Section IV Bus Conductors

Chapter 13

Bus Conductor Design and Applications

The selection of material for bus conductors is usually Many standard works on bus c.onductor are listed at the
based on a balance of mechanical and electrical end of this chapter, and numbered references in the text
characteristics , economics, and availability. The materials relate to this bibliography.
that have been used for bus conductors in large quantity, Figures 13-1,2,9, 10, 1I,I7,I8andTables 13-9, 10,11,
listed in order of volume conductivity. are: silver, copper, 12, 13, 14, 16, 23 have been reprinted with permission
aluminum and iron. from the Alcoa Aluminum Bus Conductor Handbook
Although silver has the highest volume conductivity, it (1957) and other Alcoa Technical Publications; Figures
was used as a bus conductor only during World War II 13-4, 28and Tables 13-3,7 from the Kaiser Aluminum Bus
when millions of pounds (mostly %" x 9" bars) were used Conductor Technical Manual.
at various aluminum smelters. The service record was ex~
cellent but costs prohibit peacetime use of silver for such Alloys and Tempers
applications.
Iron in various forms was also used in large volume for Pure aluminum has a conductivity of about 65 percent
bus conductors during World War II. In recent years its of the International Annealed Copper Standard (lACS).
use is primarily for power rails for rapid transit systems Aluminum can be produced 99.99 percent pure; however,
and overhead electrical cranes. However, even for these this purity is costly to achieve and the mechanical proper-
applications its use is declining due to the advantages of ties are low.
aluminum and aluminum-steel combinations (Fig. 13-5 m Aluminum 1350 is a commercial high-purity aluminum
and n). with 61 percent conductivity. The tensile strength of each
Copper has excellent mechanical and electrical 1350 temper is determined by the amount of work given
characteristics and for many years was the metal of choice the metal during fabrication. Today, most 1350 aluminum
for use as bus conductor. However, the trend has been bus conductors are of -HI I I temper for extrusions, -HI 12
toward wider use of aluminum for all types of bus installa- for sawed rolled plate, and -F for cast bars.
tion. After World War II, a new cond uctor alloy, 6101, was
Aluminum has less than one-third the density of copper developed which had considerably higher yield strength
and, making allowance for conductivity, an aluminum bus and better creep resistance than 1350. The alloy contained
bar will weigh about half as much as copper for equal con- magnesium and si licon for high mechanical strength
ductance. For large installations requiring millions of without significant reduction in conductivity. The strength
pounds of metal, bus system designers have used the low of this alloy (6101) is obtained by suitable heat treatments,
cost of aluminum as the basis for optimum economic cur- occasionally combined wit h some cold work.
rent density. The purpose of this chapter is to provide Alloy 6063 has been widely used for outdoor high-
technical data on numerous bus conductor shapes and voltage substation buses because of its excellent
alloys as well as answers to basic questions on design and mechanical and electrical properties and its availability and
joining. economy. Where high strength is desirable and conductivi-
Typical physical properties given in figures and tables ty requirements are lower, alloy 6061-T6 bus is used.
are not guaranteed and may not be exact. They are intend- Where high conductivity is required, with a minimum
ed for general information only and should not be sacrifice in mechanical properties, alloy 6101 is used in a
specified as engineering requirements. Minimum proper- variety of shapes.
ties for various aluminum product forms, sizes and Other aluminum alloys may be used for bus conductors.
methods of manufacture are available in the Aluminum However, they should be used with care since conductivity
Association's Aluminum Standards and Data. and mechanical properties can be greatly affected by small

13-1
bus conductors

TABLE 13-1

Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Bus Conductor and Related Alloys

(The Aluminum Association; ASTM B 236, B 317, B 241, and B 429; and Manufacturer' s Listings)
Tensile Strength
(ksi)
0 0
at 20 C (68 F) Typical (a)
Alloy Elongation
and Thickness Minimum Minimum Typical Typical (Percent - in
Product Temper in Inches Ultimate Yield Ultimate Yield 2 in_ or 4 Dia)

1350-H III All 8.5 3.5 35.0

6101·T6 0.125-0.500 29.0 25.0 32.0 28.0 15.0
0.125·0.749 20.0 15.0
Extruded rod, 6101 -T61 0.750-1.499 18.0 11.0
bar tube, pipe 1.500-2.000 15.0 8.0
and shapes 6101 -T63 0.125·0.500 27.0 22.0
6101·HIII 0.250-2.000 12.0 8.0 14 .0 11 .0
6101 ·T64 0.125-1.000 15.0 8.0
6101-T65 0.125-0.749 25.0 20.0
Extruded pipe 606~·T6 Pipe size 1.0
lei & over 38.0 35.0 45.0 40.0 10.0 min
6063-T6 Pipe sizes, all 30.0 25.0 35.0 31.0 8.0 min
Rolled bar 1350-H 12 0.125-1.000 12.0 8.0 14.0 12 .0
Sawed-plate bar 0.125-0.499 11.0 6.0 10.0 min
or sheet 1350-Hl12 0.500-1.000 10.0 4.0 16.0 min
1.001 -3.000 9 .0 3.5 22.0 min
Rolled sheet 1350 8.0 12 .0 4 .0 20-30 min lei
(for shearing 1350-H 12 0.020·0.249 12.0 14 .0 12 .0 4 -9 min
or forming) 1350-H14 14.0 16 .0 14.0 3.6 min
1350-H16 0.020·0.125 16.0 18 .0 16 .0 2-4 min (e)
1350-H18 18.0 24 min
Bo lts (b) 2024-T4 1/2·5/8-3/4 NC 62.0 40.0 10.0
Cast Al loy 1350-F 1 in . and up 8 .5 3 .5 35.0
for 8us (d) 1050
Cast Alloy
for Fittings HI A356.0-T61 37.0 5.0
(a) Elongation values apply to spec imens of sizes related to product uses.
(b) Values apply to ANSI net stress area of regular or semi-finished bolts.
(c) Va lu es apply to ASTM B 429 structural pipe a nd ASTM B 241 seamless pipe.
(d) The designations 1350-F and 1050 are often used in the trade for designat ing cast bus bars made by run-out into sand
molds, or continuous run-out through an orifice.
(e) The lower elongation val ue applies to the thinnest sheet.
(f) Several casting alloys are suitab le for aluminum sand.or die-casting of connector fittings. The most frequently used for normal
conditions is A356.0-T6 (an Aluminum Association registered number), suitable both for bolted and welded connections. For
special shapes and unusual conditions of installation, where considerabl e water may be held in the fitting and freeze. some employ
a softer alloy hav ing about 12.5 and 4 .6 ksi minimum ultimate and yield strengths, respectively. and 35.0 percent or better
elongation. There is no registered Association number for this alloy. but in the trade it is often referred to as A· l 00.

13·2
 TABLE 13-2

Physical and Electrical Properties of Aluminum Wrought Bus Conductor Alloys

(ASTM B 236, B 317, and The Aluminum Association)

Applying to a ll alloys and tempers of wrought alloys, typical Modulus of Elasticity, Typical, psi 10 x 106 • Up to 2% higher in
values compression
Weight, Ib/cu in. (roundedl 0.098
Note : If two values are shown , the more favorable is
Specific heat, cal/gmtC or BTU/ lbt F 0.214 at 70°C for
"typical"; the less f avorable is designated "minimum"
1350 and 0 .220 for 610 11<1
provided a higher value is favorable. Otherwise th e term
Coefficient of thermal expansion (!:nearltC 0.000023
"guaranteed" is sometimes used .
Specific gravity - 2.70

Property Alloy and Temper

1350 S061 -T6 6063-TS

Any Temper 6101 -T6 6101 -TSl 6101-TS3 6101-T64 6101-T65 Typical Typical

Thermal conductivity at 20° C 5,9-6.0 5.3-5.4 5.5 ·5.6 5.4·5.5 5.7-5.8 5.7-5.8 3.9 5.1
watts/sq. in.lin.tC

Volume electrical conductivity at 61·62 55-56 57-58 56-57 59,5-60.5 56 .5'57.5 42-43 531.1
20° C percent IACS I• J
0-
Electrical resistivity (de) at 13.35-13.14 14 .8 1· 14.29- 14.55· 13.69- 14.42- 19.39 15.37 c:
20°C (68° FI microhms/sq . in.lft 1bJ -14.55 ·14.04 -14.29 -13.46 - 14 .17 18 .94
'"
8
Temperature coe fficient of 0.00403· 0 .00363- 0.00377- 0 .00370· 0 .00393- 0 .00373- 0 .00284 0.00350
"
g-
e lectrical res istance at 2o° c f c(d) -0.00410 ·0.00370 ·0.00383 -0 .00377 -0 .00400 -0.00380 0 .00277 a-..,
(a) Typical conductivities of 6101 alloys from Standard s of The A)uminum Association . Th e condu ctiv ity of 6063-T6 alloy pipe for m-
outdoor service may be taken as 55.% lACS for current ratings, per NEMA Sta nd ard. <0'
(b) To obtain dc res istance at 20° C in microhms mu ltipl y table value by length in feet a'ld divid e by cross sectional area in sq. in_ "
Q
Icl Inc reasing by 0 .0 18 for each 100° C above 70° C (specific heatl . "a..
(d) The higher of a pair ot coettlclents corresponds to the h igher value of th e pair of conductiv ity values.
~
-
!oJ
f3"
g.
!oJ
"'"
bus conductors

TABLE 13-3

Temperature Coefficients of Resistance (de) for Bus-conductor Aluminum Ailoys

and Representative Value for Commercial Copper Bus Bar

Aluminum Alloy s and Tempers, and Conductivity % (lACS) (al

6061 · 6063· 6101· 6101· 6101 · 6101 · 6101 · 1350 1350 Representative
T6 T6 T6 T63 T61 T61 T64 Mini- Typi - Value
Typ i· Typi- Mini- Min i- Mini· Typi· Mini- mum cal Commercial
cal cal mum mum mum cal mum Copper Bu s
Bar

% lACS 40"k 53% (b) 55% 56% 57% 58% 59% 59.5% 60"k 61 % 62% 98%
Temp. C.

0 .00279 .00377 .00392 .00400 .00407 .004 15 .00423 .00427 .00431 .00438 .00446 .004 17
10 .00271 .00363 .00377 .00384 .0039 1 .00398 .00406 .00409 .004 13 .00420 .00427 .00401
20 .00264 .00350 .00363 .00370 .00377 .00383 .00390 .00393 .00396 .00403 .0041G .00385
25 .0026 1 .00344 .00357 .00363 .00370 .00376 .00382 .00386 .00388 .00395 .00401 .00378

30 .00257 .00338 .0035 1 .00357 .00363 .00369 .00375 .00378 .0038 1 .00387 .00393 .0037 1
40 .0025 1 .00327 .00339 .00344 .00350 .00356 .00362 .00364 .00367 .00373 .00379 .00358
50 .00245 .003 17 .00328 .00333 .00338 .00344 .00349 .00352 .00354 .00360 .00365 .00345
60 .00239 .00307 .00317 .00322 .00327 .00332 .00337 .00340 .00342 .00347 .00352 .00334

70 .00233 .00298 .00307 .003 12 .00316 .00322 .00326 .00329 .0033 1 .00335 .00340 .00323
80 .00228 .00289 .00298 .00303 .00307 .003 12 .003 16 .00318 .00320 .00325 .00329 .003 13
90 .00223 .0028 1 .00290 .00294 .00298 .00302 .00306 .00308 .00310 .00314 .00318 .00303
100 .002 18 .00274 .00282 .00285 .00289 .00293 .00297 .00299 .0030 1 .00305 .00309 .00294
(a) For alloys not shown, obt ain co ndu ctivi ties from T able 13-2, and In t erpolate f rom the listed values .

(b) Per note on T ab le 13-2, 55% conduct ivity is much used as design basis for 6063·T6 alloys for tubes, hence coeff icients shou ld be
tak en from t he column , headed 55%.

Formu la f or Temperature Coefficient of Resistance :

Example: t he de res istance of an ext rud e d channe l sectio n of al uminu m a lloy 6063-T6 is 8.35 m icroh ms pe r foot at 20· C.
Find t he same channe l's resist ance at 30°C.

R30 • C = (8.35) [1 + 0 .0035 (30-20)J

8.35 (1.035)
= 8 .64 microhms per foot

13-4
 bus condudor design and applications

40,000 r-","Tmr-","TTTTr-TO.....-r",...--TO"TTnm.--r-r"TTrmo

----~~----~~--~~----~~A
30,000 B
-~-----.s: C
......
........... D
...... ...... E

..... ...... F
..... ..... G
Legend
...... .....
_ Tensile strength
.......... H
I
___ Yield strength ...
10,000 "',
A 65°C, 85°C F 150°C J
B 125°C G 175°C
C 65°C, 85°C H 200°C
D 125°C I 175°C
E 150°C J 200°C

0.1 I 10 10,000

HEATING PERIOD (hour)

Fig. 13-1. Tensile and yield strength of 6101-T6 bus conductor at room temperature after
heating.

amounts of alloying elements. have a generous spread between yield strength and tensile
Table 13-1 lists mechanical properties and Table 13-2, strength (see Bending and Forming, page 13-7).
the physical and electrical properties of the aluminum
alloys commonly used for bus conductors. Table 13-2 gives Effecls of Heating
the percent volume conductivity (lACS) and resistivity for The generally accepted maximum continuous operating
the common bus bar alloys. It also lists their temperature temperature (see UL 857) for open electrical buses is 70°C
coefficients of resistance for 20°C and Table 13-3 shows (30° rise over 40°C ambient) to prevent heat flowing from
them for other temperatures in the range normally occurr- bus to connected apparatus which is generally limited to
ing in bus design. 70°C at terminals. Temperatures of 90°C (50°C rise over
40°C ambient) are acceptable for switchgear assemblies
and metal-enclosed bus. The effects of these temperatures
on the mechanical properties of aluminum bus conductors
Mechanical Properties are negligible. However, short circuits or prolonged
The mechanical properties of the different aluminum overloads may generate temperatures high enough to re-
alloys and tempers commonly used for bus conductors are quire consideration of the effects of heating on the bus
shown in Table 13-1. The designer is offered a broad range properties. The effect of heating up to 200°C for as long as
of properties from which to select the alloy and temper 10,000 hours on the tensile and yield strength is shown in
best suited for his particular application. For example, Fig. 13-2 for Aluminum 1350-HI2; Fig. 13-1 for Alloy
high electrical conductivity alloys are the best choice for 6101-T6.
heavy duty buses for the electrochemical industry where
cost of power is an important consideration. For outdoor Stress-slrain and Creep Faclors
high voltage substation buses, mechanical considerations Fig. 13-3 depicts stress-strain curves for the listed alloys
rather than electrical, govern the selection. Where bending and tempers, based on minimum values from Table 13-1.
and forming characteristics are important, it is desirable to The intersection of the 0.002 in.!in. strain line that is

13-5
.
~
0-
Co> c:
0. '"
8
"
0...
c:
a-;;:

LEGEND

~ 65°C 85°C 125°C 150°C 175°C 200°C

'"
~
A B C D E F

'"I;;a: G H J K L

TYPICAL TENSILE & TENSILE YIELD - ----

1350-H12 - TYPICAL TENSILE AND TENSILE YIELD AT ROOM

TEMPERATURE AFTER HEATING.
§
g

~
on
~

H
§
o
~
KL

~
on

0' ",,, IIi 111,1 1111 "II

0.1 1 10 100 1,000 10.000

HEATING PERIOD, HOURS

Fig. 13-2. Typical tensile and yield strengths of aillminum 1350-H12 at room temperatures after heating.
 bus condudor design and applications

parallel to the initial straight diagonal line denotes the yield

strength (YS) of the alloy, according to ASTM designa-
tion. The elastic limit (EL) of an alloy is represented as the
stress value of the point of tengency of the curved part of
YS 2024-14
the stress-strain line and the straight part of the line.
40.000
SOlTS Creep resistance and compressive yield strength are both
important factors to be considered in the design of bolted
6061 -T 6 joints, especially if thermal cycling as the result of varia-
tions in electrical loading is involved. Table 13-4 lists
35.000
IO-year estimated creep factors for various bus conductor
alloys.

