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Why I Prefer Busbar Trunking Systems More Than Cables

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Why I Prefer Busbar Trunking Systems More Than Cables

Planning concept for power supply //

When a planning concept for power supply is developed, it is not only imperative to observe standards and
regulations, it is also important to discuss and clarify economic and technical interrelations (cables and/or busbar
trunking systems depending on situations).
The rating and selection of electric equipment, such as distribution boards and transformers, must be performed in
such a way that an optimum result for the power system as a whole is kept in mind rather than focusing on individual
components.

The most important is that all components must be sufficiently rated to withstand normal operating
conditions as well as fault conditions.

Further important aspects to be considered for the creation of an energy concept are //
Type, use and shape of the building (e.g. high-rise/low-rise building, multi-storey building)
Load centers and possible power transmission routes and locations for transformers and main distribution
boards
Building-related connection values according to specific area loads that correspond to the buildings type of use
Statutory provisions and conditions imposed by building authorities
Requirements of the power distribution network operator
The result will never be a single solution. Several options must be assessed in terms of their technical and
economic impacts.
The following requirements are the main points of interest //
Easy and transparent planning
Long service life
High availability
Low fire load
Flexible adaptation to changes in the building

Most applications suggest the use of suitable busbar trunking systems to meet these requirements.

For this reason, engineering companies increasingly prefer busbar trunking to cable installation for power transmission
and distribution. The most common busbar trunking systems ratings are from 25 A to 6,300 A .

Planning Notes
Considering the complexity of modern building projects, transparency and flexibility of power distribution are
indispensable requirements. In industry, the focus is on continuous supply of energy as an essential prerequisite for
multi-shift production.
Busbar trunking systems meet all these requirements on efficient power distribution by being easily planned,
quickly installed and providing a high degree of flexibility and safety.
The five main advantages of busbar trunking systems are //
1. Straightforward network configuration
2. Low space requirements
3. Easy retrofitting in case of changes of locations and consumer loads
4. High short-circuit strength and low fire load
5. Increased planning security

Power transmission

Power from the transformer to the low voltage switchgear is transmitted by suitable components in the busbar trunking
system. These components are installed between transformer and main distribution board, then branching to subdistribution systems.
Trunking units without tap-off points are used for power transmission. These are available in standard lengths.
Besides the standard lengths, the customer can also choose a specific length from various length ranges to suit
individual constructive requirements.

Busbar trunking power transmission (photo credit: ppa-bd.com)

Power distribution
Power distribution is the main area of application for busbar trunking systems. This means that electricity cannot just
be tapped from a permanently fixed point as with a cable installation. Tapping points can be varied and changed as
desired within the entire power distribution system.

In order to tap electricity, you just have plug a tap-off unit on the busbar at the tap-off point . This
way a variable distribution system is created for linear and / or area-wide, distributed power supply.

Busbar tap-off (Sivacon 8PS)

Tap-off points are provided on either or just one side on the straight trunking units. For each busbar trunking system, a
wide range of tap-off units is available for the connection of equipment and electricity supply.

Table 1 Cable / Busbar comparison

Characteristic

Cables

Busbar

Planning,
calculation

High determination and calculation expense, the

consumer locations must be fixed

Flexible consumer locations, only the

total load is required for the planning

Expansions,
changes

High expense, interruptions to operation, calculation,

risk of damage to the insulation

Low expense as the tap-off units are

hot pluggable

Space
requirements

More space required because of bending radiuses and

the spacing required between parallel cables

Compact directional changes and

fittings

Temperature
responses and
derating

Limits depend on the laying method and cable

accumulation. The derating factor must be determined /
calculated

Design verified switchgear

assembly, limits from manufacturers
catalogue

Free from
halogen

PVC cables are not free from halogen. Halogen-free

cables are very expensive

Principally free from halogen

Fire load

Fire load with PVC cable is up to 10 times greater, with

PE cable up to 30 times greater than with busbars

Very low, see manufacturers

catalogue

Design verified
switchgear
assembly

The operational safety depends on the version

Tested system, non-interchangeable

assembly

Comparison of busbar and cables // Temperature response derating

Few more on why busbar trunking systems //

Easier when it comes to planning
Easy to plan, quick to install and flexible to use. Busbar trunking systems bring energy economically into any
building. The power distribution system can be precisely planned from the total load rating and the type and number of
loads.

Clarity is assured by the line-shaped network topology with regularly arranged load tap-offs. Using
standardized sizes, all applications can be implemented quickly and in minimum space.

Quicker when it comes to installing

Benefits during installation. Two-man assembly of busbar trunking systems saves time and money compared to the
costly cable installation method. Installation errors are practically ruled out by the safe and user-guided connection
technology.
No special tools are required.

SIVACON 8PS LI busbar trunking systems (VIDEO)

Canalis Range (VIDEO)

Reference // Switchgear and Substations by SIEMENS