Pub-22 Copper For Busbars

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Pub 22 - Copper for Busbars

Introduction
DG & Renewables
Prefaces
Earthing
Energy Efficiency > 1. Design Considerations
Power Quality > 2. Copper for Busbar Purposes

Leonardo ENERGY
3. Current-carrying Capacity of Busbars
4. Alternating Current Effects in Busbars
5. Effect of Busbar Arrangements on Rating
6. Short-Circuit Effects
7. Jointing of Copper Busbars
8. Mechanical Strength Requirements
9. Busbar Impedance
10. Appendices
11. Bibliography
Publication 22, June 1996

Reprinted January 2001 with some amendments
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Prefaces file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Prefaces
Preface to 1984 Edition
This C.D.A. publication has long been accepted as the standard reference work on busbar design. This
revised and updated edition incorporates recent progress in the technology of busbar design as reflected in
new standards and engineering practices.
All data and formulae have been metricated and the method of presentation facilitates the use of calculators
or computers. The many variables to be considered are clearly explained and special attention has been
given to determining the most economic loadings in order to maximise current carrying capacity for minimum
installation costs and running losses. There is, therefore, a useful comparison of the electrical and
mechanical properties of high conductivity copper and aluminium. Extra attention has been given to
recommended jointing techniques, both by bolting and welding.
Improvements have also been made to the section dealing with skin effects. The information on impedance
has been expanded so that power factor variations can now be further predicted. The tables of ratings and
properties have been expanded as have the examples of typical calculations. The references have been
updated to include recent publications.
CDA wishes to acknowledge the considerable help given in the revision of this text by Mr G M Boothman,
Chief Engineer, Busbar Unit, Balfour Beatty Power Construction Ltd and by Mr W Jefferies, Chief
Metallurgist, Thomas Bolton & Sons Ltd. also for many helpful comments made on the text by Mr K G Cary
(Simplex - G.E. Ltd), Mr A Jackson (GAMBICA), Mr J C Power (British Electric Repairs Ltd), Mr E
G Wright (Ottermill Switchgear Ltd) and members of the British Non-Ferrous Metals Federation High
Conductivity Copper Group.
Preface to 1996 Edition
This edition includes the new BS EN copper alloy designations and corrections to errors which appeared in
the earlier version.
BUSBAR DESIGN DATA DISC
In order to assist in the design of effective busbar systems, CDA has made available an interactive software
program that allows optimum busbar size to be calculated, taking into account configuration, working
temperature and overall lifetime cost.
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1. Design Considerations file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
1. Design Considerations
Introduction
Types of Busbar
Choice of Busbar Material
Introduction
The word busbar, derived from the Latin word omnibus ('for all'), gives the idea of a universal system of
conveyance. In the electrical sense, the term bus is used to describe a junction of circuits, usually in the form
of a small number of inputs and many outputs. 'Busbar' describes the form the bus system usually takes, a
bar or bars of conducting material.
In any electrical circuit some electrical energy is lost as heat which, if not kept within safe limits, may impair
the performance of the system. This energy loss, which also represents a financial loss over a period of
time, is proportional to the effective resistance of the conductor and the square of the current flowing
through it. A low resistance therefore means a low loss; a factor of increasing importance as the magnitude
of the current increases.
The capacities of modern-day electrical plant and machinery are such that the power handled by their control
systems gives rise to very large forces. Busbars, like all the other equipment in the system, have to be able
to withstand these forces without damage. It is essential that the materials used in their construction should
have the best possible mechanical properties and are designed to operate within the temperature limits laid
down in BS 159, BS EN 60439-1:1994, or other national or international standards.
A conductor material should therefore have the following properties if it is to be produced efficiently and have
low running costs from the point of view of energy consumption and maintenance:
a) Low electrical and thermal resistance
b) High mechanical strength in tension, compression and shear
c) High resistance to fatigue failure
d) Low electrical resistance of surface films
e) Ease of fabrication
f) High resistance to corrosion
g) Competitive first cost and high eventual recovery value
This combination of properties is met best by copper. Aluminium is the main alternative material, but a
comparison of the properties of the two metals shows that in nearly all respects copper is the superior
material.
Types of Busbar
Busbars can be sub-divided into the following categories, with individual busbar systems in many cases
being constructed from several different types:
a) Air insulated with open phase conductors
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b) Air insulated with segregating barriers between conductors of different

phases.
c) Totally enclosed but having the construction as those for (a) and (b)
d) Air insulated where each phase is fully isolated from its adjacent phase(s) by
an earthed enclosure. These are usually called 'Isolated Phase Busbars'.
e) Force-cooled busbar systems constructed as (a) to (d) but using air, water,
etc. as the cooling medium under forced conditions (fan, pump, etc.).
f) Gas insulated busbars. These are usually constructed as type (e) but use a
gas other than air such as SF6, (sulphur hexafluoride).
g) Totally enclosed busbars using compound or oil as the insulation medium.
The type of busbar system selected for a specific duty is determined by requirements of voltage, current,
frequency, electrical safety, reliability, short-circuit currents and environmental considerations. Table 1
outlines how these factors apply to the design of busbars in electricity generation and industrial processes.
Table 1 Comparison of typical design requirements for power generation and industrial process
systems
Feature Generation Industrial Processes
1 Voltage drop Normally not important Important
2 Temperature rise Usually near to maximum allowable. In many cases low due to
Capitalisation becoming important. optimisation of first cost and running
costs.
3 Current range Zero to 40 k A a .c . with frequencies of zero to Zero to 200 kA a.c. and d.c.
400 Hz.
4 Jointing and connections Usually bolted but high current applications are Usually bolted. Joint preparation very
often fully welded. Joint preparation very important.
important
5 Cross-sectional area Usually minimum. Somewhat larger if Usually larger than minimum
optimisation is required. required due to optimisation and
voltage drop considerations.
6 Kelvin's Law Not applied. Other forms of optimisation are Applies. Also other forms of
often used. optimisation and capitalisation used
7 Construction Up to 36 k V. Individually engineered using basic Usually low voltage. Individually

designs and concepts. engineered. Standard products for
low current/voltage applications.
8 Enclosures Totally enclosed with or without ventilation. Usually open. Enclosed or protected
by screens when using standard
products.
9 Fault capacity Usually large. Designed to meet system Usually similar to running current.
requirement. Standard products to suit system
short circuit.
10 Phase arrangement Normally 3 phase flat though sometimes trefoil. Normally flat but transposition used
to improve current distribution on
large systems
11 Load factor Usually high. Normally 1.0. Usually high but many have widely
varying loads.
12 Cost Low when compared with associated plant. Major consideration in many cases.
Particularly when
optimisation/capitalisation is used.
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13 Effects of failure Very serious. High energies dissipated into Limited by low voltage and busbar
fault. size.
14 Copper type High conductivity. High conductivity.
15 Copper shape Usually rectangular. Tubular used for high current force-cooled. Usually large cross section rectangular. Tubular used for some
low current high voltage applications and high current force-cooled.
Choice of Busbar Material
At the present time the only two commercially available materials suitable for conductor purposes are
copper and aluminium. The table below gives a comparison of some of their properties. It can be seen that
for conductivity and strength, high conductivity copper is superior to aluminium. The only disadvantage of
copper is its density; for a given current and temperature rise, an aluminium conductor would be lighter, even
though its cross-section would be larger. In enclosed systems however, space considerations are of greater
importance than weight. Even in open-air systems the weight of the busbars, which are supported at
intervals, is not necessarily the decisive factor.
Table 2 Typical relative properties of copper and aluminium
Copper(CW004A) Aluminium (1350) Units
Electrical conductivity 101 61 % IACS

(annealed)
Electrical resistivity 1.72 2.83 mW cm

(annealed)
Temperature coefficient of 0.0039 0.004 /° C

resistance(annealed)
Thermal conductivity at 20°C 397 230 W/mK
Coefficient of expansion 17 x 10–6 23 x 10–6 /° C
Tensile strength (annealed) 200 – 250 50 – 60 N/mm2
Tensile strength (half–hard) 260 – 300 85 – 100 N/mm2
0.2% proof stress (annealed) 50 – 55 20 – 30 N/mm2
0.2% proof stress (half–hard) 170 – 200 60 – 65 N/mm2
Elastic modulus 116 – 130 70 kN/mm2
Specific heat 385 900 J/kg K
Density 8.91 2.70 g/cm3
Melting point 1083 660 °C
The electromagnetic stresses set up in the bar are usually more severe than the stress introduced by its
weight. In particular, heavy current-carrying equipment necessitates the use of large size conductors, and
space considerations may be important. It should be realised that the use of copper at higher operating
temperatures than would be permissible for aluminium allows smaller and lighter copper sections to be used
than would be required at lower temperatures.
The ability of copper to absorb the heavy electromagnetic and thermal stresses generated by overload
conditions also gives a considerable factor of safety. Other factors, such as the cost of frequent supports
for the relatively limp aluminium, and the greater cost of insulation of the larger surface area, must be
considered when evaluating the materials.
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From published creep data, it can be seen that high conductivity aluminium exhibits evidence of significant
creep at ambient temperature if heavily stressed. At the same stress, a similar rate of creep is only shown
by high conductivity copper at a temperature of 150°C, which is above the usual operating temperature of
busbars.
Table 3 Comparison of creep and fatigue properties of high conductivity copper and aluminium
a) Creep properties
Material Testing Temp. °C Min. Creep Rate % per Stress N/mm2

1000 h
Al (1080) annealed 20 0.022 26 *
HC Cu annealed 150 0.022 26 *
Cu-0.086% Ag 50% c.w. 130 0.004 138
Cu-0.086% Ag 50% c.w. 225 0.029 96.
* Interpolated from fig.3
b) Fatigue properties
Material Fatigue strength N/mm2 No. of cycles x 106
HC Al annealed 20 50
half-hard (H8) 45 50
HC Copper annealed 62 300
half-hard 115 300
If much higher stresses or temperatures are to be allowed for, copper containing small amounts (about
0.1%) of silver can be used successfully. The creep resistance and softening resistance of copper-silver
alloys increase with increasing silver content.
In the conditions in which high conductivity aluminium and copper are used, either annealed (or as-welded) or
half-hard, the fatigue strength of copper is approximately double that of aluminium. This gives a useful
reserve of strength against failure initiated by mechanical or thermal cycling.
The greater hardness of copper compared with aluminium gives it better resistance to mechanical damage
both during erection and in service. It is also less likely to develop problems in clamped joints due to cold
metal flow under the prolonged application of a high contact pressure. Its higher modulus of elasticity gives it
greater beam stiffness compared with an aluminium conductor of the same dimensions. The temperature
variations encountered under service conditions require a certain amount of flexibility to be allowed for in the
design. The lower coefficient of linear expansion of copper reduces the degree of flexibility required.
Because copper is less prone to the formation of high resistance surface oxide films than aluminium, good
quality mechanical joints are easier to produce in copper conductors. Welded joints are also readily made.
Switch contacts and similar parts are nearly always produced from copper or a copper alloy. The use of
copper for the busbars to which these parts are connected therefore avoids contacts between dissimilar
metals and the inherent jointing and corrosion problems associated with them.
The higher melting point and thermal conductivity of copper reduce the possibility of damage resulting from
hot spots or accidental flashovers in service. If arcing occurs, copper busbars are less likely to support the
arc than aluminium. Table 4 shows that copper can self-extinguish arcs across smaller separations, and at
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higher busbar currents. This self-extinguishing behaviour is related to the much larger heat input required to
vaporise copper than aluminium.
Table 4 Self-extinguishing arcs in copper and aluminium busbars
Copper Aluminium
Minimum busbar spacing, mm 50 100
Maximum current per busbar, A 4500 3220
Copper liberates considerably less heat during oxidation than aluminium and is therefore much less likely to
sustain combustion in the case of accidental ignition by an arc. The large amounts of heat liberated by the
oxidation of aluminium in this event are sufficient to vaporise more metal than was originally oxidised. This
vaporised aluminium can itself rapidly oxidise, thus sustaining the reaction. The excess heat generated in this
way heats nearby materials, including the busbar itself, the air and any supporting fixtures. As the busbar
and air temperatures rise, the rates of the vaporisation and oxidation increase, so accelerating the whole
process. As the air temperature is increased, the air expands and propels hot oxide particles. The busbar
may reach its melting point, further increasing the rate of oxidation and providing hot liquid to be propelled,
while other materials such as wood panels may be raised to their ignition temperatures. These dangers are
obviated by the use of copper busbars.
Finally, copper is an economical conductor material. It gives long and reliable service at minimum
maintenance costs, and when an installation is eventually replaced the copper will have a high recovery
value. Because of its many advantages, copper is still used worldwide as an electrical conductor material
despite attempts at substitution.
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2. Copper for Busbar Purposes file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
2.Copper for Busbar Purposes
Types of High Conductivity Copper available
Properties of Wrought HC Copper
In most countries, coppers of different types for specific applications have been given separate identities. In
the United Kingdom this takes the form of an alloy designation number which is used in all British Standards
relevant to copper and its alloys. Copper for electrical purposes is covered by the following British Standards:
BS 1432 : 1987 (strip with drawn or rolled edges)
BS 1433 : 1970 (Rod and bar)
BS 1434 : 1985 (Commutator bars)
BS 1977 : 1976 (High conductivity tubes)
BS 4109 : 1970 (wire for general electrical purposes and for insulated and flexible cords)
BS 4608 : 1970 (Rolled sheet, strip and foil)
(Copies of these are obtainable from the BSI Sales Office. 398 Chiswick High Road, London WS4 4AL.)
To bring the UK in line with current European requirements BS EN standards are being introduced. The
European Standards relevant to electrical applications are expected to supersede the British Standards in due
course.
The current standards most relevant to busbar applications are BS 1432, BS 1433 and BS 1977 which specify
that the end products shall be manufactured from copper complying with the following requirements:
Cu-ETP Electrolytic tough pitch high conductivity copper CW004A (formerly C101)
Cu-FRHC Fire-refined tough pitch high conductivity copper CW005A (formerly C102)
Cu-OF Oxygen-free high conductivity copper CW008A (formerly C103)
European Standards EN1976 and EN1978 have replaced BS 6017:1981. Table 5 shows the European
material designations along with International Standards Organisation (ISO) and old British Standard
designations.
Table 5 EN, BS and ISO designations for refinery shapes and wrought coppers
Designation
Description ISO cast and wrought European Designation Former UK Designations
Electrolytic tough pitch Cu-ETP CW004A C101

