What is meant by the term “constant multiplier” with conduit bending? 2.) What would be the distance between bends for an offset with 30-degree angles and an obstruction height of 12 inches? 3.) What would be the distance between bends for an offset with 45-degree angles and an obstruction height of 14 inches? 4.) What would be the constant multiplier for an offset bend that was to be formed with a rise of 14 inches over a 24-inch distance? 5.) For the bend in question 4, what would be the distance X between bends?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here are the correct answers to each question, followed by a 300-word explanation:
1) What is meant by the term “constant multiplier” with conduit bending?
Answer:
A constant multiplier is a fixed number used to calculate the distance between bends when making an offset in conduit bending. It depends on the angle of the bend and is used to maintain proper spacing so the conduit clears an obstruction smoothly.
2) What would be the distance between bends for an offset with 30-degree angles and an obstruction height of 12 inches?
Answer:
Distance between bends = 12 in × 2.0 = 24 inches
3) What would be the distance between bends for an offset with 45-degree angles and an obstruction height of 14 inches?
Answer:
Distance between bends = 14 in × 1.4 = 19.6 inches
4) What would be the constant multiplier for an offset bend that was to be formed with a rise of 14 inches over a 24-inch distance?
Answer:
Multiplier = Distance between bends / Obstruction height = 24 / 14 ≈ 1.71
5) For the bend in question 4, what would be the distance X between bends?
Answer:
X = 14 in × 1.71 = 23.94 inches (approximately 24 inches)
Explanation
Conduit bending is a key task in electrical work, where precise angles and spacing ensure the conduit runs cleanly around obstacles. One common type of bend is the offset, which allows the conduit to bypass a physical obstruction, such as a pipe or beam. The offset consists of two equal bends that form a shallow “V” shape.
To correctly space these two bends, electricians use what’s called a constant multiplier. This multiplier is tied directly to the angle of the bend. For example, common multipliers include:
- 2.0 for 30-degree bends
- 1.4 for 45-degree bends
- 1.2 for 60-degree bends
These multipliers are multiplied by the rise (height of the obstruction) to find the distance between bends. The goal is to ensure that the offset begins and ends at just the right points to cleanly bypass the obstacle.
For instance, a 12-inch rise with a 30-degree bend means a distance between bends of 24 inches (12 × 2.0). If the angle changes to 45 degrees and the rise becomes 14 inches, the spacing shrinks to 19.6 inches (14 × 1.4), since sharper angles cover vertical rise in less horizontal distance.
When calculating custom multipliers, such as in question 4, you divide the total horizontal run (24 inches) by the rise (14 inches), yielding approximately 1.71. This custom multiplier allows flexibility when predefined angles aren’t used.
This systematic method ensures accurate and safe conduit installations.