30.000 Bending and Forming

Aluminum bus conductors can be formed by the same

6063 -T6 procedures and practices that are used for other metals.
(6101 -T6 IS SIMILAR )
25.000 The most important factors governing the bending of bus
conductors are: (I) the ductility of the conductor, (2) the
6101 - T63 size and shape of the conductor, (3) the method of bend-
ing, and (4) the bending equipment used.
20.000 A metal must be ductile enough to permit both stret-
ching and compression to take place. However I elongation
alone is not a complete criterion for ductility. The ratio of
yield strength to tensile strength must also be taken into ac-
15.000
count. A combination of a high elongation value and a low
ratio of yield strength to tensile strength provides the most
satisfactory ductility.
1350- H13 Another factor that governs bending is the size and
10.000
shape of the bus conductor. For example, in the case of a
1350- H12 tube, the sharpness of a bend depends not only on the
(6101- HilI IS SIMil AR)
diameter of the tube, but also on the ratio of wall thickness
1350- Hl12 to diameter. In the case of edgewise bends of rectangular
5.000
1350- Hlll

I
TABLE 13-4
o 0002 0.00 4
STRAIN IN. PER IN . Creep Factors for Aluminum Bus Conductors
Fig. 13-3. Approximate tension stress-strain curves at 70 °C
on guaranteed minimum basis for aluminum bus conduc- (Average stress required during a 10-year period to produce
tor alloys- 0 in. thickness bus bars and 0 in. diam. 1.0% creep at 100°C, assuming well-designed bolted
2024- T4 bolts. Yield strength (YS) is arbitrary at 0.2% off- connections.)
set per ASTM Standard. Elastic limit is estimated as point
of tangency (EL). Estimated
Note: The shape of the curve between EL and YS is not always Alloy and Average Stress
consistent, but the EL values are believed to be conservative. Temper PSI

1350-Hlll 2,500
1350-H12 5,000
1350-H17 and 6101-T61 6,500
6101-T6 18,000
6063-T6 24,000
6061-T6 25,000

13-7
 bus conductors

TABLE 13-5 angle of 90 degrees to minimum inside radii as shown in

Table 13-5. Edgewise bending radii are shown in Table
Flatwise Bending Radii 13-6.

ALLOY Bending Tubular Conductors

TYPE OF AND TH ICK NESS RADIUS
BAR TEMPER in. min. CD Tubular conductors, alloys 6063-T6 and 6061-T6, are
often bent to form turns and offsets. For inslallations
1350-H ll All , x th ickness where considerable bending is required, the supplier
6101-Hll 0.250-0.750 1 x th ickness should be advised and specifications written to require
0.751-1.000 2 x thickness seamless pipe made by the hollow ingot process (ASTM
B241) . For best forming capability, the ratio of tensile
6101-T6 0.125-0.375 2 x th ickness
0.376-0.500 21/2 x thickn ess yield to tensile ulti mate should not be greater than about
.85. Producers do not normally control to such ratios so it
Extruded 6101 -T61 0.125 -0.500 1x th ickness
0.501 -0.749 2x thickness is important to specify that critical, severe forming will be
0.750-1 .000 3x th ickness encountered and optimum heat treatments are required.
1.001-1.625 4x thickness For substation construction, inside radii of five to seven
6101 -T63 0.125 -0.375 1 x thickness times the nominal pipe size for ASA schedules 40 and 80
0.376-0.500 1% x th ickness pipe of alloys 6063-T6 and 6061-T6 should prove satisfac-
0.501-1.000 2V2 x th ickness
tory with most types of conventional bending tools. More
6101 -T64 0.125-0.750 1 x thi ckness generous radii may be used for appearance.
0.751-1.000 2 x th ickness
For the occasional problem job where material of high
6101-T65 0.125-0.500 1 x th ickness yield to tensile strength ratio is used, it may be necessary to
0.50 1-0.749 2 x th ickness apply heat. This can be done readily by applying a torch
Rolled 1350-H12 All 1 x thickness for short time to the opposite sides. When doing this, care
must be taken to avoid overheating. A calibrated crayon
Sowed plate 1350-H1l2 All 1 x thickness
type indicator is recommended. Heating to 200°C (392°F)
<D Applicable to widths up through b inches in the T6, Tb l , T63 and T65 will cause little loss of strength.
tempers and to widths up through 12 inches for all other listed tempers. Bend For shop wo rk, a forming-roll bender should be con-
radii for greater widths are subject to inquiry.
sidered. Benders having formed hubs and/or followers
provide minimum bending radius for 6063-T6, 6061-T6,
TABLE 13-6 and 6101-T6 tubes, Fig. 13-4.

Edgewise Bending Radii Lubrication

1350-H12, H111
The need for lubrication depends on the bending method
WIDTH OF BAR MANDREL RADIUS and technique used. Lubrication is seldom required when
in. in. bending with roll or ram type benders. However, lubrica-
Up thru 0.500
tion is essential in fully tooled draw-bending operations, as
'h
0.501-1.000 1 well as in some compression and stretch-bending techni-
1.001-1.500 lVl ques . Best results are obtained if lubrication is provided
1.501-2.000 2 wherever a relative motion or sliding action occurs between
2.001-2.500 2V2 the work and the tools .
2.501 -3.000 3
3.001-3.500 31J::;:
3.501-4.000 4 Resistance to Corrosion

Aluminum bus is highly resistant to corrosion. Its uses

are, therefore, particularly widespread in applications
where strong atmospheric corrosive factors are at work, as
bar, tests have shown that the radius (in terms of width of in industrial and chemical plants and seacoast en-
bar) around which a bar can be bent satisfactorily depends vironments.
not only on the ductility of the bar but also on its ratio of
width to thickness . Bus Conductor Shapes and Shape Selection
Bend Properties of Bus Bar Choice of a bus conductor shape for a given installation
Extruded, rolled, and sawed-plated bus bars are capable is dependent on a number of factors, including operating
of being bent flat wise at room temperature through an voltage, ampacity requirements, available short circuit cur-

13-8
 bus condudor design and applications

rents, available space, mechanical strength requirements. 6

II I I
ambient conditions of sun, wind, ice, etc. The following I I I-"'
II I
review of the most common shapes and their typical •- AREA
r- AREAl
characteristics is intended as a guide to bus shape selection No.1 No. 2
AREA V
1 No. 3
and an introduction to bus system design. / / /
;'
~ 1-
0 00
Rectangular Bar II V -
I V
\v~~~
The most common form of bus conductor is bar stock of 8
I ;' AREA
rectangular cross section . (Fig. 13-5a) This shape is in- I V No. 4
herently easy to fabricate, store, handle and erect. A 6
/ ~'-=+l--
relatively large surface area can be provided for the I ;'
dissipation of heat by the use of multiple-bar buses. Joints • II /
and taps are readily made by either bolting or welding. r} ; '
Off-sets and 90-degree bends are easily made. ..I!. ;..-
AREA No.5
For direct current, as well as for alternating current up
10 .0 60 80 100 110 140 160 180 100
to certain limits, the capacity of a bus constructed of flat
bar can be controlled by merely varying the size of bars or RATIO, OUTSIDE DIAMETER OF TUBE = QO.
number of bars in parallel. For high-amperage alternating THICKNESS OF TUBE WAll TK
c urrent. however. special arrangements of laminations
are used (See ac Applications. page 13-12).
Because bars are more rigid in the direction of the large Area No. I-No Mandrel or Wiper Die
cross-sectional axis, supports must be more closely spaced Area No.2-Plug Mandrel and Wiper Die
to resist load and short-circuit forces that are applied Area No.3-One Ball Mandrel
perpendicular to the wider surface. Area NO.4-Two Ball Mandrel and Wiper Die
Tubular Conductors Area No.5-Not Practical

Round tubular bus conductors (Fig. l3-5h) are used Fig. /3-4. Tube bending charI (with modern equipment).
primarily for outdoor substations and switching structures Showing limils oj cold-bending radius jor 90 ° bends oj
where long spans between supports are required. The in- usual sizes oj aluminum lubes oj alloys 6063- T6 and
herent rigidity of a tubular shape in all direct ions resists 6101-T6J. Tubes oj alloy 6061-T6 also can be bent bur
wind and ice loads , as well as the forces of short circuit s. more care must be exercised, and at slower speed.
Since strength is a primary requirement of tubular bus, the
higher-strength aluminum alloys are used.
6063-T6 alloy in ANSI Schedule 40 pipe is used widely
for outdoor tubular buses because of excellent mechanical is not often commercially practical except for electric fur-
and electrical properties and availability. 606l-T6 tubular naces.
conductors are used where particularly high strength is The electrical characteristics of round tubular bus have
desired and conductivity requirements are lower. led to its use for heavy-duty generator and switching buses
For maximum uniformity of mechanical properties at all in central stations. Since the design of modern isolated
points of the circumference, tubes are produced from hol- phase buses is such that short circuit forces are not a prob-
low ingot and extruded by use of the die and mandrel lem . Aluminum 1350 is preferred because of its high con-
method (ASTM B241) . If requirements are less severe, ductivity.
"structural" tubes made by the bridge-die process are Square tubular bus (Fig. l3-5e) has low skin-effect ra tio,
often used (ASTM B429). Where tubular bus is to be used similar to that of round tubes, and has the advantage of re-
for high voltage circuits (230 kV and higher), the smooth quiring comparatively simple adapter plates for mounting
surface finish (industry class IV) should be specified, to the bus on pedestal insulators and the other flat sides
reduce corona and radio-TV interference. facilitate attaching pads for taps. For this reason it is used
The round tubular bus is the most efficient electrical for generator-phase and station bus, often in protective
shape for an a-c bus conductor because it has the lowest enclosures. 6101-T6l and 6063-T6 alloys are principally
skin-effect ratio of the commonly used types. The current used, and staggered ventilation holes often are provided in
rating is limited, however, as compared with that of flat top and bottom surfaces.
bar, because of the smaller ratio of heat-dissipating surface
area to volume. (See "Skin Effect," page 13-12, for op- Ilitegral Web Chaliliel BIIS (IWCB)
timum wall thickness.) Internal cooling of the tube by forc- The integral web channel bus conductor (Fig. l3-5f and
ed air or circulating coolants overcomes this handicap, but g) is extruded in the form of two channel-shaped condue-

13-9
 bus conductors

DOOD
Rounded Corners Full Rounded Edge

(0) (b) (c) (d)

Vents
t I I I I
t t
Vent
Vent

1
(e) (f) (9) (h)

Steel
Fo ce~

(i) (k) (m) (n)

][ (p)
Fig . / 3-5. Typical bus conductor shapes.
Notes: ( I ) If extruded, slightl y indented grooves can be ex- ness will vary to correspond to the slight beve l of structural
truded horizontally a long the outer surface to provide centers for I-bea ms and L's. (3) Lugs that fa cilitate attachments as well as
drilli ng or punchin g holes fo r attachment of supports or take ~o ffs. add conductivity may be included as an integral part of the ex-
( 2) Shapes slich as band d may have equal thickness a long any tru sion. (4) Flat bars may have squared corners (up to 1/3 2 in.
element of the section , or if rolled as a st ructural shape the thick- radius fo r thicknesses to I in.) , rounded corn ers ( 1/ 16 in. radius,
nominal for 0.189 to 1.000 in. thickness). or full rounded edge.

13-10
 bus conductor design and applicatians

tors held together by a ventilated web. The continuous web (Fig. 13·5k) has more transverse strength, and the upper
eliminates the need for spacer clamps or welded tie-bars flange does not extend far enough to interfere with hole
that are normally required across the two channels between drilling. 6101-T6 alloy is principally used for these angle
between insulator supports. IWCB combines some of the shapes.
advantages of the double-channel bus and the square
tubular bus. Convection air flow is less than that of the Round Rod
face-to-face channel arrangement, but the transverse Some installations, especially in the high-voltage field,
strength is greater. These buses have narrow shallow may require round rod bus conductors. This type of con-
grooves extruded on the surfaces for convenience in ductor, however, is not recommended for large alternating
locating centers of drilled or punched holes for attachment current because of the tendency of the current to flow only
of taps and base plates. The shape is used for station bus, near the "skin" (outer surface) of the rod. This results in
open or enclosed, and for the high-current buses of out- uneconomical use of the metal in the central portion of the
door substations for distribution voltages, and also for conductor. Fittings used are similar to those on tubular
6OO-volt bus for industrial plants. buses.
Channels - Structural Shape and Uniform Thickness Special Shapes
Structural shape aluminum channels consist of a pair of The extrusion process provides the designer of
channels forming a hollow, ventilated square. Such a con- aluminum bus conductors with the means of making
ductor is very efficient and practical for high-amperage special shapes when none of the previously described
direct or alternating current, especially above 2,000 shapes is wholly suitable.
amperes per circuit.
Crane-runway bus shapes (Fig. 13-5n and p) are illus-
For dc circuits, where skin effect is not a factor , trative of how low-cost extrusions can be produced for
aluminum channels are sometimes placed back-to-back- special needs. The aluminum body of these bus conductors
that is, with flanges pointing outward-to form a con- is shaped to combine ampacity and structural adequacy. In
ductor. Such an arrangement may be more convenient some applications, steel facing is fitted to the aluminum
to support than a hollow square. Additional capacity is bar against which the collector shoe slides.
readily obtained by merely adding one or more flat bars,
properly spaced, between the webs of the two channels. Factors Affecting Bus Design
Channel shapes of uniform thickness (Fig. 13-5b) may
be desirable for enclosed station buses where the space oc- It is important to start with a tabulation of the factors
cupied by the conductor is critical. This type of channel that may affect bus design, such as: d-c or a-c current, fre-
has a small inside radius and provides the maximum flat quency, ampacity required, allowable voltage drop,
surface inside for connections. Approaching the electrical operating voltage, maximum possible short circuit cur-
efficiency of a split tube, this bus has the added conve- rents, space available, taps and connections required.
nience of flat surfaces for making taps and connections. Where large currents are involved the factors that affect
the economic current density should also be tabulated. For
Angles outdoor substations, other factors should be tabulated,
such as: maximum anticipated wind speeds, maximum ex-
The face-to-face paired angles (Fig. 13-5c and d) provide pected icing conditions, corona, etc.
excellent transverse rigidity and ampacity, but require
For industrial bus the decisive factors are generally: (I)
special spacer fittings. Angles are commonly used as
singles. ampacity for allowable temperature rise, (2) voltage drop,
(3) power loss economics. Because of the various bus
Structural shape angles with slightly beveled legs, similar shapes available to the designer and their possible physical
to the type used for steel structural shapes are sometimes arrangement, the design problem may result in successive
used. Their use has largely been supplanted by the uniform calculations involving all the factors affecting the design.
thickness angle. A flow diagram illustrative of this iterative design process
Uniform thickness angle, (Fig. 13-5m), commonly called for outdoor substation bus is shown in IEEE "Guide for
UABC (Universal Angle Bus Conductor) is a bus form Design of Substation Rigid-Bus Structures" (I).·
used for moderate-size outdoor substations at distribution
Voltages . Center-line grooves facilitate location of bolt Temperature Rise
holes, and since both legs are of equal thickness at all
points, the bus may be mounted directly on insulator caps. Effect of Conductivity
An adaptor plate is sometimes used for expansion moun- The ratio of currents that will produce the same
tings and to accommodate various bolt-circle diameters.
Direct application of pads and connector plates is aided by -Numl>ered references in the text relate tv bibliography at the end of
the uniform thickness of the legs. The semi-channel form this chapter.

13·11
bus conductors

temperature rise in aluminum and commercial copper bars Energy loss (2,61,62)
of same size and same surface conditions can be determin-
ed from the following formulas: The cost of energy lost through resistance is important in
the case of bus installations where heavy currents are used
(Eq. 13-1) as, for instance, in the electrochemical industry, In such
cases, it may pay to use larger conductors than those used
__ /61.0 __ in the ampacity tables. Energy savings due to lower current
78.9 percent for 1350 alloy densities are, of course, equally applicable to all conductor
98.0
materials. Designers of heavy-current bus systems are ad-
vised to factor in the cost of energy, I2R losses associated
57 with bus-size choices, and the probable "pay-back" time
/9 8 -- 76.26 percent for 6101-T61 alloy for the additional expense of larger conductors. Many in-
dustrial and utility bus systems are designed according to
this practice.

