Ethan Clarke
Bending plastic conduit is a skill that electricians need to master, and there are several methods to do so. The most common technique is to use a heating tool, such as a heat gun, to apply heat to the desired location of the bend until the plastic becomes malleable and can be shaped. It is also possible to bend plastic conduit without heat by using a specially designed tool like the Pipe Viper, which allows for cold bends. The size of the conduit and the type of bend needed will determine the method used, with smaller conduits under 2 inches being easier to heat and bend than larger ones.
How to bend plastic conduit
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required tools | Heat gun/tool, Pipe Viper, wet rag, cool water, heat wrap or blanket |
| Preparation | Fill pipe with sand, cap the ends to keep heat in |
| Heating | Heat the desired location until the conduit becomes malleable, rotate the pipe to heat evenly, use a small section and go further as needed |
| Bending | Hold in the desired position, use a Pipe Viper for cold bends |
| Cooling | Cool with a wet rag, cool water or a wet towel, cooling can be time-consuming |
| Post-cooling | Check the bends, reheat and start over if needed, be wary of overdoing it as the conduit can become brittle |
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun
Bending plastic conduit with a heat gun is a common technique. It is important to note that this process can be time-consuming, and that melted PVC emits fumes that are harmful to human health, so it is recommended to work outdoors. Before you begin, plan the shape you want your conduit to take on by creating a template and marking the spots where you want it to bend.
To start, put on some heat-resistant gloves and turn on your heat gun, setting it to the highest temperature. Hold the heat gun a few inches away from the marked section of the conduit and heat it until it becomes pliable, making sure to rotate the conduit to heat all sides evenly. Once the conduit is soft enough, carefully bend it to the desired angle.
To set the conduit in its new position, immediately run a wet microfiber cloth across the bend to cool it down and hold it in place. You can also use a spray bottle filled with cool water, a wet rag, or a water hose. Check your bends to ensure they are what you need for your installation. If the angle is not quite right, you can reheat and start over, but be wary of repeating this process too many times as it could cause the conduit to become brittle.
Some additional tips to keep in mind: if you are working with a large section of conduit, you may need to heat and bend it in segments. To prevent kinking, tape the ends of the conduit with duct tape before heating. You can also fill the conduit with sand before heating to minimise distortion and prevent scorch marks.
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Warming with a heat blanket
Warming plastic conduit with a heat blanket is a common method used by electricians to achieve custom bends in PVC pipes. While there are alternative methods, such as using a hot box or a heat gun, the heat blanket stands out for its portability and effectiveness in bending PVC conduits.
To bend a plastic conduit using a heat blanket, start by wrapping the blanket around the desired section of the PVC pipe. Ensure that the blanket covers not only the bend area but also a few inches on both sides of the bend to ensure even heating. Turn on the heat blanket and wait for the conduit to become pliable. The time required for the PVC to soften will depend on the pipe's thickness and the blanket's heat settings.
Once the conduit is pliable, carefully bend it to the desired angle. It is important to work with a partner during this step to ensure a smooth and accurate bend without kinks or crimps. Have a bucket of water, wet rags, or a water hose nearby to cool down the PVC quickly and set the bends in place. You can also use a bend angle template, such as the Bender's Friend, to guide your bend for a clean, professional result.
While heat blankets are convenient for bending PVC conduits, they do have some drawbacks. One issue is the time required for the blanket to cool down before it can be safely handled and removed from the pipe. Additionally, heat blankets are most effective for bending straight sections of pipe, and they may not be suitable for creating multiple bends in a single run. Nevertheless, with practice and proper safety precautions, warming with a heat blanket can be a reliable technique for achieving the desired bends in plastic conduits.
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Cold-bending with a Pipe Viper
The Pipe Viper is a tool that can be used to cold-bend PVC conduit without the need for an external heat source. It is a functional, easy-to-use, and highly efficient product that is engineered from heavy-gauge pre-plated carbon spring steel. Its design allows it to bend in any direction, making it perfect for electricians, plumbers, and other technicians and engineers working with PVC or conduit.
The Pipe Viper is particularly useful for cold-bending Schedule 40 PVC, which is the most widely used PVC alongside Schedule 80. Schedule 40 PVC refers to the thickness of its walls. By using the Pipe Viper, you can avoid the problems associated with heating PVC, such as affecting the inner diameter of the pipe or breaking down the plasticizer, which can leave it brittle and prone to leaks.
