Many people who enrol in the Construction Maintenance Electrician Diploma Program at North American Trade Schools (NATS) already have a clear idea of where they would like to work before they even register for the program. Conversely, some others prefer to go with the flow and see what piques their interest along the way.

Irrespective of which side of the spectrum you fall in, the question of which path you’ll take after electrician training is an important one since there are typically differences between residential, commercial, and industrial electricians. 

Ultimately, the decision should come down to which career path best suits your interests and career goals. To help narrow your focus leading to an informed decision, we’ll explore each of these career paths in this blog. 

Residential Work After Electrician Training

Residential electrical work focuses on homes, apartments, and other residential properties. On a typical day as a residential electrician after your Electrician training, you’ll be responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems in these settings. This often involves tasks like wiring new homes, troubleshooting electrical issues, or upgrading outdated systems. One of the advantages of working in the residential sector is the opportunity to work directly with homeowners, helping them improve their living spaces and ensuring their electrical systems are safe and efficient. Residential work also offers more regular working hours, allowing for a better work-life balance.

Commercial Work After Electrician Training

On the other hand, commercial electricians deal with electrical systems in non-residential buildings such as offices, retail stores, and public facilities. Commercial work often involves large-scale projects, such as installing electrical systems in new commercial buildings or upgrading existing systems to meet code requirements. Typically, commercial electricians execute tasks like setting up lighting systems, installing security systems, or performing routine maintenance. Commercial work can be fast-paced and diverse, providing opportunities to work on a wide range of projects and collaborate with other professionals in the construction industry.

Industrial Work After Electrician Training

Industrial electrical work takes you into the realm of factories, power plants, and other industrial settings. In this sector, you’ll work with complex electrical systems that power heavy machinery, production lines, and industrial processes. Industrial electricians often use high-voltage systems, motors, control panels, and automation technologies. This type of work requires a strong understanding of industrial equipment and safety protocols. Industrial electricians may troubleshoot electrical issues under time pressure to minimize downtime and keep production running smoothly. Working in the industrial sector can be challenging but highly rewarding, with opportunities for career advancement and specialized training.

Which Path is Right For You?

When deciding which path to take after electrician training, it’s important to consider your personal interests, skills, and long-term goals. Do you enjoy working in various settings or prefer the stability of residential work? Are you intrigued by the complexity of industrial electrical systems or drawn to the fast-paced nature of commercial projects? It’s also worth noting that you can start in one sector and transition to another later in your career. Many electricians gain experience in one area before exploring new opportunities. Regardless of your chosen path, ongoing learning and professional development are essential. 

If you’re interested in obtaining a more detailed understanding of each of these paths and the processes associated with them, consider registering for the Construction and Maintenance Electrician diploma Program at NATS.

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Rough-in wiring involves installing electrical wiring, boxes, and conduit in commercial or residential buildings before the walls and ceilings are completed. It’s a necessary process that sets the foundation for a safe and efficient electrical system in any building. 

Regardless of the type of project being executed, it’s important to get the rough-in phase done right the first time. Ripping up the drywall to fix issues down the line can be messy, not to mention expensive. It’s also essential to be careful with this task to avoid the risk of electric and fire hazards. Attention to detail and adherence to electrical codes are necessary for a high-quality installation.

After completing your Construction & Maintenance Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship diploma program, you’ll often be tasked with projects like these. Here, we’ll discuss three practical rough-in tips that will prove invaluable throughout your career. Incorporating these tips into your work routine after completing electrician training will help you build a reputation for excellence and contribute to electrical systems’ safe and efficient operation.

1. Plan and Prepare Adequately After Electrician College

Before starting any rough-in work, careful planning is crucial. Begin by reviewing the electrical plans and blueprints for the building to understand the project scope clearly. Take note of the locations for outlets, switches, light fixtures, and other electrical components.

Next, ensure you have all the tools and materials readily available. This includes wires, cables, conduits, junction boxes, and fasteners. Organize your supplies to avoid unnecessary delays during the installation process.

Additionally, before commencing any rough-in work, shut off the power supply to the area where you will be working. As taught in Electrician training, safety should always be the top priority. Taking this precautionary measure will prevent accidents or electrical shocks.