Effect of Dimensions
Tests show that for practical purposes, copper bus bar ac Applications
sizes can be converted to aluminum sizes for equal
temperature rise by either of the following two methods: In addition to the factors that affec t the design of a de
bus, the design of an ac bus is also influenced by such
I. Increase the width of the aluminum bar 27 percent.
factors as skin effect, proximity effect , induced circulating
For example. a 5" x Y4" aluminum bar is equivalent
currents , hysteresis losses, and mutual heating effect.
to a 4" x '14" copper bar.
2. Increase the thickness of the aluminum bar about 50 Skin Effect
percent. A 4" x 3/8" aluminum bar is equivalent to a
4" x 1;4" copper bar. The ratio of effective ac resistance of an isolated
conductor to its dc resistance is called "skin-effect ratio."
Increasing the cross-sectional area by increasing the The 60 Hz Rac/Rdc ratios at 70'C for the commonly
width not only reduces the resistance heating but also used shapes are shown in Tables 13-25 through 13-32. The
substantially increases the area for heat dissipation. A skin effect ratio depends not only on the size, shape and
change in thickness of a rectangular bar does not ap- configuration of the conductor, but also on frequency of
preciably affect the amount of exposed surface area. For the current and the resistance and magnetic properties of
example, increasing the area of a !I. -in. bar by changing the the material.
width from 4 in. to 8 in. increases the capacity by about 87 Skin effect takes place not only in single conductors, but
percent, but increasing the thickness of a 4-in. bar from also in buses made of several bars. Flat bars can be arrang-
!I.-in. to V,-in. increases the capacity by only about 45 per- ed to minimize skin effect to some extent by the use of
cent. hollow square and modified hollow square arrangements.
Interlacing of the bars or the paired-phase arrangement of-
fers an excellent solution to the unequal distribution of
Temperature Rise - Ampacity Tables alternating current in low voltage bus systems.
The ampacity for popular shapes and sizes is shown in Considerable work, both of an experimental and a
Tables 13-25 through 13-32 for 30'C rise over 40' C am- theoretical nature has been done on skin effect of conduc-
bient or a maximum of 70' C . Experience has shown that tors (3,4). Perhaps the most useful work for an engineer
designs using these temperatures have good service are the curves developed by Dwight as shown in Figs. 13-6,
records. Although aluminum conductor. may be operated 13-7, 13-S. Lewis developed formulas applicable for com-
at 90' C continuously, such use is generally limited to swit- puter studies (5).
chgear assemblies and metal enclosed bus (IEEE Standard Fig. 13-6 applies to a single rectangular bar per circuit.
No . 27, ASA C37.20). Operation at lOO' C for emergency For two bars in parallel, separated by an air space, the skin
conditions causes very little loss of strength for alloys effect ratio is approximately the same as would apply for a
6101,6063 and 6061. However, it becomes progressively sin31e bar equal in size to the two bars plus air space but of
more difficult to maintain good bolted joints as the Rdc the same as that of the two bars. For three or more
temperature increases. Also, the designer should hot bars in parallel, the skin effect ratio may be taken from the
overlook the fact that the I2R losses are higher for the curve tld = 0.50 in Fig. 13-S (4).
higher temperatures . In some cases the user may pay for Fig. 13-7 applies to square tubular conductor, to squares
these losses twice; once to produce the heat and again for made up of two channels in box form, to squares made up
air conditioning to remove the heat. of four bars, and to squares made up of angles.

13-12
 bus condudor design ond applications

I 'I
If
I /
I /
I : I II /
1.<"--+
f - - I-w·-----li /17
I )
/

J IV /
/V/ V
flY J
1.2r--1---+--~--+---~-4---}--4---+h~~-+~~--+---~-4--~--+-~
If J
IfVl/
'J
1. 1
!J
f-+--l-+-+-+-+--lVH-+--+-+-+--+-+--+-f-+-+--l

/
/

1.0~~L-~~~
o 20
_v__ /__ ~
040
L-~~-L__~__~~~~__~__~~~~__~__~~
60 80 100 120 1040 160 180

~fXI03
Rdc
IN MICROHMS PER fOOT
II . H. D wiJ,!i1 t, ".t-:h·d rical Coils a nd Ccll1 d l1ctur~ . " t.1L-C. raw- Jl ili Hunk C.).
Fig. 13-6. Curves for skin effect of isolated flat rectangular conductors.

13-13
bus conductors
2. 2

0
2. 1

1--1

2.0
i--d

1.9

1.8

. :.
1.7 ci,

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.1

.~
1.0
o -
50 100 150

Rdc
200 ~ f.'93 250
Rdc
IN MICROHMS PEl fOOT
300
350 400

1-1 . B. DW't::"ht. "t.lcctricOlI Coils and Cuni uctors." McCnn" ~ HiII B,Mlk Co.
Fig. 13-7. Curves for skin effect of isolated square rod and square tubular conductors.

13-14
 bus condudor design and applications

2. I

2.0

1.9

I~
---I--r-
' 0,

~gN

~
:,11

'l
1. 8
.~

1.7
t/ d ' ~ n
tilt
1.6
I ti d = 0.35 II
1.5

:J/I/ti
1.<

lim.
1.3

1.2

1),
1. I
W

.t.d ~o
1.0
o
I
50 100
~m
150 200 250 300 350 <00

Vf.Jo~
Rde
Rde IN MICROHMS PER fOOT
II . H. IJwi)!ht, "Electtical Cuils and Conduclun," ?kCmw-HiIl Book Co.

Fig. /3-8. Curves for skin effect of isolated round rod and tubular conductors.
13·15
bus conductors

Fig. \3-8 applies to isolated tubular conductors. The the increase is negligible. As a rule, proximity effects are
magnitude of skin effect increases with wall thickness. negligible for phase spacings of more than three or four
Curves plotted for a-c ampacity (lac) and Rac at 70°C ver- times the largest dimension of the cross-section. For fre-
sus wall thickness (all sizes of tube) show that Rac will be a quencies higher than 50 or 60 Hz, the approximations
minimum and lac a maximum at about 0.7 inch for should not be used. More accurate proximity effect
Aluminum 1350 and about 0.8 inch for 6101 alloy. calculations are available (4,6,7).

Proximity Effect (4, 6, 7) Interlaced and Paired Phase Arrangements

When conductors are close together, a disto'tion of cur- The interlacing of bars and paired phase arrangements
rent density results from the interaction of the magnetic (Fig. 13-9) offer an excellent solution to the unequal
fields of the conductors. This distortion of current distribution of currents in low voltage systems. These ar-
distribution, known as "proximity effect," causes an in- rangements have low reactance and greatly reduced skin
crease in the effective resistance. The amount of distortion effect and proximity effect. Dwight (4) states that the skin-
depends on a number of factors-the spacing and arrange- effect ratio is very low for interlaced construction where
ment of conductors, conductor shape, cross-section bars are close together in parallel planes and where
dimensions. frequency of current and dc resistance. neighboring bars have currents that are always either 180°
or 120° out of phase. The essence of paired-phase perfor-
The usual frequency found in industrial work in North mance is that the currents in each closely spaced pairs of
America is 60 hz. Here, the proximity-effect factor will bars are essentially equal and opposite (8). This makes
not be more than 1.20 of ac resistance, when isolated, for for an efficient use of bus bar material in that the ac
round tubes whose distance between centers is twice their ampacity approaches the dc ampacity.
diameters. With spacings of about five times the diameter, The paired-phase arrangements (8) are widely used by

AI A, BI
I·

B, CI C, IAI
181

B BI A, A leI
1.602
B, AI 182

IC2

C, IA3
CI
1£1

le J
C
Paired Phase Arrangement Interlaced Bars

Note cross ties from

A toA,
B toB,and
CtoC

Fig. 13-9. Paired-phase feeder bus way (left) showing end-connections for AB AC BC arrangement. The proximity of
A-A and C-C bars serves to reduce crowding of current into the middle pair of bars (A-C). There are several other paired-
/J :tase arrangements in common use.

13-16
 bus condudor design and applications

manufacturers of prefabricated bus systems. Interlaced ar- proximity effect , e.g. , no magnetic losses or induced cur-
rangements are used primarily in high current electric fur- rent losses. To find the ac resistance , it is first necessary
nace installations (9). to determine the Rdc at the design temperature. The
magnitude of the ' skin-effect ratio can be conveniently
Transposition determined from the tables for electrical characteristics of
High current a-c buses, such as "side bars" for carbon commonly used shapes or from Dwight's curves, Figs.
baking furnaces, are sometimes designed so that the bus 13-6, 13-7, 13-8. Where proximity-effect may be a factor,
assembly is divided into several sections where the in- formulas for calculation have been developed for conduc-
dividual conductors, insulated from each other, are tors of simple shapes (6) . Having determined the skin-
transposed so that each individual conductor runs for an effect ratio and the proximity-effect ratio, then Rac = Rdc
equal distance in each of the available positions ·thereby x skin-effect ratio x proximity-effect ratio.
making the mutually induced voltages equal. By this
means, each individual conductor of the bus assembly can Temperature Rise - Ampacity Tables
be made to share the current equally. Aluminum channel
and IWCB shapes provide structural stiffness needed for The a-c ratings of commonly used shapes included in
the portable single-phase bus assembly. Welded connec- Tables 1}'25 through -32 have been determined for 30°C
tions are preferred for both mechanical and electrical rise over 40°C ambient in still but unconfined air, and at
reasons. spacings where proximity effect is negligible. Allowance
must be made for proximity effect where applicable, other
Mutual Heating (10) temperatures, other surface finish, resistance for other
alloys and tempers, other air conditions, altitude, and sun
Mutual heating is due to the interference of one conduc-
effect for outdoor installations.
tor on the heat dissipation of the other. The mutual
heating varies with bar spacing, vertical or horizontal ar-
rangement, and open or enclosed bus. The designer should Reactance (4,/4,15)
check the notes of the ampacity tables to ensure that the Maxwell, Schurig, Arnold, Dwight, Higgins, Lewis and
values given apply to his design conditions. Mutual heating others have developed equations, tables and charts for the
occurs for both ac and de current flow. determination of reactance for many conductor shapes and
Heating Due to Magnetic Materials Near the Buses (1/) arrangements. Because the physical shapes of bus conduc-
tors do not lend themselves to simple formulas, the basic
A bus carrying high current creates a magnetic field of calculation 'of reactance is a complex mathematical pro-
considerable magnitude. If there are steel members in blem.
the field of an ac bus, such pieces will be heated not only In order to simplify the problem, Lewis suggested break-
by the current induced in them but also by hysteresis. In ing the total reactance of conductors into two parts so they
the case of dc buses, there is no loss in the steel since could be tabulated as a convenience to engineers (16).
the magnetic field for a non-pUlsating dc bus is static.
The total reactance in microhms per ft. at 60 Hz is ex-
The frame in the wall of a building for the passage of the pressed:
bus should either be of non-magnetic materials throughout
or constructed so there is no complete magnetic ring. Even (Eq. 13-2)
though all of the three phase conductors pass through the
same opening, the magnetic fields of the flat bus arrange- Xa vafues are given in Tables 13-25 and 13-27 through
ment do not cancel out and undue heating results unless 13-32, together with other characteristics such as
preventative measures are taken. resistance, current capacity and weight, for conductors
Induced Circulating Currents (12,13) that are normally used as a unit. Although Xd is actually
based on the GMD between the conductors, a sufficiently
Induced circulating currents in nearby metal items re- accurate approximation for heavy-current conductors can
quire energy which must be supplied from the inducing cir- usually be made if GMD is taken as the distance between
cuit. The effect is an increse of the Rac for the circuit. The center lines of the conductors. Values of Xd which are
magnitude of the loss is a function of the amount of induc- functions of GMD for various distances are given in Table
ed current, the conductance of the metal item, and the 13-7. For ciosespacings, relative to the size of the bus bars,
distance of the bus to the metal item. This problem is en- corrections for GMD must be taken into account.
countered chiefly in the design of switchgear isolated phase
bus. Example: Assume a three-phase symmetrical flat bus arrange-
Calculation of ae Resistance ment in which each conductor comprises a pair of 8-in. x 8-in. x
O.375-in. face-lo-face equal thickness channels spaced 36-in.
The calculation of ac resistance is based on the assump- apart (center-to-center). The equivalent GMD spacing is 1.26 x 36
tion the Rac is affected only by skin effect and possibly = 45 .3-in. The inductive reactance per pair at 60 Hz is as follows:

13-17
--
w
•
c-
~
00
TABLE 13-7
8
"
g.
Inductive Reactance Spacing Factors Xd * §-
Microhm. per foot at 60 Hz for I-in . to 107-in. GMD Spacing ;;:

Separation - Inches, and Feet per left-Hand Column

Feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

- -57.71 -41.18 - 31.86 - 25.25 - 20.12 - 15.93 - 12.39 - 9.32 - 6.61 -4.19 - 2 .00
1 0 1.84 3.54 5.13 6.61 8.00 9.32 10.56 11.74 12.86 13.93 14.95
2 15.93 16.87 17.77 18.64 19.47 20.28 21 .06 21.81 22 .54 23.25 23.93 24.60
3 25.25 25.88 26.49 27.09 27.67 28.24 28.79 29,33 29.86 30.39 30.88 31.38
4 31 .86 32.33 32.80 33.25 33.70 34.14 34.57 34.99 35.40 35.81 36.21 36.60
5 36.99 37.37 37.74 38.11 38.47 38.83 39.18 39.52 39.86 40.20 40.55 40.86
6 41.18 41.49 41.81 42.12 42.42 42.72 43.02 43.31 43.60 43.88 44.1 7 44.44
7 44.72 44.99 45.26 45.53 45.79 46.05 46.31 46.56 46.81 47.06 47.30 47.55
8 47.79 48.03 48.26 48.50 48.73 48.96 49.18 49.41 49.63 49.85 50.07 50.28
- - - - - -- -

*The inductive reactance spacing factor (also ca lled separation component ) Xd from the abqve table represents the inductance of a conductor at 60 Hz caused
by flux that is more than 1-ft distant from the conductor. Spac ings less than 12 -in. have minus signs as these represent deductions from the Xa (1 ft radius
value) obtained from tables of conductor properties.

For usual single-phase bus circuits th e spacing to be used is the center-ta-center distance between conductors. For 3-phase circuits the spaci ng is the GMD
distance .

•
•
A •
.c---
Symmetrical Flat
B • •
.
A.
c--- •
Unsymmetrical Flat
B n c
Symmetrical Triangle

GMD = 1.26 A GMD = ~ A x B x e GMD = A or B or e

For voltage drop calculatio ns the Xa plus Xd values are per conductor, and the associated voltage is that to neutral. For other than 60 Hz , the values are in
proportion to Hz ; that is, for 50 Hz, the value i. 50/60 of the value of 60 Hz.
 bus condudor design and applications

l:l
0: 3.000 L---r-~II---'--r===s::::r~l
u
<!i
~ 2.000
o
'"
...'"o
<fl

"''" 1.000

.
"'
0..
::;;
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

NUMBER OF BARS

Fig. 13-10. Current capacity not increased proportionately to number oj bars in parallel.

Xa (from Table 13-30) 22 .0 microhms per ft power usage. Carlson and Yan Nostrand made an exten-
sive search of the literature and found more than 1500
Xd (from Table 13-7) 30.4 microhms per ft
titles, but only about 25 proved of interest to their study
Total reactance" X 52.4 microhms per ft (17) . With little to guide them , early engineers tended to
use the " rule-of-thumb" of 1000 amperes per square inch
Consolidation oj Multiple Bars - Reactance for copper and 600 amperes per square inch for aluminum
When there are two or more closely spaced bars per for any conductor shape, size or arrangement.
phase , such as bars with separation equal to the bar The industry's need for scientific ampacity information
thickness, the group may be replaced, for rough calcula- led to the first extensive tests toward developing ampacity
tions, by a single solid bar occupying the space taken up by data and formulas for calculating ampacity for both cop-
the group (15). per and aluminum bus conductors by Melson and Booth,
British National Physical Laboratory (18) . Their report
Corona and Radio-Influence Voltage (RIV) gave the first experimentally determined formula s for
calculating the ampacity of bus conductors based on
Corona forms when the voltage gradient at the surface temperature rise. Although this work was a big step for-
of a conductor exceeds the dielectric strength of the su r- ward, the limitations of the formulas led to many specific
rounding air and ionizes the air molecules. RIY is caused tests.
exclusively by corona . Corona usually is not a factor in The next extensive experimental work leading to for-
rigid-bus design at 115 kY, and lower. mulas for calculating ampacity was done under Dwight
The shape of the bus conductor is pro bably the most and covered multiple bars, square tubes and round tubes
cri tical factor in reducing corona. Circular shapes will (4). Dwight's formula s give values for a single bar with a
generally give the best performance. The four basic factors dull paint surface that closely approximates Melson and
that determine voltage gradient are: (I) conductor Booth's values. Dwight 's work was another big step for-
diameter (or shape), (2) distance from ground , (3) phase ward in that the scope of conductors tested was expanded
spacing, and (4) Voltage. A smooth surface condition may and also gave engineers formulas that check test results
be important if operating near the critical voltage gradient. closely for the range of conductor sizes tested. However,
To avoid corona and RIY, bus shapes and fittings for large buses , pa rticularly buses composed of a large
should have corners rounded to at least 11 16 in. radius at number of bars (Fig. 13-29), the equations tend to be on
69 kY , and to larger radii at higher voltages. Corona rings the conservative side.
are also used to shield fitt ings and Oexible connections. The most recent extensive test work that led to general
equations for calculating bus ampacity is by House and
Ampacity of Aluminum Bus Conductors Tuttle. Although the published work is for curren t carry-
ing capacity of ACSR, additional work was done on bus
The subject of ampacity or "current carrying capacity" conductors using the same fundamental heat balance equa-
has intrigued engineers from the beginning of electrical tions (19).

