Southwire PVCHB-13 Manual

2018

OPERATING and MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
PVC Heating Blankets
Models PVCHB-13/PVCHB-30/PVCHB-38
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE
INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY INFORMATION
IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING OR
SERVICING THIS TOOL

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Information………………………….......5-9
Description of Operation………………………....…….....10
Setup and Operation………………………..............…...10-11
Technical Data…………………………….................…..12-14
Additional Bending Information………………….….....13
Specications……………………………………………15-16
Warranty……………………………………………….…17-18

5
SAFETY FIRST
Safety is essential in the use and maintenance of Southwire
Contractor Equipment. This instruction manual and any markings
on the tool provide information for avoiding hazards and unsafe
practices related to the use of this tool. Observe all the safety
information provided.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS
These symbols are used to call attention to hazards or unsafe
practices related that could result in injury or property damage.
The three safety words dened below indicate the severity of the
hazard. The message after the signal word provides information for
preventing or avoiding the hazard.
DANGER - Immediate hazards that if not avoided WILL
result in severe injury or death
WARNING - Hazards that if not avoided COULD result in
severe injury or death
CAUTION - Hazards or unsafe practices that, if not
avoided MAY result in severe injury or death

6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATON
WARNING
• Read and understand all instructions and safety information in
this manual before operating or servicing this tool.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS COULD
RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING: Personal Safety Hazards
• Only qualied persons should use the PVC Heating Blankets
• Wear eye protection, heat resistant gloves, and proper clothing
when using this tool.
• Do not use tool while tired or under the inuence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication.
• Keep body parts and loose clothing away from moving parts.
• Always follow safety procedures as shown in this manual.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS CAN RESULT
IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH

7
DANGER: Electrical Shock Hazards
• This is not an insulated tool, contact with live circuits could result
in severe injury or death.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS CAN RESULT
IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH
CAUTION: Hot
• Material and equipment will reach temperatures in excess
of 300° F (150° C) during the forming process.
• Avoid burns by wearing the proper heat resistant gloves
and appropriate clothing.
• Use heat resistant gloves when the blanket is in use.
Avoid touching the blanket until it is cooled.
• Allow blanket to cool before putting it away
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS CAN RESULT
IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATON

8
• The normal use of this product is to heat PVC only.
• The use of this product for purposes other than heating PVC pipe
is considered a violation of the warranty.
• Place your PVC Heating Blanket on a secure, dry surface, in a
well-ventilated area.
• Unplug the PVC heating blanket when not in use.
• Keep ammable and combustible materials away from the
blanket and around the work area when blanket is in operation.
• Connect each unit to the proper amperage capacity circuitry and
grounded power source. Be careful not to overheat or overload
your power source.
• We strongly recommend the use of a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) protection when using this blanket on any
job site.
• We strongly recommend using an extension cord that is 14
AWG for the PVCHB-38 and 16 AWG for the PVCHB-13 and
PVCHB-30 to prevent the cord from overheating and causing
current loss. Current loss occurs with the natural resistance
of electricity owing through copper wire acting like friction,
reducing the available voltage. Using long (ex. 25 foot or longer)
and / or undersized extension cords can reduce the heat output
of the heating element because of the resistance that occurs
resulting in slower bending times.
• Keep all decals clean and legible and replace when necessary.
• Think Safety First!
WARNING: Tool Use Hazards
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATON
CAUTION
Read and understand all the instructions and safety information in
this manual before operating or servicing this tool.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE CAUTIONS CAN RESULT IN
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE

9
CAUTION: Electrical Shock Hazards
Make sure bystanders are clear of the work area when utilizing this
PVC Heating Blanket. Nearby personnel can be injured if there is a
malfunction.
• If tool is in disrepair, DO NOT USE. Have tool serviced at an
Authorized Southwire Repair Center.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE CAUTIONS CAN RESULT IN
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATON

