The electrical power system consists of many incoming & outgoing feeder connections, for which busbars are necessary.
A busbar is just a node (conductor or collection of conductors) that gathers power from the incoming feeder and distributes it to the departing feeders.
A busbar size is determined by its material & current carrying capacity.
Formula
The Busbar Current is calculated using the following formula:
Ibb = w x t x MF
Where,
Ibb – Busbar Current (A)
w – Width (in millimeters)
t – Thickness (in millimeters)
MF – Material Carry Capacity Factor (amps/mm2)
- 1.2 for Copper
- 0.8 for Aluminum
- 0.6 for Iron
- 1.6 for Silver
To find the busbar current, multiply the width & thickness together, then multiply by the material carry capacity factor.
How to Calculate Busbar Current?
- Initially measure the width (mm).
- Following that, measure the thickness (mm).
- After that, calculate the material carrying capacity factor (amps/mm2).
- Finally, use the following formula to determine the busbar current.
Solved Example
Calculate the current carrying capability of a 150 (width) x 25 (thickness) (in mm) busbar in the copper material.
Ibb = w x t x MF
Ibb = 150 x 25 x 1.2
Ibb = 4500A
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