Heating PVC conduit correctly makes bending faster and reduces cracking. This guide compares five reliable PVC conduit heaters and heat blankets suited for conduit sizes from 1/2″ to 4″. Below is a quick comparison of the selected models so you can match capacity and features to your job.
| Product | Brand | Conduit Range | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEMCo TH4001 PVC Conduit Heat Blanket Bender | TEMCo Industrial | 1/2″ – 1 1/2″ | Heating Blanket |
| Hoadhen Electric PVC Conduit Heater PBH20-4 | Hoadhen | 1/2″ – 4″ | Enclosed Electric Heater |
| TEMCo TH4002 PVC Conduit Heat Blanket Bender | TEMCo Industrial | 2″ – 3″ | Heating Blanket |
| CURRENT TOOLS PVC Conduit Heater – ½” to 2” | Current Tools | 1/2″ – 2″ | Enclosed Electric Heater |
| Greenlee 851 Electric PVC Heater/Bender | Greenlee | 1/2″ – 4″ | Enclosed Electric Heater |
TEMCo TH4001 PVC Conduit Heat Blanket Bender 1/2″ – 1 1/2″
The TEMCo TH4001 is a patented heat blanket designed to wrap tightly around conduit ranges from 1/2″ to 1 1/2″. Its longer blanket design aims to enable wider, smoother bends and makes pulling wire easier after bending.
- Thermostat Placement: Thermostat located outside the blanket to allow tighter wrapping and smoother bends.
- Bend Flexibility: Enables any angle bend rather than fixed-angle limitations of molded fittings.
- Use Case: Best suited for installers who prefer portable blankets for site bending and wire feeding.
Hoadhen 1/2″ to 4″ Electric PVC Conduit Heater PBH20-4
The Hoadhen PBH20-4 is a full-enclosure electric PVC heater built for conduit up to 4″. It emphasizes rapid heating, temperature monitoring, and safety shutoff functions for controlled operation.
- Ease Of Use: Full-length door for easy loading; preheat to set temperature, then rotate conduit until pliable.
- Temperature Monitoring: Built-in detector allows real-time tracking for consistent heating; rated to preheat to 500°F target.
- Safety Protections: Automatic shutoff if internal temp exceeds safe limits for extended time; indicator light shows power status.
- Power: Operates on 120VAC with high wattage for quick performance.
TEMCo TH4002 PVC Conduit Heat Blanket Bender 2-3″
The TEMCo TH4002 is the larger blanket option for medium conduit sizes. Like the TH4001, it is designed for tighter wrapping and improved bending control for 2″ to 3″ conduit.
- Patented Wrap Design: Wraps tighter around conduit for faster heating and smoother bends.
- External Thermostat: Thermostat placement encourages a snug fit and consistent heat transfer.
- Angle Versatility: Allows custom angles and offsets without being limited to preset radii.
CURRENT TOOLS PVC Conduit Heater – ½” to 2”
The CURRENT TOOLS heater is an enclosed unit with a reflective interior and a carrying handle, designed for consistent heating of 1/2″ to 2″ conduit sections. It targets fast, even heat distribution for predictable bending results.
- Reflective Interior: Promotes even, consistent heating across the workpiece.
- Heating Capacity: Designed to deliver high output for quick heat-up times on typical conduit lengths.
- Portability: Carrying handle supports field use and jobsite mobility.
Greenlee 851 Electric PVC Heater/Bender For 1/2-Inch – 4-Inch
The Greenlee 851 is a heavy-duty enclosed heater designed for 1/2″ to 4″ PVC. It features insulated metal walls and a reflective interior for efficient, even heating of longer conduit sections.
- Preheat Routine: Recommend preheat for about 10 minutes, then rotate conduit until pliable for bending.
- Construction: Insulated metal walls with reflective interior improve heat efficiency and distribution.
- Loading: Full-length door eases insertion and removal of conduit during repetitive bending tasks.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A PVC Conduit Heater
Selecting the right PVC conduit heater depends on conduit diameters, work environment, portability needs, and control features. The sections below cover key considerations and comparison perspectives to help clarify trade-offs between blankets and enclosed heaters.