10
Purpose of this Manual
This manual is intended to familiarize all personnel with the safe
operation and maintenance procedures for the following Southwire
Tools and Equipment: PVC HEATING BLANKET.
Keep this manual available to all personnel. Replacement manuals
are available upon request at no charge at www.southwiretools.com.
Description of Operation
The PVC HEATING BLANKET is a tool that will heat and soften PVC
and other round thermosetting plastics in both Schedule 40 and
Schedule 80 PVC conduits. This line of PVC Heating Blankets will
heat and soften PVC conduits from OD sizes of 1/2” to 4”.
Set Up and Operation
1. Find a at, dry surface. Ensure you have a well-ventilated area
away from any ammable material for your PVC Heating Blanket
set up.
2. Ensure your power supply is properly rated for the PVC Heating
Blanket being used.
3. If using an extension cord, ensure it is a 14-16 AWG cord to
prevent cord from overheating.
4. Check your PVC Heating Blanket for any tears, cuts, burns,
exposed wires, or frayed cords. If any of these conditions are
present, DO NOT USE.
5. Place the PVC Heating Blanket under the PVC conduit and
position to where the bend is to be made. (FIGURE 1)
Figure 1

11
6. Wrap the PVC Heating Blanket around the conduit until snug and
secure the blanket with Velcro strap. The blanket should overlap
the thermostat housing. (FIGURE 2)
Figure 2
7. Plug in the PVC Heating Blanket. DO NOT LEAVE PVC HEATING
BLANKET UNATTENDED WHILE IN USE. As the PVC Conduit
heats, check for softness by pressing lightly on the sides of the
blanket. The PVC conduit is ready to bend when it becomes very
exible. Make sure to UNPLUG THE PVC HEATING BLANKET
and then take o the Velcro straps.
8. Remove exible PVC conduit from the blanket and lay on a
clean, dry, and at surface. You can now hand bend the PVC to
your desired angle.
9. To set the bend, allow the PVC conduit to cool or decrease the
time by rubbing the bend lightly with a sponge or rag soaked in
cool water. NOTE: Make sure to keep all liquids away from the
PVC Heating Blanket.
10. To help prevent crimping or attening of the PVC conduit
during the bending process, it is recommended to use plug sets
to ensure conduit keeps its shape. For large numbers of repeat
bends, a jig made of wood is recommended.

12
TECHNICAL DATA
HEATING
A controlled uniform temperature of approximately 250° F
is required to soften PVC Conduit. PVC plastic and other
thermosetting plastic materials may be reheated and reformed,
if necessary, without damage to the materials properties. Using
the procedure outlined below, Schedule 40 and Schedule 80
PVC conduit can be easily formed in the eld without crimping,
attening, or deforming. Forming ducts in the eld, (such as
“EB” (Encased Burial)) must be carefully controlled to prevent the
deformation and swelling of the material’s very thin wall thickness.
It is recommended that “eld bends” be limited to “DB” (Direct
Burial), Schedule 40 conduit or Schedule 80 conduit.
The correct forming temperature can be determined by feeling for
softness on the PVC Conduit through the PVC Heating Blanket
When the PVC conduit feels very exible it is ready to be removed
and formed. Although ambient air temperature, wind conditions,
surrounding temperature, and temperature of unheated PVC
conduit will have an eect on the heating time, a general estimate
for heating PVC with the PVC Heating Blanket is below:
Model Number Size of PVC
Conduit
Estimated Heating
Time for Schedule 40
Estimated Heating
Time for Schedule 80
PVCHB-13 1/2" 3.75 minutes 5.75 minutes
PVCHB-13 3/4" 5 minutes 7.5 minutes
PVCHB-13 1" 7 minutes 7.5 minutes
PVCHB-13 1 1/4" 7.5 minutes 8.75 minutes
PVCHB-13 1 1/2" 8.25 minutes 10 minutes
PVCHB-30 2" 8 minutes 8.5 minutes
PVCHB-30 2 1/2" 9 minutes 11 minutes
PVCHB-30 3" 11 minutes 12.5 minutes
PVCHB-38 3 1/2" 9 minutes 13 minutes
PVCHB-38 4" 10 minutes 13 minutes

