Flexible Copper Busbar - A Simple Guide
If you're looking for heavy duty electrical connectors, you might have come across the term "flexible copper busbar" or "overhead busbar." These electrical connectors are popular in industrial, commercial, and even household applications. Busbars provide a simple yet effective method of eliminating interference between electrical circuits. The various different kinds of busbar configurations include: Straight, Shelf Girder, Trolley, and Overhead. Below is some information on each type of busbar configuration:
Straight copper busbars are typically used for heavy-duty power transfer applications. They are typically used in the automotive, railway, and aircraft industries. Straight copper busbars can also be used as isolation valves in the water or oil industry. In addition to being used for heavy-duty power transfers, these flexible copper busbars can also be used in isolation for voltage isolation and isolated connection, such as in the electric motor cradle.
Shelf Girder copper busbars have a cross section that is similar to that of a piece of paper. However, unlike paper, these flexible copper busbars do not have a glue-in backing. When the two kinds of busbar are together, the sheet metal allows heat to spread uniformly throughout its entire surface, which helps to reduce distortion. Additionally, the sheet metal has a nice smooth, shiny surface that makes it ideal for attaching components and mounting equipment without the scratch and damage often caused by hot lamination.
Trolley busbars, sometimes called flat top busbars, are most commonly used as isolation devices in heavy-duty applications. These isolation trolley busbar configurations are perfect when you need to isolate an extremely heavy component from its immediate environment. This is especially true for vacuum applications where the vacuum source may generate a bit of heat. To provide this level of isolation, manufacturers utilize either heavy-duty stainless steel tubing or specially made shelf Girder busbar configuration.
Another busbar configuration that is quite popular is the contact bib, which is a flat or convex busbar with two or more points for connection. Normally, two holes are drilled in the conical portion of the bib (one on each end). Then, the flexible copper wire or ribbon is fed through the holes and attached at each connection point. However, manufacturers have learned that the optimum configuration for contact bibs is a single, flat contact point at each corner. This allows for greater connection flexibility and makes the bib more durable, resisting corrosion and rusting.
All in all, there are numerous different busbar designs available in the marketplace. Before purchasing your busbar, take time to evaluate how you will use it and the appropriate mounting configurations. There are busbars suitable for general, light duty applications, and there are those suitable for heavy-duty applications. It is also possible to purchase busbars that are modular, allowing the user to change their mounting location from time to time. You can even purchase a busbar that is designed as a modular system and includes a pre-installed flexible bushing. With so many different options out there, you are sure to find the right busbar configuration to meet your specific requirements.