Kick Vs. 90° Bend: Which Conduit Fitting To Use?

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Kick vs. 90° Bend: Which Conduit Fitting to Use?

When it comes to conduit installations, you might wonder, "Why is a kick sometimes used instead of a standard 90° bend?" Well, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of conduit fittings and explore the reasons behind this choice. There are several factors that influence whether a kick or a 90° bend is the more appropriate option for a given situation. Let's explore all of these options and when you may want to use them.

Understanding Conduit Bends

Before we get into the specifics, let's quickly review what conduit bends are and why they're so important. Conduit, which is typically made of metal or PVC, serves as a protective pathway for electrical wiring. It shields wires from damage, moisture, and other environmental factors, ensuring a safe and reliable electrical system. Bending conduit allows us to navigate around obstacles and change the direction of the wiring, making it possible to install conduit in complex or confined spaces. Without bends, we would be limited to straight runs, which would be highly impractical in most real-world scenarios. Properly bent conduit ensures that wires can be easily pulled through the conduit without damage or stress, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electrical system. Bending is an essential skill for any electrician or anyone working with electrical installations, and understanding the different types of bends is crucial for achieving professional and safe results.

Kicks: The Art of Subtle Directional Changes

In the world of conduit bending, a "kick" refers to a bend that consists of a short, angled offset in the conduit. Instead of a sharp 90-degree turn, a kick creates a gentle change in direction. The primary reason for using a kick is to make minor directional changes without having to resort to extensive bending. Imagine you need to slightly shift the conduit's path to avoid an obstruction or align with a mounting point. A kick allows you to do this with minimal disruption to the overall conduit run. Kicks are particularly useful in situations where precision is essential, such as when aligning conduit with electrical boxes or other equipment. By carefully adjusting the angle and length of the kick, you can achieve the exact alignment you need, ensuring a professional and aesthetically pleasing installation. In addition to their functional benefits, kicks can also add a touch of craftsmanship to your conduit work. A well-executed kick demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to quality, which can be especially important in high-visibility installations. However, it's worth noting that kicks are not always the best choice for every situation. In cases where a significant change in direction is required, a 90-degree bend may be more appropriate. It's important to consider the specific requirements of your project and choose the bend that best suits your needs.

90° Bends: The Standard for Drastic Turns

A 90° bend is a standard fitting used to make a sharp, right-angle turn in a conduit run. These bends are typically prefabricated or created on-site using a conduit bender. The main purpose of a 90° bend is to change the direction of the conduit by 90 degrees, allowing it to run perpendicular to its original path. This type of bend is commonly used when transitioning from a horizontal to a vertical plane, or vice versa, such as when running conduit from a wall to a ceiling. Compared to kicks, 90° bends are more suitable for situations where a significant change in direction is required. They provide a clean and efficient way to navigate corners and obstacles, ensuring that the conduit follows the desired path. In addition to their functional benefits, 90° bends also offer a standardized and consistent appearance. Whether you're working on a small residential project or a large commercial installation, using 90° bends helps to create a professional and uniform look. However, it's important to note that 90° bends can sometimes be more difficult to install than kicks, especially in tight spaces. They require more precise measurements and bending techniques to ensure a proper fit. Therefore, it's essential to carefully consider the available space and the complexity of the installation before deciding which type of bend to use.

Detailed Explanation of Why Kicks Are Used

One of the key advantages of using a kick is that it allows for minor directional changes without requiring extensive bending. This can be especially useful when working in tight spaces or when trying to avoid obstacles. For example, if you need to slightly shift the conduit's path to avoid a pipe or beam, a kick can provide the necessary offset without requiring you to completely re-route the conduit run. This can save you time and effort, as well as reduce the amount of conduit needed for the installation. Additionally, kicks can be used to align conduit with electrical boxes or other equipment, ensuring a clean and professional-looking installation. By carefully adjusting the angle and length of the kick, you can achieve the exact alignment you need, without having to make any major adjustments to the surrounding conduit. Another reason why kicks are sometimes preferred over 90° bends is that they can simplify the measurement of leg lengths. When using a 90° bend, you need to account for the radius of the bend when calculating the length of the conduit needed for each leg of the bend. This can be a bit tricky, especially if you're working with multiple bends or complex layouts. With a kick, however, the offset is typically much smaller, which means that the leg lengths can be measured more easily and accurately. This can save you time and reduce the risk of making mistakes, especially if you're new to conduit bending. Finally, it's worth noting that kicks can sometimes be used to increase the developed length of a conduit run. The developed length refers to the total length of the conduit, including all bends and offsets. In some cases, increasing the developed length can be beneficial, as it can help to reduce the amount of stress on the wires inside the conduit. This is particularly important in situations where the conduit is subjected to vibration or movement, as it can help to prevent the wires from becoming damaged or frayed. However, it's important to note that increasing the developed length can also increase the amount of conduit needed for the installation, so it's important to weigh the benefits against the costs before making a decision.

Scenarios Favoring Kicks

So, when is it best to opt for a kick instead of a 90° bend? Here are a few scenarios where kicks shine:

  • Obstacle Avoidance: Got a pipe, beam, or other obstruction in your way? A kick can help you navigate around it without major rerouting.
  • Alignment: Need to align the conduit perfectly with an electrical box or piece of equipment? A kick allows for precise adjustments.
  • Tight Spaces: Working in a cramped area where a full 90° bend is difficult to execute? A kick can provide a more compact solution.
  • Minor Adjustments: Sometimes, you just need to nudge the conduit slightly to achieve the desired layout. A kick is perfect for these small tweaks.

Scenarios Favoring 90° Bends

On the flip side, there are situations where a 90° bend is the clear winner:

  • Significant Direction Changes: When you need to make a major turn, such as transitioning from a wall to a ceiling, a 90° bend is the standard choice.
  • Standardized Appearance: For a clean and uniform look, especially in large installations, 90° bends provide consistency.
  • Code Requirements: In some cases, local electrical codes may specify the use of 90° bends for certain applications.
  • Simplicity: If you dont want to think too much, and just make a turn, then use the 90° bend.

Other Considerations

Beyond the specific scenarios, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between a kick and a 90° bend:

  • Conduit Size: The size of the conduit can influence the ease of bending. Larger conduits may be more challenging to bend into tight kicks.
  • Material: Different conduit materials (e.g., EMT, PVC) have different bending characteristics. Choose the appropriate bending tools and techniques for the material you're working with.
  • Aesthetics: Consider the overall appearance of the installation. In some cases, a kick may look more visually appealing than a 90° bend, or vice versa.
  • Cost: The cost of materials and labor can also be a factor. Prefabricated 90° bends may be more cost-effective than creating custom kicks on-site.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bend

In the world of conduit installations, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether to use a kick or a 90° bend. The best choice depends on the specific requirements of the project, the available space, and your personal preferences. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of bend, you can make an informed decision that results in a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing installation. So, the next time you're faced with a bending dilemma, remember the insights shared here, and choose the bend that best suits the task at hand.