Using a propane torch to bend 3/4" - 11/2" Pvc pipe in a Residential Townhouse

Some AHJs will cite the use of a torch to bend PVC as a violation of 352.24(A)...."Field bends shall be made only with identified bending equipment."
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Some AHJs will cite the use of a torch to bend PVC as a violation of 352.24(A)...."Field bends shall be made only with identified bending equipment."
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I have a LP radiant heater that I identify as a PVC bender. It is pretty much the only thing it ever gets used for. It works better than blanket heaters in most cases, plus I can use on sites that don't yet have electric power.

Identified definition in art 100 is fairly wide open for what it could include and basically is a judgement call by whoever determines if it is indeed identified. IMO is stupid to not accept something here unless maybe it or the combination of it and the operator can not get the task done without damage to the conduit. I have burned PVC with listed hot boxes before, all you need to do is get side tracked and forget you left it in there, so the fact it can burn the conduit IMO should not be a factor in this determination. I have used a torch at times, but that is easier to burn with, my radiant heater I mentioned before I seldom if ever burn the conduit. Have to hold it still for quite a while to do so.
 
I have two "hot boxes" and love them both. One Rothenberger and one Greenlee. Have a blanket for smaller bends.

Mark
 
ptonsparky said:
Years ago I was working on a rental that had a retired electrician living in one of the units. Must have done larger jobs because he was saying they had barrels of a heated oil they would place the PVC, in then bend as needed. Anyone familiar with that?
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He sounds like a great guy to not believe.
 
So I've been seeing a lot of you tube clips that are showing electrical installations being done with what looks like PEX both Red and Blue. Doesn't look like US, maybe Europe or Asia. Is there any talk of listing something similar flexibility as PEX for use as Electrical Conduit. Really look neat and creates an orderly looking install. But could see unions objecting as it would take pipe bender jobs away as it can be done so easily and create the same look.
 
Fred B said:
So I've been seeing a lot of you tube clips that are showing electrical installations being done with what looks like PEX both Red and Blue. Doesn't look like US, maybe Europe or Asia. Is there any talk of listing something similar flexibility as PEX for use as Electrical Conduit. Really look neat and creates an orderly looking install. But could see unions objecting as it would take pipe bender jobs away as it can be done so easily and create the same look.
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In the Dominican, they have wires in plastic tubing in residential. Apparently they don’t use romex, and only use boxes for receptacles and switches, but not at lights.
 
Fred B said:
So I've been seeing a lot of you tube clips that are showing electrical installations being done with what looks like PEX both Red and Blue. Doesn't look like US, maybe Europe or Asia. Is there any talk of listing something similar flexibility as PEX for use as Electrical Conduit. Really look neat and creates an orderly looking install. But could see unions objecting as it would take pipe bender jobs away as it can be done so easily and create the same look.
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We have HDPE, is not all that flexible and basically only for underground use. Inside we do have ENT, that is fairly flexible but not really intended to be exposed as it can't take much for abuse.
 
ptonsparky said:
Years ago I was working on a rental that had a retired electrician living in one of the units. Must have done larger jobs because he was saying they had barrels of a heated oil they would place the PVC, in then bend as needed. Anyone familiar with that?
Click to expand...
Greenlee had one like that...a vertical tube that you filled with an ethylene glycol water mix and the propane burner heated the liquid. You set the PCV conduit in the liquid for about a minute and then pulled it out and made your bend. You had to be careful you did not have the temperature too high or leave it in too long. If you did the PVC would be like spaghetti and collapse.
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don_resqcapt19 said:
Greenlee had one like that...a vertical tube that you filled with an ethylene glycol water mix and the propane burner heated the liquid. You set the PCV conduit in the liquid for about a minute and then pulled it out and made your bend. You had to be careful you did not have the temperature too high or leave it in too long. If you did the PVC would be like spaghetti and collapse.
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Ok, funny i wasthinking because in the winter if your gloves got wet- it is painful to handle and set big pipe..
Don, that sounds awfull!! Jeez.
 
I carry a pistol grip yellow MAP torch in my truck tool box for smaller PVC and use the heavy duty weed burners for the larger stuff. I'll cap the ends it seems to heat up quicker when I do that.
 
Just retired my 40 year old box heater today. Cord was pretty ragged, so I bought a new cord, and started to replace the old one, but the screw terminals were shot. Did temporary the new cord long enough to bend a piece of 2”. $620 bucks for a new one. Won’t get here till the end of the month.
 
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