What is a Busbar?
Busbar and busbar trunking systems, and bus duct (often spelt bus bar or buss bar) are types of electrical conduit used to distribute power to various electrical devices and systems within a building or facility. They are made of copper or aluminum, typically insulated to prevent electric shock.
Types of busbar
Busbars come in a variety of forms, each with unique benefits, and some drawbacks. Among the busbar varieties that are most frequently used are:
Solid busbars
These are the most basic and economical types of busbar. They are constructed from a single metal section, such as copper or aluminum. The purpose of this busbar is to carry the electrical load and dissipate heat.
Copper and aluminum busbars
Copper and aluminum (or for the non-US speaking community, aluminium) busbars are used to connect various electrical system components in electrical panels and switchgear. Being made of copper or aluminum, they are highly conductive, making them more corrosion-resistant.
What is a busbar used for?
Busbars are used in many environments across multiple industries in a variety of applications, including:
- Electrical switchgear
- Power distribution systems
- Motor control centers
- Battery banks
- Solar panels
- Wind turbines
Difference between bus duct and busbar
Busbars, are metallic strips or bars that conduct electrical current in a piece of electrical switchgear. They are also found in bus ducts, which are sheet metal ducts containing a series of busbars and are used in place of traditional conduits in electrical installations due to their versatile and quick method of installation and modification.
Bus ducts are frequently utilised in situations where there is a risk of damage to the bus bars or where the bus bars are exposed to the weather.
Typically, a bus duct system consists of a series of conductors or 'buses' made of copper or aluminium that run parallel to each other and are connected to a power source.
Why is bus duct important for conducting electrical power?
Bus duct is important for several reasons:
- Reliability: Bus duct provides a reliable and consistent source of power to electrical devices and systems, reducing the risk of power outages and equipment failures.
- Safety: The metal enclosure of bus duct protects the electrical connections and cables from damage and prevents accidental electrical contact, making it safer for people and equipment.
- Easy maintenance: Bus duct is designed for easy access and maintenance, which allows for quick repairs and replacement of components, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
- Space-saving: Bus duct takes up less space than traditional cable trays, making it an ideal solution for tight and confined spaces.
- Flexibility: Bus duct can be easily reconfigured or expanded to accommodate changes in the electrical system, making it a flexible solution for different types of buildings and equipment.
- Energy efficiency: It has the advantage of allowing better control of the power distribution which can avoid circuit overload and reduce energy consumption.
Overall, bus duct provides a safe, reliable, and efficient means of distributing power to electrical devices and systems, making it an essential component in commercial and industrial settings.