13-19
-....,
w
,
TABLE 13-8
..
0-
c

o 8
"
~
Heat Loss Equations - Indoor Bus

;;:
IweB or
Bus Shape Flat Bar Round Tubular
Hollow Square Channel

~I[]W
A2 82 C2

~w~ ~ I
Configuration

--1+- ~W--1 r- --1 01

,
We ( )25 ( ) .25
Convected 0.0275 Pc ~t . t.t 0.026 Pc ~ . t.t o.072D o.75 • (t _ t ) 1.25
Heat c'
Watt/ It P = 2N (L+w)
c Pc = 2 (L+w)

[(.:~ i -(.~ iJ O"~', . •[(.:~ i-(.~ iJ [(,:~ i(,~ iJ

W,
Radiated 0.138D • e
Heat
0.0=', . •
Watt/ It P, = 2(L + NW) (Bars) (f = 0.35)
P, = 2(L+w)
= 2 (N - l)W (Spaces) (f = 0.95)

We Convected heat loss - Watt/ft tc Conductor temperature °c

W, Radiated heat loss - Watt/ft t. Ambient temperature °c
L Height in inches t.t t
c
- t
• 0
Pc Perimeter for convection in inches Kc Conductor temperature K
P, Perimeter for radiat ion in inches K. Ambient temperature oK
D Conductor diameter in inches e Emissivity (see Table 13-9 )
w Bar width in inches Lxw
M
N Number of flat bars L+w

'Equation must be modified if .!:..

w
< 12/1
 bus conductor design and applications
Heat-Balance Equation of Electrical Conductors shapes.
(General) (20)
Under steady-state conditions of wind velocity, ambient Ampacily (IWCB)
and conductor temperature, solar radiation and electric The ampacity values for standard sizes of IWCB are
current, the following general equation is valid. shown in Table 13-32 for de and ac current, using 30' C
ri se over 40' C ambient in still air.
12Reff + Ws = We + Wr + Wcond (Eq. 13-3)
Ampacity (Round Tubular Bar)
y We + Wr + Weond - Ws The ampacity values of the most commonly used large
=
Reff tube conductors are shown in Table 13-28 for a-c current,
using 30'C rise over 40°C ambient in still air.
Where:
Ampacity for Outdoors Bus Conductors
We = Convected heat loss, Wattsl ft The most extensive tests of tubular bus conductors for
Wr = Radiated heat loss , Wattsl ft outdoor service were done by Schurig and Frick in 1930
(21). Since then, several investigators have conducted tests
Weond = Conductive heat loss , Wattsl ft
on a limited scale. However. the same rigorous combina-
Ws = Solar heat gain, Wattsl ft tion of tests and theoretical study that was done on stan-
Reff = Effective resistance dard conductors by House and Tuttle (19) has not been
done for tubular bus and shape conductors outdoors. The
I = Current, amperes
closest agreement of theoretical work with tests for pipe
sizes shown in the tables appears to be the formulas listed
For indoor locations where Ws = 0 and Weond = 0:
in the House and Tuttle paper (using McAdams formula

=
YWe+ Wr for convection for Reynolds numbers 1000 to 50,(00) and
the formu las given in a paper by Prager, Pemberton, Craig
Reff and Bleshman (22). The formulas and computation
methods used are similar to indoor, taking into account
Equations for use in calculating convection and radia- different coefficients for outdoor convection losses and in-
tion heat losses have been developed by House and Tuttle cluding solar heat gain.
and are summarized in Table 13-8.
Emissivity and Absorptivity
Ampacity (Vertical Bars)
Emissivity (heat radiating characteristic) and absorptivi-
The ampacity values for standard sizes of bar and com- ty are not precisely the same since they apply to different
monly used bar arrangements are shown in Table 13-26 for energy spectra, but the difference is so small that for or-
ac and de current, using 30'C rise over 40' C ambient in dinary calculations they may be taken as equal.
still air. The emissivity coefficient varies with the surface condi-
tion of the conductor. Table 13-9 lists approximate
Multiple Bar A rrangements emissivity constants for typical conditions.
For direct current the capacity of a bus constructed of
rectangular bar can be controlled by merely varying the Effect of Painting
size or number of laminations in parallel. However, the ef- The ampacity of bus conductors can be increased for a
ficient use offtat bars for ac buses (60 Hz) in conventional given temperature rise indoors by painting with a dull
same plane arrangement is limited to about four y, in. finish paint of non-metallic pigment. The ampacity of a
aluminum bars per phase .
single conductor can be increased by 15 to 25 percent for
Fig. 13-10 illustrates the decrease in value for each bar ad- the same temperature rise (18,23). For example, the effect
ded from 1 to 12 bars (3 x V, in. cu., 3/ 8 in. apart, 60 Hz) of painting a single I" x 10" bar is to increase the ampacity
for the same plane arrangement. The curve shows that four about 15 percent. As multiple bars are added, the percen-
bars will carry about 70 percent as much current as 12 bars. tage drops off since the effect of improved emissivity ap·
Papst conducted a great number of tests on various ar- plies only to the outside surfaces. This leads one to con-
rangements of bars in efforts to find the most economical sider that it is more desirable to paint the outside bars of
ones (18). multiple ac bar buses than de buses since the outer bars
One arrangement, the hollow square arrangement, has a in an ac system tend to run hotter than the inner bars
low skin effect ratio similar to a square tubular conductor. because of skin effect. Painting of the outer bars very
However, the supports are more costly and must b~ spaced closely equalizes the temperature differential for four bar
closer together than for square tubing or box channel ac buses.

13-21
bus conductors

TABLE 13-9

Radiation Emissivity
Aluminum and Copper Surfaces

Radiation Radiation
1350 Aluminum Emissivity Copper Emissivity
Surface Coefficient Surface Coefficient

New Bar-Extruded 0.05- 0.15 Polished 0.03

New Bar- Cold Rolled 0.05- 0.20 Shiny 0 .07
New Bar- Hot Rolled 0.10- 0.20 Sl ightly 0.30
Oxidized

Old Bar- 2 Year 0.24 - 0.45 Normally 0.50

Indoors Oxidized

Old Bar- 2 Year 0.50- 0.90 H eavily 0.70- 0.85

Outdoors Oxidized

Flat Paint 0.90- 0.95 Flat Paint 0.95

(non-metallic base)

For calculations , the following emi ssivity values are assumed to be representati ve :

New Bus ...... . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 0 • • • 0 •••• 0 0 • • ••••• • • 0.10

Indoor current rat ings (partially ox id ized surface) .. . . . . . .. •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.35
Outdoor cu rren t ratings (normally ox idi zed su rface) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.50
Painted su rfaces (dull fin ish) . ... . . . . .. . .. . 0 0 0 • • • 0 0 • • 0 0 0 0 ••••• • • • 0.90
Open ings between members of built-up bars ... . ... . .. . .. • . . . . .• . . . 0.95

Isolated phase bus, because of space limitations and been given Ihe rigorous study that vertical bar ar-
high heat concentrations, is a particularly good applicalion rangements have received. The designer should remember
for painted conductors. The conductors, usually lubes or that ampacity tables are based on thermal conditions for
structural shapes, are painted for maximum emissivity, the the conductor and may not represent the most economical
inside of the enclosure is painted for absorptivily, Ihe overall design. Craig , in commenls on Carlson and Van-
melal of Ihe enclosure is chosen for heat conductivity, the Norstrand ' s paper, states that wilh today' s emphasis on
outside of the enclosure is painted for maximum emissivi- energy conservation the economic effect of losses in any
ty. conductor system should be carefully considered (17).

Ampacity Tables Current VSo Temperature Rise

The ampacities shown in the tables are based on calcula- Fugill (24) derived the formula which shows that the
lions using modern heat transfer technology. Agreement temperature rise varies .as the 1.7 power of the current:
within the range of test accuracy has been obtained bet-
ween test values and calculated values. Unavoidable varia-
tions show up in test values because of Ihe physical im- (Eq. 13-4)
possibility of exactly duplicating every test condition.
When calculating temperature rise, it is necessary to use where I ; amperes
the proper value of emissivity for the conductor. The heat T ; Temperature Rise
loss will vary considerably with various surface condilions.
An exception is the table on flat arrangement of bars which in °C
is based on limited test data . This arrangement has not Papst (17) also found that when the hot-spot

13·22
 bus condudor design and applications

I. 1

I.
• ./
I.I 1/
v
-2 I. I

I /
1/
e /
t I.' /
~
, /
i
] ..
/
1/
V

! J
1/
.1

.1

II
"
It . " It

Fig. /3- 11. Temperature rise vs. load ratio curve for aluminum bus cOllduc/ors. Note :
Based on calcula tions for de current using formu las from Chap ter 9, "Heat Trallsfer"
of Electrical Coils alld COlldll ctors , 1945 McGraw-Hili Book Co. Checks approximately
formula by Fllgill. (See Eq. 13-4, page 13-22).

temperatures of test bars VS. test cUJ'fent were plotted on metal enclosure may be encountered as well as hysteresis
log-log paper that the curves were straight lines having the losses in frame of enclosure . In addition, other factors
same positive slope o f 1.7. Calculations based on Dwight's such as dimensions, shape and arrangement of conductors,
wo rk (4) show essentially the same relationship. Fig. 13-11 finish of conductors, fini sh of housing all have their effects
shows the relationship in terms of load ratio in amperes (0 on ampacity of enclosed buses. These effects are such that
temperature rise as a convenient means of estimating CUf- calculation is impossible except from test data on pro-
rent for a different temperature rise than that shown in the totypes. Such proprietary data rarely is reported in the
ampacity tables (indoors) for va rious conductor shapes. literature . However, some general comments may be
helpful.
The greatest reduction in ampacity occurs with enclosed
Enclosed Bus Conductors buses that depend mainly on free circulation of air for
The design of enclosed bus conductors is considerably cooling. when such buses are enclosed in reasonably large
more complicated than open buses . Space limitations mean nonmagnetic enclosures, the ampacity rating may be
closer bus arrangements where proximity effect is a factor. reduced to between 55 and 60 percent of open-air rating.
Additional1 2R losses , as a result of induced currents in the The current-carrying capacity of single tubes and bars is

13·23
bus conductors

Sou.rce: DWICHT. H . B., Rrpulslofl &'''''Ulf SlrGp Co","

durton Electrical World Vol , 70, J917

'1\ I 1 I I I
\ " ~'/.'-I f ,' / .'_1.5
,I \ , I .'/.'-5 f .1/.' _1.25
l .'/11' _ 2 & .' /.' _ 1.1
1. 2
li\ •• '/11' _ 1 H ., / ., - _

" hl '"
" f-...t-.....
'\,
,1

1. I
D

,f
...... ;;;- ..-- ~
V ...- ....... ...-
..
• I ,I /
VI
/'
7 /'
;/ ---
j / /
,I /
i I .1
!
I . If
/
/ / ---!., I- - --
'-i
I
/ / I
- --
I .I
I
/, I
"""1- £81 - -- ~

--1

It]
I" •
/
I.1

I.
I
I fl.

I
al - f-
- c-
- c-
- C-
I ,1
I I I
I I I
I
I ... II 1.. 1.1

Fig. 13-12. Shape correction factor K for the calculation of electromagnetic force.

least affected by enclosure . The ratings of enclosed buses eddy currents in steel members in proximity to unenclosed
of this type may be reduced to between 70 and 75 percent buses carrying large currents and include rules for applica-
of the ratings in still but confined air for standard tion to isolated phase buses. Continuity of service is of
temperature rises (24). primary importance for isolated phase generator buses.
The design of modern isolated phase bus with its dus t-tight
Isolated Phase Bus and weather-tight aluminum covers has already reduced
Isolated phase bus, because of its use in connecting the the frequency of periodic inspections. By using welded
output of generators to step-up transformers, is a key ele- aluminum conductors, the inspection period may be
ment in a: power station and therefore deserves special at- spread over a longer interval.
tention by utility engineers. Power losses in the bus system
are coverod in detail in IEEE Guide For Calculating Losses Shorl-Circuit Conditions
in Isolated Phase Bus (25). Swerdlow and Buchta (II) give
data for estimating temperature rise due to hysteresis and The electromagnetic forces between conductors are pro-

13-24
 bus condudor design and applications

TABLE 13-10

Maximum Instantaneous Electromagnetic Forces

Between ac Bus Conductors

Type of Fault Conductor Arrangement Instantaneous Maximum Force on Conductor CD

Single Phase A B A or B F~ 10.8 I'

SymlT'etrical I_ d - I 10'd

Single Phase A B A or B F~ 43.2/'

Asymmetrical I_d-I IO'd

Three Phase A B C F~37.4/'

B
Asymmetrical l_d_l-d-1 I07d

A B C A or C F~34 .9 /'
I-o-I-d-I 10'd

/B"
d d A, B or C F~37.4/'

Ld~C
IO'd

(!)The currenl (I) IS In terms of RMS Symmetrical.

F _ lb 1ft of conductor
d= conductor spacing in inches
N~te : In computing short-circuit currents in networks, the subtransicnt reactance ofrolating machinery
IS used.

portional to the currents flowing in the conductors, and in- conductors are relatively large compared to the
versely proportional to the distance between them. The in- distance between conductors. Generally. for high
stantaneous force between two long, straight, parallel, capacity buses, the shape of the conductors and
round conductors can be found from the classic equation the distances between them are such that the shape
(4): factor can be considered as unity.

Alternating Current lac)

i li
F 5.4 d2 10-7 pounds per foot (Eq. 13-5) The maximum force on conductors carrying alternating
current depends, for practical purposes, on the point in the
voltage wave at which the fault occurs and on the conduc-
where i J and i2 are instantaneous currents in amperes, and
d is the distance between conductors in inches. tor arrangement. Formulas have been developed which
show the maximum possible instantaneous force on con-
If the two currents flow in the same direction, the force ductors under various conditions (4,26,27). The value of
will be one of attraction. If they flow in opposite direc- current (I) in the formulas in Table 13-10 is the initial rms
tions, a force of repulsion is created. value in amperes of the alternating or symmetrical portion
of the current. In asymmetrical faults , however, a de
Direct Current component also is present. The effect of this de compo-
For direct current, the repulsive force between positive nent is included in the formulas for maximum force.
and negative buses may be expressed as follows: Table 13-11 list s the relative value of the components of
electromagnetic force for short-circuit.
,2
F K5.4 - 10-7 pounds per foot (Eq. 13-5a) Application of Formulas (28,29,30)
d
The use of the formulas in Table 13-10 results in values
where K is the shape correction factor (Fig. 13-12). of maximum possible instantaneous magnetic force bet-
ween conductors. Conductors subjected to such forces,
NOTE: The shape correction factor is useful for adjusting and supporting insulators and structures, form dynamic
the formula in cases where the dimensions of the systems that contain mass, elasticity and damping. Such

13-25
bus conductors

TABLE 13-11

Components of Electromagnetic Force

ac Bus Conductors-Relative Values

Instantaneous Ratio of
D irect Maximum Average to
Current First Second Electro- instantaneous
Component Q) Harmonic Harmonic magnetic Ma ximu m
Force CD Forcc@

Symmetrical Sine
Current 0 .333 0.0 0.333 0.667 0 . 500
Totally Displaced
Sine Current 1.000 I. 333 0.333 2.667 0 .370

(DAverage ... alue of 10 lal e lectromagnetic force.

o See Tab le J 3- 10 fo r valu es of maximum in st an tan eous force ,
Note : Comparison of elect romagnetic-fo rce components fo r fu lly displaced and for sym metr ica l
short-ci rcui t cu rre nts, fo r two -..... ire short ci rcuit.
The ac component of the fully dis placed short-circuit c urrent has thc sa me amplitude as the sym-
metrical current. Wave-shape ~inusoida l in both cases. Current decrement neglected .

