Electrical reference chart
Saddle Bend Layout Chart
Use this saddle bend layout chart after the calculator result to document obstruction height, saddle type, centerline reference, mark positions, shrink, and bend order.
Quick reference table
The 3-point saddle bend formula is outside spacing = obstruction height x multiplier: a 2 in obstruction at 45 deg uses 2 x 1.414 = 2.83 in on each side of the center mark. A 4-point saddle uses two matching offsets with a flat section over the obstruction width. Use this chart to keep centerline, edge clearance, shrink, and bend sequence tied to the calculator result before transferring marks to conduit.
3-point saddle angle pairs
| Outside bends | Center bend | Multiplier | Field note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.5 deg | 45 deg | 2.613 | Gentler saddle with longer outside spacing |
| 30 deg | 60 deg | 2.0 | Common field choice for moderate height |
| 45 deg | 90 deg | 1.414 | Compact saddle, harder to keep clean |
Choose 3-point or 4-point saddle
| Obstruction condition | Better layout | What to document |
|---|---|---|
| Small round obstruction | 3-point saddle | Center mark, outside marks, and bend order |
| Wide tray, pipe, or low obstacle | 4-point saddle | Clear width, first pair, second pair, and flat section |
| Tight rack with parallel runs | Lower angle saddle | Extra mark spacing and shrink allowance |
| Poor access for center bend | 4-point saddle or reroute | Bender clearance and available straight conduit |
Saddle chart to calculator handoff
| Search or worksheet need | Use this chart for | Open the calculator when |
|---|---|---|
| 3 point saddle bend chart | Matching outside bends, center bend, multiplier, and bend order | Obstruction height and center distance must become exact mark locations |
| 4 point saddle bend chart | Choosing when a flat section is better than a peaked saddle | Clear width, side clearance, and two offset pairs need a complete mark set |
| Saddle shrink note | Keeping shrink allowance visible beside the selected angle pair | A fixed endpoint or box reference must stay aligned after the saddle is bent |
| Parallel conduit saddle layout | Recording lower-angle choices and bend sequence before field transfer | Adjacent runs need repeated marks, spacing, or a comparison with offset layouts |
How to use this chart
Choose the saddle type
Use obstruction shape, width, and required clearance to decide whether the calculator result should be recorded as 3-point or 4-point.
Keep angle pairs together
Record outside angle, center angle, multiplier, and shrink allowance together so the field layout stays traceable.
Check bend sequence
Transfer marks in the bending order shown by the calculator and label the bend direction to keep the saddle in one plane.
Formula basis
3-point outside spacing = obstruction height x multiplier. 4-point layout = clear width plus matching offset spacing on each side.
- Obstruction height is the vertical clearance needed above the obstruction.
- Obstruction center is the measured reference used for a 3-point center mark.
- Obstruction width plus side clearance sets the flat section for a 4-point saddle.
- Shrink allowance is added back when the finished conduit endpoint must land on a fixed reference.
Worked examples
3-point saddle over a 2 inch obstruction
With 45 deg outside bends, center-to-outside spacing is 2 x 1.414 = 2.828 inches on each side of the center mark. Record the center mark from the same conduit end used by the calculator.
4-point saddle over a 5 inch wide tray
If the selected offset spacing is 6 inches on each side and the clear width is 5 inches, the mark set must preserve the flat section over the tray instead of peaking at the center.
Related calculators
Saddle Bend Calculator
Calculate 3-point and 4-point saddle bend marks for routing conduit over obstacles. Outputs mark locations, bend spacing, and shrinkage for common field angles.
Offset Bend Calculator
Field-chart geometry screen for equal-angle conduit offsets. Returns bend spacing, shrinkage allowance, travel, and optional first and second bend marks.
Segment Bend Calculator
Geometry screen for equal-angle segmented conduit bends. Returns bend angle, smooth-arc reference spacing, straight chord step, and optional bend-mark stations from a first-mark reference.
Related charts
Offset Bend Multiplier Chart
Use offset multiplier chart: 15 deg = 3.9, 22.5 deg = 2.6, 30 deg = 2.0 and 45 deg = 1.414; a 4 in offset at 30 deg marks 8 in.
Conduit Shrink Chart
Use a conduit shrink chart to compare bend angle, offset height, true offset, shrink per inch, and layout allowance after a calculator result.
Segment Bend Layout Chart
Use a segment bend layout chart to document total angle, bend count, centerline radius, bend angle per mark, chord spacing, and field stations.
Frequently asked questions
These answers explain how to use the chart without turning a quick reference into a final design decision.