13
TECHNICAL DATA
FORMING
Heat the PVC conduit with the PVC Heating Blanket until softened,
making sure the entire length to be bent is evenly heated. When
forming bends on pipe sizes ½” through 1-1/2” diameter, it is
not necessary to use bending plugs. Once the conduit is ready
to be formed, it can be installed in place and can quickly be set
by cooling with a rag or sponge and cold water. Should several
identical bends be required, or if a specic degree of bend or
radius is necessary, a simple wood jig can be fashioned for fast,
identical bends. We recommend that any form be made from
non-heat conducting material.
NOTE: It is dicult to achieve bends tighter than four (4) times
the diameter of the pipe equaling the inside radius of the bend
(4 X Dia= Inside Radius) without controlled manufacturing
conditions.
PREVENTING DEFORMATION
Conduit and ducts 2” diameter and larger may crimp, atten,
or deform during the bending process. Bending plugs help to
eliminate this problem. Bending plugs are inserted into the ends of
the conduit before heating. Our adaptors slip over the plugs and
are used for half size conduit and for belled-end pipe. During the
heating cycle, the bending plugs cause the trapped, heated air,
inside the conduit to expand, creating enough pressure inside the
pipe to keep the walls of the conduit supported during the bending
process. This slight amount of pressure is critical in keeping the
walls of the pipe from collapsing or when making a bend. If a plug
pops-out during the bending process, it may be necessary to
reinsert the plug and reheat the pipe to complete a smooth, kink
free bend.
ADDITIONAL BENDING INFORMATION
Very tight radius bends are dicult to achieve with any size
PVC pipe, conduit or duct without the use of special production
techniques. These techniques can include air pressurization of
the piece, insertion of special internal supports, or some other
technique. The following table can be used as a guide that is
applicable to many types of rigid PVC conduit and duct:

14
Normal
Interior
Diameter
in Inches
Outside
Diameter in
Inches
Minimum
Inside
Radius
in Inches*
Length of
Curved
Section
in Inches
Length of
Straight
Ends in
Inches**
Each End
Total Stock
Length in
Inches
1/2" 27/32" 4" 7" 2" 11"
3/4" 1 3/64" 5" 9" 2 5/8" 14 1/4"
1" 1 5/16" 6" 10 1/2" 2 3/4" 16"
1 1/4" 1 21/32" 8" 14" 2 3/4" 19 1/2"
1 1/2" 1 29/32" 10" 17 1/2" 3 1/16" 23 5/8"
2" 2 3/8" 12" 21" 4" 29"
2 1/2" 2 7/8" 15" 26" 4 3/4" 35 1/2"
3" 3 1/2" 18" 31" 7 1/2" 46"
3 1/2" 4" 21" 36" 8 3/16" 52 3/8"
4" 4 1/2" 24" 41" 9" 59 1/2"
5" 5 9/16" 30" 52" 11 1/8" 74 1/4"
6' 6 5/8" 36" 62" 12 9/16" 87 1/8"
TECHNICAL DATA
*Source: Chapter 9; Table 2 “Radius of Conduit and Tubing Bends” National Electric Code®
2005 Edition. For Conductors without lead sheath - minimum radius of conduit bends.
**Recommended minimum straight section each end.

15
PVC Heating Blankets
• Model# PVCHB-13
• Stock # 67589540
• Height – .63’’
• Width – 8.25’’
• Depth – 13’’
• Weight – .66 lbs.
• Watts- 200 Watts
• VAC- 120 VAC
• AMP- 1.67 AMP
• Capacity – Up through Schedule 80 in sizes ½”- 1 ½’’
• Model# PVCHB-30
• Stock # 67589640
• Height – .63’’
• Width – 13.25’’
• Depth – 30’’
• Weight – 1.94 lbs.
• Watts- 800 Watts
• VAC- 120 VAC
• AMP- 6.67 AMP
• Capacity – Up through Schedule 80 in sizes 2’’- 3’’
• Model# PVCHB-38
• Stock # 67589740
• Height – .63’’
• Width – 16.25’’
• Depth – 38’’
• Weight – 2.87 lbs.
• Watts- 1300 Watts
• VAC- 120 VAC
• AMP- 10.83
• Capacity – Up through Schedule 80 in sizes 3 1/2’’ - 4’’
SPECIFICATIONS

16
PVC PLUG KITS
(Southwire recommends using PVC Plugs for PVC conduit 2’’ and larger. Please see
‘’PREVENTING DEFORMATION’’ in this manual for more information)
• Model# PVCP-01
• Stock # 64-30-14-01
• Height –8”
• Width –17”
• Depth – 9.50”
• Weight – 6 lbs.
• Capacity – 2”-4” Conduit Plug Kit
• Model# PVCP-02
• Stock # 64-30-16-01
• Height –9.50”
• Width –18”
• Depth – 10.50”
• Weight – 10 lbs.
• Capacity – 2”-6” Conduit Plug Kit
SPECIFICATIONS