TABLE 13-12

Deflection and Stress Formulas

Bus Conductors

Beam F ixed Conti n uous Beam

Simple
tk.m "
Bo th En ds 2 Spans Mo re Than 2 Spans

5wJ" D =~ wJ~ <D

Maximum Deflection D ~ 384£1 384£1 D ~ 185£1
wJ'l ® wJ'l (j) wi' co., ,.!
Max imum Moment M ~ -' M ~- M ~- M ~ 0.107wl'
8 12 8
wJ2 ,J) wJ2 ~ 0.107wl' ,,,
Fiber Stress f' ~ wi' (j)
f' ~ I2S f' ~- f'~
8S 8S S

Maximum~ Load w ~8fS w ~ 12fS w _ ~fS

- I
w~~
I I 0.1072

Maximum Spa n I~ ~8fS I ~ ~ I :::S I ~ ~8fS I _ ~JS

M' M' 0. 107w

D "" deftectl9 n In Inches I "" mo ment o f inertIa, Inc hes ~

~.::: load in lb fin. o f M = bending mo ment in po u nd-inches
Lbsper ft) S = section modulus, inc hes :!)
tengt h ( 12
I' "" fiber stress in Ib /sq in .
W = to tal uniform lo ad in pounds ( ....1) I - maximum a llo wable fibe r st ress in Ib /sQ in.
I ""span in inches (The value of minimum yield strength is com-
E = mo dulus o fela sticity, lb /sq in. monly used . Sce Table 13- 1.)
<D Maximum deflectio n occurs in the end spans a nd is on ly slightly more than that for a continuous
beam of 2 spans .
(D MaKimum moment and fiber Stress fo r simple beams occur at the center of the span .
(!)Maximum moment and fiber stress fo r beams fixed at both ends occur at the points of suppo rt.
I ~ Max.imum moment and fiber stress fo r con tinuous beams occur at the second support rrom each end .

13-26
 bus condudor design and applications

systems have resonant frequencies. The deflections of con- Structures" (I) suggests that the interrupting capability of
ductors, insulators and structures under short-circuit con- the substation equipment be considered as the maximum
ditions depend on (I) the magnetic forces, (2) the relation- symmetrical RMS short-circuit current. The Guide
ship between the frequency of the current and the natural recognizes the presence of reactance in the system and sug-
frequencies of the dynamic system (3) the duration and gests using a value of 1.6 as the current offset. The classical
variation of the magnetic forces, and (4) damping in the general equation then becomes:
dynamic system .
5.4 (1.6 Vz 1)2 . 10- 7
F ;

Direct Current Buses d

S hort circuit force s can be appreciable for la rge dc bus
systems. A knowledge of the short circuit characteristics of 27.61 2 . 10- 7
; pounds per foot (Eq . 13-6)
the power rectifier is essential for the design of the dc bus. d
Mercury arc rectifiers, once in common use in the
electro-chemical industry, were subject to failure of the If a system's maximum current offset is less than the
rectifying action of the tube. This type of rectifier fai lure, assumed value of 1.6, the force F can be further reduced.
known as "backfire," acts as a fault to the rectifier Because of flexibility, the bus structure and support
transformer and to the dc bus. The rates of c urre nt rise stands are capable of absorbing kinetic energy during a
through a rectifier and its transformer windings for a large fault. Depending on the type of support structures and
system could be as high as three to six million amperes per their height, the short-circuit forces can be further reduced
second. High speed breakers are used to limit current to as follows:
mercury arc rectifiers and protect connected equipmen t.
The probability of damage from a short -circuit in solid- 27 .6 12 10- 7
(Eq. 13-7)
state rectifiers is much less than for mercury arc rectifiers. d
However, damaging short-circuits have occurred and can-
not be ignored. ANSI Standards specify that the diode- Values of ks are given in Fig. 13-13.
diode fuse coordination be capable of interrupting a diode ks is usually assumed to be unity for three-phase bus sup-
failure if the fault is fed from its own rectifier transformer. ports.
The standard does not require the diode or diode fuse to be
designed to withstand a positive to negative fault. The bus Longitudinal Forces
designer may wish to consult with the supplier of the rec-
Longitudinal forces may be encountered during short-
tifier equipment regarding a comprehensive study of
circuit for long span flexible conductors . The greater the
regulation curves and current transient s during dc fault
since a system analysi s is quite complicated. lateral deflection of the bus during short-circuit , the
greater will be this force tending to pull the insulator sup-
ports together (34).
Low-voltage Alternating Current Buses (31)
Predictions of possible short-circuit currents for high- Torsional Forces
voltage circuits, where arcs are of a sustained character, Torsional forces are encountered in the end support of a
can be made fairl y accurately . However, in ac circuit s bus, being more pronounced for flexible conductors where
operating at low voltages (440 volts or less), the effect of lateral movement is greater than for stiffer conductors
fault resistance and circuit reactance is such that the actual (34).
current resulting from a fa ult is usually much smaller than
that calculated, even though the power source is large. If Stresses Caused by Short-circuit Currents
this difference is not recognized, needlessly high expenses
for bus structures may be incurred. The forces acting on a conductor that carries current are
Low-voltage buses with short spans and relatively rigid uniformly distributed along the length of the conductor.
supports may have natural frequencies that coincide with The conductor may be analyzed as a uniformly loaded
the natural frequency of the current. In such cases, reso- beam.
nant vibration can occur. The stresses resulting therefrom
could be several times greater than those calculated on the Heating Caused by Short-circuit Currents
basis of the maximum force applied to a static system The time during which a short -circuit current flows is
(32,33). (See page 13-28). usually so short that for all practical purposes it can be
assumed that no heat loss occurs by convection and radia-
tion. The temperature rise is then determined by only the
High-voltage Substations specific heat of the metal, the size of the conductor and the
The IEEE "Guide for Design of Substat ion Rigid Bus heat input. The following formula should be sufficiently

13-27
bus conductors

1.l

1.0
-...........
0.9
r::::: t=::: ~
.......
~
............... 0

k,
0.8
~~ ~ c
B-
'-.......... A
0.7

0.6
o 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

BUS HEIGHT (Fn

Fig. 13-/3. kslor various types 01 bus supports . (A) lallice alld tubular aluminum; (B)
tubular alld wide jlange steel, alld wood pole; (e) lallice steel; (D) COl/crete.

accurate for practical (I). Increase in resistance with design will generally be determined by the total mechanical
temperature rise has been taken into consideration. load , e.g. weight of conductor, ice, damping material, and
any concentrated loads. Short-circuit forces and elec-
For aluminum conductors (40 to 64 percent lACS conduc- tromagnetic vibration are usually not a major factor in
tivity), design. However, aeolian vibration should receive careful
consideration for outdoor buses.
T f - 20 + (15150I G»)Yz Low voltage buses, for the same power, have higher cur-
rents and generally smaller spacings. Here, short-circuit
Tj - 20 + (I5150IG)
forces are more likely to be a major factor in the
(Eq. 13-8) mechanical design. Also, electromagnetic vibration should
where :
receive careful study since buses with short spans and
relatively rigid supports may have natural frequencies that
Ise = the rms value of fault current (amperes)
coincide with the natural frequency or a harmonic of the
A = conductor cross-sectional area (sq. in.) current.
G = conductivity, "10 lACS The mechanical design of outdoor buses is covered in
t = duration of fault (seconds) considerable detail in IEEE "Guide for Design of Substa-
tion Rigid Bus Structures" (I).
T f = allowable final conductor temperature (C)
After the minimum size that will satisfy the current-
T j = conductor temperature at fault initiation (C) carrying requirements has been determined, the maximum
span may be calculated from the conventional formulas in
Mechanical Design Table 13-12 or the formulas for particular end conditions
as shown in IEEE Guide. Tables 13-13 and 13-14 are useful
A bus installation must be designed as a structure with in selecting pipe size conductors.
enough stiffness and strength to support its own weight
without excessive sag and to withstand those external Vibration
forces, such as short circuits, wind and ice loads, which
may act upon it. The spans should be checked for suscep- Electro-magnetic (Resonance) (32,33)
tability to electromagnetic and aeolian vibration. A bus conductor installation will have a frequency of
High voltage buses have relatively large spacing and vibration depending upon the span length, rigidity of sup-
usually relatively low currents. Thus, the mechanical ports, degree of damping and flexibility of the conductor

13-28
 bus condudor design and applications

TABLE 13-13

Deflection Values
Schedule 40 Aluminum Pipe

Nominal
40 ., 50
Cond itions Pipe Si:u:
in .
'0
" '0
" '0
"
'Iz 0 , 39 1.96 " " " " . . ...
'A 0,24 1.20 . . .. .... " ,
. ...
" " "
I 0,15 0,76 2 , 39 "
.... ·. ·"
IIA 0,09 0,46 1.45 3.55 . ... · .. . .. . . . ...
IY, 0 , 07 0,35 1.09 2, 67
"
.... . ...
Bare 2 0,04 0 , 21 0 , 68 1. 65 3, 46 " .... ... .
2Y, 0,03 0,15 0,47 I. 15 2,38 4 ,22 .... ."
3 0,02 0,10 0 , 31 0.76 1.58 2,93 5 , 00 ....
3Y, 0 ,02 0,08 0 . 24 0 , 58 1.20 2, 21 3,78 6,07
4 0 ,0 1 0,06 0 , 19 0,45 0 ,94 I. 74 2,96 4,76 7,26
5 0,01 0.Q4 0.12 0,29 0,61 1.12 1.91 3,08 4,69
6 om O.oJ 0,08 0 ,20 0,42 0,79 1.34 2,15 3.28

'Iz 1.48 7,51 ." . .... " , .... ." ..

· .. .
"
4 , 12 .... . ... . . .. .. ..
I
'A 0 . 81
0,43 2.20 6 , 96
"
" .. ... . .. - . ." ' .

IIA
IY,
0,24
0,17
1.23
0.88
3,89
2.80
9,62
6.83
....
.. ' " ·.. . .
"
....
....
. ...
Yl in. Ice 2 0,10 0 , 52 1, 63 4 ,00 8,36 .' .. . ...
2\1, 0 , 06 0.30 0,96 2.30 4,89 9,05 .... . ...
3 0,04 0 , 19 0 , 60 1.47 3,06 5,72 9,75 .. .. . ...
3'Iz 0 , 03 0.14 0 ,44 1.08 2 , 24 4 , 16 7 , 16 11.46 "

4 0 , 02 0, II 0,34 0,83 I. 71 3 , 17 5,42 8 , 73 13,31

5 O.oI 0.07 0,21 0.51 1.05 1.95 3J4 5 ,37 8.19
6 0,01 0,04 0,14 0.34 0,7 1 1.32 2,25 3,60 5,49

'Iz 2,10 10 ,62 ... . . ... . .. . . ... .. .. . ... . ...

'A 1.12 5,63 . . .. . .. . .... . ... · - .. ·....
" ..· -.-'
I 0 ,56 2,85 9 ,02 .... ..
Ih in. Ice. 1';4 0,30 I. 53 4,84 II. 81
" " "
.... ....
· - ..
" "
IY, 0,21 1.08 3,40 8,30 .... . ... " " · .. .
4 Jb Wind 2 0 , 12 0.61 1.93 4 ,70 9 , 75 .... " " .. " ' . . ..
'2Y, 0 , 07 0.34 1.09 2,65 5.49 10 , 17 .' .. " ..
Plus Constant 3 0,04 0,21 0,67 1.64 3.40 6,30 10 ,76 .... · ...
3Y, 0 ,03 0,15 0 ,49 1.19 2 . 47 4 , 58 7,81 12 , 51 ....
4 0 .02 0 , 12 0 , 37 0,90 I. 86 3 ,45 5,89 9 , 43 14,38
5 O.oI 0,07 0 ,22 0.55 1.I3 2,10 3.57 5 ,72 8,72
6 O.oI 0 ,05 0.15 0.36 0.75 1.39 2,37 3,80 5.79

V, 3 , 40 17,20 " , "

'A I. 76 8 , 92 ....
"

" " .. ..
" "
.... . . .. . ...
I 0 , 88 4 . 44 14 ,03 .. , ... . " . ... .
11.4 0,47 2,37 7,47 18.49
"

"
.. .. .... ' " .
IY, 0 , 34 1.69 5,35 13,07 " , " . .... . .. - . ...
I in. Ice 2 0 . 18 0 .92 2 , 91 7,09 14 , 95 .... . ...
2V, 0,10 0.50 I. 59 3,87 8,03 15,06 "
....
3 0.06 0,31 0 , 97 2,37 4 , 91 9.20 15,69 ....
lV, 0 ,04 0.22 0 ,70 I. 70 3,53 6,53 11 , 14 18,06 · '".
4 0 , 03 0,16 0 , 52 1,27 2.63 4 ,88 8,32 13 , 49 20,56
5 0.02 0,10 0,31 0 ,76 1.57 2,91 4,97 8,05 11.74
6 0,01 0,06 0,2 1 0.50 1.04 1.92 3,28 5,26 8,02

NOle: These are ml lmuum deftecuo n va lues In Inchu for a Simple beam wllh unifo rml y d istri buted load. For beams fixed at bo th ends the deflection WIll be one-fifth of
the values given .
Deft.ection d l fo r any other span L l may be obtained from the rela tion; d, - d (~)

13-29
bus conductors

TABLE 13-14

Deflection Values
Schedule 80 Aluminum Pipe

Spa" in Feet

Cond itions
Nomina l
Pi pe Size
in .
I. " 2.
" J.
" 4. "
,.
Deflectio n in Inches

,/, 0.4 2 2.1l .. . .. ' .. . ' .. . .. . •• o •

J). 0.25 I. 29 .. . . . .. .. .. ... . .. . .' ..

I
J'A
0 . 16
0 . 10
0. 81
0.49
2.56
I. 54
...
3.77
..
....
" ..
.. ..
.... ....
....
11'2 0.07 0.36 1.1 5 2.82 .. .. .. . . . ...
Bare 2 0.04 0.23 0 .72 I. 76 3.65 6.76 ... . ....
21'2 0.03 0. 16 0 .49 I. 21 2.50 4 .64 7. 92 ...
3 0.02 0.10 0.33 0 .80 1.66 3. 08 5.25 8.40 ....
31'2 0.01 0.08 0.25 O.W I. 25 2.32 3.97 6.36 9.69
4 0 .01 0.06 0.19 0.47 0 .98 1. 82 3. I I 4 .98 7.58
5 0 .01 0.04 0. 12 0 .3 1 0 .63 I. 17 2.01 3.2 1 4 .89
6 0.01 0.03 0.09 0.21 0.44 0.82 1.40 2.25 3.43

1'2 I. 35 6.85 .. .. ... . ... . ....

~ 0.73 3. 75 .. . .. .. . . .. , ... ... . .... .. ..
....
'

I 0.40 2.01 6.34 .... .. ..

1\4 0 .22 I. I I 3.5 1 8.65 .. .. . .. ... . ... .
IV, 0 . 16 0.79 2.51 6. 12 ... . ....
Yz in. Ice 2 0.09 0.46 1.45 3.54 7.40 1l.72 .. .. . ...
21'2 0 .05 0.28 0.88 2.15 4.46 8.ll 14 .20 ...
3 0.03 0.17 0.55 I. 35 2.80 5.23 8.93 14.30 ....
3'n
4
0 .02
0.02
0.1l
0 . 10
0.40
0.31
0 .99
0. 75
2.05
1.56
3.80
2.89
6.50
4 .95
10.47
7.96
15 .96
12.14
5 0 .01 0.06 0 . 19 0 .46 0 .96 I. 78 3.04 4 .89 7. 46
6 0.0 1 0.04 0.13 0.3 1 0.64 1.19 2.04 3.26 4.97

1'2 I. 86 9.44 " .. .. .. ... . . . .. ....

.... .. . . ....
..... . ..
~ 0.97 4 .92 .. .. ... · ..
.. .. .... .
'

I 0 .50 2.53 7.99 . .. ..

