An offset bend is produced by making two equal bends in opposite directions in a conduit run.
Understanding the Offset Bend
An offset bend is a fundamental technique used in electrical conduit installation. Its primary purpose is to allow the conduit to navigate around obstacles or change elevation while maintaining the overall direction of the run parallel to the original path.
The Production Process
Based on the provided reference, the method for creating an offset bend involves a specific two-step bending process:
- Step 1: The First Bend: A bend is made in the conduit.
- Step 2: The Second Bend: A second bend is made further along the conduit run. This second bend is equal in angle to the first bend and is made in the opposite direction.
This combination of equal bends in opposing directions creates the offset, lifting the conduit run out of its original plane or path and then bringing it back parallel to the original path.
Why Use an Offset Bend?
The reference indicates that the offset bend serves practical purposes in conduit installation:
- Bypassing Obstacles: It allows the conduit to go around pipes, structural beams, or other obstructions.
- Changing Levels: It enables the conduit to move from one height to another, for example, transitioning from a wall surface to a ceiling or floor.
- Maintaining Direction: Crucially, despite changing the conduit's immediate position, the offset ensures the conduit run continues parallel to its initial direction, simplifying subsequent installations and connections.
In essence, the offset bend provides a clean and efficient way to navigate around objects or elevation changes while keeping the conduit run neat and aligned.