To use the Pipe Viper, simply insert the spring into the pipe and bend it across your knee. This method works for 1/2" and 3/4" sizes, while for sizes 1" and above, the Pipe Viper can be used with an external heat source to maintain the integrity of the pipe. The Pipe Viper is a cost-effective and versatile tool, eliminating the need for tees, elbows, or couplings, as well as reducing the amount of gluing, cutting, and excess PVC pieces.
The Pipe Viper is a great option for those looking for a simple and efficient way to bend PVC conduit, saving time and money on their projects.
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Filling with sand
Filling the plastic conduit with sand is an effective way to bend it without the use of any specialised tools. This method is also commonly used in metal bending, where it is used to enable stretch bending without significant changes in the exterior profile.
First, mark the point where you want to bend the pipe with a marker or tape. Then, fill the pipe with sand up to about an inch or two past the bending point. You can also fill it up to 3 inches beyond the bending point to ensure the sand fills the entire area of the planned bend. Plug one end of the pipe with a cork, heat-proof tape, or a pipe cap to stop the sand from falling out.
Next, heat the sand. You can do this by pouring it into a heat-resistant container and placing it in an oven set to 431 degrees Fahrenheit (or 232 degrees Celsius). Stir the sand to allow the heat to distribute evenly. You can also use a hairdryer or a heat gun set to medium-high and held 2-3 inches away from the pipe. If using an oven, heat the sand to 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 149-204 degrees Celsius).
Once the sand is hot, pour it back into the pipe and let it sit for about 50 seconds to two minutes. Then, wearing heat-proof gloves, slowly bend the pipe into your desired shape. Finally, pour out the sand and let the pipe cool.
You can reuse the sand for future bending projects, simply reheating it as needed.
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Purchasing pre-bent angles
Bending plastic conduit can be a challenging task, and while it is a skill every electrician needs, it doesn't have to be a struggle. There are several methods and tools to make the process easier. However, if you are short on time or would rather not attempt it yourself, you can always purchase pre-bent angles.
Pre-bent angles for plastic conduit are available from various hardware stores and electrical suppliers. They offer a convenient and quick solution when you need specific angles for your project. Here are some tips and considerations when purchasing pre-bent angles:
- Know Your Project Requirements: Before purchasing pre-bent angles, ensure you have accurate measurements and know the specific angles you need for your project. Common angles like 45 and 90 degrees are typically available off-the-shelf, but more unique angles may require special orders or customization.
- Compatibility and Size: Ensure the pre-bent angles you purchase are compatible with the size and type of plastic conduit you are using. Conduit comes in various diameters, and it is crucial to match the correct size to ensure a secure fit and maintain electrical safety.
- Quality and Standards: When purchasing pre-bent angles, ensure they meet the required quality and safety standards, especially if they are for electrical installations. Look for products that adhere to industry standards and are certified for use with electrical wiring.
- Quantity and Cost: Consider the quantity of pre-bent angles you require and factor in the cost. Pre-bent angles can be more expensive than bending the conduit yourself, so evaluate your budget and the overall complexity of your project to decide if purchasing them is the best option.
- Returns and Warranties: When buying pre-bent angles, inquire about the return policy of the supplier. In case you order the wrong size or angle, understanding the return process can save you from unnecessary expenses. Additionally, look for products with warranties, as this indicates a higher level of quality assurance.
By following these considerations, you can make informed decisions when purchasing pre-bent angles for your plastic conduit project, ensuring a seamless and efficient installation process.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to bend plastic conduit is to use a manufactured pre-bent angle. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun to heat up the conduit until it becomes malleable and then bend it to the desired position.
For PVC conduits larger than 2 inches, it is recommended to use a heat gun or a hotbox to bend them effectively.
Yes, there are tools such as the Pipe Viper that allow for cold bending of plastic conduits without the need for a heat gun.
It is recommended to use a spray bottle filled with cool water, a wet rag, or a water hose to cool down a heated PVC conduit quickly and set it in the desired position.
Yes, it is possible to bend small PVC conduits (less than 2 inches) without using heat. One method is to fill the conduit with sand before bending.