VI in . Ice. PA
11'2
0·. 27
0.19
I. 34
0.94
4 . 24
2.97
10 .36
7.24
... .
... .
. ..
.. ..
...
....
....... . ...
. ,'-
41b Wind 2 0. 10 0.53 1.66 4.06 8.42 15 . 60 .' .. . ... . ...
21'2 0.06 0 .3 1 0 .98 2. 39 4 .95 9 . 17 15.65 .... . .. .
Plus Constant 3 0 .04 0 . 19 0 .60 1.47 3.06 5.66 9.66 15 .47 ....
lV, 0 .03 0 . 14 0 .44 1. 07 2.2 1 4. 10 7. 00 II. 21 17. 08
4 0 .02 0.10 O. ll 0 .8 1 1.67 3.09 5.28 8.45 12 .88
5 0 .01 0 .06 0 .20 0 .49 1. 01 1.88 3.20 5.13 7. 81
6 0.01 0.04 0.13 0.32 0.67 1.24 2.11 3.38 S.lS
1'2 2.98 IS . IO .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ....
I
~ I. SI
0.76
7.67
3.86
.. . .
12.21
'"

... .
. "

...
..
.. ..
.. ..
. ... ....
. .. .
...
...
"
·.
I~ 0 .40 2.02 6.39 IS.80 .. " .' .. " . .. . ... .
11/ 2 0.28 1.40 4.42 10 .79 .. .. · . .. . ..
J in . Ice 2 0.15 0.77 2.43 5.94 12 .46 23.09 ... . ... ...
2\1, 0.09 0.44 I. 38 3. 37 6.99 13 . 10 22.34 . ..
3 0.05 0.26 0. 84 2.04 4.24 7.93 13. 53 21.67 ....
lV, 0 .04 0. 19 0.60 1.46 3. 03 5.6 1 9. 60 15.52 23 .65
4 0 .03 0 . 14 0.45 1.09 2.26 4. 19 7. 16 I I. 54 17.59
5 0.02 0.08 0 .26 0 .65 I. 34 2. 48 4.25 6.85 10.44
6 0.01 0.05 0.17 0.42 0.87 1.61 2.7S 4.41 6.72

N o te . These a,rc m alltlmum dclle<:lIon yahloCS In Inches fo r a sImple beam WIth umform ly dlstnbutcd load. Fo r bea ms filled aI both cnds the deftectlo n WI ll be o ne-firth o r
the ya llics il ycn.
Deflectiun d , ror any other span L, may be o btained from the relatio n : d, _ d ( ~ )

13-30
 bus condudor design and applications

TABLE 13-15

Maximum Vibration-Free Span Length

Tubular 8us Universal Angle Bus Conductor Integral Web Channel Bus

Nominal Maximum Safe Maximum Safe Maximum Safe

Pipe Size Span length(4J UASC Size Span length(1)(2)(31 (WeB Size Span Length f1 )12)

1 5' - 0" 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 1/4 12' - 0" 4x4 14' - 6"
1 1/4 6' - 3" 4x4x l /4 IS' - 0" 6x4 20' - 9"
1 112 7' - 0" 4x4x318 14' - 9" 6x5 21' - 3"
2 9' - 0" 4112x41/2x3 /8 16' - 9" 6x6 21' - 9"
2 112 10' - 9" 5x5x3/8 18' - 6" 7x7 26 ' - 3"
3 13' - 3" 8x5 29' - 0"
3112 IS' - 3"
4 19 ' - 0"
4 1/2 19' - 0"
5 21' - 3"
6 25' - 3"

(1) Lengths based on one loop of vibration .

(2) Lengths can be increased approximately 20 percent with reasonable certainty there will be no vibration .
(3) Does not apply for double angles in back·to~back configurations .
(4) Lengths apply to both Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 tubular bus .

in the plane of vibration.

TABLE 13-16 The general formula (33) for "clamped-clamped" (rigid
support) uniform beam vibration in the transverse or ben-
Recommended Sizes of ACSR to Be Inserted ding mode is as follows for single loop:
in Tubular Bus to Prevent Vibration

f = 22,0 (EI) (Eq, 13-9)

Based on No Energy Absorption by Supports
2n(L2) N
Nominal Recommended Min.
where:
Pipe Size Size of ACSR
Inches emil f = frequency in cycles per second
2 L = span length in inches
266,800
2 1/2 266,800 E = modulus of elasticity (107 for aluminum), psi
3 266,800 1 = moment of inertia of conductor in plane of vibra-
31/2 397,500 tion , in.4
4 795,000 W Ib / in.
5 1,431 ,090 N -.-. - - for conductor
g 386
6 1,590 ,000
Electro-magnetic vibration has been observed chiefly on
Notes:
buses for electric furnaces. Here, the buses experience the
(1 J ACSR should have a multi-strand core.
equivalent of a short-circuit repeatedly in normal opera-
(2) Since any bus system has some damping capacity, similar sizes tion. Fatigue breaks have occurred. Curves, based on Eq,
of ACSR may be used depending upon the damping character- 13-9, are shown in Fig, 13-14 as a guide to avoid critical
istics of the particular installation. The design factors. installa- lengths for bars, The span and depth in the plane of vi-
tion, and cost favor consideration of dampers . bration are the major factors in determining the frequency ,

13 -31
~

w 0-
,
w
.,c
10,)
§k\' ( • \,' \1\(
8
~
"c
Q.

DEPTH DIMENSIONS IN PLANE OF VIBRATION

il-;;:
D
f '" 203,83 1 12
I - FREQUENCY IN CPS
D = BAR THICKNESS (lNCHESI IN PLANE OF VIBRATION
L = SPAN LENGTH IN INCHES

NOTES:
1. SIMPLIFIED FORMULA BASED ON GENERAL FORMULA
FOR UN IFORM BEAMS " CLAMPED- CLAMPED" (33)
2 . SPAN LENGTHS THAT RESONATE AT 120 CYCLES
SHOULD BE AVOIDED
EXAMPLE: 112" BAR . CRITICAL
THEORETICAL SPAN
<II IS 29 IN. (BY TEST 27.5 IN.)
~
">- § I BAR BAR THICKNESS
" THICKNESS
IN INCHES
IN INCHES

1/4 . ., 2

3/8 ~, 4

112 \ .. \ 6

5/8 \ \ It\ 8

~ ){ .,'- Ip',
) 10

12

~ ., D',,1"')' ''''''
10 100 1000

CRITICAL LENGTH OF SPAN IN INCHES

Fig. 13-14. Resonant frequencies - rectangular aluminum bars clamped at each end.
 bus condudor design and applications

The width of the bar in the commonly used sizes has little vibration should be considered if the span lengths are
effect on Iy_y and on the natural frequency. greater than lengths listed in Table 13-15.
For reasons of clearance and economy, high voltage Until recently, the most commonly used damping
substations are generally designed with relatively long method was by inserting flexible cable in the bus. The size
spans, pedestal-type insulators, and relatively flexible and type of cable was determined by trial and error for
structures. Such high-voltage "bus systems" (which in- each installation and there was little consistency (Table
clude bus, supports and structures) have a marked degree 13-16).
of flexibility. As a result, the natural frequencies of such In recent years , specially designed bus dampers have
high-voltage bus systems are normally much lower than the found increasing use for vibration protection. Specific
frequency of the current in the bus. A short circuit normal- sizes of flexible conductor, particularly in the short lengths
ly could not excite a long span bus system with flexible sup- required for damping purposes, are not always available or
ports in one of its natural frequencies. practical to acquire. Furthermore, dampers may be install-
ed in an existing station where vibration problems have oc-
Aeolian Vibration curred.

Bus vibration is caused by a low steady wind blowing

across the bus at approximately right angles to the span. Expansion Joints jar Bus Conductors
Under certain low velocity wind conditions, eddies will When the temperature of a bus conductor changes, there
break off alternately from the top and bottom surfaces is a change in length due to thermal expansion.
causing the bus to vibrate. in a vertical plane. The bus will Long, continuous buses should be provided with expan-
vibrate at its natural frequency provided that this frequen- sian joints at intervals. Expansion calculations are covered
cy is within the range that can be excited by the wind. The in detail in the lEE Guide (I) and are applicable to both in-
classical formula for frequency of vibration of round con- door and outdoor bus.
ductors by wind is as follows:
Rectangular Bars
3.26V
f = (Eq. 13-10) For flat-bar construction where the continuous length of
d bus is not more than 50 to 75 ft, and where the bus is sub-
ject to only normal variations in temperature, it is common
where: practice to neglect any special consideration of expansion.
Support clamps are installed tight, and the small change in
f = aeolian vibration frequency in cps. length of bus is absorbed by the lateral flexibility of the flat
V = wind velocity (miles per hour) bars.
d = conductor diameter (inches)
Structural Shape
Tests by Alcoa on tubular conductors of various Buses designed with structural shape conductors should
diameters, wall thicknesses and alloys showed that internal be allowed freedom of longitudinal movement except at
damping of the conductor itself caused only minor devia- anchor points; otherwise, the force exerted on the in-
tions from the theoretical formula. The conductors were sulating supports may be higher than advisable. This is
suspended on piano wires to eliminate damping effect of necessary, because structural shapes have much greater
supports (Table 13-1 5). lateral stiffness than flat bars, and changes in length are
Winds causing vibration are low steady winds under 15 not so easily abosrbed by lateral bowing of the conductor.
mph; winds over 15 mph are generally too turbulent to in-
duce vibration. A span that is "sheltered" from the wind
will not be as prone to vibrate as an exposed span. This Tubular
shelter can be caused by trees around the station, equip- Runs of considerable length require expansion joints,
ment in the station or by the location of the station, as in a particularly if the tube terminates at both ends in electrical
valley. equipment that should not be highly stressed. At section
Tests and experience show that all shapes of bus will points either an expansion connector can be used, or the
vibrate provided the following conditions are present: (I) section is anchored at a central point of a long run, with
suitable winds are present, (2) span lengths are long slip-supports on far distant insulators. Usually the max-
enough to vibrate and (3) support losses are less than input imum slip on such a support is about one inch, which limits
by wind. the run to about 100 ft. each way from a mid-anchor point
There are too many variables involved to definitely state for usual temperature variation. A favored expansion con-
that a given span will vibrate; only that due to the fact of nection is the straddle-type (Fig. 13-16) that is mounted on
its length it has the potential to vibrate. The possibility of an insulator cap.

13-33
bus conductors

Positioning Expansion Joints - Continuous Spans Bus Supports

The following are some common arrangements for plac- Bus supports should have a cantilever strength equal to
ing expansion and slide supports in continuous bus spans, or greater than the strength of the NEMA station post in-
designed to accommodate bus expansion without placing sulators used with the supports. High strength aluminum
undue stress on fixed supports or other components under alloy bodies with aluminum alloy bolts (never bronze) is
various installation conditions (35). the best combination of materials. Slip-fit supports that
have a rocker pin may be a problem for spans p rone to
Fixed Supports in Center Only aeolian vibration. ANSI C119.3 lists industry standards
for heights of supports.
TAP
H
SLIDE
T H
SLIDE
---z:
FIXED
H
SLIDE
H
SLIDE
Standard supports are satisfactory for cables, flat bar
and flexible tubes since the movement of the conductors
largely absorbs suddenly developed forces of short-circuit
currents. However, channel- conductors, stiff tubes and
Fixed Supports at One End Only flat bars mounted edgewise to the direction of force convey
the total impact to the support. Papst (36) conducted ex-
TAP
tensive tests that sbowed when the bus is used with spring-
~ H H H T H mounted supports the reduction in stress is substantial.
FIXED SLIDE SLIDE SLIDE SLIDE
The springs may be mounted between the bus and its in-
sulator or between the insulator and its supporting struc-
Fixed Supports at Both Ends ture.
Rigid bus swing-suspended from insulators is sometimes
TAP
~
FIXED
E
SLIDE
T?
EXPANSION
E
SLIDE
rc
FIXED
used where short-circuit forces are high, Fig. 13-15 . Shock
stress from short circuits is partly absorbed by the inertial
swing of the bus and , for a sustained short circuit, the bus
SUPPORT
swing stops at such a position that the balance of forces ,
Fixed Supports at Intermediate Points including tension in the insulator links, offsets the short-
circuit force. Support bumpers sometimes are provided in-
TAP to which the bus enters at full swing, thereby reducing ten-
H
SLIDE
~
FIXED
TK
EXPANSION
~
FIXED
E
SLIDE
sion on the insulator. This swing principle also sometimes
is employed for indoor bus in industrial plants where
SUPPORT short-circuit forces otherwise would make it necessary to
provide more supports (37).
Fixed Supports at Center and Both Ends
Clearances and Phase Spacings
TAP
~
FIXED
T~ z;: ? Z?- There are no industry standards for all aspects of
clearances and phase spacings. However, many are
EXPANSION FIXEO EXPANSION FIXED
SUPPORT SUPPORT covered by National Electrical Code and the various

Expansion Joint Types

There are many variations in the design of expansion
joints. They generally consist of terminal lugs joined by
flexible thin sheet of 1350 aluminum laminations or rope
lay cable welded or compressed to the lugs at each end. The
gauge of aluminum sheets is 0.010 in. to 0.016 in. thick and
for heavy, stiff buses, thicker laminations may be used. If
greater flexibility is required woven braid is suitable. The
latter type, however, makes the assembly somewhat bulky
because of the large number of fine strands that may be
needed. Copper braids should not be used for outdoor ser-
vice on aluminum since copper salts from weathering of
copper are corrosive to aluminum. Typical expansion
joints for different kinds of aluminum buses are illustrated Fig. /3-15. Swinging suspension jor high-current bus.
in Fig. 13-16.

13 - 34
 bus conductor design ond applications

......

a . Boiled Expansion Coupler Connector

- - 1)
\
- - -"

b. Welded Expansion c. Welded Expansion Support

Coupler Connector

d. Welded Expansion e. Welded Expansion

Terminal Connector Connectors for IWCB

Fig. 13·16. Typical expansion connectors.

13·35
bus conductors

TABLE 13-17

Min imum Spacing Bet ween Bare Metal Parts

(NEG Table 384 -26)

Opposite Polarity Opposite Polarity

Where Mounted On Wh ere Held Live Parts *
the Same Surface Free in Air to Ground

Not ove r 125 vo lts, nomin al 3/4 inch 1/2 inch 1/2 inch
Not ove r 250 vo lts, nomina l 1 1/2 inch 3/4 inch 1/2 inch
Not ove r 600 volts , nomina l 2 inches 1 inch 1 inch

For 5 1 units : one inch = 25 .4 mi ll imete rs.

* For spacing between I ive parts and doors of cabinets, see Section 373-11 (a) ( 1I. (2), and (3).

Minimum Spacing Between Bottom of Enclosure and Bus

Bars, Thei r Supports, or Other Obstructions (Inches)

(N EG Sect. 38 4-1 0 )

Conductor Inches

Insu lated bus bars, th eir suppor ts, or other obstructions 8 (203 mm)
Non-insu lated bus bars 10 (254 mm)

manufacturers have their own standards (Tables 13-17. The natural oxide films on both copper and aluminum.
13-18 and 13-19). particularly aluminum. are poor electrical conductors.
They must be ruptured or otherwise penetrated to bring
about the required conducting path . The quality of con-
Jointing and Connecting ducting path across the contact interface must approach
that of the continuous conductor if significant resistance
Properly designed bolted. clamp-fitted. or welded bus concentrations are to be avoided.
bar connections provide equally satisfactory service. Photomicrographs of contact surfaces have shown how
Welding is generally preferred for permanent connections metal is extruded into the fissures in the oxide surface dur-
and bolting is used where connections may be periodically ing interfacial collapse to provide the bridges by which cur-
broken. Bolting and clamping are also used where welding rent can traverse the interface . Resistance measurements of
equipment and trained welders are not available. completed connections reveal the degree to which these
bridges are effective in providing a low resistance path
Nature of Contact Interface (38).
T here are similarities in the contact interfaces between The installing force on a connection disrupts the natural
any two conductors. The surface of a piece of metal - no oxide film on the contact surface. allowing metal-to-metal
matter how well polished - ctlnsists of innumerable contact for low contact resistance. Contact resistance may
microscopic hills and valleys. Theoretically. the initial con- be sensitive to subsequent micro-movement from creep or
tact of two mating surfaces occurs at only three points. differential thermal expansion. If the increase in joint
When increasing pressure is applied. the initial points are resistance causes a significant increase in temperatu re the
broken down a nd multiple points of contact are establish- deterioration may be cumulative until the circuit opens or
ed. high temperature provides more conducting areas at the in-

13-36
 bus conductor design and applications

TABLE 13-18

Minimum Clearance of Live Parts(l)

(N EG Table 710-33)

Minimum Clearance of Live Parts

Impulse Withstand, in Inches
Nominal B_I.L.
Voltage kV Phase·to-Phase Phase-to-Ground
Rating
kV Indoors Outdoors Indoors Outdoors Indoors Outdoors

2.4- 4.16 60 95 4.5 7 3.0 6

7.2 75 95 5.5 121 7 4.0 6
13.8 95 110 7.5 12 5.0 7
14.4 110 110 9.0 12 6.5 7
23.0 125 150 10.5 15 7.5 10
34 .5 150 150 12 .5 15 9.5 10
200 200 18.0 18 13.0 13
46.0 200 18 13
250 21 17
69.0 250 21 17
350 31 25
115.0 550 53 42
138.0 550 53 42
650 63 50
161.0 650 63 50
750 72 58
230.0 750 72 58
900 89 71
1050 105 83

For SI units : one inch =: 25.4 millimeters.

