busbar insulation

Hello Guest,

A) Busbars are supported by Insulators, because if they were not supported by Insulators, when the electric supply was switched on, there would be electricity leakage, resulting in possible electric shock, fire, explosion, or a combination of those effects.

Busbars are bare, therefore if power is "on", electrical safety (refer above), means they need to be insulated from each other, and all other non-insulators.

B) Cables are likewise Insulated, and normally the insulation is sufficient not to require the extra insulation of special insulators.

Insulated cables may be likened to long busbars, with insulators (the insulating sheathing) all around and along their length, to prevent possible electric shock, fire, explosion, or the combination of those effects.

Trust you now understand OK.

Kind Regards....

To add to Sparkstations comment.

Due to the increased Magnetomotive forces that are applied to each of the conductors (attraction & repulsion) within busbar trunk or switchboard with the increase in current, they require more support to prevent them from distorting.

Another really basic reason is where they are used.

Cable can and are used virtually anywhere and can be accidentally touched.

Busbars are either in a SubStation, a Secure Trunking or Busway or a Distribution board. All well away from accidental contact by untrained, unauthorised people.

Regards,
Sapper.

All busbars are insulated. Most are insulated by the air between the bars, with solid insulators providing support and separation from the enclosure. In applications with limited space, the busbars are contained in insulating sleeves. This allows the busbars to be much closer to each other without short circuits.

Some cables are covered in insulation, but most transmission and distribution conductors on poles or towers have no covering. The air between the conductors provides the insulation, with solid or linked insulators providing support and separation from the pole or other structure.

Why not??? Silly question. Would like them better painted pink or chartreuse???

Hello Guest,

1. " Bus bars are uninsulated" wrong.

Bus bars are insulated. Only insulating material varies.

2. Cables are "not physically supported" wrong Cables are physically supported, only the support varies. ( ground, cable tray,cable clamps, armor itself is its support.

Please do not work in electricity if you do not have fundamental knowledge of electricity ( at least you must know what is the difference between conductors and insulators )