2. Get Accurate Measurements and Layouts

During the rough-in phase, precision is essential. Accurate measurements and layouts ensure that electrical components are installed correctly, avoiding future problems or the need for costly rework. Students who undergo their Electrician diploma program know this process is often emphasized during their training.

Mark the locations of electrical boxes on the walls and ceilings according to the provided blueprints, then use a tape measure and level to ensure the measurements are precise. Consider any obstructions, such as studs or pipes that may affect the placement of the boxes. Similarly, when running conduit or cables, maintain consistent spacing and alignment. This will facilitate future wire-pulling and make identifying and troubleshooting issues easier if necessary.

Further, pay close attention to electrical code requirements, including minimum clearance distances around boxes and conduits, and remember compliance with electrical codes is crucial for safety and ensures the installation meets industry standards.

3. Label and Document Each Step

The rough-in phase is the foundation for the entire electrical system, and documenting your work is invaluable for future reference. As you install wires, cables, and conduits, take the time to label them appropriately by using tags or markers to indicate the purpose and destination of each cable or wire. This makes it easier for future electricians or technicians to identify and troubleshoot issues.

You should also create a comprehensive documentation system that includes diagrams, plans, and any modifications made during the rough-in process. This information will be invaluable for future maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. Remember to photograph the rough-in work before the walls and ceilings are closed. These photos can provide evidence of a job well done and a visual reference if needed.

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Networking is important no matter which industry you are in, because it allows you to form mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals in your field. Once you become an apprentice after electrician training, you’ll be looking to grow in the trade – honing your skills and gaining access to professional opportunities. Networking is a great way to meet and stay in touch with seasoned industry experts and those just starting out like you. Having a broad network can open many doors for you professionally, helping you stay on top of new opportunities.

Read on for some great networking tips to keep in mind during your training and throughout your career.

Partake in Industry Events and Conferences

Industry events and conferences are great ways to network with people in your industry. While larger conferences do not necessarily happen often, it is important to attend them because you will have the opportunity to learn from and discuss with other electricians and apprentices, and create beneficial relationships.

A great way to learn about these conferences and events is either online or through your instructors during your Electrician diploma. Your instructors are experienced in the industry and have already built their network over several years. They are great starting points for discovering these events and conferences. Online, you will find many different events, and the beauty of these is that they occur digitally and can be attended no matter where you are.

Use Social Media to the Fullest Extent

Social media is a great networking tool that you can utilize at any point, and it will be beneficial for years to come. There are two primary social media networks you should be using to network during and after Electrician training – these are LinkedIn and Facebook. LinkedIn is great for forming connections with qualified electricians or apprentices. You never know when someone who you interacted with on social media may be able to present an opportunity to you, and vice versa. A great starting point is your instructors and fellow apprentices.

Facebook is a little different in that it would be more advisable to join a local electrician group instead of adding people as friends. This allows you to interact with people in the same career as you and enables knowledge sharing. There may also be opportunities for apprentice electricians posted on these groups. The key is to maintain consistent contact. Speak to instructors and fellow apprentices about electrician groups, otherwise, a Facebook search can also put you in the right direction.

Keep in Contact With People You Meet in Electrician Training

During electrician training, you will interact with your instructors and classmates, so try to develop relationships that will help you to expand your network. Keep in contact with them after you have completed your training, because your instructors can introduce you to people in the industry, since they’re extremely knowledgeable and have contacts there. Your peers may also find other opportunities that they can share with you. It takes time and effort, but having a great network will reap its benefits in the longrun.

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Once you grasp the basics of electrical theory in training, it’ll be time to put your knowledge to work during your electrical apprenticeship. This will be an important part of your career development, providing you with the perfect opportunity to refine your practical skills, make professional connections, and earn a living all at once. Your apprenticeship is one big learning experience, and establishing good workmanship habits is one of the most important lessons you’ll learn. 

As an electrician, good workmanship reflects positively on you and the company you are with. Excellent workmanship ensures public safety and simplifies future repairs. Referring to checklists, being conscious of wire sizing, and doing your best to complete your work in an orderly fashion will go a long way. Let’s dive deeper into some of the strategies you can use during your apprenticeship and your career!