high-conductivity copper
Fire- refined tough pitch Cu-FRHC CW005A C102

high-conductivity copper
Oxygen-free high-conductivity Cu-OF CW008A C103

copper
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Copper to be used for electrical purposes is of high purity because impurities in copper, together with the
changes in micro-structure produced by working, materially affect the mechanical and electrical properties.
The degree to which the electrical conductivity is affected by an impurity depends largely on the element
present. For example, the presence of only 0.04% phosphorus reduces the conductivity of high conductivity
copper to around 80% IACS. (The approximate effect on conductivity of various impurity elements is shown in
Figure 1). The level of total impurities, including oxygen, should therefore be less than 0.1% and copper of this
type is known as high conductivity (HC) copper.
Microscopic and analytical controls are applied to ensure a consistent product and in the annealed condition
conductivities over 100% IACS are usual. This figure corresponds to the standard resistivity of 0.017241
mWm set some years ago by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
Figure 1 - Approximate effect of impurity elements on the electrical resistivity of copper
Types of High Conductivity Copper available
Tough pitch copper,CW004A and CW005A (C101 and C102 )
Coppers of this type, produced by fire-refining or remelting of electrolytic cathode, contain a small, deliberate
addition of oxygen which scavenges impurities from the metal. It is present in the form of fine, well-distributed
cuprous oxide particles only visible by microscopic examination of a polished section of the metal. Typical
oxygen contents of these coppers fall in the range 0.02-0.05%. Between these limits the presence of the
oxygen in this form has only a slight effect on the mechanical and electrical properties of the copper. It can,
however, give rise to porosity and intergranular cracks or fissures if the copper is heated in a reducing
atmosphere, as can happen during welding or brazing. This is a result of the reaction of the cuprous oxide
particles with hydrogen and is known as 'hydrogen embrittlement'. Provided a reducing atmosphere is
avoided, good welds and brazes can be readily achieved. (See Jointing of Copper Busbars.)
Oxygen-free high-conductivity copper, CW008A (C103)
In view of the above remarks, if welding and brazing operations under reducing conditions are unavoidable, it
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is necessary to use a different (and more expensive) grade of high conductivity copper which is specially
produced for this purpose. This type of copper, known as 'oxygen-free high conductivity copper', is normally
produced by melting and casting under a protective atmosphere. To obtain the high conductivity required it is
necessary to select the best raw materials. The result is a high purity product containing 99.95% copper. This
enables a conductivity of 100% IACS to be specified even in the absence of the scavenging oxygen.
Effects of hot and cold working on structures
In the as-cast form, HC copper is available in wirebar and billet form, although the advancement of modern
casting technology is leading to a decline in wirebar production. The cast shape is hot-worked by rolling or
extrusion to produce a form suitable for further processing by cold work into its final wrought form, either by
rolling or drawing through dies.
In the case of tough-pitch HC copper, the as-cast structure is coarse-grained with oxygen present as copper-
cuprous oxide eutectic in the grain boundaries. The hot working operation breaks up the coarse grains and
disperses the cuprous oxide to give a uniform distribution of oxide particles throughout a new network of fine
grains. In the case of oxygen-free HC copper, the hot working operation breaks up the coarse grains into a
new network of fine grains.
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2.1 Properties of Wrought HC Copper file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Properties of Wrought HC Copper
Mechanical
Electrical
Mechanical properties
The room temperature physical and mechanical properties of the high conductivity coppers in the annealed condition do not differ significantly
from one another.
Tensile strength
Proof stress
Hardness
Resistance to softening
Creep resistance
Fatigue resistance
Bending and forming
Tensile strength
In the as-cast condition, high conductivity copper has a tensile strength of 150-170 N/mm2. The changes in structure brought about by hot
working raise the tensile strength to the order of 200-220 N/mm2. Upon further working the resulting mechanical properties of a particular form
are influenced by the amount of cold work given to the material which has the effect of raising its tensile strength, proof stress and hardness
but reducing its elongation. The effect on the mechanical properties of cold work (reduction in area) by rolling is shown in Figure 2.
The maximum tensile strength obtainable in practice depends on the shape and cross-sectional area of the conductor. The larger the cross-
sectional area of a conductor the lower its tensile strength, since the amount of cold work that can be applied is limited by the reduction in
area which can be achieved.
For the usual sizes of busbar conductors in the hard condition, tensile strengths from 250 N/mm2 up to 340 N/mm2 can be obtained depending
on the cross-sectional area.
Proof stress
The 'proof stress' required to produce a definite amount of permanent deformation in the metal is a valuable guide to its physical properties.
Proof stress is defined as the stress at which a non-proportional elongation equal to a specified percentage (usually 0.2) of the original gauge
length occurs.
As with the tensile strength, the proof stress varies with the amount of cold work put into the material (see Figure 2).
Figure 2 - Effect of cold rolling on mechanical properties and hardness of high conductivity
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Hardness
British Standards applicable to busbar conductors do not specify hardness measurement as part of the testing requirements. It can however
be more quickly and easily carried out than a tensile test and is convenient therefore as a guide to the strength of a conductor. The results
have to be used with discretion for two reasons:
a) Unlike ferrous materials the relationship between hardness and tensile strength is not constant (see Figure 2).
b) A hardness test is usually only a measurement of the outer skin of the material tested. If the conductor is of
large cross-sectional area and has received a minimum amount of cold work the skin will be harder than the
underlying metal. Consequently, variations in hardness may be obtained dependent on where the measurement is
made in relation to its cross-section.
As a guide, typical hardness figures of the temper range of conductors supplied are:
Annealed (O) 60 HV max
Half-hard (½H) 70-95 HV
Hard (H) 90 HV min.
Resistance to softening
It is well known that the exposure of cold worked copper to elevated temperatures results in softening and mechanical properties typical of
those of annealed material. Softening is time and temperature dependent and it is difficult to estimate precisely the time at which it starts and
finishes. It is usual therefore to consider the time to 'half-softening', i.e., the time taken for the hardness to fall by 50% of the original increase
in hardness caused by cold reduction.
In the case of HC copper this softening occurs at temperatures above 150°C. It has been established experimentally that such copper would
operate successfully at a temperature of 105°C for periods of 20-25 years, and that it could withstand short circuit conditions as high as
250°C for a few seconds without any adverse effect.
If hard drawn conductors are required to retain strength under operating conditions higher than normal, the addition of small amounts of silver
at the melting and casting stage produces alloys with improved resistance to softening. The addition of 0.06% silver raises the softening
temperature by approximately 100°C without any significant effect on its conductivity, at the same time appreciably increasing its creep
resistance.
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Creep resistance
Figure 3 - Typical creep properties of commercially pure copper and aluminium
Creep, another time and temperature dependent property, is the non-recoverable plastic deformation of a metal under a prolonged stress.
The ability of a metal to resist creep is of prime importance to design engineers.
The creep resistance of oxygen-free HC copper is better than that of tough pitch HC copper. This is due to the very small amounts of
impurities which remain in solid solution in oxygen-free copper, but which are absorbed in the oxide particles in tough pitch copper. Some
typical observations are shown in Figure 3. Tough pitch copper creeps relatively rapidly under low stress at 220°C. The addition of silver to
both oxygen-free and tough pitch coppers results in a significant increase in creep resistance.
Fatigue resistance
Fatigue is the mechanism leading to fracture under repeated or fluctuating stresses. Fatigue fractures are progressive, beginning as minute
cracks which grow under the action of the stress. As the crack propagates the load bearing area is reduced and failure occurs by ductile
fracture before the crack develops across the full area.
Conditions for such failures can be set up in a busbar system rigidly clamped for support and then subjected to vibrating conditions. Support
systems are discussed in detail in Section 8.
Bending and forming
The high conductivity coppers are ductile and in the correct temper will withstand severe bending and forming operations. As a general guide
to bending, copper in the half-hard or hard temper will bend satisfactorily round formers of the following radii:
Table 6 HC copper minimum bend radius
Thickness Minimum bend radius

Up to 10 mm 1t
11-25 mm 1.5t
26-50 mm 2t
where t = bar thickness
Material of thicknesses greater than 50 mm is not normally bent; however, it is possible to do so by localised annealing prior to bending.
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2.2 Electrical properties file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Electrical properties
International Annealed Copper Standard
Effect of cold work on conductivity
Effect of temperature on conductivity
Copper in electrical contacts
International Annealed Copper Standard
The electrical properties of HC copper were standardised in 1913 by the International Electrotechnical
Commission which defined the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) in terms of the following
properties at 20°C:
Volume conductivity sv = 58 MS/m
Density d = 8890 kg/m3
Temperature coefficient of resistance a = 0.00393/°C
It follows from the first two of these two values that:
Volume resistivity rv = 1/ sv = 1.7241 mWcm
Mass conductivity sm = sv /d = 6524 Sm2/kg
Mass resistivity rm = 1/ sm = 153.28 mWkg/m2
These values correspond to 100% IACS. However, the lower oxygen and impurity levels of modern HC
coppers have led to higher typical values of density and conductivity, 101.5% of the IACS value being typical
of the conductivity of modern HC copper in the annealed condition.
Effect of cold work on conductivity
The conductivity of copper is decreased by cold working and may be 2 to 3% less in the hard drawn
condition than when annealed. Thus standards for hard drawn HC copper products should stipulate a
minimum conductivity requirement of 97% IACS compared with 100% IACS for annealed products.
An approximate relationship between tensile strength of cold worked copper and its increase in electrical
resistivity is:
P = T/160
Where P = % increase in electrical resistivity of cold

worked copper over its resistivity when annealed.
T = tensile strength, N/mm2
Effect of temperature on conductivity
As temperature increases, the conductivity of all metallic materials decreases with the corresponding
increase in resistivity, according to the formula:
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where rT1 = resistivity at temperature T1, mWcm
rT2 = resistivity at temperature T2, mWcm
bT1T2 = the temperature coefficient of resistivity for

the temperature range T1 to T2, per°C
The value of b itself changes with temperature, but for small temperature ranges, the value of b and T1 is
usually taken as a constant over the range. Its value at any temperature above -200°C is taken as
where T is expressed in degrees Celsius.
Hence the value of
b20 = 0.003947 per °C.
Resistance is related to resistivity by
where R = resistance, (mW)
b = volume resistivity, (mWcm)
l = length of conductor, (cm)
A = cross-sectional area of conductor, (cm2)
It follows that the resistance of a metallic conductor also rises with temperature. Thermal changes of
resistance can be calculated in a similar way to thermal changes of resistivity, but a different coefficient, a, is
used.
Hence
where RT1 = resistance at temperature T1, W
RT2 = resistance at temperature T2, W
aT1T2 = temperature coefficient of resistance for the

temperature range T1 to T2, per °C
Like b, a itself changes with temperature but for small temperature ranges its value at T1 can be taken as
constant over the range. Its value at any temperature T (°C) above -200°C is taken as
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Copper in electrical contacts
Copper and copper alloys have properties which make them ideal for many types of contacts from light
electronics applications to very heavy duties. The ranges of compositions and properties of the coppers,
copper alloys and copper-based sintered materials, and the duties for which they are suitable are described
in the CDA booklet Copper in Electrical Contacts (Available on CD-ROM 'Megabytes on Copper II').
Available forms
HC copper conductors are obtainable in bar, strip, rod or tube form. For busbar applications, the most
common forms supplied are bar, rod or tube and these are normally supplied in the hard condition. In this
condition they offer greater stiffness, strength and hardness and have a better surface finish. Because of the
practical difficulty of straightening uncoiled hard material it is normally supplied in straight lengths, coiled
material being limited to the smaller sizes.
The maximum length of material available with the advent of continuous casting methods is dependent on a
supplier's plant capabilities rather than the piece weight of a billet or wirebar. The following notes can be
used as a guide to what is available at the present time:
Drawn bars and rods
HC tubes
Special sections
Dimensional tolerances and preferred sizes
Drawn bars and rods
For the reason given above these are drawn straight in the final stages of manufacture. The maximum length
attainable is therefore limited by the length of the drawbenches on which they are produced. For sizes up to
100 mm x 25 mm, lengths up to 9 m, and for 200 mm x 37.5 mm lengths up to 5 m can be obtained. Rods
up to 50 mm dia. can be supplied in lengths up to 9 m. Larger diameters are available but because of the
limited reductions to which they can be subjected with normal commercial equipment hardness variations
across the section will be obtained.
Because of the difficulty in producing long lengths free from surface blemishes and the handling problems
encountered as the bar or rod weight increases with size and lengths, it is normal practice for lengths
supplied to be around 3 - 4 m.
HC tubes
Seamless, high conductivity copper tubes, complying with the requirements of BS 1977 can be supplied in a
range of sizes covering outside diameters of 1 mm up to 610 mm in wall thicknesses of 0.3 mm to 27 mm.
Clearly, all combinations of wall thickness and outside diameter are not available, because it is not possible
to produce the extremes of thickness in tubes at the extremes of the outside diameter range.
The maximum lengths available depend upon the tube dimensions specified. As a general rule, tubes in the
size range 108 mm o.d. to 610 mm o.d. are supplied in 6 m lengths. Sizes smaller than 108 mm o.d. can be
produced up to 10 m long.
It is usual practice to supply tubes in the as-drawn condition, M, or alternatively, in the annealed condition,
O. However, other tempers can be supplied by arrangement.
Mandrel or bar drawing of tube is virtually obsolete and all the sizes indicated above are manufactured by
plug drawing processes. Thus, bore and outer surface finishes are good and dimensional tolerances can be
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maintained over the whole length.
Special sections
These generally take the form of hard drawn angle or channel sections produced by extrusion and drawing.
Larger sizes can be fabricated from large sheets or plate by shearing and bending.
Dimensional tolerances and preferred sizes
BS 159 for busbars requires the dimensions of flat and round bars to be within the tolerances in BS 1432,
BS 1433 and BS 1977.
If necessary, material can be supplied to closer tolerances than those quoted in the respective British
Standards. Obviously these involve a higher initial cost, but this may be offset by the savings accrued from
reduced or eliminated machining operations normally carried out to ensure a good contact surface and fit.
The benefit to users of a range of preferred sizes is obvious and designers using copper should be aware of
this desirable and growing trend. BS 1432 and BS 1433 list the recommended sizes.
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3. Current-carrying Capacity of Busbars file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
3. Current-carrying Capacity of Busbars
Design Requirements
Calculation of Current-carrying Capacity
Methods of Heat Loss
Heat Generated by a Conductor
Approximate dc Current Ratings for Flat and Round bars
Design Requirements
The current-carrying capacity of a busbar is usually determined by the maximum temperature at which the
bar is permitted to operate, as defined by national and international standards such as British Standard BS
159, American Standard ANSI C37.20, etc. These standards give maximum temperature rises as well as
maximum ambient temperatures.
BS 159 stipulates a maximum temperature rise of 50°C above a 24 hour mean ambient temperature of up to
35°C, and a peak ambient temperature of 40°C.
ANSI C37.20 alternatively permits a temperature rise of 65°C above a maximum ambient of 40°C, provided
that silver-plated (or acceptable alternative) bolted terminations are used. If not, a temperature rise of 30°C
is allowed.
These upper temperature limits have been chosen because at higher maximum operating temperatures the
rate of surface oxidation in air of conductor materials increases rapidly and may give rise in the long term to
excessive local heating at joints and contacts. This temperature limit is much more important for aluminium
than copper because it oxidises very much more readily than copper. In practise these limitations on
temperature rise may be relaxed for copper busbars if suitable insulation materials are used. A nominal rise
of 60°C or more above an ambient of 40°C is allowed by BS EN 60439-1:1994 provided that suitable
precautions are taken. BS EN 60439-1:1994 (equivalent to IEC 439) states that the temperature rise of
busbars and conductors is limited by the mechanical strength of the busbar material, the effect on adjacent
equipment, the permissible temperature rise of insulating materials in contact with the bars, and the effect on
apparatus connected to the busbars.
The rating of a busbar must also take account of the mechanical stresses set up due to expansion, short-
circuit currents and associated inter-phase forces. In some busbar systems consideration must also be given
to the capitalised cost of the heat generated by the effective ohmic resistance and current (I 2R) which leads
to an optimised design using Kelvin's Law of Maximum Economy. This law states that 'the cost of lost energy
plus that of interest and amortisation on initial cost of the busbars (less allowance for scrap) should not be
allowed to exceed a minimum value'. Where the interest, amortisation and scrap values are not known, an
alternative method is to minimise the total manufacturing costs plus the cost of lost energy.
Calculation of Current-carrying Capacity
A very approximate method of estimating the current carrying capacity of a copper busbar is to assume a
current density of 2 A/mm2 (1250 A/in2) in still air. This method should only be used to estimate a likely size
of busbar, the final size being chosen after consideration has been given to the calculation methods and
experimental results given in the following sections.
Methods of Heat Loss
The current that will give rise to a particular equilibrium temperature rise in the conductor depends on the
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balance between the rate at which heat is produced in the bar, and the rate at which heat is lost from the
bar. The heat generated in a busbar can only be dissipated in the following ways:
(a) Convection
(b) Radiation
(c) Conduction
In most cases convection and radiation heat losses determine the current-carrying capacity of a busbar
system. Conduction can only be used where a known amount of heat can flow into a heat sink outside the
busbar system or where adjacent parts of the system have differing cooling capacities. The proportion of
heat loss by convection and radiation is dependent on the conductor size with the portion attributable to
convection being increased for a small conductor and decreased for larger conductors.
Convection
The heat dissipated per unit area by convection depends on the shape and size of the conductor and its
temperature rise. This value is usually calculated for still air conditions but can be increased greatly if forced
air cooling is permissible. Where outdoor busbar systems are concerned calculations should always be
treated as in still air unless specific information is given to the contrary.
The following formulae can be used to estimate the convection heat loss from a body in W/m2:
where q = temperature rise, °C
L = height or width of bar, mm
d = diameter of tube, mm
The diagrams below indicate which formulae should be used for various conductor geometries:
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It can be seen when diagrams (a) and (b) are compared and assuming a similar cross-sectional area the
heat loss from arrangement (b) is much larger, provided the gap between the laminations is not less than the
thickness of each bar.
Convection heat loss: forced air cooling
If the air velocity over the busbar surface is less than 0.5 m/s the above formulae for Wv, Wh and Wc apply.
For higher air velocities the following may be used:
where Wa = heat lost per unit length from bar, W/m
v = air velocity, m/s
A = surface area per unit length of bar, m2/m
Radiation
The rate at which heat is radiated from a body is proportional to the difference between the fourth power of
the temperatures of the body and its surroundings, and is proportional to the relative emissivity between the
body and its surroundings.
The following table lists typical absolute emissivities e for copper busbars in various conditions. Changes in
emissivity give rise to changes in current ratings, as shown in Table 7.
Bright metal 0.1
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Partially oxidised 0.30
Heavily oxidised 0.70
Dull non-metallic paint 0.9
Table 7 Percentage increase in current rating when e is increased from 0.1 to 0.9 - three-phase
arrangement
Phase centres, mm
No. of bars in parallel 150 200 250
1 23 23 25
2 15 16 18
3 10 11 14
4 9 9 12
5 6 7 9
The figures given in Table 7 are approximate values applicable to 80 to 160 mm wide busbars for a 105°C
operating temperature and 40°C ambient. The relative emissivity is calculated as follows:
where e = relative emissivity
e1 = absolute emissivity of body 1
e2 = absolute emissivity of body 2
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The rate of heat loss by radiation from a body (W/m2) is given by:
where e = relative emissivity
T1 = absolute temperature of body 1, K
T2 = absolute temperature of body 2, K (i.e., ambient

