Busbars systems, or busbar supports are essentially heavy conductors, typically made of copper, which carry and distribute powerful electric currents to components that consume electrical power throughout an assembly.
Busbars are not only easy to install (certainly compared to cabling), they also play a major role in the design and safe operation of a switchgear and controlgear assembly.
The recent introduction of the IEC 61439 switchgear and control standards has significant implications for the design and performance of the copper busbar system.
It’s an area which engineers need to appreciate, not least because the new testing regime and the requirement for compliance has changed the way we think about the selection of the busbar system.
One of the most important requirements of any switchgear power distribution system is to carry fault currents (short circuits) safely until a protection device, namely the fuse or the moulded case circuit breaker, interrupts the fault.
This capability, and the product specification, is the subject of testing which is covered by the IEC 61439 standard and which provides vital information for building a safe assembly.
Busbar testing, in fact, was revolutionised following the introduction of the standard which came into force in November 2014. It continued a determination across the sector to harmonise the low voltage industry through the creation of one standard which provided protection for both personnel and switchgear.
IEC 61439 requires busbar systems to be tested – by their manufacturers – within enclosures rather than (as previously happened) as a standalone arrangement.
This is a step forward for the industry, providing access for system engineers to data delivered in situ which offered both a more realistic assessment and more accurate and reliable data than before.
Further information at www.rittal.co.uk and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com or on twitter @rittal_ltd.
Rittal Ltd
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- information@rittal.co.uk
- http://www.rittal.co.uk
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About us
Since its foundation in 1961, Rittal has continuously evolved into the world"s leading systems provider for enclosures, power distribution, climate control, IT infrastructure and software & services.
Today, "Rittal – The System." offers you a perfectly coordinated system platform. It unites innovative productions, pioneering engineering solutions and global service to accommodate the most diverse requirements. It caters to a whole host of industries, from machinery and plant engineering, to the automotive industry, through to information technology.All from a single source, all in top quality.
That is what "Rittal – The System. Faster – better – worldwide." is all about.
A workforce of 10,000 manufactures and develops "Rittal – The System." on your behalf. Ensuring you stay on track for success. Tap into synergy potential with our sister company Eplan, the leading manufacturer of software for cross-disciplinary engineering solutions.We never lose sight of our responsibility to the environment and society.
Where we supply to
Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America
Industries we supply to
Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater
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