1. Refer to a Checklist After Electrician Training

When you start out on the job, you’ll find there are many steps to the electrical wiring process, some of which can be a challenge to remember. In that case, it’s important to ensure that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to maximize the safety of your work–for your own sake and that of the public.

When you’re fresh out of electrician training, it’s an excellent idea to refer to a checklist when you start completing tasks independently. This will help you remember all of the essential steps to installing or wiring electrical systems. This checklist could be provided by your workplace or your training institution, or you can even use course material to create your own checklist, which one of your higher management can approve.

2. Always Be Conscious of Wire Sizing

Proper wire sizing is crucial to quality workmanship as it determines the safety, reliability, and consistency of an electrical system. For example, overloaded cables are one of the most common causes of electrical malfunction. This occurs when too much electrical current passes through–causing wires to overheat, melt, and pose a fire hazard. On the other hand, cables that are too big are a waste of money for clients and your company. 

After electrician college, do your best to ensure that you’re accurately determining the electrical load for the systems you’re working on in order to choose your cable size correctly. Don’t hesitate to ask for second opinions until you trust your own judgment; safety should be your chief concern with cable size.

3. Keep Your Work Neat and Tidy 

When you install and repair electrical systems, focus on keeping the finished work clean and tidy. Not only does it look better and leave a positive impression on you and your company, but on a practical level, it makes future repairs much easier, since there are fewer tangles, twisting, knots, and general confusion. The best way to ensure that your work remains neat and tidy is to take all the time you need to complete your work correctly and in an orderly manner. 

Approaching your work while you maintain a clear mind will also be helpful. 

The Construction and Maintenance Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Diploma Program is an excellent place to start your electrical career. At NATS, you’ll gain the skills you need to apply quality workmanship to residential wiring, service installation, code interpretation, conduit bending, print reading, and electrical theory. 

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The road to becoming a licensed electrician is a rewarding one. First, you’ll learn the fundamentals of the trade in a certified training program. Once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money as you learn during your apprenticeship. This is a great time to hone your skills, learn the electrical codes in your area, purchase the right tools, learn how to use them properly, and make meaningful professional connections. Let’s explore some effective ways to succeed during your electrical apprenticeship!

Ask Questions to Absorb as Much Information as You Can

You may need to approach your apprenticeship differently than you might other positions. While being able to earn an income is a huge perk of an electrical apprenticeship, your main priority should be to learn and practice your skills. Whenever you can, try to absorb new information. Listen attentively when others offer feedback and try to remember it. Keep your eyes open when licensed electricians complete tasks.

As you watch, look for parts of the process that don’t make sense to you and ask clarifying questions. As your apprenticeship progresses, try to answer some of your own questions using your prior knowledge and experience. That being said, it’s always a good idea to double-check when you’re unsure. Remember that mistakes are a normal part of the learning process, and try your best to turn yours into valuable learning experiences after electrician college!

Understand the National Electrical Code 

This one may take some time. The Canadian Electrical Code is a long document published by the Canadian Standards Association. It’s full of information about how to safely install and maintain electrical equipment in Canada. It’s a great idea to make sure you have access to a copy that you can refer to when you need extra clarification. A clear understanding of electrical standards will help you stay safe on the job, as well as protect the safety of clients. Have faith in the learning process! With time, you’ll become familiar with the electrical code in your area. Keep in mind that the Canadian Electrical Code is revised every three years, so be sure to stay up to date. 

Master the Art of Networking After Electrician Training

During and after electrician training, networking should be a priority. Your success in most fields will depend heavily on your ability to build meaningful relationships in the workplace–in addition to your skill and experience level, of course. On the job, try to be personable and open to meeting new people. You have no idea what conversation could lead to a major opportunity for career advancement, so always put your best foot forward and don’t hesitate to share your contact information when you’ve established a connection. 

Your electrical apprenticeship will be an exciting phase of your career. The Construction & Maintenance Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Diploma Program can help you find success as you learn and earn. Receive hands-on training on electricity principles and applications, blueprint reading, framing, and more!

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Do you want to launch a career as an electrician? If so, you’re in for a dynamic, interesting, and lucrative work life that will give you the opportunity to collect many valuable experiences and use them to seek higher positions. During your electrical apprenticeship, you’ll likely have the opportunity to explore both residential and commercial wiring. This will allow you to decide on your area of focus down the line as a licensed electrician. 