temperature of the surroundings)
Radiation is considered to travel in straight lines and leave the body at right angles to its surface. The
diagrams above define the effective surface areas for radiation from conductors of common shapes.
Heat Generated by a Conductor
The rate at which heat is generated per unit length of a conductor carrying a direct current is the product I 2R
watts, where I is the current flowing in the conductor and R its resistance per unit length. The value for the
resistance can in the case of d.c. busbar systems be calculated directly from the resistivity of the copper or
copper alloy. Where an a.c. busbar system is concerned, the resistance is increased due to the tendency of
the current to flow in the outer surface of the conductor. The ratio between the a.c. value of resistance and
its corresponding d.c. value is called the skin effect ratio (see Section 4). This value is unity for a d.c.
system but increases with the frequency and the physical size of the conductor for an a.c. current.
Rate of Heat generated in a Conductor,
W/mm = I2 RoS
where I = current in conductor, A
Ro = d.c. resistance per unit length, W/mm
S = skin effect ratio
also
where Rf = effective a.c. resistance of conductor, W (see above)
Approximate dc Current Ratings for Flat and Round bars
The following equations can be used to obtain the approximate d.c. current rating for single flat and round
copper busbars carrying a direct current. The equations assume a naturally bright copper finish where
emissivity is 0.1 and where ratings can be improved substantially by coating with a matt black or similar
surface. The equations are also approximately true for a.c. current provided that the skin effect and
proximity ratios stay close to 1.0, as is true for many low current applications. Methods of calculation for
other configurations and conditions can be found in subsequent sections.
(a) Flat bars on edge:
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(1
where I = current, A
A = cross-sectional area, mm2
p = perimeter of conductor, mm
q = temperature difference between conductor and the ambient air, °C
a = resistance temperature coefficient of copper at the ambient temperature, per °C
r = resistivity of copper at the ambient temperature, mW cm
(b) Hollow round bars:
(2
(c) Solid round bars:
(3
If the temperature rise of the conductor is 50°C above an ambient of 40°C and the resistivity of the copper
at 20°C is 1.724 mWcm, then the above formulae become:
(i) Flat bars:
(4
(ii) Hollow round bars:
(5
(iii) Solid round bars:
(6
For high conductivity copper tubes where diameter and mass per unit length (see Table 14) are known,
(7
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where m = mass per unit length of tube, kg/m
d = outside diameter of tube, mm
Re-rating for different current or temperature rise conditions
Where a busbar system is to be used under new current or temperature rise conditions, the following
formula can be used to find the corresponding new temperature rise or current:
(8
where
I1 = current 1, A
I2 = current 2, A
q1 = temperature rise for current 1, °C
q2 = temperature rise for current 2, °C
T1 = working temperature for current 1, °C
T2 = working temperature for current 2, °C
a20 = temperature coefficient of resistance at 20°C ( = 0.00393)
If the working temperature of the busbar system is the same in each case (i.e., T1 = T2), for example when
re-rating for a change in ambient temperature in a hotter climate, this formula becomes
Laminated bars
When a number of conductors are used in parallel, the total current capacity is less than the rating for a
single bar times the number of bars used. This is due to the obstruction to convection and radiation losses
from the inner conductors. To facilitate the making of interleaved joints, the spacing between laminated bars
is often made equal to the bar thickness. For 6.3 mm thick bars up to 150 mm wide, mounted on edge with
6.3 mm spacings between laminations, the isolated bar d.c. rating may be multiplied by the following factors
to obtain the total rating.
No. of laminations Multiplying factor
No. of Multiplying
laminations factor
2 1.8
3 2.5
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4 3.2
5 3.9
6 4.4
8 5.5
10 6.5
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4. Alternating Current Effects in Busbars file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
4. Alternating Current Effects in Busbars
Skin Effect
Proximity Effect
Condition for Minimum Loss
Penetration Depth
Skin Effect
The apparent resistance of a conductor is always higher for a.c. than for d.c. The alternating magnetic flux
created by an alternating current interacts with the conductor, generating a back e.m.f. which tends to reduce
the current in the conductor. The centre portions of the conductor are affected by the greatest number of lines of
force, the number of line linkages decreasing as the edges are approached. The electromotive force produced
in this way by self-inductance varies both in magnitude and phase through the cross-section of the conductor,
being larger in the centre and smaller towards the outside. The current therefore tends to crowd into those parts
of the conductor in which the opposing e.m.f. is a minimum; that is, into the skin of a circular conductor or the
edges of a flat strip, producing what is known as 'skin' or 'edge' effect. The resulting non-uniform current density
has the effect of increasing the apparent resistance of the conductor and gives rise to increased losses.
The ratio of the apparent d.c. and a.c. resistances is known as the skin effect ratio:
where Rf = a.c. resistance of conductor
Ro = d.c. resistance of conductor
The magnitude and importance of the effect increases with the frequency, and the size, shape and thickness of
conductor, but is independent of the magnitude of the current flowing.
It should be noted that as the conductor temperature increases the skin effect decreases giving rise to a lower
than expected a.c. resistance at elevated temperatures. This effect is more marked for a copper conductor than
an aluminium conductor of equal cross-sectional area because of its lower resistivity. The difference is
particularly noticeable in large busbar sections.
Copper rods
The skin effect ratio of solid copper rods can be calculated from the formulae derived by Maxwell, Rayleigh and
others (Bulletin of the Bureau of Standards, 1912):
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where S = Skin effect ratio
d = diameter of rod, mm
f = frequency, Hz
r = resistivity, mW cm
m = permeability of copper (=1)
For HC copper at 20°C, r = 1.724 mW cm, hence
where A = cross-sectional area of the conductor, mm2
Figure 4 Skin effect in HC copper rods at 20°C. Relation between diameter and x, and between Rf/Ro and
x where x = 1.207 x 10–2 Ö(Af)
(Note: For values of x less than 2. use inset scale for Rf/Ro)
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Copper tubes
Skin effect in tubular copper conductors is a function of the thickness of the wall of the tube and the ratio of that
thickness to the tube diameter, and for a given cross sectional area it can be reduced by increasing the tube
diameter and reducing the wall thickness.
Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7, which have been drawn from formulae derived by Dwight (1922) and Arnold
(1936), can be used to find the value of skin effect for various conductor sections. In the case of tubes (Figure
5), it can be seen that to obtain low skin effect ratio values it is desirable to ensure, where possible, low values
of t/d and Ö(f/r). For a given cross-sectional area the skin effect ratio for a thin copper tube is appreciably lower
than that for any other form of conductor. Copper tubes, therefore, have a maximum efficiency as conductors of
alternating currents, particularly those of high magnitude or high frequency.
The effect of wall thickness on skin effect for a 100 mm diameter tube carrying a 50Hz alternating current is
clearly shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 Resistance of HC copper tubes, 100 mm outside diameter, d.c. and 50 Hz a.c.
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Figure 6 Skin effect for rods and tubes
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Flat copper bars
The skin effect in flat copper bars is a function of its thickness and width. With the larger sizes of conductor, for
a given cross-sectional area of copper, the skin effect in a thin bar or strip is usually less than in a circular
copper rod but greater than in a thin tube. It is dependent on the ratio of the width to the thickness of the bar
and increases as the thickness of the bar increases. A thin copper strip, therefore, is more efficient than a thick
one as an alternating current conductor. Figure 7 can be used to find the skin effect value for flat bars.
Figure 7 Skin effect for rectangular conductors
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Square copper tubes
The skin effect ratio for square copper tubes can be obtained from Figure 8.
Figure 8 Skin effect ratio for hollow square conductors
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Proximity Effect
n the foregoing consideration of skin effect it has been assumed that the conductor is isolated and at such a
distance from the return conductor that the effect of the current in it can be neglected. When conductors are
close together, particularly in low voltage equipment, a further distortion of current density results from the
interaction of the magnetic fields of other conductors.
In the same way as an e.m.f. may be induced in a conductor by its own magnetic flux, so may the magnetic flux
of one conductor produce an e.m.f. in any other conductor sufficiently near for the effect to be significant.
If two such conductors carry currents in opposite directions, their electro-magnetic fields are opposed to one
another and tend to force one another apart. This results in a decrease of flux linkages around the adjacent
parts of the conductors and an increase in the more remote parts, which leads to a concentration of current in
the adjacent parts where the opposing e.m.f. is a minimum. If the currents in the conductors are in the same
direction the action is reversed and they tend to crowd into the more remote parts of the conductors.
This effect, known as the 'proximity effect' (or 'shape effect'), tends usually to increase the apparent a.c.
resistance. In some cases, however, proximity effect may tend to neutralise the skin effect and produce a better
distribution of current as in the case of strip conductors arranged with their flat sides towards one another.
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If the conductors are arranged edgewise to one another the proximity effect increases. In most cases the
proximity effect also tends to increase the stresses set up under short-circuit conditions and this may therefore
have to be taken into account.
The currents in various parts of a conductor subjected to skin and proximity effects may vary considerably in
phase, and the resulting circulating current give rise to additional losses which can be minimised only by the
choice of suitable types of conductor and by their careful arrangement.
The magnitude of the proximity effect depends, amongst other things, on the frequency of the current and the
spacing and arrangement of the conductors. The graphs in Figure 14 (Section 6) can be used to obtain values of
proximity effect for various conductor configurations at 50 or 60 Hz. Methods of calculation for other frequencies
are available (Dwight 1946). The unbalancing of current due to the proximity effect can be reduced by spacing
the conductors of different phases as far apart as possible and sometimes by modifying their shape in
accordance with the spacing adopted. In the case of laminated bars a reduction may be obtained by transposing
the laminations at frequent intervals or by employing current balancers using inductances.
Proximity effect may be completely overcome by adopting a concentric arrangement of conductors with one
inside the other as is used for isolated phase busbar systems.
The magnetic field round busbar conductors may be considerably modified and the current distortion increased
by the presence of magnetic materials and only metals such as copper or copper alloys should be used for
parts likely to come within the magnetic field of the bars.
Condition for Minimum Loss
Both skin and proximity effects are due to circulating or 'eddy' currents caused by the differences of inductance
which exist between different 'elements' of current-carrying conductors. The necessary condition for avoidance
of both these effects (and hence for minimum loss) is that the shapes of each of the conductors in a
single-phase system approximates to 'equi-inductance lines'. Arnold (1937) has shown that for close spacing,
rectangular section conductors most closely approach this ideal. Such an arrangement is also convenient where
space is limited and where inductive voltage drop due to busbar reactance must be reduced to a minimum. In
the case of heavy current single-phase busbars and where space is slightly less restricted, the single channel
arrangement gives the closest approximation to the equi-inductance condition, the channels of 'go' and 'return'
conductors being arranged back-to-back, while for wider spacing a circular section is preferable.
Penetration Depth
In the case of special conductor arrangements, or where high frequencies are employed, the alternating current
resistance may be calculated using the earlier sections. It is often necessary to know the depth of penetration of
the current into a conductor, that is the depth at which the current density has been reduced to 1/e, or 0.368 of
its value at the conductor surface. This can be calculated using the following formula when its resistivity and the
frequency are known.
depth of penetration
where d = depth of penetration, mm
r = resistivity of copper, mW cm
f = frequency, Hz
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5. Effect of Busbar Arrangements on Rating file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
5. Effect of Busbar Arrangements on Rating
Laminated copper bars Channel and angle bars
Inter-leaving of conductors Comparison of conductor arrangements
Transposition of conductors Enclosed copper conductors
Hollow square arrangement Compound insulated conductors
Tubular bars Plastic insulated conductors
Concentric conductors Isolated phase busbars
The efficiency of all types of heavy current busbars depends upon careful design, the most important factors
being:
a) The provision of a maximum surface area for the dissipation of heat.
b) An arrangement of bars which cause a minimum of interference with the

natural movements of air currents.
c) An approximately uniform current density in all parts of the conductors. This is

