure**: Use a smooth, continuous motion when applying pressure to the bender handle. Avoid jerky or abrupt movements that can cause the conduit to kink. 4. **Bend Gradually**: Bend the conduit in small increments rather than trying to achieve the desired angle in one go. This gradual approach helps maintain the conduit’s structural integrity. 5. **Use a Bending Spring**: For smaller conduits, insert a bending spring inside the conduit before bending. The spring provides internal support, reducing the risk of kinking. 6. **Heat for PVC**: If bending PVC conduit, gently heat the area to be bent using a heat gun or warm water. This makes the material more pliable and less likely to kink. 7. **Check for Obstructions**: Ensure there are no obstructions or debris inside the conduit that could cause uneven bending. 8. **Practice Proper Technique**: Familiarize yourself with the bending process and practice on scrap pieces to refine your technique. 9. **Use a Conduit Bending Guide**: Follow a conduit bending guide or chart to ensure you are using the correct angles and techniques for the specific bend you need. 10. **Inspect the Bend**: After bending, inspect the conduit for any signs of kinking or deformation and make adjustments if necessary.