What is BusWay?
The Bus Way is a prefabricated electrical distribution system made up of distribution rods (copper or aluminum bars) enclosed in a protective metal structure which includes straight lengths, fittings, equipments and accessories.
It transports electrical power and connects to electrical devices including
- Distribution panels,
- Panel Breakers Switchgear Transformers &
- Medium & low voltage applications to provide electrical power to varied loads instead of cables.
The Busway consists of a series of bus ducts.
Why do we need a Busway?
Eg: we must assume that there is a tall building and imagine with me the amount of cables that feed the upper floors; it is definitely a very large amount of cables, and in this case we utilize the Bus Duct as a substitute to the cables & there is an important characteristic of the Bus Duct which is that we can take branches from it along its path; additionally, it bears a higher current than the cables and is characterized by a low voltage d. This resulted in a decrease in the impedance of the Bus Way bars.
Types of Bus Duct
The most popular types of Bus Ducts
- Type I Non-Segregated Duct
- Type II Segregated Duct
Type I Non-Segregated Duct
Type I Non-Segregated Duct is the three phases share the same metal frame. Except for air and fixing beams made of porcelain or polyester, the metal frame is made of aluminum, steel or stainless steel and the section area ranges from 24 inches to 96 inches, this type of Non-Segregated Duct is utilized inside buildings (or facilities) both indoors and outdoors.
This type has a tolerance of 6000 amps and can withstand temporary currents ranging from 50KA to 80KA for one second. BusWay is a good solution for low voltages, including idling voltages of 1.1KV.
Type II Segregated Duct
Type II Segregated Duct is ideal for medium voltages with breaks inside the metal frame isolating the three phases. It has a tolerance of 5000 amps and can withstand short currents up to 50 KA for 3 seconds.
It is extremely suitable for severe settings and is frequently utilized in heavy industries, petrochemical cities & dust-tight places.
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