(1) Th e values given are the minimum clearance for rigid parts and bare conductors under favorable service conditions. They shall
be increased for conductor movement or under unfavorabl e se rvice conditions, or w herever space limitations permit. The
selection of the associated impulse withstand vo ltage for a particular system voltage is determined by the characteristics of
the surge protective equipment. These values shall not apply to interior portions or exterior terminals of equipment designed ,
manufactured, and tested in accordance with accepted national standa rds.

(2) ANSI C 37.46 lists 6 in. for 8. 25 kV.

terface. AJ-Cu bolted interfaces between Oat bus may ex- contact.
hibit this characteristic (39). Although the contact resistance consists of film
Contact resistance of two metallic surfaces appears to resistance in parallel with the constriction resistance, the
consist of two parts: (I) the constriction resistance caused latter is by far the most important.
by non-uniform flow of current in the body of the conduc-
tors as the result of the constrictive nature of the small Constriction Resistance
metal extrusion contacts at points of oxide fracture, and The di st ribulion of de current in a long Ihin rod is
(2) film resistance caused by random areas of less perfect uniform . The resi stance of such rod can be calculated by

13-37
-
w
•
W
0-
S
011 8

TABLE 13-19

Electrical Clearances
r
"

Outdoor Substations - Basic Parameters

(Table 1, NEMA STD SG 6)

Recommended Phase Spacing Recommend ed

Minimum Center to Center - l n che~~~ters) Minimum
Metal -( o ~Metal Bus Su pports, Clearance
Ra ted Withst an d Volta e Distance Between Vertical Brk. Betw een Over -
Impulse 60 Hz kV rms Rigidly Supported Horn Gap Horizontal Disc. Switches head Conductor
Rated l.ZxSOp.s Wei Ellerf;ized S",'i lch {i. Break Power fuses I
and G round for Withstand
Line 1~lax . Volt ""ave 10 Conductors Disc . I
Non - expulsion Type Personal SafetyIS'
S. Crest
No. ! kV rms kV Crest Seconds Inches(Mctcrs ) Switches RiRid Conductors feet (M eters) kV

1 8. 25 95 30 7( .18) 1 - 1/ 2( .19) 6{ .1 5) i 36( .91) 30( .7(;) 18( .46) 8(2 .44)
2 15. 5 110 45 12( .30) 10 (.25) 7 ( .18) I 3G( .91) 30( .%) 24{ . Gl) 9(2. '14)
3 25 . 8 150 HO IS( .38) 12 (.30) 10( . 25) I 48(1.22) 3G( .91) 30( .7 (;) 10(3.05)
4 38 . 0 200 80 IS( .46) 15 .38) 13( .33) ! HO( 1.52) 48(1.22) 3G( .91 ) 10(3. 05)
5 48.3 250 100 2I( .53) 18 .46) 17( .43) I 72( 1.8 3) GO( 1 .52) 48( 1.22) ] 0 (3.05)
r. 7'2. 5 350 145 31( .79) 29 .74) 2S( .(;4 ) 1 84( 2 .1 3) 72(1.8 3) l iO{ 1.52) 11(3.35)
7
8 I 145
I
121 550
650
230
275
53( 1.35)
G3 ( 1.(;0)
47 ( 1.1 9)
52 -1 12( 1.33)
4 2 (1 .07)
50( 1.27)
I 120(3.05)
144 (3.6G)
108(2.14)
132(3. 35)
84 (2 .13)
96( 2.44)
12 (3 .6G)
13(3.9G)
9 I
169 750 315 72( 1.83) Gl- 1/2(1 . 56) S8( 1.47) , 168(4. 21) 156(3.9G) 108(2.74 ) 14(4 .27)
10 I
24 2 900 385 89( 2.26) 7(; (1.93) 11(1.80) I' 192(4 .88) 19'2(4 .88) 132(3. 35) 15(4 . 57)
II i 242 1050 455 105(2. 67) 90 -1 /'2(2. 30) 83(2 . 11) 216 (5 .4 9) 216(5.49) 156 (3. 96) 16(4.88)

I
12 362 1050 455 119(3.02 ) l Oli ('2.69) 84(2 . 13)':,1 240(6.10) 192( 4.88 ) 18(5.49) 650
13 362 1300 525 104(2.64)':,1 759
I 14 550 1550 620 124(3. 15)':'1 808
1''65 550
800
1800
2050
710
830
144(3.66),::
166{4.22)'::j
300(1 .62) 898
982
1 ,

NOl e~ ~ For insu la tor data , see the NEMA Standard s Publication for High Voltage Insu lators, Pub. No. HV 1- 19'13.
':' Ground clearance for volt ages 3G2 kV and above are selected on the prem ise that at this level, selection of the insulation depends on switching surge lev els o f the
system. The values were selected from Table 1 o f I EEE T ransaction paper T - 72 - l31 -6 (Vol. No . 5, page 1924) which is a report of the T ransmission Substation Sub -
committee. For addition al switching surge values refer [0 the above noted paper.
 bus condudor design ond applications

Source : kOU WENHOUE N, W . B . and SACKETT, W . T . J • . ,

Contact RniJlanCt - Th, Co fttriblition of No"·U,,i/orm
Curr,nt Flo III'. AlEE Trans ..
Vol. 70, 1951.

f I
f---- ---- f- __ f --- ---- ----
-"xtx"
1---- ---- --...,-- ~~ ~~ --1---- ---- 1-----

---- r-"'---
~ ~r>" ----
1----- ---- ----
I I 1

Fig. Sll-Spreading resislance af flal slrips.

Source : K OU W[ N HOU[N , W. B . and SACKETT. W. T. b ..,
Contact RtsislDnct-Th, Con,rifmt ;on 0/ No"·U,,ifo''"
ell"",' Flow, AlEE Trans., Vol. 70, 1951.
I.l

I .'1----
Lr:m
• ...r- .i)-
1,

--
Ib

~ I~ ~
I. l
i•
. "..
,......- f.--'""
~•
.~

~
I.
• /
V
':"
~
V 0 0
/ ""surell ,.11,11'
(okulCltad yatu.s
~
l /
/
• / 11 It
, ullfts "
•

Fig. 13-17. (Top) Equipotential and flow lines on flat strip with constrictions. (Boltom)
Spreading resistance of flat strips.

R ; eLl A . where e is the resistivity, L is the length and A Greenwood (40) showed mathematically that, with a
the cross-sectional area. When a constriction (Fig. 13-17) is large number of small contacts, the self-resistance term in
interposed in such rod or strip, the current flow is no the constriction resistance at asperities becomes very small.
longer uniform. The distortion of the lines of current flow Thus with a large number of small paths through a surface
results in an increase in resistance. called "constriction film. the total resistance may be almost as low as with no
resistance. " film .

13-39
bus conductors

1.
•
I.l

~ II IlIu.esing prlssure
.S
---
·..,
-1.1 Oter.nift, pflssur.

E
\
~ D.I
a, I\,
·
~u , I'..
.~
"'-
•
~ 11.4
<
j
"
-r:..- - - r--- r-
.. == r~

, ...
'" 600 .11 1,100 \201 ~4"
{Iomping pr.nur. _ p.unOs pef squor. in,h t'" \Ito l,J"

Fig. 13-18. Mean contact resistance of various clamping forces in stacks of v. " by 1"
1350-H12 bus bar with contact surfaces abraded through an electrical joint compound. (See
contact surface preparation, page 13-41).

Film Resistance spots due to short-circuit currents.

The natural oxide film, in air may be said to have a
thickness ranging from 10 to 100)( (one angstrom unit = I Contact Surface Area (Overlap)
x 1O- 7mm). Thick films (multi molecular) without fissures. Melsom and Booth (43) in their extensive work in 1922
such as oxides, sulfides and others, can as a rule be regard- presented practical recommendations regarding size of
ed as insulating. Thick films in the order of 20A may be overlap. surface preparation, and use of petroleum jelly as
regarded as barrier films. Thin films pass electric current a valuable guide for both aluminum and copper conduc-
practically without perceptible resistance (41). tors.
According to Mott's application of quantum mechanics Experience has shown that good performance is obtain-
(42), conduction through very thin films depends upon the ed if the current density for bare contact surface is in the
fact that electrons in the metal can penetrate a distance of a order of 90 to 100 amperes per square inch, calculated on
few angstrom units into an insulating layer without receiv- the basis of total area of overlap, when the overlap equals
ing energy of excitation. the width of the bar for field fabricated bus. For factory
fabricated apparatus, such as busways. switchgear, and
Design Factors Of Bolted And Clamped Joints isolated phase bus, where joints are electro-plated and
Research on the nature of the contact interface points tested, a current density of 200 amp. sq. in. is permissible
out the importance of those combination of connection (UL 857).
elements- contact members, contact surfaces, and means
of assembly-that minimize differential thermal expan- Contact Resistance-Clamping Force
sion, creep , relaxation, and other stress changes. The initial contact resistance in clean contacts depends
Therefore. in the design of bolted connections. considera- on (I) the resistivity of the contact members, and (2) the
tion should be given to: (I) contact area, (2) contact area and distribution of the conducting spots in the inter-
press ure, (3) contact surface preparation, (4) face between the contact members. The area and distribu-
characteristics of the metals involved (both mechanical and tion of the conducting spots are generally determined by
relative thermal expansion). (5) jointing hardware, (6) the magnitude of the clamping force and the manner in
sealing the joint against possible oxidizing or corrosive which it is applied. For example, Fig. 13-18 shows the
agents, (7) operating temperature and (8) possible hot relative change of resistance with increasing and decreasing

13-40
 bus condudor design and applications

pressure. With increased plating thickness the creep and expan-

For practical purposes, the problem of adequate clamp- sion properties of the plated contact surface become more
ing force for a joint of satisfactorily low initial resistance like those of the plating material than the substrate.
can be simplified by considering the clamping force as Therefore, plating thickness is a factor in determining
uniformly distributed over the apparent contact area . In whether or not fi xity will be maintained.
this way, rule-of-thumb limits of unit pressure can be ap- Plating thicknesses in excess of 0.2 mil have shown
plied to serve as guides when making joints . A practical significant resistance increases in joints with nonplated
design range for average clamping pressures is 800 to 1200 soft AI. With harder AI or thinner plating, the resistance is
psi for 1350 alloy conductors. Higher average clamping more stable. Therefo re, 0.2 mil has been considered the
pressures may be used for 6101 and other strong alloy con- limit of plating thickness below which special precautions
ductors. are not required in properly designed connections to non-
plated AI.
Contact Surface Preparation If one has a thick-plate silver or tin contact member that
A flat, unplated , aluminum contact surface for a bolted must be electrically connected to non plated aluminum by
connection requires some treatment prior to assembly to bo lting, the possibility of tro uble can be reduced by inter-
reduce the contact surface resistance. The most effective posing a bi-metal wafer. The connection would then be in-
treatment is to abrade the aluminum to disrupt the oxide stalled in accordance with standard recommendations.
film and immediately coat with an electrical joint com- Another method is to plate the aluminum contact surface.
pound containing an active chemical that attacks and
disperses the oxide film on the aluminum. The chemical ac-
Bolted Joints and Jointing Hardware
tion not only reduces the thickness of the film, but also im-
parts lubricity which assists in the seating of th e contact
When the electric load on a bus increases in the course of
members.
normal load cycles, the joints are heated , the aluminum
Plated bus is normall y used in industrial equipment to tends to expand more than the steel bolts and looseness of
avoid the necessity of fi eld joint preparation . Plating is re- the joint may result for certain conditions.
quired where plug-in contacts are used. UL specifications
Reasonably constant clamping fo rce can be maintained
permit 15 °C higher temperature rating, hence increased
with anyon e, or a co mbination, of the following methods:
ampacity, where plated connections are used, or an
(1) use of aluminum alloy bolts ; (2) use of Belleville spring
allowable temperature rise of 55 °C above 30°C ambient.
washers with qualit y steel bolts; (3) use of clamps with
Silver plating was once generally specific but tin plating
built-in elasti city ; (4) use of thick fl at washers in conjunc-
has largely taken its place .
ti on with steel bolt s designed to o perate as elastic
members.
Characteristics of Dissimilar Metal Interfaces
Bolts-Size and N umber
Different contact materials have different capabilities
for maintaining interfacial fixity-lack o f relative The size and number of bolts in electric joints are of par-
movement- against non plated aluminum . ticular importance, since the bolting press ur e must be ade-
Bolted AI-Cu connections, installed with joint com- quate to establish a high initial joint efficiency without
pound in accordance with instructions , have given satisfac- subjecting the bolts to stresses beyond their yield strengths.
tory performance under normal operating co nditions. The work of Shand and Valentine (46) on the effects
Where operating temperatures have been high, generally in resulting from the use of different quantities and sizes of
excess of 100°C, resistance increases have been experienc- bolts and o f different thicknesses of bars disclosed some
ed in certain connections . Such increases are greatest where interesting fact s:
the Al is soft and the Al contact surface is not severely (1) Thickness of Bar-Provided that surface prepa ra-
deformed. Although these increases are frequently at- tion, overlap and bolting remain the same, the different
tributed to a lack of spring follow-up in the fastening thicknesses of material commonly used do not appreciabl y
system, data indicate that interfacial shear strain-strain affect the joint efficiency .
resulting from the shear component of contact force-is by (2) Bolt Size-For a given thickness of material, where
far the more important cause (38) . One solution is to inter- joint surface preparation and the number of bolts remain
pose a bi-metal wafer (AI-Cu) to establish AI-AI and Cu- constant, the joint resistance for bolt sizes between 3/ 8 in.
Cu contact surfaces. and 3/ 4 in. diameter may be lower for the larger bolts.
An area of more concern is the problem of bolting (3) Number of Bolts-As the number of bolts is increas-
nonplated aluminum to silver or tin plated surfaces . ed, the joint resistance is definitely decreased. Joint effi-
Bond's tests (44,45) show that heavier silver and tin plated ciency increases most sharply as the number of bolts is in-
surfaces had poor capability for interfacial fixity while creased from one to four. When five or six bolts are used,
nickel was quite good . however I the additional increase in joint efficiency is

13-41
bus conductors
TABLE 13-20

Bolting Schedule for Field Erected Buses

Bar Width, Bolt Spacing, No . of

Inches Arrangement Inches Bolts Bolt Size

A B C 0 E F Aluminum Steel

2 1 1 1/2 1 2 3/8 5/ 16
2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 2 3/8 5/ 16
2 2 1 1/2 1 2 3/8 5/ 16

3 1 1 3/4 1 1/2 2 3/8 5/ 16

3 1 1/2 1 3/4 1 1/2 2 3/8 3/8
3 2 1 3/4 1 1/2 2 3/8 3/8
3 3 2 3/4 1 1/2 3/4 1 1/2 4 3/8 3/8

4 2 1 1 2 2 1/2 1/2
4 3 2 1 2 3/4 1 1/2 4 3/8 3/8
4 4 2 1 2 1 2 4 1/2 1/2

5 2 1 1 1/4 2 1/2 2 1/2 1/2

5 3 2 1 1/4 2 1/2 3/4 1 1/2 4 3/8 3/8
5 4 2 1 1/4 2 1/2 1 2 4 1/2 1/2
5 5 2 1 1/4 2 1/2 1 1/4 2 1/2 4 1/2 1/2

6 2 1 1 1/2 3 2 1/2 1/2

6 3 2 1 1/2 3 3/4 1 1/2 4 1/2 3/8
6 4 2 1 1/2 3 1 2 4 1/2 1/2
6 5 2 1 1/2 3 1 1/4 2 1/2 4 5/8 1/2
6 6 2 1 1/2 3 1 1/2 3 4 5/8 5/8

8 4 3 1 1/ 4 2 3/ 4 1 2 6 1/2 1/2
8 5 3 1 1/4 2 3/4 1 1/4 2 1/2 6 1/2 1/2
8 6 3 1 1/ 4 2 3/ 4 1 1/2 3 6 5/8 5/8
8 8 4 1 1/4 2 3/4 1 1/4 2 3/4 9 5/8 5/8

Tangent or Right-Angle Joints Bolts

Aluminum Steel

.L .L
... E ... ' ... E ...

