Busway

[yellowookie]

What is the purpose of a busway? Is it used in power applications because it is more reliable than conductors? Also, what is the purpose of a ground bus, and how is it different from a neutral busway?

Thanks in advance!

 

[rbulsara]

Busway is in fact less reliable in long run as it has more bolted connections that a comparale cable/conduit feeder.

It is compact however than say a bunch of pipes and can be easier to install in some tigher spots then bending cables/pipes,as busway can have pre-assembles 90 degree bends and fittings.

Depending on type of the run and bends (less bends the better), it could be cheaper in over all installation (labor and material) in developed countries compared to pipe and wire.

In some cases, aesthetics may play a role, if you buy that the busways look neater..

 

[itsmoked]

Neutral bus is a power conductor expected to have current running thru it.

A ground bus is a safety conductor not expected to have current running through it.

 

[mpparent]

I like to think of busway as having two flavors: 1)feeder bus, 2)busduct

Feeder bus is exactly that...used for large feeders as described in previous posts.

Busduct is used to provide power to utilization equipment. It's the type that has "bus plugs", a small enclosure housing a circuit breaker or fuse and possibly a receptacle or some type of cord to a given load.

Mike

 

[yellowookie]

Does anyone have a good reference website? I am trying to see applications/installation, when you should transition from busway to wire (if that even makes sense). I have never used this before and I am just learning about it now.

 

[rbulsara]

visit GE, sqaure D, cutler hammaer (eaton) etc..look up for busways and cable tap boxes..

Cable tap boxes are used for transition from a busway to cables and vice versa. Whether or not it make sense depends on the application, but definitely there is use for them.

 

[advidana]

Busway is best used for constantly changing equipment around in industrial area. Kind of like using outlets for machines. Move the machine then just plug in the disconnect. The downside is the first cost of busway is very expensive so you need to really check if you need this convenience.