To get you thinking, here are some of the key differences between residential and commercial wiring and what to keep in mind when doing both types of work. 

Different Materials Are Used for Residential and Commercial Wiring 

One notable difference between commercial and residential wiring is the material the wires are made from. Residential wires, which are typically hidden behind drywall, are only covered with a thin PVC sheath. Commercial wiring typically has a greater amount of insulation in order to withstand higher temperatures. The wires are usually protected by a thick sheath of Nylon, a tough thermoplastic that makes an excellent electrical insulator. In addition, commercial wires are held to higher codes than residential wiring, so higher-grade materials are needed. 

A Conduit Is Always Used For Commercial Wiring

An electrical conduit is a metal or plastic tube through which an electrical wire is run; the primary purpose is to protect the wires. After electrician college, you’ll find that the use of conduits depends on local codes. That being said, conduits are generally considered a must in commercial settings. They are used for residential applications as well, primarily when the wire remains exposed as they would be in an unfinished basement, crawlspace, or attic.  

After Electrician Training, Load Capacity Will Differ For Commercial and Residential Wiring 

Electrical load capacity refers to the total amount of power provided by a building’s main source of power. In general, a commercial setting will have a higher load capacity than a residence. Usually, a single-phase circuit of 120 volts is used. Single-phase systems require only two lines–one for power to enter and a return path. For appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers, two-phase systems of 240 volts are used. 

When you work in a commercial setting after electrician training, you’ll find that three-phase systems are used, which are comprised of two 120-volt legs and a wider 208-volt leg. This system reduces the load on each individual line while maximizing the overall output of an electrical circuit. 

Ease of Access Differs Depending on the Type of Wiring 

With residential wiring, safety and aesthetics are the main priorities. For this reason, wires are tucked away and out of sight. This makes residential electrical lines a bit less convenient to access. Commercial wiring on the other hand does not require as much consideration for aesthetics, so they’re often easy to access. 

The Construction Maintenance Electrician program at NATS will teach you the ins and outs of residential, commercial, and industrial electricity. In addition to electrical theory, you will leave the program with well-rounded practical skills in code interpretation, circuit building, and print reading. As a result, you will be ready to take up an electrical apprenticeship confidently and competently. 

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Electricians encounter potential safety hazards every day. While working with the voltages and currents within electrical systems always involves a risk, it’s important to know how to reduce as much risk as possible. With the right safety practices and protocols in place, electricians are able to stay safe on the job, ensuring long and successful careers. 

At the North American Trade Schools, students in the Construction and Maintenance Electrician Program not only build practical skills in wiring, installation and more, but they also receive comprehensive safety training which they’ll be able to apply in their future careers. Below, get a head start on your electrical safety knowledge by discovering five key electrical safety tips to follow.

1. Wear the Right Protective Equipment 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is key for an electrician. With the right PPE, those with electrician training can avoid the risk of shock or other dangers associated with working with electrical equipment. Typically, proper safety gear includes insulated gloves, long sleeves, hard hats, goggles, line hoses and blankets. Depending on the job, more gear may be required to ensure adequate protection. As an extra precaution, make sure to inspect your gear before starting any job to ensure that it’s not damaged.

2. Keep the Electrical Code in Mind

As a student at NATS, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). The CEC was developed to outline the safety risks involved in the wiring, installation and maintenance of electrical systems. It includes information about the proper safety protocols and best practices to follow while on the job. As an electrician, it’s important to maintain a working knowledge of the CEC, as this will help you to avoid hazardous situations and respond to risks safely. 

3. Know What to Do in Wet Conditions With Electrician Training

Damp or wet areas are a hazard for electricians, as water contact increases the risk of electrocution. After electrician school, it’s important to take the proper steps in preventing electrocution as a result of water. When working in any wet area, it’s crucial to install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) before beginning your project. When cords and equipment are plugged into GFCI-protected receptacles, the risk of electrocution is minimized as the circuit is interrupted before making contact with your body. 

