NCCER Module 26107-23 PT7

Electrical

Module 26107-23

Hand Bending

Copyright © 2024 by NCCER, Alachua, FL 32615. Published by Pearson. All rights reserved.

1.0.0 Cutting, Reaming, and Threading Conduit

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

Objective

1. Identify methods for cutting, reaming, and threading conduit.

a. Describe the tools and steps used to cut, ream, and thread conduit.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

Performance Task

1. Cut, ream, and thread conduit.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.0.0–1.1.0 Cutting, Reaming, and Threading Conduit

Types of conduit used by electricians include:
•

Rigid metal conduit (RMC)
•

Intermediate metal conduit (IMC)
•

Electrical metallic tubing (EMT)
•

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.1.1 Cutting Conduit with a Hacksaw

Step 1 Inspect the blade and replace it if needed.

Step 2 Secure the conduit in a pipe vise.

Step 3 Rest the middle of the blade on the conduit so the end of the blade is
pointing slightly down. Push forward gently until the cut is started.
Make even strokes until the cut is finished.

Step 4 Check that the cut is straight and smooth.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.1.2 Cutting RMC and IMC Conduit with a Pipe Cutter

Step 1 Secure conduit in a pipe vise and
mark where to cut.

Step 2 Place the cutter wheel on the mark.

Step 3 Tighten the cutter.

Step 4 Rotate cutter counterclockwise.

Step 5 Tighten the cutter for each full turn.

Step 6 Add cutting oil to the groove.

Step 7 Snap the conduit to finish.

Step 8 Clean the conduit and cutter.

Step 9 Ream the conduit.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.1.3 Reaming EMT Conduit

Step 1 Place the conduit in a pipe vise.

Step 2 Insert the reamer tip in the
conduit.

Step 3 Apply light pressure and rotate
the reamer using a downward
motion.

Step 4 Remove reamer by pulling back
while continuing to rotate.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.1.4 Threading Conduit

•

Only RMC and IMC have walls thick
enough for threading.

•

Steps for threading:
Step 1 Use a pipe vise.
Step 2 Choose the correct die and head
and determine correct thread
length.
Step 3 Lubricate the die.
Step 4 Cut threads to proper length.
Step 5 Remove die and inspect threads.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.1.5 Cutting and Joining PVC Conduit

Step 1 Cut PVC with a fine-tooth
handsaw or PVC cutter and
remove any burrs.

Step 2 Wipe all contacting surfaces
clean and dry.

Step 3 Apply PVC cement to the end of
the conduit and fitting.

Step 4 Press the conduit and fitting
together with a twisting motion.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

Trade Term

Reamer: A tool used to smooth the edges of conduit after it has been cut.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.0.0 Section Review Question 1

1. When EMT conduit is cut, it must be _____.

a. reamed

b. measured

c. fastened

d. threaded

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.0.0 Section Review Question 1 Answer

1. When EMT conduit is cut, it must be _____.

a. reamed

b. measured

c. fastened

d. threaded

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.0.0 Section Review Question 2

2. Which type of conduit can be threaded for electrical installations?

a. PVC

b. FMC

c. RMC

d. ENT

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

1.0.0 Section Review Question 2 Answer

2. Which type of conduit can be threaded for electrical installations?

a. PVC

b. FMC

c. RMC

d. ENT

Next…

2.0.0
Hand Bending Conduit

Read Sections 2.0.0 through 2.3.4. Complete the 2.0.0 Section
Review.

Electrical

Module 26107-23

Hand Bending

Copyright © 2024 by NCCER, Alachua, FL 32615. Published by Pearson. All rights reserved.

2.0.0 Hand Bending Conduit

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

Objective

2. Identify methods for hand bending EMT and PVC conduit.

a. Describe the steps and tools used to bend EMT and PVC.

b. Explain how to make 90° and back-to-back bends.

c. Describe how to calculate and make an offset bend.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

Performance Task

2. Make 90° bends, back-to-back bends, offsets, and saddle bends using a
hand bender.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0–2.1.0 Bending EMT and PVC Conduit

•

Proper bending techniques are important because conduit must keep its
round shape.

•

Hand benders are convenient because they are portable and don’t require
electrical power.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.1.1 EMT (1 of 2)

When using a hand bender to make a
simple bend in EMT, remember:
•

Keep the conduit on a stable, firm,
flat surface.
•

Use one foot and both hands.
•

Apply constant foot pressure and
force on the handle.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.1.1 EMT (2 of 2)

Hickey bendersare used to create
segment bends.
•

The bend and the radius are
formed.
•

Kinks can be created by trying
to bend a radius that’s too
small.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.1.2 Bending PVC

A heating unit is used to bend PVC
conduit.
•

Be sure to wear thermal insulating
gloves.
•

Rotate the PVC while it is heating.
•

Remove and bend the PVC by
hand.
•

Be careful not to overheat or
scorch the PVC.
•

Cool the PVC after bending with a
damp sponge or cloth.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.2.0–2.2.1 Calculating the Bend

•

The concepts of right triangles will
help you create offset bends.
–

The offset forms the hypotenuse.