normally obtained by having as much copper as possible equidistant from the
magnetic centre of the busbar.
d) Low skin effect and proximity effect for a.c. busbar systems.
To meet these requirements there are many different arrangements of copper busbars using laminations, as
well as copper extrusions of various cross-sections.
Figure 9 Busbar arrangements
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Laminated copper bars
To obtain the best and most efficient rating for rectangular strip copper conductors they should be mounted
whenever possible with their major cross-sectional axes vertical so giving maximum cooling surfaces.
Laminations of 6 or 6.3 mm thickness, of varying widths and with 6 or 6.3 mm spacings are probably the
most common and are satisfactory in most a.c. low current cases and for all d.c. systems.
It is not possible to give any generally applicable factors for calculating the d.c. rating of laminated bars,
since this depends upon the size and proportions of the laminations and on their arrangement. A guide to the
expected relative ratings are given in Table 8 below for a 50 Hz system. The ratings for single bars can be
estimated using the methods given in Section 3 and Section 4.
Table 8 Multiplying factors for laminated bars
Table 13 (Appendix 2) gives a.c. ratings for various configurations of laminated bars based on test
measurements.
For all normal light and medium current purposes an arrangement such as that in Figure 9a is entirely
satisfactory, but for a.c. currents in excess of 3000 A where large numbers of laminations would be required
it is necessary to rearrange the laminations to give better utilisation of the copper bars.
The effect of using a large number of laminations mounted side by side is shown in Figure 10 for a.c.
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currents. The current distribution is independent of the total current magnitude.
Figure 10 Alternating current distribution in a bar with ten laminations
This curve shows that due to skin effect there is a considerable variation in the current carried by each
lamination, the outer laminations carrying approximately four times the current in those at the centre. The
two centre laminations together carry only about one-tenth of the total current.
The currents in the different laminations may also vary appreciably in phase, with the result that their
numerical sum may be greater than their vectorial sum, which is equal to the line current. These circulating
currents give rise to additional losses and lower efficiency of the system. It should also be noted that the
curve is non-symmetrical due to the proximity effect of an adjacent phase.
For these reasons it is recommended that alternate arrangements, such as those discussed in the following
sections, are used for heavy current a.c. svstems.
Inter-leaving of conductors
Where long low-voltage a.c. bars are carrying heavy currents, particularly at a low power factor, inductive
volt drop may become a serious problem with laminated bars arranged as in Figure 9a. The voltage drop for
any given size of conductor is proportional to the current and the length of the bars, and increases as the
separation between conductors of different phases increases. In the case of laminated bars the inductive
volt drop can be reduced by splitting up the bars into an equivalent number of smaller circuits in parallel, with
the conductors of different phases interleaved as shown in Figure 9b. This reduces the average spacing
between conductors of different phases and so reduces the inductive volt drop.
Transposition of conductors
The unbalanced current distribution in a laminated bar carrying a.c. current due to skin and proximity effects
may be counteracted by transposing laminations or groups of laminations at intervals. Tappings and other
connections make transposition difficult, but it can be worthwhile where long sections of bars are free from
tappings. The arrangement is as shown in Figure 9e.
Hollow square arrangement
To obtain a maximum efficiency from the point of view of skin effect, as much as possible of the copper
should be equidistant from the magnetic centre of a bar, as in the case of a tubular conductor. This can
reduce the skin effect to little greater than unity whereas values of 2 or more are possible with other
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arrangements having the same cross-sectional area.
With flat copper bars the nearest approach to a unity skin effect ratio is achieved using a hollow square
formation as shown in Figure 9c, though the current arrangement is still not as good as in a tubular
conductor. The heat dissipation is also not as good as the same number of bars arranged side by side as in
Figure 9b, due to the horizontally mounted bars at the top and bottom.
Modified hollow square
This arrangement (Figure 9d) does not have as good a value of skin effect ratio as the hollow square
arrangement, but it does have the advantage that the heat dissipation is much improved. This arrangement
can have a current-carrying capacity of up to twice that for bars mounted side by side, or alternatively the
total cross-sectional area can be reduced for similar current-carrying capacities.
Tubular bars
A tubular copper conductor is the most efficient possible as regards skin effect, as the maximum amount of
material is located at a uniform distance from the magnetic centre of the conductor. The skin effect reduces
as the diameter increases for a constant wall thickness, with values close to unity possible when the ratio of
outside diameter to wall thickness exceeds about 20.
The natural cooling is not as good as that for a laminated copper bar system of the same cross-sectional
area, but when the proximity effects are taken into account the one-piece tube ensures that the whole tube
attains an even temperature - a condition rarely obtained with laminated bar systems.
Tubular copper conductors also lend themselves to alternative methods of cooling by, for example, forced air
or liquid cooling where heat can be removed from the internal surface of the tubes. Current ratings of several
times the natural air cooled value are possible using forced cooling with the largest increases when liquid
cooling is employed.
A tubular bar also occupies less space than the more usual copper laminated bar and has a further
advantage that its strength and rigidity are greater and uniform in all deflection planes. These advantages
are, however, somewhat reduced by the difficulty of making joints and connections which are more difficult
than those for laminated bars. These problems have now been reduced by the introduction of copper
welding and exothermic copper forming methods. Copper tubes are particularly suitable for high current
applications, such as arc furnaces, where forced liquid cooling can be used to great advantage. The tube
can also be used in isolated phase busbar systems due to the ease with which it can be supported by
insulators.
Concentric conductors
This arrangement is not widely used due to difficulties of support but has the advantage of the optimum
combination of low reactance and eddy current losses and is well suited to furnace and weld set
applications. It should be noted that the isolated phase busbar systems are of this type with the current in
the external enclosure being almost equal to that in the conductor when the continuously bonded three-phase
enclosure system is used.
Channel and angle bars
Alternative arrangements to flat or tubular copper bars are the channel and angle bars which can have
advantages. The most important of these shapes are shown in the diagrams below.
These are easily supported and give great rigidity and strength while the making of joints and connections
presents no serious difficulty.
The permissible alternating current density in free air for a given temperature rise is usually greater in the
case of two angle-shaped conductors (diagram (a)) than in any other arrangement of conductor material.
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For low voltage heavy current single-phase bars with narrow phase centres, single copper channels with the
webs of the 'go' and 'return' conductors towards one another give an efficient arrangement. The channel
sizes can be chosen to reduce the skin and proximity effects to a minimum, give maximum dissipation of heat
and have considerable mechanical strength and rigidity. Where high voltage busbars are concerned the
phase spacing has to be much larger to give adequate electrical clearances between adjacent phases with
best arrangement being with the channel webs furthest apart. For high-capacity generators which are
connected to transformers and allied equipment by segregated or non-segregated copper busbars, the
double angle arrangement gives the best combination with the copper bar sizes still being readily
manufactured. The current ratings of these arrangements are given in Table 15 (Appendix 2). The ratings
given are the maximum current ratings which do not take the cost of losses into account and hence are not
optimised.
Comparison of conductor arrangements
The extent to which the a.c. current rating for a given temperature rise of a conductor containing a given
cross-sectional area of copper depends on the cross-section shape. The approximate relative a.c. ratings
for a typical cross-sectional area of 10 000 mm2 are shown in Figure 11. For cross-sectional areas greater
than 10 000 mm2 the factors are greater than those shown, and are smaller for smaller cross-sections. In
the case of double-channel busbars, the ratio of web-to-flange lengths and also the web thickness have a
considerable effect on the current carrying capacity.
Figure 11 Comparative a.c. ratings of various conductor arrangements each having a cross
sectional area of 10,000 mm2 of HC copper
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Enclosed copper conductors
In many cases busbars are surrounded by enclosures, normally metallic, which reduce the busbar heat
dissipation due to reduction in cooling air flow and radiation losses and therefore give current ratings which
may be considerably less than those for free air exposure. Ventilated enclosures, however, provide
mechanical protection and some cooling air flow with the least reduction in current rating.
The reduction in rating for a given temperature rise will vary considerably with the type and size of bar and
enclosure. The greatest decrease in current rating occurs with bars which depend mainly on free air
circulation and less on uniform current distribution such as the modified hollow square arrangement (Figure
9d). In these cases the rating may be reduced to between 60 and 65% when the conductors are enclosed in
non-magnetic metal enclosures. In the case of tubular conductors or those of closely grouped flat
laminations, which are normally not so well cooled by air circulation, the ratings may be reduced to about
75% of free air ratings for normal temperature rises.
Where the busbar system is enclosed in thick magnetic enclosures, such as in metal-clad switchgear, the
reduction is approximately a further 15%. The effect of thin sheet-steel enclosures is somewhat less. These
additional reductions are due to the heat generated by the alternating magnetic fields through hysteresis and
eddy current losses. Besides the derating caused by enclosure conditions, other limitations on maximum
working temperature are often present, such as when the outside of enclosures should not exceed a given
safety value. These deratings are affected by the electrical clearances involved and the degree of ventilation
in the enclosure. The above figures and the curves shown in Figure 12 should only be taken as a rough guide
to the required derating; an accurate figure can only be obtained by testing.
All parts such as conductor and switch fittings, enclosures and interphase barriers may be subject to
appreciable temperature rise due to circulating and eddy current losses when close to the heavy current
bars and connections. These losses can be reduced to a minimum by making these parts from high
conductivity non-magnetic material such as copper or copper alloy.
Figure 12 Comparison of approximate current ratings for busbars in different enclosures
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Compound insulated conductors
The current rating of copper immersed in oil or compound depend upon a number of factors which may vary
widely with design, and can normally only be confirmed by carrying out temperature rise tests on the
complete assembly.
The ratings of enclosed bars are nearly always much lower than the free air ratings. The temperature rise is
dependent on the rate at which heat is conducted through the insulating media and dissipated from the
outside casing by radiation and convection. There is nearly always a closer phase spacing between
conductors giving high proximity effects and higher heat losses in the magnetic outer casings and so giving
rise to higher temperature rises.
Proximity effect is often more important for insulated bars than those in air. Laminated bars have fewer
advantages when immersed in oil or compound and circular copper conductors either solid or hollow though
are often preferred particularly for high-voltage gear and high current generators, transformers, etc., where
more effective cooling such as water cooling can be employed to improve conductor material utilisation and
hence reduce the overall size of plant.
Plastic insulated conductors
There is a widening use of plastic continuous insulation as the primary insulation for low current and voltage
busbars. This insulation is usually of the shrink-on P.V.C. type though wrap-on tape is sometimes used. This
method is used for voltages up to about 15 kV, though much higher levels can be attained when specialised
insulation systems such as epoxy resin or similar based tapes and powders are employed. These systems
are particularly useful where high atomic radiation levels, or high temperatures (up to 130°C) are
encountered, although account must be taken of the possibility of halogen gassing from P.V.C. insulations at
temperatures around 100°C. Modified P.V.C. materials with improved high-temperature performance are
available.
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Isolated phase busbars
solated phase busbars consist of a metallic enclosed conductor where each individual phase or pole is
surrounded by a separately earthed sheath which is connected at its ends by a full short-circuit current rated
bar. The sheath is intended primarily to prevent interphase short-circuit currents developing. They have the
further advantage that the high magnetic fields created by the conductor current are almost completely
cancelled by an equal and opposite current induced in the enclosure or sheath with reductions of 95% or
better in the external magnetic field being possible. An important result is that the likelihood of steelwork
overheating when adjacent to the busbar system is considerably reduced except where the sheath short-
circuit bars are located. This current flowing in the enclosure makes the method of estimating the
performance of the busbar system much more complicated and can only be resolved by obtaining a heat
balance between conductor and enclosure using an interactive calculation method.
These busbars are used normally for operating voltages of between 11 kV and 36 kV though equipment
using much lower voltages and higher voltages are increasingly changing to this system. Examples of such
equipment are exciter connections, switchgear interconnections, generator to transformer connections, high
voltage switchgear using SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride) gas insulation (this gas having an insulation level many
times better than air). The current flowing in the conductor ranges from as little as 1000 A to in excess of 40
kA. To obtain the higher currents forced cooling is used, the most commonly used cooling media being air
and water though other cooling gases or liquids can be used. The use of these cooling systems usually
creates much increased heat losses and so their use must be justified by benefits in other areas, e.g.,
reduced civil costs, reduced physical size where space is at a premium or reduction in size to enable normal
manufacturing methods be used both for the basic busbar material and also the complete busbar system.
Another factor which influences the method chosen for forced cooling is the naturally cooled rating of the
busbar system and also its ability to sustain overload conditions. The busbars are usually manufactured in
single-phase units of transportable length and consist of a central conductor usually tubular of round, square
or channel cross-section, supported by porcelain or epoxy resin insulators. The insulators are located by the
external metallic sheath through which they are normally removed for servicing.
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6. Short-Circuit Effects file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
6. Short-Circuit Effects
Short-Circuit Heating of Bars
Electromagnetic Stresses
Corona Discharge
Short-Circuit Heating of Bars
Copper busbars are normally part of a larger generation or transmission system. The continuous rating of the main components such as generators, transformers, rectifiers, etc.,
therefore determine the nominal current carried by the busbars but in most power systems a one to four second short-circuit current has to be accommodated. The value of these
currents is calculated from the inductive reactances of the power system components and gives rise to different maximum short-circuit currents in the various system sections.
These currents are very often ten to twenty times the continuous current rating and therefore the transitory heating effect must be taken into account. This effect can, in many cases,
lead to dangerous overheating, particularly where small conductors are part of a large heavy current system, and must be considered when determining the conductor size. To
calculate the temperature rise of the conductor during a short circuit it is assumed that all the heat generated is absorbed by the conductor with none lost by convection and radiation
as for a continuous rated conductor. The temperature rise is dependent therefore only on the specific heat of the copper conductor material and its mass. The specific heat of
copper varies with temperature, increasing as the temperature rises. At normal ambient temperatures it is about 385 J/kg K and at 300°C it is about 410 J/kg K.
Short-circuit heating characteristics are not easy to calculate accurately because of complex a.c. and d.c. current effects, but for most purposes the formulae below will normally
give sufficiently accurate results:
where t = maximum short-circuit time, s
A = conductor cross-section area, mm2
I = conductor current, kA
q = conductor temperature rise, K
If q = 300°C, then
The value of t obtained from the above equation should always be greater than the required short circuit withstand time which is usually 1 to 4 seconds.
The temperature rise per second due to a current I is given by the following approximate formula:
(I/A) should be less than 0.25 for reasonable accuracy.
The maximum short-circuit temperature is very often chosen to be 300°C for earth bar systems but the upper limit for the phases is normally lower and is dependent on the
mechanical properties required and surface finish of the copper material.
Heating time constant
The previous section considered very short time effects but in many cases it may be necessary to calculate the temperature rise of a conductor over an extended time, for example
the time taken for a conductor to reach normal operating temperature when carrying its rated continuous current. Under these conditions the conductor is absorbing heat as its
temperature rises. It is also dissipating heat by convection and radiation, both of which increase with rising temperature difference between the conductor and the surroundings.
When maximum operating temperature is reached then the heat loss by convection and radiation is constant and the heat absorbed by the conductor ceases.
The temperature rise after time t from the start of heating is given by the following formula where the change of resistance with temperature can be assumed to be negligible:
where q = temperature rise, °C
qmax = maximum temperature rise, °C
e = exponential constant (=2.718)
t = time, s
t = time constant, s
The time constant can be found using the following formula:
where w = rate of generation of heat at t=0, W
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m = mass, kg
c = specific heat, J/kg K
The time constant gives the time taken to reach 0.636 of the maximum temperature rise, qmax.
Electromagnetic Stresses
When a conductor carries a current it creates a magnetic field which interacts with any other magnetic field present to produce a force. When the currents flowing in two adjacent
conductors are in the same direction the force is one of attraction, and when the currents are in opposite directions a repulsive force is produced.
In most busbar systems the current-carrying conductors are usually straight and parallel to one another. The force produced by the two conductors is proportional to the products of
their currents. Normally in most busbar systems the forces are very small and can be neglected, but under short-circuit conditions, they become large and must be taken into
account together with the conductor material fibre stresses when designing the conductor insulator and its associated supports to ensure adequate safety factors.
The factors to be taken into account may be summarised as follows:
a) stresses due to direct lateral attractive and repulsive forces.
b) Vibrational stresses.
c) Longitudinal stresses resulting from lateral deflection.
d) Twisting moments due to lateral deflection.
In most cases the forces due to short-circuits are applied very suddenly. Direct currents give rise to unidirectional forces while alternating currents produce vibrational forces.
Maximum stresses
When a busbar system is running normally the interphase forces are normally very small with the static weight of the busbars being the dominant component. Under short-circuit
conditions this is very often not the case as the current rises to a peak of some thirty times its normal value, falling after a few cycles to ten times its initial value. These high
transitory currents create large mechanical forces not only in the busbars themselves but also in their supporting system. This means that the support insulators and their associated
steelwork must be designed to withstand these high loads as well as their normal structural requirements such as wind, ice, seismic and static loads.
The peak or fully asymmetrical short circuit current is dependent on the power factor (cos f) of the busbar system and its associated connected electrical plant. The value is obtained
by multiplying the r.m.s. symmetrical current by the appropriate factor given in Balanced three-phase short-circuit stresses.
If the power factor of the system is not known then a factor of 2.55 will normally be close to the actual system value especially where generation is concerned. Note that the
theoretical maximum for this factor is 2Ö2 or 2.828 where cos f = 0. These peak values reduce exponentially and after approximately 10 cycles the factor falls to 1.0, i.e., the
symmetrical r.m.s. short circuit current. The peak forces therefore normally occur in the first two cycles (0.04 s) as shown in Figure 13.
In the case of a completely asymmetrical current wave, the forces will be applied with a frequency equal to that of the supply frequency and with a double frequency as the wave
becomes symmetrical. Therefore in the case of a 50 Hz supply these forces have frequencies of 50 or 100 Hz.
The maximum stresses to which a bus structure is likely to be subjected would occur during a short-circuit on a single-phase busbar system in which the line short-circuit currents are
displaced by 180°.
In a three-phase system a short-circuit between two phases is almost identical to the single-phase case and although the phase currents are normally displaced by 120°, under
short-circuit conditions the phase currents of the two phases are almost 180° out of phase. The effect of the third phase can be neglected.
In a balanced three-phase short-circuit, the resultant forces on any one of the three phases is less than in the single-phase case and is dependent on the relative physical positions
of the three phases.
In the case of a single-phase short-circuit, the forces produced are unidirectional and are therefore more severe than those due to a three-phase short-circuit, which alternate in
direction.
The short-circuit forces have to be absorbed first by the conductor. The conductor therefore must have an adequate proof strength to carry these forces without permanent
distortion. Copper satisfies this requirement as it has high strength compared with other conductor materials (Table 2). Because of the high strength of copper, the insulators can be
more widely spaced than is possible with lower-strength materials.
Figure 13 Short-circuit current waveform
Single phase short circuit stresses
The electromagnetic force developed between two straight parallel conductors of circular cross-section each carrying the same current is calculated from the following formula:
where Fmax = force on conductor, N/m
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I = current in both phases, A
s = phase spacing, mm
The value of I is normally taken in the fully asymmetrical condition as 2.55 times the r.m.s. symmetrical value or 1.8 times the peak r.m.s. value of the short-circuit current as
discussed above. It is possible, in certain circumstances, for the forces to be greater than this due to the effect of an impulse in the case of a very rigid conductor, or due to
resonance in the case of bars liable to mechanical vibration. It is therefore usual to allow a safety factor of 2.5 in such cases.
Balanced three-phase short-circuit stresses
A three-phase system has its normal currents displaced by 120° and when a balanced three-phase short-circuit occurs the displacement is maintained. As with all balanced
three-phase currents, the instantaneous current in one phase is balanced by the currents in the other two phases. The directions of the currents are constantly changing and so
therefore are the forces. The maximum forces are dependent on the point in the cycle at which the fault or short-circuit occurs.
The maximum force appearing on any phase resulting from a fully offset asymmetrical peak current is given by
(9
The condition when the maximum force appears on the outside phases (Red or Blue) is given by
(10
The condition when the maximum force is on the centre phase (Yellow) is given by
(11
where Fmax = maximum force on conductor, N/m
I = peak asymmetrical current, A
s = conductor spacing, mm
The peak current I attained during the short-circuit varies with the power factor of the circuit:
Power factor I, x Irms (symmetrical)
0 2.828
0.07 2.55
0.2 2.2
0.25 2.1
0.3 2
0.5 1.7
0.7 1.5
1.0 1.414
Correction for end effect
It has been assumed so far that the conductors are of infinite length. This assumption does not generally lead to great errors in the calculated short-circuit forces. This is not true,
however, at the ends of bars where there is a great change in flux compared with the uniform magnetic field over most of the long straight conductor. Where the conductor is
relatively short this effect can be considerable, the normal formulae giving overestimates for the forces. To overcome this problem the preceding formulae can be rewritten in the
following form:
where Ftot = total force on the conductor, N
L = length of conductor, m
c = constant from relevant previous formula
The following substitution may then be made:
The formula will then be of the form
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(12
If
is very large then
is almost equal to
and therefore the modified formula becomes almost identical with the standard formula. In many cases, the following formula is sufficiently accurate:
(13
where Ftot is again the total force along the conductor in Newtons.
Formulae 9 to 11 may be used where
is greater than 20. For values between 20 and 4, is greater than 20. For values between 20 and 4, equation 13 above should be used. For values less than 4, equation 12 should be
used.
Proximity factor
Figure 14 - Proximity factor for rectangular copper conductor
The formulae in the previous section used for calculating short-circuit forces do not take into account the effect of conductors which are not round as they strictly only apply to round
conductors. To overcome this when considering rectangular conductors, a proximity factor K is introduced into the ordinary force formulae, its value being found using the curves in
Figure 14.
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Except in cases where the conductors are very small or are spaced a considerable distance apart the corrected general formula for force per unit length becomes:
The value of
is first calculated then K is read from the curve for the appropriate
ratio.
From the curves it can be seen that the effect of conductor shape decreases rapidly with increasing spacing and is a maximum for strip conductors of small thickness. It is almost
unity for square conductors and is unity for a circular conductor.
Alternatively, the proximity factor can be calculated using the following formula, from which the curves in Figure 14 were drawn (Dwight 1917). (See Figure 14 for explanation of
symbols).
This formula gives the intermediate curves of Figure 14, for s>a, b>0, a>0
Vibrational stresses
Stresses will be induced in a conductor by natural or forced vibrations the amplitude of which determines the value of the stress, which can be calculated from the formulae given in
Section 8.
The conductor should be designed to have a natural frequency which is not within 30% of the vibrations induced by the magnetic fields resulting from the currents flowing in adjacent
conductors. This type of vibration normally occurs during continuous running and does not occur when short-circuit currents are flowing.
The stresses resulting from the short-circuit forces are calculated using the beam theory formulae for simply supported beams for a single cantilever to multispan arrangements, the
applied forces being derived from the previous sections. The resulting deflections enable the conductor stress to be calculated and so determine if it is likely to permanently damage
the conductor because it has exceeded the proof stress of the conductor material.
Methods of reducing conductor stresses
In cases where there is a likelihood of vibration at normal currents or when subjected to short-circuit forces causing damage to the conductor, the following can he used to reduce or
eliminate the effect:
a) Reduce the span between insulator supports.
This method can be used to reduce the effects of both continuous vibration and that due to short-circuit forces.
b) Increase the span between insulator supports.
This method can only be used to reduce the effects of vibration resulting from a continuous current. It will increase the stresses due to a short-circuit
current.
c) Increase or decrease the flexibility of the conductor supports.
This method will reduce the effects of vibration due to continuous current but has very little effect on that due to short-circuit forces.
d) Increase the conductor flexibility.
This can only be used to reduce the effects of vibration due to a continuous current. The short-circuit effect is increased.
e) Decrease the conductor flexibility.
This method will reduce the effects of vibration due to either a continuous current or a short-circuit.
It will be noted that in carrying out the various suggestions above, changes can only be made within the overall design requirements of the busbar system.
Corona Discharge
With very high voltage air-insulated busbars, particularly of the type usually installed out of doors, it is necessary to ensure that with the spacing adopted between conductors of
different phases, or between conductors and earth, the electromagnetic stress in the air surrounding the conductors is low enough not to cause a corona discharge. Corona
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discharge is to be avoided where possible as it creates ionised gas which can lead to a large reduction in the air insulation surrounding the conductor and so can cause flash-over.
Should flash-over occur, this will in many cases lead to a short-circuit between either adjacent phases or poles or the nearest earth point or plane. This will cause considerable
burning of the conductors and associated equipment together with mechanical damage. Corona discharge can also cause radio interference which may be unacceptable.
To avoid these conditions the busbar system should be free from sharp edges or small radii on the conductor system. If this is not possible then additional equipment will have to be
incorporated in the design such as corona rings and stress relieving cones mounted in the areas of high electric stress. The smallest radii required for prevention of corona can be
calculated from the formula:
where E = r.m.s. voltage to neutral, kV
r = conductor radius, mm
d = distance between conductor centres, mm
d = air density factor
m = conductor surface condition factor
The values for the factors m and d are as follows:
m = 1 for a polished conductor surface, 0.98 to 0.93 for roughened or weathered surfaces, and 0.87 to 0.80 for stranded conductors.
d = 1 at 1 bar barometric pressure and 25°C. At other pressures and temperatures the value is found as follows:
where b = barometric pressure, bar
T = temperature, °C
At locations above sea level the normal pressure is reduced by approximately 0.12 bar per 1000 m of altitude.
The voltage Ev at which the corona discharge normally becomes visible is somewhat higher than given by the above formula and can be determined as follows:
In bad weather conditions the discharge may appear at a voltage lower than that indicated by the formulae and it is therefore advisable to make an allowance of about 20% as a
safety factor.
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7. Jointing of Copper Busbars file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
7. Jointing of Copper Busbars
Busbar Jointing Methods
Joint Resistance
Bolting Arrangements
Clamps
Welded Joints
Busbar Jointing Methods
It is necessary that a conductor joint shall be mechanically strong and have a relatively low resistance which
must remain substantially constant throughout the life of the joint.
Efficient joints in copper busbar conductors can be made very simply by bolting, clamping, riveting, soldering
or welding, the first two being used extensively, though copper welding is now more generally available
through improvements in welding technology.
Welded joints in copper busbars have the advantage that the current carrying capacity is unimpaired, as the
joint is effectively a continuous copper conductor.
Bolted joints are compact, reliable and versatile but have the disadvantage that they necessitate the drilling
or punching of holes through the conductors with the bolt holes causing some distortion of the lines of current