4. Maintain Your Electrical Tools

Damaged tools are an accident waiting to happen. The tools electricians use (trigger locks, power tools, extension cords and more) are designed to maximize safety, but when these tools are in need of repair, they can pose a serious safety hazard. Before beginning any job, make sure to examine your tools for signs of wear and tear, fraying or cracking. If any tools show signs of damage, it’s important to remove them from the site and get them repaired immediately.

5. Remember Lockout and Tagout

Lockout and tagout procedures are critical for any electrical job. During the program at NATS, you’ll receive training in lockout and tagout, which involves de-energizing any equipment before the repair process. All electrical equipment, including hanging wires, metallic covering and other components, must be de-energized in order to avoid electrocution. Lockout and tagout are performed by turning off the current at the switch box and keeping it off by padlocking the switch in place. Before any electrical job, don’t forget to complete this step.

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Rough electricity installation, or the initial installation of electricity prior to the addition of drywall, insulation and other barriers, is a fundamental component of a construction electrician’s responsibilities. If you’re considering this career path, electrician college is the perfect starting point, preparing you to qualify for an apprenticeship and eventually, a job. 

At North American Trade Schools, both the classroom and lab sessions will give you the foundation you need to apply your skills in an apprenticeship and in your future role. Through courses such as Basic Electrical Theory, Electricity Principles and Applications, and Building Layout and Blueprint Reading, you’ll gain experience understanding general electrical concepts. While working independently as well as collaborating with a team, you’ll gain hands-on skills necessary for a successful career. 

Below, continue reading to learn more about the process of rough electricity installation, a key component of your future curriculum.

Planning and Layout Process

During electrician college, your course Building Layout and Blueprint Reading will come in handy for the first phase of rough installation. Whether you’re working on a home, condo, or commercial building, each print will be different, and you’ll need to analyze them to help you begin your work layout.

Planning the layout begins with determining where your boxes will be placed, and subsequently installing them in the correct areas. This is an important step in ensuring that the plugs are accessible in every area, and your hands-on training at NATS can help you develop the attention to detail required for this step. It’s crucial to note here that if the box is crooked, poorly supported, in the wrong place, or an incorrect model, corrections will need to be made.

Preparation, Drilling, and Pulling Process for Electrician Training

After planning and box placement is complete, you can expect to move onto other preparation measures that lead into the drilling phase. Planning how to run your wires will help you determine where you need to drill, as you determine the best route to take for each one.

Based on your initial planning, you should be able to decide which wire size is needed for your wire pulling. Getting comfortable with varying wire sizes, their uses, and their ideal locations during your electrician training is highly encouraged, as it will help you to efficiently determine these solutions in the future. Once you know the necessary wire size, you can strip the insulation and insert the wires into the box as planned. 

Completing the Electrical Box

It can take some finesse to leave a tidy electrical box once your work is complete. However, it’s worth taking the time to do so, because work is much easier to accomplish when the wires aren’t crossed. 

Aside from sorting out each wire, other tips for a tidy box include creating a service loop, leaving some slack on the bond wire before screwing it down, and taking advantage of the space that’s available to you. After splicing your wires, you’ll want to make sure to leave them in a braid so that they’re collected and tidy. At NATS, not only will you receive the hands-on training necessary to help you feel confident on the job, but you’ll also learn from industry experts to guide you along the way to success.

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Trends are always changing for industries as they adopt new technology and sustainability initiatives. This is especially true for the electrical industry, which seems to be moving at a tremendous pace towards a bright future. For an aspiring electrician who’s pursuing a career in the electrical industry, it’s important to be aware of the new trends that are shaping the industry today. The electrical industry is making strides in innovative solutions that will make your career that much more exciting.

At NATS, you’ll get hands-on training through our Construction and Maintenance Electrician program. You’ll learn wiring, service installation, code interpretation, conduit bending, and more for residential, commercial and industrial electricity, as you prepare yourself for upcoming trends in the industry. So, read on to learn more about some of the top industry trends!

Smart Cities Will Be a Big Hit After Your Electrician Training

The electrical industry will see a rising trend in the use and implementation of the smart city framework. A smart city is considered a network made up of information and communication technologies that deliver smart sustainable efforts directed at challenges affecting a growing urban population. A smart city gives the people and their governing bodies the power to make better choices for themselves. 

