Main busways are widely used in electrical power distribution systems. They are actively used to connect transformers with main distribution boards in residential and commercial construction and industry.
This article contains 3 facts about main busways that you might not have heard of.
Fact 1. The busway system appeared in the early 20th century
At that time, construction of skyscrapers began in the USA. The need arose to distribute electricity across floors. Traditional cable systems were not suitable for this, as they were too bulky.
The solution was a mobile medium-power distribution system – the busway. In it, bare busbars were placed inside a steel housing on insulating bases with an air gap between them. The busway existed in this form for almost 40 years.
Fact 2. Modern busway production technology was invented in 1972
It was then that a fundamentally new busway design was developed:
- Continuous dense compression of busbars replaced air gaps between phases.
- The shape and cross-section of busbars were improved. The busbars themselves began to be made of aluminum with a special coating.
- Powdered heat-resistant busbar insulation appeared: it is sprayed in an electrostatic field and then heated in an oven.
- An impact-resistant and heat-resistant insulator appeared at the junction of sections.
- A solid galvanized steel housing began to be used, which allowed heat dissipation through the busway surface and also increased the degree of protection of the enclosure to IP55.
- Safety PE busbars were added to the phase and neutral busbars.
Such a system was called "Sandwich" or "Package". This technology is still used in busway production today.
Fact 3. The LINEBAR busway is produced at the IEK GROUP plant in Yasnogorsk
The main busway of the LINEBAR series is manufactured at the IEK GROUP plant in the city of Yasnogorsk, Tula region. Production was launched at the beginning of 2023. Thanks to the introduction of robotic lines, modern control systems and IT solutions, a high-tech production facility was created and product output was established, capable of replacing equipment from European brands.
The LINEBAR IEK busway is distinguished by high quality, meets all requirements for fire resistance, mechanical strength and electrical safety. It can be used anywhere where an efficient, compact, affordable and aesthetically pleasing power supply solution is needed.