Siemens Busbar Systems: Features, Benefits and Applications

Busbar systems from Siemens provide an efficient and safe means of distributing power in facilities ranging from commercial buildings to industrial plants. GRL prepared this guide which covers Siemens’ copper busbar solutions including key components, configurations, ratings, integration with switchgear, and examples of typical applications. After reading, you’ll understand the capabilities of Siemens busbars for simplifying and enhancing power delivery in your electrical system.

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Components of Siemens Busbar Systems

A busbar system contains several integrated components for handling high currents:

  • Copper busbars – The conductors themselves. Rectangular cross-section bars of high purity copper carry power through the system. Common sizes are 10mm x 5mm up to 50mm x 10mm.
  • Insulation – Busbars are fully insulated over their entire length for safety and to prevent shorts. Insulative sleeve options include heat shrink, molded, or tape-wrapped.
  • Joints – Special joints connect busbar segments while maintaining high conductivity. Expansion joints allow thermal expansion and contraction.
  • Tap-off boxes – Allow distributing power to multiple loads along the busbar’s run through tapped holes. Integrated fuse or circuit breaker protection options.
  • Supports – Mounting elements like busbar hangers or floor stands hold bars securely in place.

This standardized system contains all the components necessary for safe and efficient bus installations.

 

Configurations and Options

Siemens offers busbars in several configurations to suit any facility’s needs:

  • Linear runs – Straight busbar sections in fixed lengths up to 6 meters. Adjoining linear segments are connected by joints.
  • “T” branches – Allow splitting power from a main run to feed another section or auxiliary system.
  • Modular – Tap-off boxes with devices like fuses plug directly into busbar without cutting. More flexible.
  • Feeder – Supports multiple spurs or “drops” from the main bus to different loads around a space.

Many accessories like end caps, power take-offs, and expansion joints are also available. This variety of layouts and options makes customizing Siemens busbar installations simple.

 

Technical Specifications

Siemens produces busbars able to handle high ampacity safely in diverse environments. Key ratings include:

  • Ampacity – Offered from 600A to 6000A max, depending on cross-section. Larger bars have higher current ratings.
  • Voltage – Systems rated up to 1000V max. Higher voltage models available.
  • Standards – Meet IEC, EN, BS, DIN, ANSI and other standards. Marine rated available.
  • Temps – Rated for operating temps from -40°C to +80°C. Withstand short circuit temps over 250°C.

This robust performance enables using Siemens busbars in most low and medium voltage distributions. Custom high voltage systems also possible.

 

Switchgear Integration

Busbars easily interface with Siemens’ full range of switchgear to allow configuring complete power distribution solutions:

  • Fused Safety Switches – Drop-out fuse units connect to bus tapped holes to combine protection and switching.
  • Circuit Breakers – Molded case and open air breakers integrate with tap boxes.
  • Disconnect Switches – Non-fusible switches install inline or tap off the bus.

Coordinating the right busbars and switchgear results in optimized systems, meeting exact current capacity, protection, and maintenance needs.

 

Benefits of Siemens Busbars

Some key advantages of utilizing Siemens busbar systems include:

  • Safety – Full insulation plus optional covers and barriers enhance safety. De-energized work possible.
  • Efficiency – Low impedance copper conducts electricity with minimal losses. Compact profile.
  • Flexibility – Adapts to any space with diverse shapes, take-offs and configurations.
  • Scalability – Expandable design allows adding capacity over time as needs grow.
  • Reliability – Robust bars ensure continuous uptime for critical processes.

Busbar distribution from Siemens combines versatility, performance and protection for optimal power delivery.

 

Typical Applications

Siemens busbar solutions meet the demanding needs of multiple environments. Typical applications include:

  • Data Centers – High ampacity feeds servers reliably. Scales power density.
  • Commercial Buildings – Distributes power from service entrance throughout facilities.
  • Industrial – Robust busbar systems withstand harsh manufacturing conditions.
  • Renewables – Connects solar/wind farms to grid supply stations.

The adaptability makes Siemens busbars ideal for many new construction and retrofit scenarios.

 

Getting Started with Siemens Busbars

The wide selection of Siemens busbar shapes, sizes, ratings, and accessories enables configuring tailored systems for your specific requirements. To determine the optimal solution, contact Siemens sales representatives for assistance selecting the ideal busbar line-up.