•

Understanding circles will help you
create 90° bends and concentric
bends.
–

One quadrant of a circle is 90°.
–

Concentric circles have the same
center but different radii.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.2.2 Making a 90° Bend

•

A 90° stub bend is the most common
bend you will make.

•

To make a bend, you need two
measurements:
–

Rise
–

Take-up

•

Subtract the take-up from the stub-
up height and mark that distance to
show where to start the bend.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.2.3 Determining the Gain

Gain and developed length are calculated with the following formulas:

Gain = 𝐴 + 𝐵 − starting length
Developed length = 𝐴 + 𝐵 − gain

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.2.4 Back-to-Back 90° Bends

•

To make back-to-back bends, first,
calculate the developed length:

Developed length =

𝑋 + 𝑌 + 𝐿 − (number of 90° bends × gain)

•

X and Y = desired rise

•

L = length between bends

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.3.0–2.3.1 Offset Calculations

•

Offsets (or kicks) are created with
two equal bends of less than 90°
that are placed a specified distance
apart.

•

When planning offsets, use the
shallowest degree of bend possible
to make it easier to pull the wire.

•

Make allowance for the shrinkage
that occurs when conduit is offset.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.3.2 Making Parallel Offsets

•

The bends for parallel offsets are laid out along a common radius.

•

Adjustments are needed to keep the ends even. Calculate the amount to
add:

Amount added = center to center spacing × tan( F
1 2 offset angle)

•

Tangents can be found using trig tables.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.3.3 Making Saddle Bends

•

Saddle bends are used to go around obstacles.

•

Shrinkage will need to be calculated to ensure the conduit is cut to the
correct length.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.3.4 Making Four-Bend Saddles

•

A four-bend saddle is needed when going around an obstacle that is 3" or
larger.

•

Two offsets formed back-to-back are used to form the saddle.

•

Take extra care to align the four bends exactly on the same plane.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

Trade Terms (1 of 3)

90° bend: A bend that changes the direction of the conduit by 90°.

Back-to-back bend: Any bend formed by two 90° bends with a straight
section of conduit between the bends.

Concentric bends: Making 90° bends in two or more parallel runs of conduit
and increasing the radius of each conduit from the inside of the run toward
the outside.

Developed length: The actual length of the conduit that will be bent.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

Trade Terms (2 of 3)

Gain: The distance saved by the arc of a 90° bend due to conduit being bent
in a radius and not at right angles.

Hickey bender: Used to bend conduit but forms the bend as well as the
radius.

Offsets: Two bends placed in a piece of conduit to avoid obstructions or for
proper entry into boxes, cabinets, etc. Also called a kick.

Rise: The length of the bent section of conduit measured from the bottom,
centerline, or top of the straight section to the end of the bent section.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

Trade Terms (3 of 3)

Segment bend: A large bend formed by multiple short bends or shots.

Stub-ups: Another name for the rise in a section of conduit. Also, a term
used for conduit penetrating a slab or the ground.

Take-up: The amount of conduit used to form a bend.

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0 Section Review Question 1

1. Hand benders are designed to have force applied using _____.

a. both hands and a wall surface

b. both feet and both hands

c. one foot and both hands

d. both feet and one hand

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0 Section Review Question 1 Answer

1. Hand benders are designed to have force applied using _____.

a. both hands and a wall surface

b. both feet and both hands

c. one foot and both hands

d. both feet and one hand

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0 Section Review Question 2

2. The first bend made with a hickey should be about _____.

a. 10°

b. 20°

c. 30°

d. 45°

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0 Section Review Question 2 Answer

2. The first bend made with a hickey should be about _____.

a. 10°

b. 20°

c. 30°

d. 45°

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0 Section Review Question 3

3. A 90° bend is also known as a(n) _____.

a. offset

b. stub

c. kick

d. saddle

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0 Section Review Question 3 Answer

3. A 90° bend is also known as a(n) _____.

a. offset

b. stub

c. kick

d. saddle

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0 Section Review Question 4

4. Making a saddle bend around a 4" obstruction will cause the center of the
saddle to shorten by _____.

a.

3⁄16"

b.

3⁄8"

c.

9⁄16"

d.

3⁄4"

Module 26107-23 – Hand Bending

2.0.0 Section Review Question 4 Answer

4. Making a saddle bend around a 4" obstruction will cause the center of the
saddle to shorten by _____.

a.

3⁄16"

b.

3⁄8"

c.

9⁄16"

d.

3⁄4"

Next…

Review for Module Testing

Complete the Review Questions at the end of the module and prepare
for the Module Test.