Topic 5 of 5
Tools and techniques
The practical assessment for this unit checks you can measure, cut, bend and fix containment neatly and safely.
PVC conduit
- Cut with a hacksaw or conduit cutters, then remove burrs inside and out.
- Bend cold with a bending spring pushed inside to stop it kinking. In cold weather, warm it gently first.
- Join with couplers and solvent cement, or push-fit fittings.
- Allow for expansion on long runs, because PVC grows when it warms up.
Steel conduit
- Cut with a hacksaw, then remove burrs with a reamer.
- Cut threads with stocks and dies, using cutting compound.
- Bend with a bending machine.
- Protect bare threads and damaged finish with paint to stop rust.
Bends and sets
| Bend | What it does |
|---|---|
| 90° bend | Turns a corner |
| Set (double set) | Moves the run sideways to clear an obstacle or reach a box, then carries on parallel |
| Bridge set (saddle) | Goes up and over an obstacle such as a pipe, then back down |
| Kick | A slight bend to move the conduit off the surface |
Trunking and tray
- Measure and mark carefully, cut with a hacksaw and file the edges smooth.
- Use manufactured bends and tees, or make neat cut-and-bend joints with no sharp edges.
- Fit earth links across joints in metal trunking and tray where it's used as a protective conductor.
Site power tools
On construction sites, portable tools usually run on 110 V centre-tapped earth (CTE) supplies, which limits the voltage to earth to 55 V, or on batteries. Check leads and tools before use.
Exam tip: a bending spring is for PVC conduit. Steel conduit needs a bending machine.
Mini test
6 questions. Pick an answer to see if you're right and why.