With Siemens’ full-service offerings from planning to maintenance, you benefit from busbar systems designed and supported by electrical power experts. This delivers long-term performance, safety and reliability.

GRL-busbar system

Frequently Asked Questions

What configurations are available for Siemens busbars?

Siemens offers a range of busbar configurations designed for use in electrical distribution panels and switchgear. The specific configurations and options available may vary depending on the product series and application requirements. Here are some common configurations and options for Siemens busbars:

  1. Flat Busbars: These are flat, rectangular bars typically made of copper or aluminum. Siemens offers various sizes and lengths of flat busbars to accommodate different current-carrying capacities and installation needs.

  2. Vertical Busbars: Vertical busbars are designed to run vertically within electrical panels or switchgear. They are often used for connecting circuit breakers and other devices within the panel. Siemens provides vertical busbar options suitable for various panel sizes and configurations.

  3. Horizontal Busbars: Horizontal busbars run horizontally across the panel and are used to connect devices or sections of the electrical distribution system. Siemens offers horizontal busbar systems tailored to specific switchgear and panel designs.

  4. Finger-Safe Busbars: These busbars are designed with protective covers or insulation to prevent accidental contact with live electrical components. They enhance safety in electrical panels and switchgear. Siemens may offer finger-safe busbar options in various configurations.

  5. Isolated Busbars: Isolated busbars are designed to provide electrical isolation between different sections of the busbar system. Siemens offers isolated busbar systems for specific applications where electrical separation is required.

  6. Custom Busbar Assemblies: Siemens can provide custom busbar solutions tailored to specific project requirements. These may include busbar assemblies with unique configurations, sizes, and connection methods.

  7. Busbar Supports and Accessories: Siemens offers a range of busbar supports, insulators, connectors, and accessories to complement their busbar systems. These components are essential for proper installation, support, and insulation of busbars within panels and switchgear.

  8. Copper and Aluminum Busbars: Siemens provides busbars in both copper and aluminum materials to accommodate different conductivity and cost considerations.

  9. High Current Busbars: Siemens offers high-current busbars capable of carrying substantial electrical loads, making them suitable for industrial applications and high-power installations.

The availability of specific busbar configurations and options may also depend on the series and model of the Siemens product you are using. When selecting busbars for a particular application, it’s important to consider factors such as current-carrying capacity, voltage rating, busbar material, insulation requirements, and compatibility with the electrical equipment in use. Consulting Siemens product documentation and technical specifications is recommended to choose the right busbar solution for your specific needs.

What amp and voltage ratings do Siemens busbars support?

Siemens offers a wide range of busbar products with varying amp and voltage ratings to meet the diverse needs of different electrical applications. The specific ratings for Siemens busbars can depend on the product series, model, and type of busbar. Below are some general guidelines, but it’s important to refer to Siemens’ product documentation and specifications for precise information:

Amp Ratings:

Siemens busbars are available with amp ratings that can range from a few amperes to several thousand amperes. The exact amp rating of a Siemens busbar will depend on factors such as the material (copper or aluminum), the cross-sectional area, the design, and the intended application. Common amp ratings for Siemens busbars may include:

  • Low-amp busbars for control panels and smaller distribution systems.
  • Medium-amp busbars for commercial and industrial applications.
  • High-amp busbars for large industrial and power distribution systems.

Voltage Ratings:

Siemens busbars are designed to accommodate a wide range of voltage levels, from low voltage to high voltage. Voltage ratings can vary significantly depending on the specific product and application. Common voltage ratings for Siemens busbars may include:

  • Low-voltage busbars for applications typically below 1,000 volts.
  • Medium-voltage busbars for applications between 1,000 volts and 35,000 volts.
  • High-voltage busbars for applications exceeding 35,000 volts.

Siemens provides busbar solutions suitable for various electrical systems, including residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications. The specific amp and voltage ratings you require will depend on your project’s electrical requirements, the type of electrical equipment being used, and the safety and regulatory standards that apply to your application.

For precise information on the amp and voltage ratings of Siemens busbars, it is recommended to consult Siemens’ official product documentation, catalogs, and technical specifications for the specific busbar series and models you are interested in. This documentation will provide detailed information about the capabilities and ratings of each busbar product.

 

What types of switchgear integrate with Siemens busbars?

