1. What is Conduit Shrink?

Conduit shrink refers to the reduction in length that occurs when bending steel conduit. This phenomenon happens because the conduit material compresses on the inside of the bend and stretches on the outside, resulting in an overall shortening of the conduit length.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conduit shrink formula:

Where:

• \( Bend\ Allowance \) — The total length required for the bend (in inches)
• \( Straight \) — The straight length of conduit before bending (in inches)

Explanation: The difference between the bend allowance and the straight length gives you the amount of shrink that occurs during the bending process.

3. Importance of Shrink Calculation

Details: Accurate shrink calculation is crucial for electricians and pipefitters to ensure proper conduit installation. Incorrect calculations can lead to conduit runs that are too short, requiring additional couplings or complete replacement of sections.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both bend allowance and straight length in inches. Values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the shrink value, which represents how much shorter the conduit becomes after bending.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does conduit shrink when bent?
A: Conduit shrinks because the material on the inside of the bend compresses while the outside stretches, resulting in an overall reduction in length.

Q2: Does shrink vary with different bend angles?
A: Yes, the amount of shrink increases with larger bend angles. A 90-degree bend will have more shrink than a 45-degree bend.

Q3: Is shrink the same for all conduit sizes?
A: No, larger diameter conduits typically experience more shrink than smaller ones when bent to the same angle.

Q4: How accurate are shrink calculations?
A: Calculations provide good estimates, but actual results may vary slightly based on the specific conduit material, wall thickness, and bending technique.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for EMT conduit?
A: While the basic principle is similar, different conduit types (steel vs. EMT) may have slightly different shrink characteristics due to material properties.