17
WARRANTY ONSOUTHWIRE CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT
What Does This Warranty Cover?
Five-Year Limited Warranty on Contractor Equipment
Under Southwire’s Contractor Equipment 5-Year Limited Warranty,
Southwire Company, LLC warrants that all Southwire Contractor Equipment
will be free from manufacturer defects for a period of ve (5) years from
the date of the original end user’s purchase. The following products are
excluded from this 5-Year Limited Warranty and are subject to separate
warranty terms: rope, blades, dies, draw studs, grips, Southwire Contractor
Equipment electronic components, and Material Boxes. Under this 5-Year
Limited Warranty, the following are also excluded and Southwire Company,
LLC will have no liability for any of the following: normal wear and tear
resulting from product use and damage arising out of misuse, abuse,
modication, and improper product maintenance. This warranty also
does not cover Southwire Contractor Equipment products that have been
modied by any party other than Southwire Company, LLC or its authorized
third-party designee. This 5-Year Limited Warranty is not transferrable to or
enforceable by any person other than the product’s original end user.
One-Year Limited Warranty on Rope, Blades, Dies, Draw Studs, Grips,
and Southwire Contractor Equipment Electrical Components
Under this 1-Year Limited Warranty, Southwire Company, LLC warrants
that all Southwire Ropes, Blades, Dies, Draw Studs, Grips, and
Southwire Contractor Equipment Electrical Components will be free
from manufacturer defects for a period of one-year from the date of the
original end user’s purchase. Under this 1-Year Limited Warranty for the
aforementioned Southwire Contractor Equipment items, the following
are excluded and Southwire Company, LLC will have no liability for any
of the following: normal wear and tear resulting from product use and
damage arising out of misuse, abuse, modication, and improper product
maintenance. This warranty also does not cover Southwire Contractor
Equipment that has been modied by any party other than Southwire
Company, LLC or its authorized third-party designee. This 1-Year Limited
Warranty is not transferrable to or enforceable by any person other than the
product’s original end user.
Exclusion of Incidental, Consequential, Indirect, Special and Punitive
Damages
SOUTHWIRE MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT SOUTHWIRE CONTRACTOR
EQUIPMENT PRODUCTS WILL BE MERCHANTABLE OR FIT FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SOUTHWIRE MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OTHER THAN THE RELEVANT

18
WARRANTY SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY
SECTION. SOUTHWIRE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES FOR
ANY BREACH OF THIS LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you.
Warranty Claim Information/How Do You Get Service?
For all warranty, customer service, and product return authorizations and
inquiries, please contact Southwire’s Tools & Assembled Products at:
Southwire Tools & Assembled Products
840 Old Bremen Road
Carrollton, GA, 30117
Phone Number: 1.855.SW.Tools
1. All warranty claims must be approved by Southwire’s Tools & Assembled
Products Warranty Department prior to return of product. If Southwire
determines that a product is defective, Southwire will, at its option, repair
or replace defective products or defective product components, free
of charge.
2. Upon approval, Southwire will issue a Product Return Authorization Form
which will include instructions on how and where to return the product.
The product serial number and the original date of delivery must be
set forth on the Product Return Authorization Form.
3. Southwire will cover standard freight charges (Courier Ground rate)
incurred in connection with products that Southwire ultimately determines
to be defective.
4. All defective components and defective products that Southwire replaces
under these Warranties will become Southwire’s property and will be
retained by Southwire.
Repair of Your Product When it is Out of Warranty
Southwire is happy to provide information about where a purchaser can
send a product for repair at consumers’ own expense, please contact
1.855.SW.tools or visit www.southwiretools.com/tools/home.do for more
information about servicing for Southwire Products.

2018

LIRE ET COMPRENDRE TOUTES LES
INSTRUCTIONS ET TOUS LES RENSEIGNEMENTS
DE SÉCURITÉ CONTENUS DANS CE MANUEL
AVANT DE PROCÉDER À L’UTILISATION OU À
L’ENTRETIEN DE CET OUTIL
INSTRUCTIONS DE
FONCTIONNEMENT et
D’ENTRETIEN
Couvertures de chauage de PVC
Modèles PVCHB-13/PVCHB-30/PVCHB-38

4
TABLE DES MATIÈRES
Informations de sécurité importantes……………………..5-9
Description de l’opération……………………....…….......10
Installation et utilisation………………………..............…10-11
Données techniqes……………………………................12-14
Informations supplémentaires sur le citrage……….…..14
Spécications……………………………………………..15-16
Garantie……………………………………………….…..17-19