Flexible Busbars: A Complete Guide to Applications, Design, Installation and Suppliers

Flexible busbars provide reliable power distribution while damping vibration in demanding environments. This article explores the advantages, construction, ratings, installation and suppliers of flexible busbar systems.

A busbar conducts current between components in electrical equipment. Busbars must withstand vibration in applications like vehicles, aircraft, and vessels.

Founded in 1992, GRL is one of the leading brands in China’s low-voltage electrical market. Over the years, GRL has accumulated extensive R&D and manufacturing experience in solar systems, convergence boxes, fuses, fuse switches, DC fuse switches, isolators and busbar systems. GRL has the ability to independently develop new products and provide OEM and ODM services to help clients gain a competitive advantage. Welcome to contact us.

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Advantages of Flexible Busbars

Flexible busbars offer key benefits compared to solid busbars:

  • Vibration damping – Absorb vibration and shock through flexing.
  • Reduced stress – Flexibility prevents mechanical stress on joints.
  • Extended service life – Withstand millions of vibration cycles.
  • Lightweight – Up to 60% weight savings compared to solid copper busbars.
  • Design freedom – Route smoothly around bends and obstacles.
  • Easy installation – No need to break for articulation joints.

Their resilience makes flexible busbars ideal for dynamic environments.

Applications and Use Cases

Typical applications for flexible busbars:

  • Electric Vehicles – Battery to inverter/motor connections.
  • Hybrid/Electric Aircraft – High vibration environment.
  • Marine Applications – Connecting generators and distribution panels.
  • Robotics – Moving arms and joints.
  • Mining Vehicles – High shock and vibration equipment.
  • Seismic Areas – Withstand earthquake vibration.

Any application involving vibration, shock or frequent movement can benefit from flexible busbars.

Construction and Design

Flexible busbars have a unique multi-strand construction:

  • Multiple layers of thin copper strands surrounded by insulation.
  • Strands woven into flat or tubular braided geometry.
  • Strands can slide providing damping and flexing.
  • Braid is bonded with epoxy or silicone for stability.
  • Outer insulation rated up to 5000V.
  • Terminals crimped or bolted on each end.

Advanced software models the dynamic behavior for optimization.

Current Ratings and Specifications

Flexible busbars are available with:

  • Current ratings from 15A to over 1000A.
  • Voltage up to 5000V.
  • Strand sizes optimized for current level.
  • Copper for high current capacity.
  • Braid patterns from 10mm2 to 1000mm2.
  • Busbar support systems.
  • Monitoring sensors.
  • Custom termination options.

Code Compliance and Testing

Reputable flexible busbar manufacturers test products to standards including:

  • IEEE 810 – Testing vibration resistance.
  • UL94 V0 – Flammability rating.
  • IEC 61439 – Low voltage switchgear standards.
  • RoHS – Materials regulated for environmental impact.
  • IPC/WHMA-A-620 – Workmanship quality standards.

Certification verifies electrical, mechanical, and environmental performance.

Installation Considerations

Proper flexible busbar installation involves:

  • Securing busbar terminals tightly to connections.
  • Avoiding tight bends or kinks which may damage strands.
  • Providing enough slack for movement without rubbing.
  • Routing busbar away from heat sources or hazards.
  • Following specified minimum bend radius.
  • Properly grounding the system.

Maintenance Best Practices

Regular inspection of flexible busbars checks for:

  • Loose electrical connections.
  • Damage to insulation or braid.
  • Corrosion especially at bends.
  • Heat damage like discoloration.
  • Noise indicating internal broken strands.

Any issues should be addressed promptly to prevent failure.

Leading Manufacturers

Top suppliers of flexible busbar technology include:

  • Methode
  • Rogers Corporation
  • Twinsafe
  • Amphenol

Experienced manufacturers have in-house engineering, testing and fabrication capabilities to produce robust flexible busbar systems.

Cost Analysis

Flexible busbar costs can range widely depending on:

  • Current and voltage ratings
  • Braid design complexity
  • Length and termination needs
  • Quantity ordered
  • Additional monitoring/supports
  • Manufacturer location

However, the long term reliability savings typically offset higher initial costs compared to rigid busbars.

Choosing an optimal flexible busbar design provides reliable electrical connections and vibration resistance for demanding applications. Partnering with a qualified flexible busbar producer ensures performance and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the advantages of flexible busbars?

A: Flexible busbars absorb vibration, reduce mechanical stress, damp shock, withstand millions of cycles, allow design freedom, and enable easier installation than rigid busbars.

Q: Where are flexible busbars commonly used?

A: Typical applications are EVs, aircraft, marine vehicles, mining equipment, robotics, and other high vibration environments.

Q: How is a flexible busbar constructed?

A: It consists of multi-strand woven copper conductors in a flat or tubular braided pattern surrounded by electrical insulation rated up to 5000V.

Q: What current and voltage ratings are available?

A: Flexible busbars support 15A to over 1000A and up to 5000V. Strand sizes are optimized based on required current.

Q: Do flexible busbars meet electrical codes?

A: Leading manufacturers test flexible busbars to standards like IEC, IEEE, UL, and RoHS for certified performance.

Q: How should flexible busbars be installed?

A: Secure terminations tightly, allow slack for movement, avoid sharp bends, follow bend radius limits, and keep away from heat/hazards.

Q: How are flexible busbars maintained?

A: Inspect for damage, corrosion, noise, loose joints, heat signs, and other anomalies indicating issues and address any found promptly.

Q: Who are the major flexible busbar manufacturers?

A: Methode, Rogers Corp, Farady Electric, Twinsafe, Woer New Energy, Amphenol, and others have flexible busbar design and production expertise.

Q: How much do flexible busbars cost?

A: Prices vary based on ratings, length, terminations needed, quantity, and features. But long term reliability value typically offsets higher initial cost.

Q: How do flexible busbars compare to solid busbars?

A: Flexible busbars allow movement without cracking joints and provide excellent vibration dampening unlike more rigid busbars.

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