Copper Bus Bar Busbar Current Carrying Capacity Chart
Introduction
Copper bus bars are used for transmitting electrical power within a building or a facility. They are used for high current applications and are preferred over cables due to their higher current carrying capacity, lower resistance, and better heat dissipation. In this article, we will discuss the copper bus bar busbar current carrying capacity chart in detail.
What is a Copper Bus Bar?
A copper bus bar is a flat piece of copper that is used for carrying high current electricity. They are usually rectangular or square in shape and can be solid or hollow. Copper is preferred for making bus bars due to its high electrical conductivity, excellent corrosion resistance, and good thermal conductivity.
Busbar Current Carrying Capacity Chart
The busbar current carrying capacity chart is a table that provides information about the maximum current that a particular size of copper bus bar can carry without overheating. The current carrying capacity of a bus bar depends on various factors such as the size of the bus bar, the number of conductors, the type of insulation, and the ambient temperature.
Factors Affecting Busbar Current Carrying Capacity
The following factors affect the current carrying capacity of a copper bus bar:
- The size of the bus bar
- The number of conductors
- The type of insulation
- The ambient temperature
- The type of cooling system used
Size of the Bus Bar
The size of the bus bar is one of the most important factors that determine its current carrying capacity. The cross-sectional area of the bus bar determines the amount of current it can carry without overheating. The larger the cross-sectional area, the higher the current carrying capacity of the bus bar.
Number of Conductors
The number of conductors that are connected to the bus bar also affects its current carrying capacity. When multiple conductors are connected to a single bus bar, the current carrying capacity of the bus bar decreases. This is because the heat generated by each conductor adds up and can cause the bus bar to overheat.
Type of Insulation
The type of insulation used on the bus bar also affects its current carrying capacity. Insulation helps to prevent the bus bar from coming into contact with other conductive materials and causing a short circuit. Some types of insulation can withstand higher temperatures and are therefore better suited for high current applications.
Ambient Temperature
The ambient temperature of the environment in which the bus bar is installed also affects its current carrying capacity. Higher temperatures reduce the current carrying capacity of the bus bar as they increase the resistance of the copper and cause it to overheat. It is important to factor in the ambient temperature when selecting a bus bar for high current applications.
Type of Cooling System Used
The type of cooling system used also affects the current carrying capacity of the bus bar. Cooling systems help to dissipate the heat generated by the bus bar and prevent it from overheating. Some cooling systems are more effective than others and can increase the current carrying capacity of the bus bar.
Busbar Current Carrying Capacity Chart Example
The following is an example of a busbar current carrying capacity chart for a 3-phase AC system with an ambient temperature of 40°C:
| Bus Bar Size (mm) | Current Carrying Capacity (Amps) |
|---|---|
| 25 x 3 | 300 |
| 32 x 3 | 400 |
| 40 x 3 | 500 |
| 50 x 6 | 800 |
| 63 x 6 | 1000 |
| 80 x 6 | 1200 |
| 100 x 10 | 2000 |
| 125 x 10 | 2500 |
| 160 x 10 | 3200 |
| 200 x 20 | 5000 |
Conclusion
The copper bus bar busbar current carrying capacity chart is an important tool for selecting the right size of bus bar for high current applications. It is important to factor in the size of the bus bar, the number of conductors, the type of insulation, the ambient temperature, and the type of cooling system used when selecting a bus bar. By using the busbar current carrying capacity chart, you can ensure that your electrical system is safe and reliable.
