An offset moves a conduit run onto a parallel line by bending it one way and then back by the same angle. The distance between the two bend marks equals the offset depth times a multiplier: 6 for 10 degrees, 2.6 for 22.5, 2 for 30, 1.4 for 45 and 1.2 for 60. Every offset also shortens the run slightly, the shrink, which is added when the offset is measured toward an obstruction. A small offset into a box is a box offset.
Six-inch offset with 30s, so mark them twelve inches apart and add an inch and a half for shrink.
Also heard as
- jog
Do not mix it up with
- Kicker: A kick is a single bend that changes a run's direction; an offset is two bends that keep it parallel.
Related terms
Kicker
Single shallow bend that angles conduit off its line, for example to bring it out from a wall into equipment.
Saddle
Set of bends that carries conduit over a pipe or obstruction and back down to its original line.
Shrink
Shortening of a conduit run caused by an offset or saddle, which has to be added back when marking bends.
Dog leg
Crooked bend where two bends in one conduit end up out of plane, so the run will not lie flat.