After you complete your electrician training, you’ll be amazed at how a smart city allows people to receive, analyze and oversee data in real-time, which helps them make important decisions that improve their quality of life. Residents of a smart city can monitor their electricity usage and energy consumption through their smartphones and be connected to electrical companies that can also monitor data in real-time. This will help resolve any electrical issues as they occur while improving sustainability and reducing cost. 

The Arrival of Augmented Reality to Help With Electrical Work

With the use of augmented reality (AR) being utilized in various industries, it’s about time the electrical industry got on board as well. Augmented reality is becoming a useful technological advancement that’s making its way into the electrical industry, as it helps with electrical projects and tasks. After finishing your training at an electrician school, you may get to wear one of these devices on the job. 

Augmented reality can help you plan out an electrical project as you see its conceptual design right in front of you. You can use AR to assist you in planning for electrical wiring at a residential, commercial or industrial building, or to determine how to fix a faulty electrical panel. AR also gives you the flexibility of offering support to fellow electricians or trainees while they’re working on a project, without you having to be present. 

Sustainable Materials Are Becoming Major Players in the Industry

With customers becoming more conscious of the environment, it has become imperative for many industries to develop innovative solutions that will allow them to offer sustainable and eco-friendly products and services to customers. The electrical industry is also answering that call. 

As an electrician, you’ll probably be making environmentally conscious strides throughout your career as you work on implementing and installing energy-efficient products for different types of buildings or within smart cities. Electrical companies are also shifting their focus toward sustainable operations and offering transparency within their business practices, as they meet consumer demands for energy-saving initiatives. 

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Conduit bending isn’t an easy skill to master when it comes to replacing old electrical wiring or wiring a new home. For electricians, knowing how to correctly and safely bend conduit is a major part of your responsibilities. Knowing how to bend conduit allows you to make it work around different corners, overpass permanent objects and fit many angles. By applying the right amount of pressure and conducting the proper measurements, you can make a good conduit bend. 

Avoiding common conduit bending mistakes will prevent things from going wrong. Improperly bent conduits will underperform and wear out quickly. At North American Trade Schools, you’ll gain hands-on experience in conduit bending that will help you avoid common conduit bending mistakes.

Read on to learn about the common conduit bending mistakes to prepare for your trade. 

Apply the Right Pressure After Electrician Training

It’s important to have precision and add the right amount of pressure in the right place of the conduit. Applying an excessive amount of pressure won’t help to bend the conduit in the way you want. In fact, too much pressure can break your tools and delay your work even further. When you add more pressure on the bending point than is needed, the conduit can either break or flatten.

Electrician training will help teach you to apply all sorts of conduit bending techniques that are required for installation and prepare you for industry work in your apprenticeship and beyond.

Avoid Using the Wrong Machine or Tool

Knowing when to use and not to use machines to do the conduit bending for you will help you a lot with your electrical wiring and avoid any delays. There are computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine benders that are considered versatile and powerful and offer great precision in conduit bending. However, they should not be used for every conduit shape or simple bends–only for the complex shapes or bends that you can’t perform manually. Through your electrician school, you’ll know when to use or not to use these machines, and how to perform manual conduit bends. When you use manually controlled machines, you will notice that you will increase your output speed and save money.

Avoid Flattening Too Much

With training and experience throughout your career, you’ll avoid the mistake of flattening the conduit too much. In some instances, flattening is okay for certain job requirements–while for other jobs, too much flattening will cause serious problems when it is time for you to do conduit bending. Applying the right pressure and stress to the outside radius is key in the conduit bending process. If you apply too much pressure and stress to the outside radius, the conduit will not be able to maintain its proper shape–causing the exterior to bend in, and therefore, flatten the tube. By using less pressure and utilizing the centreline radius which provides a larger bend, you will reduce the chance of excessive flattening. 

Avoid Wrinkling and Buckling

As mentioned earlier, conduit bending requires precision with the amount of pressure applied. Avoid any wrinkling or buckling from occurring by ensuring a smooth bend in the conduit. If you notice any wrinkles or buckling, the bend could cause problems down the line. 

This wrinkling and buckling occurs when the cross-section of your bend is unable to support the pressure applied. This happens by using excessive pressure far from the die or by not using a mandrel tool when you should.

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