flow. This joint type also has a somewhat more uneven contact pressure than one using clamp plates.
Clamped joints are easy to make with the full cross-section being unimpaired. The extra mass at the joint
and hence cooling area helps to give a cooler running joint and with a well-designed clamp, gives a very even
contact pressure. The further added advantage is that of easy erection during installation. A disadvantage is
the much higher costs of the clamps and associated fixings.
Riveted joints are efficient if well made, but have the disadvantage that they cannot easily be undone or
tightened in service and that they are not so convenient to make from an installation point of view.
Soldered or brazed joints are rarely used for busbars unless they are reinforced with bolts or clamps since
heating under short-circuit conditions can make them both mechanically and electrically unsound.
Joint Resistance
The resistance of a joint is affected mainly by two factors:
a) Streamline effect or spreading resistance Rs, the diversion of the current flow
through a joint.
b) The contact resistance or interface resistance of the joint Rj.
The total joint resistance Rj = Rs + Ri.
The above is specifically for a d.c. current. Where a.c. currents are flowing, the changes in resistance due to
skin and proximity effects in the joint zone must also be taken into account.
Before considering the effect of the above factors on the efficiency of a joint, it is important to realise the
nature of the two contact surfaces. No matter how well a contact surface is polished, the surface is really
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made up of a large number of peaks and troughs which are readily visible under a microscope. When two
surfaces are brought together contact is only made at the peaks, which are subjected to much higher
contact pressures than the average joint contact pressure, and hence deform during the jointing process.
The actual contact area in the completed joint is much smaller than the total surface area of the joint. It has
been shown that in a typical busbar joint surface the effective contact area is confined to the region in which
the pressure is applied, i.e., near the bolts in the case of a lapped joint.
Streamline effect
The distortion of the lines of current flow at an overlapping joint between two conductors affects the
resistance of the joint. This effect must also occur when the current flows from peak to peak from surface to
surface though the overall effect is that through the joint.
In the case of an overlapping joint between two flat copper bars, the streamline effect is dependent only on
the ratio of the length of the overlap to the thickness of the bars and not on the width, provided that this
dimension is the same for both bars. It has been shown both mathematically and experimentally that even in
a perfectly made overlapping joint between two relatively thin flat conductors having a uniform contact
resistance, the distribution of current over the contact area is not uniform. Practically all of the current
flowing across the contact surfaces is concentrated towards the extremities of the joint and the current
density at the ends of the overlapping conductors may be many times that at the centre of the joint.
It is evident from the above that the efficiency of an overlapping joint does not increase as the length of the
overlap increases and that from a purely electrical point of view no advantage is to be gained by employing
an unduly long overlap.
The relation between the resistance due to streamline effect of an overlapping joint between two flat copper
conductors and the ratio of the length of the overlap to the thickness is shown in Figure 15. It has also been
found that the distortion effect in a T-joint is about the same as a straight joint.
The resistance ratio e in Figure 15 is the ratio of the resistance of a joint due to streamline effect RS, to the
resistance of an equal length of single conductor Rb, i.e.
where a = breadth of bar, mm
b = thickness of bar, mm
l = length of overlap, mm
r = resistivity of the conductor, mW mm
From the graph it can be seen then that the effect falls very rapidly for ratios up to two and then very much
more slowly for values up to seven. This means that in most cases the streamline effect has very little effect
as the overlap is of necessity much greater than seven.
Figure 15 Streamline effect in overlapping joints
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Contact resistance
The contact interface between the two faces of a busbar joint consists of a large number of separate point
contacts, the area of which increases as more pressure is applied and the peaks are crushed.
There are two main factors which therefore affect the actual interface resistance of the surfaces.
a) The condition of the surfaces.
b) The total applied pressure.
The type of coating applied to the contact surfaces to prevent or delay the onset of oxidation when operating
at elevated temperatures or in a hostile environment is also important, particularly in the long term.
Condition of contact surfaces
The condition of the contact surfaces of a joint has an important bearing on its efficiency. The surfaces of the
copper should be flat and clean but need not be polished. Machining is not usually required. Perfectly flat
joint faces are not necessary since very good results can in most cases be obtained merely by ensuring that
the joint is tight and clean. This is particularly the case where extruded copper bars are used. Where cast
copper bars are used, however, machining may be necessary if the joints are to obtain a sufficiently flat
contact surface.
Oxides, sulphides and other surface contaminants have, of course, a higher resistance than the base metal.
Copper, like all other common metals, readily develops a very thin surface oxide film even at ordinary
temperatures when freely exposed to air, although aluminium oxidises much more rapidly, and its oxide has a
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much higher resistivity.
The negative temperature coefficient of resistance of copper oxide means that the joint conductivity tends to
increase with temperature. This does not, of course, mean that a joint can be made without cleaning just
prior to jointing to ensure that the oxide layer is thin enough to be easily broken as the contact surface peaks
deform when the contact pressure is applied.
Preparation of surfaces
Contact surfaces should be flattened by machining if necessary and thoroughly cleaned. A ground or
sand-roughened surface is preferable to a smooth one.
It is important to prevent the re-oxidation of the joint in service and it is therefore recommended that the
contact faces should be covered with a thin layer of petroleum jelly immediately after cleaning the contact
surfaces. The joint surfaces should then be bolted together, the excess petroleum jelly being pressed out as
the contact pressure is applied. The remaining jelly will help to protect the joint from deterioration.
It should be noted that in cases where joints have to perform reliably in higher than normal ambient
temperature conditions, it may be advisable to use a high melting point jelly to prevent it from flowing out of
the joint, leaving it liable to attack by oxidation and the environment.
The following sections describe the use of coatings on conductor contact surfaces. It should be noted that
recent tests carried out to investigate the performance of bolted joints under cyclic heating with wide
temperature variations indicate that joints without coatings give the most reliable long-term performance
(Jackson 1982). The reason for this is that most coatings are of soft materials which when subjected to
continuous pressures and raised temperatures tend to flow. This has the effect of reducing the number of
high pressure contact points formed when the joint is newly bolted together.
Tinning. The tinning of the contact surfaces of a bolted or clamped joint with pure tin or a lead-tin alloy is
normally unnecessary, although advantages can be gained in certain circumstances.
If the joint faces are very rough, tinning may result in some improvement in efficiency. In most cases,
however, its chief virtue lies in the fact that it tends to prevent oxidation and hence subsequent joint
deterioration. It may therefore be recommended in cases where the joints operate at unusually high
temperatures or current densities or when subjected to corrosive atmospheres.
For the best results the surfaces should be tinned or re-tinned immediately prior to the final joint clamping. It
should be noted that both the electrical conductivity and the oxidation protective action decrease as the lead
content of the solder increases. Lead also has the effect of reducing the surface hardness of the coating and
a high lead content in the tinning material should be avoided as this can cause the plating to creep once the
joint is bolted together resulting in premature failure due to overheating.
Silver or nickel plating. This type of plating is being used increasingly, particularly where equipment is
manufactured to American standards which require plated joints for high temperature operation. Nickel-
plating provides a harder surface than silver and may therefore be preferable. These platings are expensive
to apply and must be protected prior to the final jointing process as they are always very thin coatings and
can therefore be easily damaged. There is also some doubt as to the stability of these joints under
prolonged high temperature cycling. Very high contact resistances can be developed some time after
jointing. It is therefore suggested that natural metal joints are in most cases preferable.
Effect of pressure on contact resistance
It has been shown above that the contact resistance is dependent more on the total applied pressure than
on the area of contact. If the total applied pressure remains constant and the contact area is varied, as is
the case in a switch blade moving between spring loaded contacts, the total contact resistance remains
practically constant. This can be expressed by an equation of the form:
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where Ri = resistance of the contact
p = total contact pressure
n = exponent between 0.4 and 1
C = a constant
The greater the applied total pressure the lower will be the joint resistance and therefore for high efficiency
joints high pressure is usually necessary. This has the advantage that the high pressure helps to prevent
deterioration of the joint. Figure 16 shows the effect of pressure on joint resistance.
Figure 16 The effect of pressure on the contact resistance of a joint between two copper
conductors
Joint resistance falls rapidly with increasing pressure, but above a pressure of about 15 N/mm2 there is little
further improvement. Certain precautions must be observed to ensure that the contact pressure is not unduly
high, since it is important that the proof stress of the conductor material or its bolts and clamps is not
exceeded.
As a bar heats up under load the contact pressure in a joint made with steel bolts tends to increase because
of the difference in expansion coefficients between copper and the steel. It is therefore essential that the
initial contact pressure is kept to a such a level that the contact pressure is not excessive when at operating
temperature. If the elastic limit of the bar is exceeded the joint will have a reduced contact pressure when it
returns to its cold state due to the joint materials having deformed or stretched.
To avoid this, it is helpful to use disc spring washers whose spring rating is chosen to maintain a
substantially constant contact pressure under cold and hot working conditions. This type of joint deterioration
is very much more likely to happen with soft materials, such as E1E aluminium, where the material elastic
limit is low compared with that of high conductivity copper.
Joint efficiency
The efficiency of a joint may be measured in terms of the ratio of the resistance of the portion of the
conductor comprising the joint and that of an equal length of straight conductor.
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The resistance of a joint, as already mentioned, is made up of two parts, one due to the distortion of lines of
current flow and the other to contact resistance. The resistance due to the streamline effect at an overlap
joint is given by:
where for a given joint a, b and l are the width, thickness and overlap length, these all being constant, and
contact resistance of the joint is:
where Y = contact resistance per unit area.
The total joint resistance is:
and the efficiency of the joint is:
The resistance of an equal length of straight conductor is given by:
The resistance ratio e is obtained from Figure 15.
In most cases it is inadvisable to use contact pressures of less than 7 N/mm2, 10 N/mm2 being preferred.
The contact pressure chosen is influenced by the size and number of bolts or clamps, the latter giving a
more even contact pressure. For the sake of symmetry the length of overlap is often made equal to the
width of the bar, though with thick and narrow bars the overlap can be increased to improve the overall joint
performance.
Owing to the larger surface area from which heat may be dissipated, efficient joints between single copper
conductors usually have a lower temperature rise than the conductors themselves. It is important, in general,
to ensure that all joints have a reasonable margin of safety. This is particularly so where multi-conductors
join at one joint and/or the conductors are normally running close to the specified maximum temperature
rises.
Bolting Arrangements
In deciding the number, size and distribution of bolts required to produce the necessary contact pressure to
give high joint efficiency, both electrical and mechanical considerations have to be taken into account. The
methods used to determine these requirements have been given in previous sections.
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A joint normally decreases in resistance with an increase in the size and number of bolts used. Bolt sizes
usually vary from M6 to M20 with between four and six being used in each joint with a preference for four
bolts in narrow conductors and six in large conductors. The torque chosen for each bolt size is dependent on
the bolt material and the maximum operating temperature expected. Because of the strength of copper,
deformation of the conductor under the pressure of the joint is not normally a consideration.
Table 9 shows typical bolting arrangements for various busbar sizes. The recommended torque settings are
applicable to high-tensile steel (8.8) or aluminium bronze (CW307G, formerly Cy104) fasteners with
unlubricated threads of normal surface finish. In the case of stainless steel bolts, these torque settings may
be used, but the threads must be lubricated prior to use.
In addition to the proof or yield stress of the bolt material and the thread characteristics, the correct
tightening torque depends on the differential expansion between the bolt and conductor materials.
Galvanised steel bolts are normally used but brass or bronze bolts have been used because their
coefficients of expansion closely match the copper conductor and hence the contact pressure does not vary
widely with operating temperature. Copper alloy bolts also have the advantage that the possibility of
dissimilar metal corrosion is avoided. Because these alloys do not have an easily discernible yield stress,
however, care has to be taken not to exceed the correct tightening torque.
Because of their non-magnetic properties, copper alloys may also be preferred to mild or high-tensile steel
where high magnetic fields are expected. Alternatively, a non-magnetic stainless steel may be used. In most
cases however, high-tensile steel is used for its very high yield stress.
Table 9 Typical busbar bolting arrangements (single face overlap)
Bar width Joint Joint area Number Metric Bolt Hole size Washer Washer
mm overlap mm2 of bolts * bolt size torque mm diameter thickness
mm (coarse Nm mm mm
thread)
16 32 512 2 M6 7.2 7 14 1.8
20 40 800 2 M6 7.2 7 14 1.8
25 60 1500 2 M8 17 10 21 2.0
30 60 1800 2 M8 17 10 21 2.0
40 70 2800 2 M10 28 11.5 24 2.2
50 70 3500 2 M12 45 14 28 2.7
60 60 3600 4 M10 28 11.5 24 2.2
80 80 6400 4 M12 45 14 28 2.7
100 100 10000 5 M12 45 15 28 2.7
120 120 14400 5 M12 45 15 28 2.7
160 160 25600 6 M16 91 20 28 2.7
200 200 40000 8 M16 91 20 28 2.7
* high-tensile steel or aluminium bronze (CW307G, formerly C104)
Clamps
The choice of clamp material and method of manufacture depends on the a.c. or d.c. current requirements,
and on the number of clamps of a given size required. The manufacturing methods used include machining
from plate, sand or die casting, or stamping from plate. In the case of low current a.c. (less than 3000 A)
and d.c. systems the clamps should be made from a high-strength material compatible with the required
contact pressure. They can therefore be made from steel in cast, forged or stamped form. Where a.c.
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currents in excess of 3000 A are concerned, the choice of material is between the low or non-magnetic
steels or a brass or bronze. Steel clamps are generally unsuitable because of the hysteresis losses induced
in them.
Welded Joints
The inert gas shielded arc processes, tungsten inert gas (TIG) and metal inert gas (MIG) are the preferred
welding methods for high conductivity coppers and are capable of producing excellent busbar joints. The
welding data given in Table 10 are provided as a guide to good practice, but the actual welding conditions
that will give the best results for a particular joint must be determined from experience. Certain physical and
metallurgical properties of copper must, however, be taken account of when welding. The high thermal
diffusivity of copper - four or five times that of mild steel - opposes the formation of an adequate weld pool
necessary for good fusion and deoxidation which can give rise to lack of fusion defects and porosity. The
rapid heat sink effect, which is particularly pronounced in thicker sections, must therefore be overcome.
Preheating of the copper before welding is necessary for thickness above about 3 mm as indicated in Table
10.
As explained in Section 2, the tough pitch grades of copper, CW004A and CW005A (formerly C101 and
C102), contain particles of cuprous oxide which are normally in a form which has a minimal effect on
electrical and mechanical properties. Prolonged heating of the copper however, allows the oxide particles to
diffuse to grain boundaries where they can seriously affect the properties. This diffusion effect is both time
and temperature dependent and is minimised by performing the welding operation as quickly as possible and
by restricting the overall heating of the component as far as possible consistent with adequate fusion and a
satisfactory weld profile. This consideration obviously does not apply to oxygen-free coppers which do not
contain the oxide particles.
Table 10 Welding data for HC copper
a) Recommended usage of BS 2901 filler alloys for TIG and MIG welding of high conductivity
copper.
TIG MIG
Designation Grade
Argon or Helium Nitrogen Argon or Helium Nitrogen
CW004A Electrolytic tough C7, C21 Not C7, C8, C21 Not recommended
pitch high conductivity recommended
CW005A Fire-refined tough C7, C21 Not C7, C8, C21 Not recommended
pitch high conductivity recommended
CW008A Oxygen-free high C7, C21 Not C7, C21 Not recommended
conductivity recommended
b) Typical operating data for TIG butt welds in high conductivity copper.
(Direct current; electrode negative; argon and helium shielding)
Shielding gas
Argon Helium
Thickness Preheat Electrode Filler rod Gas Weld Gas flow Weld Gas flow
(mm) temperature* diameter diameter nozzle current (l/min) current (l/min)
(°C) (mm) (mm) diameter (A) (A)
(mm)
1.5 None 1.6-2.4 1.6 9.5 80-130 4-6 70-90 6-10
3 None 2.4-3.2 1.6 9.5-12 120-240 4-6 180-220 6-10
6 up to 400 3.2-4.8 3.2 12-18 220-350 6-8 200-240 10-15
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12 400-600 4.8 3.2-4.8 12-18 330-420 8-10 260-280 10-15
>12 500-700 4.8 3.2-4.8 12-18 >400 8-10 280-320 12-20
* May be reduced significantly in helium shielding
c) Typical operating data for MIG butt welds in high conductivity copper.
(1.6 mm diameter filler wire; argon shielding)
Thickness (mm) Preheat Welding current Arc voltage (V) Wire feed rate Gas flow rate
temperature (°C) (A) (m/min) (l/min)
6 None 240-320 25-28 6.5-8.0 10-15
12 up to 500 320-380 26-30 5.5-6.5 10-15
18 up to 500 340-400 28-32 5.5-6.5 12-17
24 up to 700 340-420 28-32 5.5-6.5 14-20
>24 up to 700 340-460 28-32 5.5-6.5 14-20
Thermal expansion should be allowed for during welding as this leads to the closing of root gaps as the
temperature of the metal rises. The root gaps indicated in Table 11 should therefore be allowed.
Oxy-acetylene and oxy-propane welding methods can be used with oxygen-free copper but they are not
recommended for welding tough pitch coppers as the reducing atmosphere produced in the flame can react
with the cuprous oxide particles to produce steam inside the metal. This gives rise to porosity and is known
as 'hydrogen embrittlement'.
Further details of the factors involved in the welding of copper can be found in the CDA publication No 98.
Table 11 Recommended edge preparations for TIG and MIG butt-welds.
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8. Mechanical Strength Requirements file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
8. Mechanical Strength Requirements
All busbar systems have to be designed to withstand the mechanical forces to which they may be subjected,
whether these be due to their own weight, wind and ice loads, or short-circuit forces. This force becomes
more onerous with increasing voltage and decreasing current due to respectively longer insulators and
smaller conductors.
The conductor itself should have sufficient material strength under all operational conditions. It must be able
to support itself without undue deflection under normal working conditions, and not suffer permanent damage
under abnormal conditions. The following section enables the mechanical strength requirement of a
conductor to be calculated using the short-circuit forces obtained from the formulae given previously.
Deflection
Natural Frequency
Wind and Ice Loadings
Maximum Permissible Stress
Thermal Expansion
Deflection
The maximum deflection of a beam carrying a uniformly distributed load and freely supported at each end is
given by the formula:
where D = maximum deflection, mm
w= weight per unit length of loaded beam, N/mm
L = beam length between supports, mm
3 2
E = modulus of elasticity (124 x 10 N/mm )
I = moment of inertia of beam section, mm
If one end of a beam is rigidly fixed in a horizontal position the deflection is 0.415 times that given by the
above formula and it follows that if a freely supported beam is also supported at its mid-point then its
maximum deflection is reduced to 0.025 of its former value. If both ends of a beam are rigidly fixed in a
horizontal position the deflection is 0.2 times that given by the above formula.
Thus with a continuous beam freely supported at four or more points the maximum deflection in the centre
spans may be assumed to be 0.2 times that given by the formula, while the deflection in the end spans is
0.415 times. The deflection in the end spans, therefore, may be assumed to be twice that in the centre
spans, assuming equal span distances.
Moments of inertia
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In the above formula the moment of inertia I for the section of the beam has to be calculated about the
neutral axis which runs parallel to the beam where the beam has zero tensile forces. In most cases this is
the same axis of the centre of cross-section.
For a rectangular section of depth D and breadth B
For a circular section of diameter D
For a tubular section of internal diameter d and external diameter D
It should be noted that the value of I for a given cross-section is dependent on the direction in which each
individual force is applied. Moments of inertia for a range of copper rods, bars, sections and tubes are given
in Tables 12 – 16 (Appendix 2).
Natural Frequency
The natural frequency of a beam simply supported at its end is
and for a beam with both ends fixed horizontally it is
where fn = natural frequency, Hz
D = deflection, mm
As the deflection with fixed ends is 0.2 times the value with freely supported ends it follows that the natural
frequency is increased by 2.275 times by end-fixing; fixing one end only increases the natural frequency by
about 50%. Where equipment is to be mounted outside, natural frequencies of less than 2.75 Hz should be
avoided to prevent vibration due to wind eddies.
Wind and Ice Loadings
In considering the loading of a conductor for outdoor service not only must the weight of the conductor itself
be taken into account but also the weight of a coating of ice which it may carry, together with the wind
pressure on the ice loaded conductor.
The maximum thickness of the ice and the maximum wind speed are normally specified by the purchaser of
the busbars but where these are not specified they are usually available from national standards bodies
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within the country where the equipment is to be installed.
The wind and ice loading can be calculated using the following formulae:
Wind loading:
Ww = p(D+2t) x 105
Ice loading:
where ww = wind loading, N/m
wi = ice loading, N/m
p = wind pressure, N/mm2
D = diameter, mm
t = ice thickness, mm
It is assumed that the wind load is at right angles to the vertical load of the conductor weight, and that its ice
load and hence the resultant load on the conductor has to be added vertically. The resultant load is given by:
where R = resultant load, N/m
w = conductor weight per unit length, N/m
and where R acts at an angle q° to the vertical given by the formula
The vertical sag or deflection in the conductor span is given by
where Di is the sag in mm in a plane inclined at an angle q to the vertical.
Maximum Permissible Stress
The maximum permissible stress in a conductor is the resultant of its own natural weight (w) and the
additional forces of wind (ww) and ice (w i) loadings (see above) and the magnetic forces resulting from a
short circuit. It should be noted that the direction of a short-circuit force (Ws) depends on the position of
adjacent phases and the direction of the currents in them.
In a general case the following method should be used for calculating the resultant force and its direction:
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and
The maximum skin stress in the conductor can then be calculated using the following formula:
where f = maximum skin stress, N/mm2
M = maximum bending moment, N mm
Z = section modulus, mm3
For a single beam of length L (mm) uniformly loaded and freely supported at both ends or freely supported
at one end and fixed at the other,
where W = load, N/mm
L = span, mm
For a circular section of external diameter D or for a rectangular section of depth D,
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where I = moment of inertia, mm
D = diameter, mm
Then the maximum stress
The maximum permissible stress is dependent on the conductor material, temper, etc., but must not exceed
the material proof stress or permanent deformation will occur. For a conductor manufactured from hard
drawn copper the value is approximately 245 N/mm2.
For a beam which is horizontally fixed at both ends the bending moment at the centre is reduced to one third
and that at its ends to two-thirds of those for a simple supported beam.
Thermal Expansion
If the changes in length that occur in a conductor as it expands and contracts with temperature variations are
not allowed for, undue forces will be set up in the conductor support system or in the equipment to which the
busbar is connected.
The coefficient of linear expansion for copper may be taken as 17 x 10–6 /°C (for temperatures from ambient
up to 200°C) compared with 23 x 10–6 /°C for aluminium. The lower value for copper is of great importance
when allowing for thermal expansion under both normal and transitory conditions, as up to 25% less
expansion need be accommodated for a particular length of busbar. If a length of copper bar were to be
kept from expanding or contracting, a force of nearly 2 N per mm2 of cross-sectional area would be
developed for a temperature change of 1°C.
In most cases the supports expand far less due to much smaller temperature changes and lower thermal
expansion coefficients. It is therefore normal practice to allow for the full expansion using flexible conductor
connections at suitable points.
Types of expansion joints
In the case of short bars it is usually not necessary to make any special provision to accommodate
expansion. There will normally be one or two reasonably flexible bends capable of relieving any undue
stresses which may be set up.
Figure 17 Types of expansion joints in copper conductors
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To relieve intermediate supports of stress, clamps which allow the conductor to move freely in the
longitudinal direction should be provided. These clamps must be designed and arranged with care to avoid
the danger of stresses building up at any point at which the bar may become wedged or prevented from
moving freely.
In the case of long straight runs it is advisable that expansion joints should be introduced. The joints may use
laminated thin copper strips or leaves and have the same total current rating as the busbar itself.
As an alternative to laminated flexible joints, copper braid may be used. This type of joint is usually more
expensive to manufacture but has the advantage that it can accommodate expansion in more than one
direction (in most cases three directions) and also tends to eliminate vibration forces being passed from one
piece of equipment to another. It is important that the ferrule into which the copper braid is clamped is of
sufficient thickness to ensure consistent high conductivity after manufacture and during its service life. Where
high resistances develop in the joint after manufacture, overheating and ultimately braid failure due to
oxidation of the braid material may result.
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9. Busbar Impedance file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
9. Busbar Impedance
VoltDrop
Inductance Formulae
Capacitance Formulae
Geometric Mean Distance Formulae
The busbar reactance is not normally sufficiently large to affect the total reactance of a power system and
hence is not included in the calculations when establishing the short-circuit currents and reactive volt drops
within a power system. The exception to this is when considering certain heavy current industrial applications
such as furnaces, welding sets, or roll heating equipment for steel mills. In these cases the reactance may
be required to be known for control purposes, or to obtain busbar arrangements to give minimum or
balanced reactance. This may be important because of its effect on both volt drop and power factor, and
hence on the generating plant kVA requirement per kW of load, or on the tariffs payable where the power is
purchased from outside.
The busbar impedance is made up of three components: resistance, inductance and capacitance. The values
of these components are given an ohmic value which in the case of inductance and capacitance is dependent
on the frequency of the system. They are defined as follows:
Resistance:
where Rf = resistance at frequency f (Hz), W
Ro = d.c. resistance
K = proximity ratio
Inductance:
where XL = inductive reactance, W
f = frequency, Hz
L = inductance, H
Capacitance:
where Xc = capacitive reactance, W
f = frequency, Hz
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C = capacitance, F
Impedance:
where X = XL - XC
The value of XC is usually very much smaller than XL, and XL is usually much larger than Rf. The value of X is
taken to be positive with the sign of XL - XC to indicate whether the system has a positive or negative power
factor.
Volt Drop
The volt drop in a busbar system is estimated as follows from the usual formula:
VB = I ZB
where VB = volt drop, V
I = current flowing in the conductor, A
ZB = busbar impedance, W
However, to find the magnitude of the load voltage VL available, the busbar volt drop VB must be subtracted
vectorially from the supply voltage VS:
VS = supply voltage, V qL = angle of load, °
VB = busbar volt drop, V fB = angle of busbar, °
VL = load voltage, V RB = busbar resistance, W
I = current, A XB = busbar reactance, W
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The apparent volt drop in the busbar trunking, phase to neutral, is given by:
Multiply by Ö3 for phase to phase volt drop.
The above formula gives a very close approximation as long as the busbar system volt drop remains small in
comparison to the system voltage.
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sec91 file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Inductance Formulae
The development of inductance formulae is mathematically complex and is the subject of many electrical
engineering papers and books. To enable many of the normal busbar configuration inductances to be
calculated for self and mutual inductances, the following formulae have been included.
It should be noted that self inductance LS is the inductance due to a single conductor, assuming that it is
effectively outside the flux range of all other conductors. Mutual inductance M is the inductance resulting
from the flux from other conductors.
Rectangular strip
Circular section bars
Rectangular strip
Single Conductor
where
Ls = self inductance, mH
Ds = 0.2235 (a + b)
= g.m.d. (geometric mean distance from itself), cm
l = length of busbar, cm
Two Parallel Conductors
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where
M = Mutual inductance, mH
Dm = g.m.d between bars
Obtain Dm from figure 18 or formulae at end of this Section)
l = length of busbar, cm
Go-and-Return Conductors
The inductance L per conductor includes both self and mutual components and therefore becomes equal to
LS - M, i.e.,
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where the conductor spacing is small compared with the conductor length, or
where b is small compared with d.
Circular section bars
Single Conductor
Two Parallel Conductors
Go-and-return conductors
As before,
L = Ls - M
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if the conductor spacing is small in comparison with its length and in comparison with d.
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Capacitance Formulae
The capacitance of an a.c. system can be of great importance when designing the protection equipment for
the busbars and associated electrical plant. Capacitances for several configurations of busbars are as
follows, where
permittivity E = E0Er
where
Er = relative permittivity of the material.
Isolated twin line
Line above a conducting earth
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Twin line above a conducting earth
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Isolated three-phase line with transposition
Concentric cylinders
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4 of 4 29/12/2009 12:45 ‫م‬

