We use a network of cables with different voltage ratings to transfer electricity through the circuit. Copper and Aluminum are the most popular cable conductors. The same Electrical Busbar is a modern way to transfer electricity by using Copper and Aluminum Plate which is covered by a protective insulating cover or not. Generally, we drill a hole on the Busbar and then we bolt cable lugs with it.
Busbar in PFI Panel
Usages of Busbar:
The busbar is frequently used inside a panel board and as the main power carrier from the power transformer and generator. Now the reason behind the use of Busbar is as follows,
- We can easily transfer electricity to a different load.
- If you are using a Busbar then you can keep one side of the bus bar active when you are performing maintenance to a load side.
- If there is any glitch in the system then you can deactivate that part from the active system.
The Features of Busbar:
- The conductor you use as a Busbar must have less resistance value.
- If there is any change in temperature due to load demand then the conductor material resistance value will not change.
- Required insulation material space between two or more conductors must be available.
- Busbar metal conductors should have high mechanical strength.
- If in the near future, the output load limit is increased then it should have the capacity to adjust with a required load to a specific limit.
- Future extension opting should be available.
Related: Electrical Isolator
Classification of Busbar:
Generally, Busbar classification depends on its usage like where to use it, load type, and others. Here is some different type of Busbar,
- Outdoor Busbar.
- Indoor Busbar.
- Enclosed Busbar.
- Open Busbar.
- Isolated Phase Busbar.
- Gas-Pressurized Insulated Busbar.
- Oil Sinking Busbar.
Busbar Management:
Busbar management is as follows,
- Single Busbar.
- Sectional Single Busbar.
- Sectional Double Busbar.
- Double Busbar with Single Breaker System.
- Ring Busbar.
Now come to the selection of a Busbar size. There are some rules and guidelines that need to be maintained during the design or selection of a Busbar and those are,
- According to the plant efficiency, the Busbar should have an option to activate the entire Busbar or half of the Busbar.
- Amount of load that needs to be carried.
- Primary installation cost.
- Operation and maintenance costs.
- Future extension option.
- Busbar size selection.
- A safe place to install.
Busbar Size Calculation:
Generally, a Busbar size depends on the total ampere of current that it needs to carry. If carrying current is small then its size will be small and if it is carrying a high amount of current then its size will be large. When you are calculating the size of a Busbar you have to keep in mind the height and thickness of the conductor plate that you use. The calculation of the Busbar will be denoted by a millimeter.
Example of Busbar Calculation: Let’s consider we have a 600KVA power transformer or a generator which have 400V as line voltage. Now total ampere we can get
I=(1000×600)/(√3×400)=866A
Now we have to add a minimum of 25% extra ampere for safety reasons with 866A. You can add more percent according to your demand with future extensions. Then our total ampere will be 1082A.
Now Basbar calculation formula is,
- 2A=1mm ^ 1A=1/2mm^
1082A=541mm^
Please note that 2 (1.7~2) is the density of copper. If you go with 1.7 then 25% extra ampere will not be required. Now we have to reach 541mm^ by multiplying the height and thickness of copper like 108×5=540A. If this size of copper plate is not available in the market then take the nearest size but upper size.
Related: General Question About Circuit Breaker
Busbar in Panel Board
Some Common Busbar Size:
Here is some most common Busbar size,
19.05mm×6.35mm = 100A
25.40mm×6.50mm = 250A
30mm×10mm = 400A
40mm×10mm = 600A
44.45mm×12.70mm = 800A
50.80mm×12.70mm = 1000A
2×63.5mm×9.525mm = 1600A
2×80mm×10mm = 2500A
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