Bust ducts, known also as busways, are created from a sheet of metal with the busbar being made of copper or aluminum. Bus ducts conduct electrical currents, that is their main purpose when used in manufacturing. Many companies manufacture bus ducts, with the most popular supplier being Square D. Not only does Square D manufacture bus ducts, they supply a wide range of bus plugs, electrical switches, circuit breakers, and more. Proper installation and assembly of a bus duct will save you money and prevent costly downtime.
Proper Bus Duct Installation
In order to ensure your electrical system functions properly your bus ducts must be installed correctly. Bus ducts are used to provide power throughout an electrical system so if there is an issue with the bus duct it can result in costly delays and downtime. In order to avoid this, proper installation is required.
The Importance of Ampacity
The amount of electrical current that a device can withstand without being damaged is known as ampacity. A bus ducts ampacity rating is determined by using the temperature within the operating space and referencing a standard chart for temperature assumptions. Once the operating temperature has been determined users must consider the rise in temperature between a zero current and a full load current. As an example, a common bus duct with copper inside often has a current rating of 2,000 amps per square inch. The rating results in the voltage dropping as the temperature increases.
Additional Protection
Like with any installation especially electrical, location is a key aspect that needs to be considered. For most facilities bus duct installation is downstream from transformers and upstream from the primary overcurrent device. Whatever devices is being used to protect the transformer cannot be used to protect the bus duct from electrical fault.
Extra protection to the bus ducts is another way to decrease any potential downtime from occurring. When downtime occurs, facilities end up paying for workers to stand around. Adding an extra layer of protection to your bus duct will give you extra peace of mind as you will know your bus duct will properly function.
Bus ducts that are installed outdoors should include protection from the elements. Choose a shelter that allows water to drain vs sitting in a pool overhead. Extra water allowed to collect can cause a short in the bus duct. Humidity can also be an issue when bus ducts are utilized outside. This can be prevented by using stainless steel as it inhibits corrosion. An epoxy primer of paint can be added to the housing to prevent the oxidation of the metal.
Bus ducts can also be installed on an outside wall. When this is the case proper flame-retardant wall fittings that are waterproof and vapor-resistant should also be used as a precaution. Extra supports for the ducts where they enter the wall should be in place to hold the extra weight.
The installation of bus ducts is important. Correct installation allows a system to function properly without downtime. Protection helps to prevent corrosion and protects from outside elements. And using proper metals and assembly kits from the manufacturer help to ensure you are using the right materials for your bus duct assembly.
J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electricalcompany that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We offer a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus ducts, panelswitches, and transformers. Services include asset management, product reconditioning, and electrical products. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com