Geometric Mean Distance Formulae
Rectangular Bars
Ref. Dwight 'Electrical Coils and Conduits' 1946, p. 143
Three Phase conductors
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Ref. Dwight ' Geometric Mean Distance for Rectangular Conductors' 1946
Figure 18 - Geometric Mean Distance - two rectangular bars (Apologies for quality of diagrams. Please contact CDA UK if you need
better quality)
a) Short edges facing
b) Long edges facing
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sec93a file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Figure 18 - Geometric Mean Distance - two rectangular bars (Apologies for quality of diagrams. Please contact CDA UK if you need readable versions)
a) Short edges facing
Back
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sec93c file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Figure 18 - Geometric Mean Distance - two rectangular bars
(b) Long edges facing
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sec93c file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Back
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10. Appendices file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
10. Appendices
Summary of Methods of Busbar Rating
Tables of Properties of HC Copper Conductors
Table 12. Current ratings, moments of inertia and

section moduli - strips and bars
Table 13. a.c. current ratings of laminated bars

section moduli - tubes

section moduli - sections
Table 16. Moments of inertia, section moduli and

current ratings - rods
Table 17. Comparison of flat bar d.c. current

ratings for different ambient and working
temperatures
Summary of Methods of Busbar Rating
The following examples summarise the rating methods detailed in section 3 and section 4 for typical cases.
Unless otherwise stated, a temperature rise of 50°C above an ambient of 40°C and a frequency of 50 Hz
have been assumed. The ratings may be increased by blackening the busbar surfaces. (see Radiation)
Case I d.c., single rectangular-section bar on edge in still air
Case II d.c., single circular-section bar (solid or hollow) in still