Siemens offers a range of switchgear solutions that integrate with their busbar systems. Siemens switchgear products are designed to provide reliable electrical distribution, protection, and control in various applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, and utility settings. The types of switchgear that can integrate with Siemens busbars include:
  1. Low-Voltage Switchgear: Siemens offers a variety of low-voltage switchgear solutions, including panelboards, load centers, and distribution boards that can accommodate busbar systems. These are commonly used in residential, commercial, and light industrial applications for distributing electrical power to circuits and protecting them from overcurrents.

  2. Medium-Voltage Switchgear: Siemens manufactures medium-voltage switchgear for applications with voltages ranging from 1 kV to 38 kV. This includes metal-clad switchgear, metal-enclosed switchgear, and air-insulated switchgear. These medium-voltage switchgear systems are often used in industrial and commercial facilities, as well as utility substations.

  3. Power Distribution Centers: Siemens provides power distribution centers (PDCs) that integrate busbar systems and a range of switchgear components. These PDCs are typically used in data centers, industrial plants, and other applications where compact and integrated power distribution solutions are required.

  4. Motor Control Centers (MCCs): Siemens MCCs are designed to control and protect electric motors and associated equipment. They can be configured to integrate with busbar systems to provide efficient motor control and power distribution in industrial environments.

  5. Prefabricated Modular Solutions: Siemens offers prefabricated modular solutions that include both busbar systems and switchgear components. These modular systems can be customized and quickly installed to meet specific project requirements.

  6. Distribution Panels: Siemens provides distribution panels and boards that can be configured to integrate with busbars for distributing power within buildings and facilities.

  7. Custom Solutions: Siemens can engineer custom solutions to meet unique project requirements, integrating busbars with specialized switchgear for specific applications.

Siemens switchgear products are known for their quality, reliability, and compliance with international standards. When integrating Siemens busbars with switchgear, it’s essential to consult with Siemens or a Siemens-authorized distributor to ensure compatibility, proper sizing, and adherence to safety and performance requirements specific to your project. Additionally, Siemens offers comprehensive technical documentation and support to assist in the selection, installation, and maintenance of integrated busbar and switchgear systems.

 

How are Siemens busbars installed and connected?

The installation and connection of Siemens busbars will depend on the specific type of busbar system you are using, its intended application, and the requirements of your electrical system. Siemens offers a variety of busbar systems, including flat busbars, vertical busbars, and customized solutions. Below are general guidelines for installing and connecting Siemens busbars:

Installation Steps:

  1. Preparation: Ensure that you have a clear understanding of your electrical system’s requirements and the specific Siemens busbar system you are using. Review the manufacturer’s installation instructions and safety guidelines.

  2. Location: Determine the optimal location for installing the busbar system within the electrical panel, switchgear, or distribution equipment. Ensure that the installation complies with local electrical codes and standards.

  3. Mounting: Securely mount the busbar system in its designated location using appropriate mounting hardware and brackets. Siemens provides mounting options tailored to different busbar configurations.

  4. Insulation: Depending on the application and safety requirements, consider adding insulation or insulation barriers where necessary to protect against accidental contact with live busbars.

  5. Busbar Support: Use Siemens-approved busbar support components to provide proper support and alignment for the busbars. Ensure that the busbars are well-supported to prevent mechanical stress.

  6. Connection to Electrical Equipment: Connect the busbars to the electrical equipment within the panel or switchgear. This may involve connecting the busbars to circuit breakers, disconnect switches, distribution panels, or other devices. Follow Siemens’ recommended connection methods and torque specifications for secure and reliable connections.

  7. Busbar Interconnections: If you are using multiple busbars or sections of busbars, connect them using Siemens-approved connectors or busbar joints. Properly torquing the connections is crucial to minimize resistance and heat generation.

  8. Grounding: Ensure that the busbar system is properly grounded according to electrical codes and standards. Grounding is essential for safety and electrical protection.

Safety Precautions:

  • Before performing any installation work, ensure that the electrical system is de-energized and locked out to prevent accidental contact with live electrical components.

  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on electrical equipment.

  • Follow safety guidelines and procedures to minimize electrical hazards.

Professional Installation:

While the installation of Siemens busbars can be carried out by qualified electricians or technicians familiar with electrical panel and switchgear installations, it’s advisable to consult Siemens’ installation documentation and, if necessary, seek assistance from Siemens or a Siemens-authorized distributor to ensure that the installation is performed correctly and safely.

 

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