A busway is a distribution for electric power that consists of bus bars that are contained within a protective enclosure. Bus bars are a form of housing and insulating material that allows for the prevention of accidents caused by electricity. The bus bars, made of either aluminum or copper, act as the connection point for multiple circuits.
Busway have come into popularity due to the lower cost, the ease of installation and uninstallation and their applicability towards both low-rise and high-rise buildings. They are most commonly used by manufacturers due to their extreme versatility.
There are multiple brands and companies that are creating and selling their own busway systems, but one standout line is the Square D I-Line Busway that is manufactured by Schneider Electric. They have had thousands of older models and they are still seeking to create new models that improve upon previous versions, but the Square D Busway stand out as a favorite amongst those who use them.
Ease of Installation
According to a comprehensive catalog from Schneider Electric the #1 feature of the I-Line Busway is how easy it is to install and run. They quote self-conduced labor studies to show that savings in installation time for I-Line Busway versus other conduit installations can be as high as 75%.
This speed allows for a reduction in the total cost required for installation when compared to other busway distribution systems. This also takes into account the fact that less manpower and fewer labor hours are required. The catalog also cites speedy delivery of the components and units comprising the busway system, which saves an additional amount of time in delivery and shipping.
High Quality Standards
All of the I-Line Busway units are extensively tested and approved by the highest certification standards before they are shipped out. The units undergo a dielectric test issued by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) along with an additional ‘hi-pot’ test before they are certified by the following standards: ISO9001, EN29001, BS5750 Part 1, and ANSI/ASQCQ91. It is only after all of the mentioned criteria have been met that the units are shipped from the factory towards the customer.
Additionally, the units are coated with a polyester powder paint finish, which makes each unit durable against frequent and harsh use. Not only are the units aesthetically pleasing, they also remain functional for decades. The units are also constructed in a special way so that rain does not enter the unit, making them viable for indoor and outdoor use.
“Totally-Enclosed Housing” Design
Unlike other busway systems that are encapsulated in ventilating housing, the I-Line busway does not come with any ventilating holes, thereby reducing the amount of dirt that enters the system and preventing the bus bars from coming into contact with one another. In addition to this, the design allows the unit to operate at maximum capability regardless of its mounting position. Traditional units depend free air movement to keep the bus bars at an appropriate temperature, therefore their performance depends on their mounting position.
Maximum Flexibility
The I-Line Busway packs a lot of power into a compact, light-weight design. Its small size allows for the busway to be operated in locations where feeder circuits would normally be impossible. Its universal fittings designed for compatibility with plug-in busway straight lengths result in maximum flexibility in layout with needing to order expensive customized fittings.
Thanks to all of the features that have been mentioned above, the I-Line Busway allows for the distribution of low electrical power within industrial and commercial applications. This makes it one of the most efficient products on the market in terms of its use of electricity. With a worldwide preference amongst major brands from multiple sectors, there is a reason why the I-Line will remain a household name for busway products in the future.