CEA Conduit Bending and Installation Questions and Answers

Question 1

An apprentice needs to make a 90-degree stub-up bend on a piece of 1/2-inch EMT. The desired stub height is 12 inches. The bender being used has a "take-up" of 5 inches. Where should the apprentice make their mark on the conduit to begin the bend?

Accepted Answer

At 7 inches from the end of the conduit.

Answer

To achieve a desired stub-up height, the bender's take-up value must be subtracted from the desired height. The resulting measurement is where the mark is placed on the conduit. In this case, 12 inches (desired height) - 5 inches (take-up) = 7 inches. The bender's arrow is then aligned with this 7-inch mark to start the bend.

Question 2

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), what is the maximum total degrees of bend permitted in a single run of conduit between two pull points, such as boxes or conduit bodies?

Accepted Answer

360 degrees

Answer

The NEC limits the total number of bends in a conduit run to 360 degrees between pull points. This is equivalent to four 90-degree bends. This rule exists to prevent damage to wire insulation from excessive friction and pulling force during installation.

Question 3

An apprentice has just cut a piece of EMT with a hacksaw. Which of the following describes the primary reason for reaming the inside of the conduit before installation?

Accepted Answer

To remove sharp edges that could damage wire insulation.

Answer

Cutting metal conduit leaves sharp burrs and edges on the inside. Reaming (or deburring) smooths these edges. This is a critical step to prevent the sharp metal from stripping, scraping, or otherwise damaging the insulation of the conductors as they are pulled through the conduit.

Question 4

When creating a standard 3-point saddle bend to cross over a small obstruction, what is the typical relationship between the center bend angle and the two outer bend angles?

Accepted Answer

The center bend is double the angle of the two outer bends.

Answer

A standard 3-point saddle bend is most commonly made with a 45-degree bend at the center of the obstruction, and two 22.5-degree bends on either side. This makes the center bend's angle double the angle of each of the two outer bends.

Question 5

An apprentice is inspecting a long run of conduit with several offsets and notices a 'dog leg' in one of the bends. What does this term describe?

Accepted Answer

Two or more bends that are not in the same plane, creating a twist.

Answer

A 'dog leg' is a common bending flaw where multiple bends in a single run, like an offset, are not aligned on the same plane. This creates a crooked or twisted appearance in the conduit run instead of a straight, clean line.

(CEA) Certified Electrical Apprentice Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Electrical Apprentice Practice Test

CEA Conduit Bending and Installation Questions and Answers