Conduit Size And Range
Match the heater to the largest conduit diameter you commonly work with. Heating blankets excel for odd-length sections and flexible wrap coverage on smaller to medium conduit, while enclosed heaters commonly accommodate a broader range up to 4″. Choosing the wrong size limits bending capability and uniformity.
Blanket Versus Enclosed Heater
- Heating Blankets: Portable, wrap-around fit, good for custom-radius bends and field adjustments. They heat from the outside and often allow tighter wrapping for smoother bends. Blankets are lighter and easier to transport.
- Enclosed Heaters: Provide consistent, interior-reflective heating for predictable results on repeatable jobs. Full-length doors make loading/unloading easier and are better for longer sections and higher throughput.
Temperature Control And Monitoring
Accurate temperature control reduces the chance of overheating, warping, or surface degradation. Models with built-in thermostats or temperature detectors provide repeatable bending temperatures. Automatic shutoff features improve safety by preventing sustained overheating when material is unknowingly left inside.
Heat Distribution And Interior Design
Reflective interiors and insulated walls help achieve even heating, minimizing hot spots or cold areas that can cause uneven bending or cracking. For blankets, snug wrap and external thermostat placement can improve heat transfer efficiency.
Power Requirements And Heat-Up Time
Check voltage and wattage ratings relative to your jobsite power availability. Higher-wattage units heat faster but may require dedicated circuits. Faster heat-up reduces wait time but increases power draw; plan for circuit capacity and duty cycles to avoid tripping breakers.
Portability And Durability
Consider weight, handles, and case construction. Field work benefits from rugged, lightweight blankets or carry-handled enclosed units. Metal-enclosed heaters offer durability for shop environments, while blankets are often better for confined or irregular spaces.
Safety Features
Look for thermostatic control, automatic shutoff at unsafe temperatures, and status indicator lights. Proper insulation and robust housing reduce burn risks and improve operational safety during repetitive use.
Ease Of Use And Loading
Full-length doors and easy open/close mechanisms speed throughput on enclosed units. Blankets that secure with hook-and-loop straps or external thermostats that don’t impede wrapping improve workflow. Consider how quickly you need to bend and move to the next run.
Bend Radius, Angle Control, And Wire Pulling
Blankets typically offer more flexibility to create custom angles and offsets and can be beneficial where precise radii are required for wire pulling. Enclosed heaters yield repeatable bends ideal for production runs where consistency is the priority.
Jobsite Use Cases And Comparison Perspectives
- Electrician Doing Occasional Site Bends: A compact blanket (like smaller TEMCo models) may be sufficient and portable.
- Contractor Bending Many Runs Per Day: An enclosed heater (Greenlee or Hoadhen) with fast heat-up and a full-length door supports higher throughput.
- Large-Diameter Conduit Needs: Choose an enclosure rated for larger diameters (Hoadhen, Greenlee 851) rather than a small blanket limited to 1 1/2″ or 3″.
- Precision Bends And Wire Pulling: Blankets that allow tighter wraps and smoother bends can improve wire pulling performance after bending.
Maintenance And Longevity
Inspect heating elements, thermostat connections, and exterior insulation. Enclosed heaters with metal housings often withstand jobsite abuse better. Blankets require careful storage to avoid kinks or element damage. Replace damaged insulation or controls promptly to maintain safety and consistency.
Warranty And Brand Support
Consider manufacturer reputation and available support. Brands with established service and parts availability reduce downtime. Warranty terms vary—check coverage for heating elements and controls.
Final Comparison Checklist
- Confirm maximum conduit diameter and length you’ll heat most often.
- Decide between portability (blanket) and repeatable throughput (enclosed heater).
- Verify power supply compatibility and required breaker capacity.
- Prioritize temperature control and automatic safety shutoff for repeated use.
- Assess build quality for field vs. shop environments.