air
Case III d.c., laminated bars in still air
Case IV a.c., single rectangular-section bar in still air
Case V a.c., single circular section bar, in still air
Case VI a.c., laminated bars, in still air
Case VII Enclosed busbars
Case VIII Economical use of busbar configurations
Case I d.c., single rectangular-section bar on edge in still air
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Apply formula 4 or read direct from Table 12, for standard sizes.
Example:
Copper bar l00 mm x 6.3 mm (A = 630 mm2, p= 212.6 mm)
I = 7.73 (630)0.5 (212.6)0.39 = 1570 A
(or read direct from Table 12).
Case II d.c., single circular-section bar (solid or hollow) in still air
Apply formula 6 or read direct from Table 16 for standard sizes.
Example:
50 mm diameter copper rod
I = 8.63 (1964)0.5 (157)0.36 = 2360 A
(or read direct from Table 16).
Case III d.c., laminated bars in still air
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a) Apply formula 4, or read direct from Table 12 for one bar.
b) Multiply by appropriate factor from section 3
Example:
4 copper bars 100 mm x 6.3 mm with 6.3 mm spacing.
I = 1570 A per bar.
Multiplying factor for 4 bars = 3.20.
Hence I = 3.2 x 1570 = 5020 A
Case IV a.c., single rectangular-section bar in still air
Divide d.c. rating by appropriate value of
as obtained from Figure 7
Example:
Copper bar 100 mm x 6.3 mm (a/b = 100/6.3 = 16)
d.c. rating = 1579 A (Case I).
Rf/Ro = 1.12 from Figure 7
Ö1.12= 1.058
Hence I = 1570/1.058 = 1480 A
Case V a.c., single circular section bar, in still air
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a) Divide d.c. rating by appropriate value of
as obtained from Figure 4 (solid rods or tubes).
Example:
50 mm diameter copper rod.
d.c. rating = 2360 A (Case II)
Hence Rf/Ro = 1.61, from Figure 4
Hence
Case VI a.c., laminated bars, in still air
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a) Determine rating of one bar as for Case IV.
b) Multiply by appropriate factor, Table 8
Example:
4 copper bars 100 mm x 6.3 mm with 6.3 mm spacing.
d.c. rating per bar = 1570 A (as Case I)
a.c. rating per bar = 1480 A (as Case IV).
Multiplying factor for 4 bars = 2.3
Hence I = 2.3 x 1480 = 3404A
Case VII Enclosed busbars
a) Multiply still air rating by appropriate constant (see Enclosed copper

conductors) i.e.. by 0.6 to 0.65 for conductor configurations largely dependent on
air circulation (e.g., modified hollow square arrangement, Figure 9c), or by 0.7
for tubular conductors or closely grouped flat laminations.
b) Multiply by further 0.85 if enclosure of thick magnetic material.
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Example:
4 copper bars 100 mm x 6.3 mm arranged as in Figure 9c, to carry a.c.
d.c. rating, single bar = 1570 A (as in Case I).
a.c. rating, single bar = 1480 A (as in Case IV).
Multiplying factor for 4 laminations (Table 8) = 2.3
Multiplying factor for configuration of Figure 9c, (see Figure 11) = 1.28
Hence still air rating for this configuration = 1480 x 2.3 x 1.28 = 4360 A
Multiplying factor for non-magnetic enclosure (Enclosed copper conductors) = 0.60
Hence enclosed rating = 4360 x 0.6 = 2610 A
Multiplying factor for magnetic enclosure = 0.85
Hence rating in magnetic enclosure =2610 x0.85 = 2220 A
Case VIII Economical use of busbar configurations
Example:
Two channels, each 100 mm high x 45 mm flange width x 8.6 mm thick (A = 1430 mm2 per channel). a.c. 60
Hz, 30°C rise on 40°C ambient in still air. From Table 15, rating based on 50°C rise on 40°C ambient. =
5550 A
Use re-rating formula (equation 8) to obtain rating for 70°C working temperature and 40°C ambient.
Hence rating under conditions specified = 5550 x 0.756 = 4195 A
Equivalent 4-bar laminated configuration for same cross-sectional area = 118 mm x 6.3 mm per bar (A =
743 mm2, p = 249 mm).
Hence d.c., rating per bar for 50°C rise on 40°C ambient. = 1300 A (from equation 4, and application of
appropriate conversion constant as above).
a/b = 118/6.3 = 18.7 (see Figure 7)
= 1.08 (from Figure 7 for 60 Hz).
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Hence a.c. rating per bar = 1300/1.08 = 1190 A
Multiplying factor for 4 laminations = 2.3 (Table 8)
Hence a.c. rating for 4 laminations = 1190 x 2.3 = 2760 A
Thus the double channel arrangement is able to carry more current than laminated bars, in the ratio 1.52:1
for this cross-sectional area. This corresponds to the factor given in Figure 11. For larger cross-sectional
areas this factor would be still greater, for smaller sections the increase would be rather less than this, the
exact value depends on the ratio of web to flange lengths of the channel used, and on the thickness of web
and channel; a rather wide spacing between "go" and "return" conductors is also assumed in Table 15, in
order to approximate to the "equi-inductance line" condition (see Condition for minimum loss).
7 of 7 29/12/2009 12:46 ‫م‬

10.1 Tables of Properties of HC Copper Conductors file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Tables of Properties of HC Copper Conductors
Table 12. Current ratings, moments of inertia and section moduli - strips and bars
Approx. d.c. Approx. a.c. Moment of inertia, I Modulus of Section, Z

rating (1) (2) rating
Busbar X-Sectional Weight Approx Still Free Still Free Edgewise Flat Edgewise Flat Busbar size
Size mm area mm2 kg/m d.c.resistance air air air A air A mm4 mm4 mm3 mm3 mm
20°C mW/m (3)A (3)A
10 x 1.60 16.0 0.143 1077 105 115 105 115 133.3 3.413 26.66 4.266 10 x 1.60
12.5 x 1.60 20.0 0.179 862 125 135 125 135 260.4 4.266 41.66 5.333 12.5 x 1.60
16 x 1.60 25.6 0.229 673 155 170 155 170 546.1 5.461 68.26 6.826 16 x 1.60
20 x 1.60 32.0 0.286 538 185 205 185 205 1066 6.826 106.6 8.533 20 x 1.60
25 x 1.60 40.0 0.357 431 225 250 225 250 2083 8.533 166.6 10.67 25 x 1.60
30 x 1.60 48.0 0.429 359 265 290 265 290 3600 10.24 240.0 12.80 30 x 1.60
10 x 2.00 20.0 0.179 862 115 130 115 130 166.6 6.666 33.32 6.666 10 x 2.00
12.5 x 2.00 25.0 0.223 689 140 155 140 155 325.5 8.333 52.08 8.333 12.5 x 2.00
16 x 2.00 32.0 0.286 538 175 190 175 190 682.6 10.66 85.33 10.66 16 x 2.00
20 x 2.00 40.0 0.357 431 210 230 210 230 1333 13.33 133.3 13.33 20 x 2.00
25 x 2.00 50.0 0.446 344 255 280 255 280 2604 16.66 208.3 16.66 25 x 2.00
30 x 2.00 60.0 0.536 287 295 330 295 330 4500 20.00 300 20.00 30 x 2.00
40 x 2.00 80.0 0.714 215 380 420 380 420 10660 26.66 533 26.66 40 x 2.00
10 x 2.50 25.0 0.223 689 130 145 130 145 208.3 13.02 41.66 10.42 10 x 2.50
12.5 x 2.50 31.25 0.279 557 160 175 160 175 406.9 16.27 65.60 13.02 12.5 x 2.50
16 x 2.50 40.0 0.357 431 195 215 195 215 853.3 20.83 106.70 16.66 16 x 2.50
20 x 2.50 50.0 0.446 344 235 260 235 260 1666 26.04 166.6 20.83 20 x 2.50
25 x 2.50 62.5 0.558 275 285 315 285 315 3255 32.55 260.4 26.04 25 x 2.50
30 x 2.50 75.0 0.670 229 330 370 330 370 5625 39.06 375.0 31.25 30 x 2.50
40 x 2.50 100 0.893 172 425 475 425 475 13330 52.08 666.5 41.66 40 x 2.50
50 x 2.50 125 1.115 137 520 575 520 575 26040 65.10 1041 52.08 50 x 2.50
60 x 2.50 150 1.339 114 605 675 605 675 45000 78.13 1500 62.50 60 x 2.50
10 x 2.75 31.5 0.281 547 150 170 150 170 262.5 26.05 52.5 16.54 10 x 2.75
12.5 x 2.75 39.4 0.352 437 180 200 180 200 512.7 32.56 82.03 20.67 12.5 x 2.75
16 x 2.75 50.4 0.450 342 220 245 220 245 1075 41.67 134.4 26.46 16 x 2.75
20 x 3.0 60.0 0.536 287 260 290 260 290 2000 45.00 200.0 30.00 20 x 3.0
25 x 3.0 75 0.670 229 315 350 314 350 3906 56.25 312.4 37.5 25 x 3.0
30 x 3.0 90 0.803 191 365 405 365 405 6750 67.50 450.0 45.0 30 x 3.0
40 x 3.0 120 1.071 143 470 520 470 520 16000 90.00 800.0 60.0 40 x 3.0
50 x 3.0 150 1.339 114 570 635 570 635 31250 112.50 1250 75.0 50 x 3.0
60 x 3.0 180 1.607 95.7 665 740 665 740 54000 135.00 1800 90.0 60 x 3.0
80 x 3.0 240 2.142 71.8 860 955 860 955 128 x 103 180.00 3200 120.0 80 x 3.0
10 x 4.0 40 0.357 431 175 195 175 195 333.3 53.33 66.66 26.67 10 x 4.0
12.5 x 4.0 50 0.446 344 210 230 210 230 651.0 66.67 104.2 33.34 12.5 x 4.0
16 x 4.0 64 0.571 269 255 285 255 285 1365 85.33 170.6 42.67 16 x 4.0
20 x 4.0 80 0.714 215 305 340 305 340 2666 106.7 266.6 53.35 20 x 4.0
25 x 4.0 100 0.893 172 365 410 365 410 5208 133.3 416.6 66.65 25 x 4.0
30 x 4.0 120 1.071 143 430 475 430 475 8999 1600 599.6 80.00 30 x 4.0
1 of 2 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

10.1 Tables of Properties of HC Copper Conductors file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
40 x 4.0 160 1.428 107 545 610 540 605 21330 213.3 1066.5 106.7 40 x 4.0
50 x 4.0 200 1.785 86.2 665 740 660 735 41660 266.7 1666 133.4 50 x 4.0
60 x 4.0 240 2.142 71.8 775 860 770 855 72000 320.0 2400 160.0 60 x 4.0
80 x 4.0 320 2.856 53.8 995 1120 980 1105 170 x 10E3 426.7 4268 213.4 80 x 4.0
100 x 4.0 400 3.571 43.1 1210 1365 1185 1340 333 x 10E3 533.3 6666 266.7 100 x 4.0
10 x 5.0 50 0.446 344 200 225 200 225 416.7 104.2 83.34 41.68 10 x 5.0
12.5 x 5.0 62.5 0.558 275 240 265 240 265 813.4 130.2 130.1 52.08 12.5 x 5.0
16 x 5.0 80 0.714 215 290 325 290 325 1707 166.7 213.4 66.68 16 x 5.0
20 x 5.0 100 0.893 172 345 385 345 385 3333 208 333.3 83.20 20 x 5.0
25 x 5.0 125 1.116 137 415 465 415 465 6560 260.4 520.8 104.2 25 x 5.0
2 of 2 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

10.2 Table 13. a.c. current ratings of laminated bars file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Table 13. a.c. current ratings of laminated bars
Number and size Total Section Current for stated temperature rise above 20°C ambient
of bars
mm mm2 20°C 30°C 40°C 50°C
2 - 20 x 5 200 430 540 640 720
2 - 25 x 5 250 500 640 750 855
2 - 30 x 5 300 590 750 880 1000
3 - 30 x 5 450 800 1020 1200 1360
4 - 30 x 5 600 1030 1300 1530 1740
2 - 40 x 5 400 750 950 1120 1270
3 - 40 x 5 600 1030 1300 1530 1740
4 - 40 x 5 800 1260 1600 1890 2140
2 - 50 x 5 500 880 1120 1320 1500
3 - 50 x 5 750 1200 1520 1790 2030
4 - 50 x 5 1000 1500 1900 2240 2540
2 - 60 x 5 600 1030 1300 1530 1740
3 - 60 x 5 900 1380 1750 2060 2340
4 - 60 x 5 1200 1700 2150 2540 2880
2 - 80 x 5 800 1260 1600 1890 2140
3 - 80 x 5 1200 1700 2150 2540 2880
4 - 80 x 5 1600 2080 2630 3100 3520
2 - 100 x 5 1000 1460 1850 2180 2470
3 - 100 x 5 1500 1990 2520 2970 3370
4 - 100 x 5 2000 2420 3060 3610 4090
4 - 50 x 10 2000 2330 2950 3480 3950
4 - 60 x 10 2400 2580 3260 3850 4360
4 - 80 x 10 3200 2970 3760 4440 5030
3 - 100 x 10 3000 2880 3650 4300 4880
4 - 100 x 10 4000 3240 4100 4840 5480
Notes:
All values are bars arranged on edge and spacing equal to the bar thickness. All bars in free air and painted
black.
1 of 2 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

10.2 Table 13. a.c. current ratings of laminated bars file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Values for 30°C rise based on test results, values for 20, 40 and 50°C rise based on 30°C rise values and
assume temperature rise proportional to 1.75 power of I.
Courtesy of Ottermill Switchgear Ltd.
2 of 2 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

10.3 Table 14. Current ratings, moments of inertia and section modu... file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Table 14. Current ratings, moments of inertia and section moduli - tubes
a. Metric sizes
Outsidediameter WallThick-ness Crosssectionalarea Approxweight Moment Modulusof Approxresistanceper Approx.

ofinertia section m 20°C d.c.currentrating
ofsection (1)A
mm mm mm2 kg/m mm4 mm3 mW Indoor Outdoor
12 1.0 34.56 0.307 527.0 87.83 502 185 250
12 1.5 49.48 0.440 695.8 116.0 351 220 300
12 2.0 62.83 0.559 816.8 136.1 276 250 340
15 1.0 43.98 0.391 1083 144.4 394 225 300
15 1.5 63.62 0.566 1467 195.6 273 275 360
15 2.0 81.68 0.726 1766 235.5 212 310 400
18 1.0 53.40 0.475 1936 215.1 325 265 350
18 1.5 77.75 0.691 2668 296.4 223 320 420
18 2.0 100.5 0.894 3267 363.0 172 365 480
18 2.5 121.7 1.08 3751 416.8 143 405 530
22 1.0 65.98 0.587 3645 331.4 263 320 410
22 1.5 96.61 0.859 5102 463.8 179 385 500
22 2.0 125.7 1.12 6346 576.9 138 440 570
22 2.5 154.1 1.37 7399 672.7 112 490 630
22 3.0 179.1 1.59 8282 752.9 97.0 525 680
28 1.5 124.9 1.11 11000 785.5 139 480 620
28 2.0 163.4 1.45 13890 991.8 106.3 550 700
28 2.5 200.3 1.78 16440 1157 86.7 605 780
28 3.0 235.6 2.10 18670 1334 73.7 660 850
35 1.5 157.9 1.40 22190 1268 110 585 750
35 2.0 207.4 1.84 28330 1619 83.7 670 850
35 2.5 255.3 2.27 33900 1937 68.0 740 950
35 3.0 301.6 2.68 38940 2225 57.5 805 1030
54 1.5 247.4 2.20 85300 3160 70.2 855 1090
54 2.0 326.7 2.91 110600 4096 53.1 980 1250
54 2.5 404.5 3.60 134400 4978 42.9 1090 1390
54 3.0 480.7 4.27 156800 5808 36.1 1190 1520
76.1 2.0 465.6 4.14 319800 8404 37.3 1330 1690
76.1 2.5 578.1 5.14 392000 10300 30.0 1480 1880
76.1 3.0 689.0 6.13 461000 12110 25.2 1610 2050
76.1 3.5 798.3 7.10 527200 13850 21.7 1740 2210
108 2.5 828.6 7.37 1.153x106 21360 20.9 2010 2550
108 3.0 989.6 8.80 1.365x106 25280 17.5 2190 2790
1 of 3 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

108 3.5 1149 10.2 1.570x106 29080 15.1 2360 3010
133 3.0 1225 10.9 2.590x106 38940 14.1 2630 3350
133 3.5 1424 12.7 2.987x106 44920 12.1 2830 3610
159 3.0 1470 13.1 4.474x106 56280 11.8 3070 2910
159 3.5 1710 15.2 5.171x106 65040 10.1 3310 4420
b. Sizes based on Imperial dimensions
OutsideDiameter WallThick-ness Approx.sectionalarea Approxweight Momentof Modulusof Approx.resistanceper Approx. d.c.

inertiax sectionx m 20°C currentrating (1)A
103 103
mm mm mm2 kg/m mm4 mm3 mW Indoor Outdoor
12.5 1.22 43.9 0.387 0.738 0.115 400.2 205 285
12.5 2.65 83.9 0.744 1.14 0.178 210.0 285 390
19 1.22 68.4 0.610 2.75 0.286 257.0 300 400
19 2.65 136 0.218 4.74 0.494 129.0 420 560
19 5.1 223 1.984 6.20 0.646 78.73 540 715
25 1.22 92.9 0.819 6.84 0.534 189.2 390 505
25 1.63 118 1.063 8.69 0.679 148.7 440 570
25 2.04 149 1.325 10.3 0.808 118.1 490 640
25 2.65 189 1.684 12.5 0.976 92.95 555 720
25 4.07 272 2.431 16.2 1.26 64.52 665 865
25 6.36 380 3.38 19.3 1.51 45.93 785 1020
32 1.63 154 1.378 17.6 1.10 114.8 540 695
32 3.26 291 2.59 30.2 1.89 60.14 745 955
32 6.36 506 4.51 43.8 2.74 35.00 985 1260
38 1.63 186 1.65 31.3 1.63 94.37 635 838
38 3.26 356 3.178 54.9 2.86 49.43 880 1138
38 7.64 730 6.498 90.7 4.73 24.06 1260 1620
44 1.63 219 1.955 50.6 2.26 80.48 730 935
44 3.26 421 3.74 90.6 4.04 41.77 1020 1300
44 7.64 882 7.84 157 7.01 19.90 1470 1880
50 1.63 250 2.227 76.6 2.99 70.42 820 1050
50 2.04 312 2.775 93.4 3.65 56.42 915 1170
50 4.07 597 5.30 165 6.46 29.52 1270 1620
50 4.87 702 6.25 189 7.39 25.04 1380 1760
50 6.41 892 7.93 227 8.85 19.68 1560 1980
50 10.2 1300 11.5 287 11.2 13.56 1870 2390
64 2.04 392 3.48 187 5.85 44.83 1110 1420
64 4.07 759 6.89 339 10.6 23.18 1550 1980
64 10.2 1700 15.1 632 19.8 10.33 2310 2960
2 of 3 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

75 1.63 380 3.40 267 6.95 46.26 1170 1500
75 2.04 472 4.21 328 8.55 37.29 1300 1670
75 2.65 610 5.43 417 10.9 28.87 1490 1900
75 4.07 912 8.13 606 15.8 19.25 1830 2320
75 4.89 1090 9.69 704 18.3 16.18 2000 2530
75 5.40 1200 10.78 761 19.8 14.65 2080 2660
75 10.2 2110 18.7 1190 30.9 8.311 2760 3530
89 2.65 716 6.37 672 15.0 24.60
3 of 3 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

Table 15. Current ratings, moments of inertia and section moduli - sections
SINGLE CHANNEL TWO CHANNELS
Heighthmm Width Thicknesstmm AreaAmm Approx.weight Moment Modulus Approx.d.c.resistanceat20°C Approx

offlange *kg/m of of a.c.
fmm inertiax sectionx rating(A)
105 105 mm3
mm4
x-x y-y x-x y-y mW/m Test Calculated

1 2
76.2 33.3 4.91 542 4.82 5.06 0.543 0.133 0.0226 31.8 2200 3000
76.2 33.3 5.49 690 6.15 6.30 0.673 0.165 0.0286 24.9 2500 3400
76.2 33.3 7.21 884 7.86 7.78 0.822 0.204 0.0358 19.5 2800 3800
102 44.5 5.08 890 7.92 14.5 1.60 0.286 0.0497 19.4 3200 4400
102 44.5 6.10 1050 9.35 16.9 1.86 0.333 0.0583 16.4 3500 4800
102 44.5 8.59 1430 12.7 22.3 2.42 0.439 0.0780 12.0 4000 5550
127 55.6 6.60 1450 12.9 36.4 4.05 0.573 0.102 11.9 4500 6150
127 55.6 8.61 1850 16.4 45.4 5.02 0.796 0.127 9.35 5000 6850
152 68.3 7.01 1850 16.8 68.9 7.30 0.901 0.147 9.15 5600 7700
152 68.3 9.75 2550 22.7 90.9 10.7 1.19 0.220 6.76 6300 8600
152 68.3 12.5 3180 28.3 111 12.9 1.45 0.270 5.41 6700 9200
178 81.0 8.26 2610 23.2 129 15.9 1.46 0.272 6.59 7000 9650
178 81.0 13.2 4010 35.7 191 23.7 2.18 0.417 4.29 7900 10850
203 81.0 11.9 4280 38.0 272 34.3 2.68 0.513 4.04 8900 12300
228 105 12.7 5140 45.7 413 51.7 3.61 0.688 3.35 10000 13750
89.9 63.5 x 4.76 542 4.81 3.62 0.957 0.0806 0.0533 31.8 2750 3000
63.5
108 76.2 x 4.76 671 5.95 6.41 1.71 0.119 0.0583 35.7 3300 3600
76.2
108 76.2 x 6.35 910 8.08 8.08 1.92 0.150 0.0637 18.9 3650 4100
76.2
126 88.9 x 6.35 1070 9.52 13.3 3.33 0.211 0.0957 16.1 4200 4500
88.9
144 102 x 6.35 1230 10.9 17.5 5.00 0.243 0.128 14.1 4800 5200
102
162 114 x 6.35 1390 12.3 29.1 7.33 0.359 0.167 12.4 5400 5850
114
162 114 x 7.94 1650 14.7 35.5 9.20 0.439 0.208 10.4 6000 6550
114
180 127 x 7.94 1850 16.4 49.2 12.4 0.549 0.251 9.32 6750 7400
127
216 152 x 7.94 2260 20.1 86.5 21.6 0.803 0.370 7.61 8000 8700
152
1 of 2 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

* Weights based on 8.89 g/cm3
1. 30°C rise on 40°C ambient
2. 50°C rise on 40°C ambientFor approximate values for ambients below or above 40°C decrease or increase rating by 0.25% per °C.
Increase ratings by 20% if painted matt black.
2 of 2 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

10.5 Table 16. Moments of inertia, section moduli and current rating... file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Table 16. Moments of inertia, section moduli and current ratings - rods
Diameter Sectional Weight Moment of Section modulus Approx Approx. d.c. Approx. a.c.
area inertia x 103 resistance per m current capacity (1) current rating (1)
x 103 at 20°C
mm mm2 g/m mm4 mm3 mW A A
6 28.27 251.9 0.0636 0.0212 609.7 130 130
8 50.27 447.9 0.2011 0.0503 343.0 195 195
10 78.54 699.8 0.4909 0.0982 219.5 265 265
12 113.1 1008 1.018 0.1696 152.4 340 340
15 176.7 1575 2.485 0.3313 97.56 460 460
18 254.5 2267 5.153 0.5726 67.75 590 590
22 380.1 3387 11.50 1.045 45.35 770 770
25 490.9 4374 19.17 1.534 35.12 920 910
28 615.8 5486 30.17 2.155 28.00 1070 1020
35 962.1 8572 73.66 4.209 17.92 1455 1275
42 1385 12344 152.7 7.274 12.44 1860 1550
50 1963 17495 306.8 12.27 8.780 2360 1850
56 2463 21945 482.8 17.24 7.000 2755 2040
63 3117 27775 773.3 24.55 5.531 3230 2270
68 3632 32358 1050 30.87 4.747 3585 2410
75 4418 39363 1553 41.42 3.902 4095 2630
1
50°C temperature rise and 40°C ambient
1 of 1 29/12/2009 12:47 ‫م‬

10.6 Table 17. Comparison of flat bar d.c. current ratings for differe... file:///C:/CATALOGS/IEC%20STANDARDS/Pub%2022%20Cop...
Table 17. Comparison of flat bar d.c. current ratings for different ambient and working temperatures
a. Ambient temp = 30°C
Calculated from formula 1, section 3
Temp. coeff. of resistance, a, at 30°C = 3.781 x 10–3
Temp. coeff. of resistivity, b, at 30°C = 3.794 x 10–3
Resistivity, r, at 30°C = 1.772mW.cm
Size Temp rise (°C)
mm 10 20 30 40 50 60
12.5 x 2.5 65 95 120 145 160 175
16 x 2.5 80 120 150 175 200 215
20 x 2.5 95 145 180 210 240 260
25 x 2.5 115 175 220 255 290 315
31.5 x 2.5 140 210 265 310 350 385
40 x 2.5 175 260 325 385 430 475
50 x 2.5 210 315 395 465 525 575
63 x 2.5 255 385 485 570 640 705
16 x 4 105 155 195 230 260 285
20 x 4 125 185 235 275 310 340
25 x 4 150 225 280 330 370 410
31.5 x 4 180 270 340 400 450 500
40 x 4 220 335 420 490 555 610
50 x 4 270 405 510 595 670 740
63 x 4 330 495 620 725 820 900
80 x 4 405 605 765 895 1010 1110
100 x 4 490 735 925 1085 1225 1350
25 x 6.3 195 290 365 425 480 530
31.5 x 6.3 235 350 440 515 580 640
40 x 6.3 285 425 535 630 710 780
50 x 6.3 345 515 650 760 855 940
63 x 6.3 420 625 790 925 1040 1145
80 x 6.3 515 770 970 1135 1280 1405
100 x 6.3 620 930 1175 1375 1550 1705
1 of 5 29/12/2009 12:48 ‫م‬

125 x 63 755 1130 1425 1670 1885 2070
160 x 6.3 935 1405 1770 2070 2335 2570
50 x 10 445 665 835 980 1105 1215
63 x 10 535 805 1015 1190 1340 1475
80 x 10 655 985 1240 1455 1640 1800
100 x 10 795 1190 1500 1755 1980 2180
125 x 10 960 1440 1815 2125 2400 2640
160 x 10 1190 1785 2245 2635 2970 3265
200 x 10 1445 2165 2725 3195 3605 3965
250 x 10 1755 2635 3315 3885 4380 4820
100 x 16 1025 1535 1935 2270 2555 2815
125 x 16 1235 1855 2335 2735 3085 3395
160 x 16 1525 2290 2880 3375 3805 4185
200 x 16 1850 2770 3490 4090 4610 5070
250 x 16 2240 3360 4230 4955 5590 6150
315 x 16 2740 4105 5170 6060 6830 7515
b. Ambient temp = 40°C
Calculated from formula 1, Section 3
Resistivity, r, at 40°C = 1.833 mW.cm
mm 10 20 30 40 50 60
12.5 x 2.5 65 95 120 140 160 175
16 x 2.5 80 115 145 175 195 215
20 x 2.5 95 140 180 210 235 260
25 x 2.5 115 170 215 250 285 315
31.5 x 2.5 140 210 260 305 345 380
40 x 2.5 170 255 320 380 425 470
50 x 2.5 205 310 390 460 515 570
63 x 2.5 255 380 480 560 635 695
16 x 4 100 155 190 225 255 280
2 of 5 29/12/2009 12:48 ‫م‬

20 x 4 120 185 230 270 305 335
25 x 4 145 220 280 325 365 405
31.5 x 4 180 270 335 395 445 490
40 x 4 220 330 415 485 545 600
50 x 4 265 395 500 585 660 730
63 x 4 325 485 610 715 810 890
80 x 4 400 595 750 880 995 1095
100 x 4 485 725 915 1070 1210 1330
25 x 6.3 190 285 360 420 475 525
31.5 x 6.3 230 345 435 510 575 630
40 x 6.3 280 420 530 620 700 770
50 x 6.3 340 505 640 750 845 930
63 x 6.3 410 615 775 910 1030 1130
80 x 6.3 505 755 955 1122 1260 1390
100 x 6.3 610 920 1155 1355 1530 1685
125 x 6.3 745 1115 1405 1645 1855 2045
160 x 6.3 920 1385 1740 2040 2305 2535
50 x 10 435 655 825 965 1090 1200
63 x 10 530 795 1000 1170 1320 1455
80 x 10 645 970 1220 1430 1615 1780
100 x 10 780 1170 1475 1730 1955 2150
125 x 10 945 1420 1790 2095 2365 2605
160 x 10 1170 1755 2215 2595 2930 3225
200 x 10 1420 2135 2685 3150 3555 3915
250 x 10 1730 2595 3265 3830 4320 4755
100 x 16 1010 1515 1905 2235 2520 2775
125 x 16 1220 1825 2300 2700 3045 3350
160 x 16 1500 2255 2840 3330 3755 4130
200 x 16 1820 2730 3435 4030 4545 5005
250 x 16 2205 3310 4165 4885 5510 6070
315 x 16 2695 4045 5095 5975 6740 7415
c. Ambient temp = 50°C
Calculated from formula 1, Section 3
3 of 5 29/12/2009 12:48 ‫م‬

Resistivity, , at 50°C = 1.888 .cm
mm 10 20 30 40 50 60
12.5 x 2.5 65 95 120 140 155 175
16 x 2.5 75 115 145 170 195 210
20 x 2.5 95 140 175 205 230 255
25 x 2.5 110 170 210 250 280 310
31.5 x 2.5 135 205 260 305 340 375
40 x 2.5 170 250 320 375 420 465
50 x 2.5 205 305 385 455 510 565
63 x 2.5 250 375 470 555 625 690
16 x 4 100 150 190 220 250 275
20 x 4 120 180 230 265 300 330
25 x 4 145 215 275 320 365 400
31.5 x 4 175 265 335 390 440 485
40 x 4 215 325 410 480 540 595
50 x 4 260 390 495 580 655 720
63 x 4 320 480 605 705 800 880
80 x 4 390 590 740 870 980 1080
100 x 4 475 715 900 1060 1185 1315
25 x 6.3 185 280 355 415 470 515
31.5 x 6.3 225 340 430 500 565 625
40 x 6.3 275 415 520 610 690 760
50 x 6.3 335 500 630 740 835 920
63 x 6.3 405 610 765 900 1015 1120
80 x 6.3 500 745 940 1105 1245 1370
100 x 6.3 605 905 1140 1340 1510 1665
125 x 6.3 730 1100 1385 1625 1835 2020
160 x 6.3 910 1365 1720 2015 2275 2505
50 x 10 430 645 815 955 1075 1185
63 x 10 520 780 985 1155 1305 1435
80 x 10 635 955 1205 1415 1595 1755
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100 x 10 770 1155 1455 1710 1930 2125
125 x 10 935 1400 1765 2070 2335 2575
160 x 10 1155 1735 2185 2565 2890 3185
200 x 10 1400 2105 2650 3110 3510 3865
250 x 10 1705 2555 3220 3780 4265 4700
100 x 16 995 1495 1880 2210 2490 2745
125 x 16 1200 1800 2270 2665 3005 3310
160 x 16 1480 2220 2800 3285 3710 4085
200 x 16 1795 2690 3390 3980 4490 4945
250 x 16 2175 3265 4110 4825 5445 5995
315 x 16 2660 3990 5025 5900 6655 7330
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Pub-22 Copper For Busbars

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Home Electrical > Energy Efficiency > Busbars

Pub 22 - Copper for Busbars

Energy Efficiency > 1. Design Considerations

Power Quality > 2. Copper for Busbar Purposes

4. Alternating Current Effects in Busbars

5. Effect of Busbar Arrangements on Rating

7. Jointing of Copper Busbars

8. Mechanical Strength Requirements

Publication 22, June 1996

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Preface to 1984 Edition

Preface to 1996 Edition

BUSBAR DESIGN DATA DISC

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Choice of Busbar Material

a) Low electrical and thermal resistance

b) High mechanical strength in tension, compression and shear

c) High resistance to fatigue failure

d) Low electrical resistance of surface films

f) High resistance to corrosion

g) Competitive first cost and high eventual recovery value

a) Air insulated with open phase conductors

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b) Air insulated with segregating barriers between conductors of different

g) Totally enclosed busbars using compound or oil as the insulation medium.

Feature Generation Industrial Processes

1 Voltage drop Normally not important Important

7 Construction Up to 36 k V. Individually engineered using basic Usually low voltage. Individually

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14 Copper type High conductivity. High conductivity.

Choice of Busbar Material

Table 2 Typical relative properties of copper and aluminium

Copper(CW004A) Aluminium (1350) Units

Electrical conductivity 101 61 % IACS

Electrical resistivity 1.72 2.83 mW cm

Temperature coefficient of 0.0039 0.004 /° C

Thermal conductivity at 20°C 397 230 W/mK

Coefficient of expansion 17 x 10–6 23 x 10–6 /° C

Tensile strength (annealed) 200 – 250 50 – 60 N/mm2

Tensile strength (half–hard) 260 – 300 85 – 100 N/mm2

0.2% proof stress (annealed) 50 – 55 20 – 30 N/mm2

0.2% proof stress (half–hard) 170 – 200 60 – 65 N/mm2

Elastic modulus 116 – 130 70 kN/mm2

Specific heat 385 900 J/kg K

Density 8.91 2.70 g/cm3

Melting point 1083 660 °C

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Material Testing Temp. °C Min. Creep Rate % per Stress N/mm2

Al (1080) annealed 20 0.022 26 *

HC Cu annealed 150 0.022 26 *

Cu-0.086% Ag 50% c.w. 130 0.004 138

Cu-0.086% Ag 50% c.w. 225 0.029 96.

* Interpolated from fig.3

Material Fatigue strength N/mm2 No. of cycles x 106

HC Copper annealed 62 300

half-hard 115 300

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Table 4 Self-extinguishing arcs in copper and aluminium busbars

Minimum busbar spacing, mm 50 100