1
ti+ T 2
11+ + T ANSI 818-2 heavy ASTM- A325
steel bolt .
"1I1+.iu
~T
" I
11+ + -t
-s_'
0 fin ished heXagO" \
nut and bolt.
No-Ox-Id coated .
I Heavy a;luga flat
/ "..Iw ........

~
. --I E 1-'-1 E I--..L ===~~..L
1+ + t
3 " +++
1++ + T I'
Aluminum flat \ S.IJevill.
4'1
" ++++ washen. ~
Iprtng w_,ar.·

1 + + -f +++..L m Locknut or Palnut.

-s_' . .j C!--O+o1 c I--T
if .",ie'. conditions requinl.

13-42
 bus condudor design and applications

small. _. , r
'-.
Donati's work (62) shows that, for bolted joints using
multiple through bolts inline with the axis of the bus, the o
.,
·0
current will traverse the contact surface only in the vicinity
of the two outer bolts, while the intermediate ones have no
practical influence on the current distribution over the con-
tact. It is, therefore, of little electrical value to use the in- ..----
termediate bolts.
The use of thick, wide-series nat washers under the bolt
heads, nuts and Belleville washers, serves to distribute the
high contact pressures over a larger area . Most of the cur-
rent transfer occurs in the area of high pressure under the
bolt heads (Fig. 13-19).
The series of designs of bolted joints for bars, shown in
Table 13-20, is offered as a guide for heavy-duty service.

Bolts- Torque vs. Clamping Pressure o

The relation between tightening torque and clamping
pressure in a bolted joint is greatly dependent on the finish
and lubrication of the threads and other bearing surfaces.
The average relation between tightening torque and clamp-
ing forces for specified conditions is shown in Fig. 13-20.
1
Many factors are relevant to the performance of bolted
overlap bus joints involving aluminum and other metals.
However, the greatest single concern should be relative
movement at the film-coated surface of the aluminum.
Whether this movement is caused by differential thermal Fig. 13-19. The bright areas around the bolt holes are the
expansion, elastic deformation, or permanent deformation only areas of intimate contact when bars are fastened with
(creep, etc.), if it shears the current-carrying spots by standard bolt and flat steel washers.
which the current traverses the interface, the contact ,.
resistance is increased.
lions together with the resulti~g stresses in shank. in root
Aluminum Alloy Bolts area, and under the bolt head : The torque necessary to
Aluminum bolts have the same thermal expansion as the produce these bolt loadings is also shown, assuming
aluminum bus, therefore loosening of the joint because of suitable lubrication on threads, under bolt and nut bearing
temperature cycling will never result from thermal expan- surfaces.
sion.
Steel Bolts and Belleville Spring Washers (47)
Aluminum alloy 2024-T4 bolt s have the tensile strength
of mild steel. Hence, the same clamping force can be Another method of avoiding a potential problem as a
achieved with the same size bolt. Aluminum alloy bolts, result of differential expansion of bolts and conductors is
however, are somewhat lower in torsional strength than the use of Belleville washers under the nut of a steel bolt.
mild steel. To offset the lower torsional strength, alloy Experience over many years in North America and France
bolts liS-inch larger than the equivalent steel bolts are has shown that ver¥ satisfactory results can be obtained by
sometimes used. using Belleville spring washers. A nat washer should be us-
ed under the Belleville. The nat washer should be larger
Since the compressive stress in a bolted joint is con-
centrated under the head and nut of the bolt. nat washers than the spring washer, and the nut should be tightened
a re recommended to increase the bearing area. The larger until the spring washer is in a completely flattened posi-
bearing area is helpful in reducing stress concentrations tion. In the absence of specific instructions to the contrary,
a nd in increasi ng effective contact area. Aluminum alloy it should be left in nattened position and the normal relax-
bolts are non-magnetic and, therefore. not subject to ation of the metals will restore some crown to the washer
heating due to hysteresis losses in ac fields. (See Chapter II).
Table 13-21 shows dimen sions of heavy-series aluminum
Steel Bolts and Pressure Plates
bolts. and Table 13-22 lists the recommended loadings of
the usual sizes of aluminum 2024-T4 bolts for bus connec- Stainless steel pressure plates have been used success ful-

13·-43
bus conductors

Iy for bolted joints. These plates, drilled to conform to the

8000 bolting layout, expand the pressure area around the bolts.

ALUMINUM BOLTS Steel Bolts and Standard Fiat Washers

BEST RESULTS AVG.-...
OF FOUR TESTS The higher yield strength and beller creep characteristics
6000 of 6101 alloy make it easier to obtain stable electric joints
with this alloy than with aluminum 1350. Tests and field
a ' - ALUMINUM BOlTS
experience show that as a rule-of-thumb Belleville spring
« AVERAGE RESULTS
o
~
A washers are not necessary to the satisfactory performance
04000
of bolted overlap joints secured with quality steel fasteners
Z B if the tensile strength of the aluminum bus is in excess of 20
<l. ksi and provided the contact surfaces have been properly
l'
«
~
c prepared. Dimensions of flat washers are shown in Table
u 13-23.
' - STEEl BOLTS WITH
2000 FILM LUBRICATION
AS RECEIVED

100 200 300 400 l8·IN

TABLE 13-21
10 20 30 lB-FT
TORQUE Dimensi.ons.of Heavy-Series Aluminum Belts 2024-T4
Fig. 13-20. Torque-clamping jorce jor !h -in.-13 bolts oj
Aluminum Alley, (N .C.) Nati.onal C.oarse Thread
various materials and lubrication. (Dimensi.ons in inches: F and G are maximum;
H is nominal)
A- ANSI 818. 2-1 hea vy-series semi-finished anodized
2024-T4 aillminllm bolts with overall No-Ox-Id XX. *
or equal, inhibitor lubricatioll IIlld(! r f a vorable CO I/ -
ditions (no side ji'ietion ill boll hole. straight shank ,
accurate threadin g , and fresh lubrication),
B- A NSf regular-series aluminum bolt o f same specifica-
tions as above under average conditions. If is assumed
that the inhibitor lubricant is as applied before the
bolt is sealed in a plastic bag, and the quality of the SE MI- f IN ISH£ D H~A D UNfiN IS HE D ... u.o

lubricant and its application may not be up to full

standards. This curve also is suitable for heavy-series
bolts under similar conditions. It is the basis for the
loadings and stresses shown in Table /3-13. 0 F G H H J
Un· Semi·
C- Industry curve long used for unlubricated steel bolts,
but the thin oil film that is on the bolts when packaged Threads Nominal Across Across Finished Finished Pitch
is retained. Per In. Diam. Flats Corners Head Head Diam .
No te: Curves A and B. and simi lar curves for ¥e -in. and * -in.
a luminum bolts, are from AlEE Conference Paper CP·59·930 13 \ I, ' I. 1.010 ' / ,0 13 h '2 0.4500
which exhaustively ana lyzes the torque·!oad relationships of SI . \I ,
aluminum and steel bolts.
11 1· \ 1\0 1.227 17 / 3'2 0.5660
10 3 I. 1·\ I. 1.443 S I. 19 / 3 '2 0.6850
• Product of Dearborn Chemical Co., Chicago, III.
Note:
The unthreaded shank length and overall length of the bolt should be
selected so that there is little excess of thread length above nut thick·
ness . If t he bolts have rol led threads, the shank diameter 0 closely
equals pitch diameter J . Bolts should be anodized with adequate thick·
ness and seal to impart suitable corrosion resistance for the application.
It is recommended that unanodized nuts of 6061-T6 or 6262·T9 alloy
be used . The corrosion resistance of these unanodized nuts is compatible
with that of anodized 2024-T4 bo lts .

13-44
 bus condudor design and applications

TABLE 13-22 Quality Steel Bolts

Bolts, unless purchased to a specification, vary widely in
Initial Tightening Torque and Probable Resulting mechanical properties. For bus bar joints, it is desirable to
Stresses in New Inhibitor-Lubricated 2024-T4 UI\IC use bolts that have a known elastic proof load, such as
Anodized Regular- or Heavy-Series Aluminum Bolts those meeting ASTM A 325. High-st rength bolt s such as
under Recommended Application Conditions. SAE Grades 7 or 8 (ASTM A 354 , Grade BD) are recom-
mended for thick packs of bars where it is customary to
use fewer bolts and large r Belleville washers.
(It is assumed thot the nuts are semi-finished and of some
or a compatible aluminum alloy. Areas under head and are Special Clamps
based on hole 1/ 16·in. larger than bolt diameter. The in- Fairly uniform pressure may be obtained over a wide
hibitor lubricant is assumed to be No-Ox-Id XX, or equal.) If
range of operating temperatures by the use of special
bolt has rolled threads the shank area is reduced, and the
clamps . The "curved back" clamp, designed so that the
stress in the shank may be as much as 25% greater than the
convex faces will be parallel when the bolts are drawn
stresses listed as in the shonk.
down to the rated capacity of the clamp, have given
satisfactory service. Assembly of bus using clamp joints is
relatively simple because pre-drilling and aligning of bolt
Nominal Bolt Size lh"·13 %"·11 holes is not required.
Net stress area under thread'"
ANSI SId. sq. in. 0.1416 0.2256 0.3340
Shank area, sq. in. 0.196 0.307 0.442 Aluminum·To·Copper Connection
Area under regular bolt head Aluminum and copper are both ideally suited for use as
and nut (semi-finished)** 0.164 0.273 0.412 electrical conductors, not only because of their conductivi-
Same, but for heavy-series ty, but also because both metals have an excellent inherent
bolt, min. 0.318 0.462 0.637 resistance to atmospheric weathering. Because these two
metals are almost exclusively used as electrical conductors,
A. Torque and stress under average conditions- with stresses
suitable for optimum creep conditions. Recommended for con-
necting aluminum bus bars with either regular or heavy series
TABLE 13-23
aluminum bolts.

Outside Diameter & Thickness of Flat Washers-Inches

Torque, Ib-It (approx.)---
load on boll, Ib (probable) 5,500 8,800 13,000 Extra Thtck*
Bolt Size Medium Heavy Extra Heavy (Aluminum only)
Stress in thread area, psi 38,800 39,000 39,000 Diam . 0.0. Thk. 0.0 . Thk. 0.0. Thk. 0.0. Thk.

Stress in shank, psi 28,100 28,600 29,400

l / s·in. ' /, 0.083 0.083 1. 3/ s 0 .083
Stress under regular 1/ 1·in . '} /4 0 .109 , .3/s 0 .109 1-7/s 0 .109 1. 1/4 0 .25
head, psi** 33,500 32,200 31,500 si s -in . 1.1 h 0.134 1_3'/4 0.134 2_3Is 0 .165 1. 1/ 1 0 .313
3/4· in . 1.3/4 0 .148 2 0 .148 2 · 7 /s 0 .165 1.3/4 0 .375
Stress under heavy-series
head, psi 17,300 19,100 20,400 "Medium " washers are specified in NEMA SG1.4 .10 for joining power
connectors to flat contact surfaces.

* In accordance with ANSI Standard, the net stren area is slightly larger ·Extra-thick washers o f Heavy or Extra-Heavy series of aluminum often
than the area of 0 circle af same diameter as thread root, thereby allow- are available on special order. and larger outside diameters similarly are
ing for the slight spiral stre51 tronsfer that is characteristic of ANSI threads.
usually obtainable. Generally. the thickness of a washer should be
** Stresses under bolt heads in this toble are computed on the basis of increased with increased washer diameter.
minimum width acrou Aat of a semi-finished bolt, and that nut oreo is Note : As bolt holes usually are 1/ 16 in . larger in diameter than the
lOme as head area.
nominal bolt size, the bearing area of the washer, in sq. in. is 0.7854
*** IEEE paper 63-2S0, Use 01 Aluminum in Substotion Suses, a report (0.0.1 - (Size + 0 .0625 )1)
of Working Group 57 .1, Substation CommiHee, Power Division, recommends The rim effect of washers applied to aluminum that is not stressed
2.5 Ib-ft 01 torque for 112-13 NC bolts, and 40 Ib ft for .5/ S-11 HC bolts,
which is same as NEMA Std . eCl Table 4-2 for aluminum bolts that fasten above its elastic limit is sometimes taken into account. if "mediu m"
connectors to flat conducting surfaces. washers are used, by assuming that the effective bearing area under
the washer is the same as that of an area the diameter of which
equals the outside diameter of the washer plus twice the washer
thickness.

13-45
bus conductors

connections between the two metals have to be made fre- There are a number of excellent papers on designs using
quently . Such joints, when properly made wi th well- welded aluminum bus for outdoor substations. Some of
designed fittings of good quality, have given satisfactory the earlier papers (48,49,50) give considerable data on
outdoor service for many years. It must be remembered, design features and test information . Substations using
however, that because of the electrochemical relation of these design features have given trouble free service for
the two metals, aluminum is anodic to copper. As a conse- over 25 years.
quence, the joint in the presence of an electrolyte will be
susceptible to galvanic corrosion. The accumulation of Welding Processes
films or corrosion products on the contact surfaces may
The most used welding processes for joining bus are the
adversely affect the electrical resistance of the joint.
gas tungsten-arc welding method (OTA W) which employs
The factors that influence the degree or the severity of a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler metal fed
the galvanic action are numerous and complex . They are by hand or automatically, and the gas metal-arc welding
covered in Chapter 2. For protection of installations in en- method (OMA W) in which the filler wire is power-fed con-
vironments that are known or expected to have severe tinuously through the torch, thereby constituting a con-
galvanic action, the joint should be thoroughly sealed with sumable electrode.
a suitable grease-type compound to prevent the entrance of
Both OT A Wand OMA W processes employ inert gas
moisture into the contact surfaces. Such compounds aTe
shielding (argon, helium, or a mixture of these) that keeps
also used to minimize the formation of oxide film s on the
air away from the arc and the molten weld pool , thereby
contact surfaces. If possible, the copper side of the joint
eliminating need for welding flux.
should be placed on the bottom for outdoor applications
to prevent copper salts washing over the aluminum. Basic joint designs and welding procedures are shown in
"Welding Aluminum " . Details of OMAW and OTAW
For ordinary application s (n or mal conductor
welding as to shaping of the edges to be welded, current
temperatures of 70' C), both outdoor and indoors , protec-
density, size and kind of filler wire, speed of welding, and
tive grease-type compounds are effective and suitable for
manipulation of the torch are described in specialized
controlling corrosion and maintaining low resistance in
publications of aluminum producers and welding equip-
direct aluminum-lo-copper electric connections.
ment manufacturers. For bus work 4043 and 1100 alloy
filler wires are commonly used with OMA W, however
Welded Aluminum·lo-Aluminum Conneclions
alloy 4043 is easier and faster to use .
Welding of aluminum in electrical construction offers a
Strength oj Aluminum in Weld-Heat Zone
superior and economical means of joining conductors.
Electric arc welding using an inert gas shield produces Bolted joints lose strength because of bolt holes. Proper-
mechanically and electrically sound joints requi ring no ly made OMA Wand OT A W welded joints also lose
flux or special surface preparation other than the cleaning strength in the heat-affected zone that extends about two
of the surface to be welded . or three times the metal's thickness from the center of the
A welded connection that is mechanically satisfactory is weld. Average strength values are shown in Table 13-24.
also electrically satisfactory. With welded connections, The value for 6101-T6 is about the same as for 6063-T6.
there is an essentially homogeneous union that gives a per- If the weld bead is left on, the average yield strength in the
manent stable connection. It is not necessary to try to pro-
duce a connection with the same resistance as bus itself in
order to have a stable permanent joint. This can be observ-
ed from Fig. 13-17. TABLE 13-24
There are bus connections where it is important to insure
a resistance ratio of unity with the conductor itself. Small Typical Alloy Strength Values As Welded
differences in resistance can affect the current distribution
in some bus systems. Some bus systems require equalizia- Minimum
tion bars. Welded connections are an ideal solution to both Expected
problems. Such connections can be made by following pro- Minimum Typical Yield Tensile
cedures outlined in The American Welding Society Hand- Yield Strength Yield
book "Welding Aluminum". When the bead is not ground Alloy Strength Fully Strength
off, the result is a welded joint that usually has II lower and of Parent Annealed Filler As Welded
resistance than an equal length of conductor for the recom- Temper Metal "0" Temper Metal ksi
mended filler metal.
1350-H111 3.4 ksi 4.0 ksi 4043 4.5
For outdoor substation applications, the criterion of 6063-T6 25.0 ksi 7.0 ksi 4043 11.0
"mechanically satisfactory" means "electrically satisfac-
6061-T6 35.0 ksi 8.0 ksi 4043 15.0
tory" is applicable.

13-46
 bus conductor design and applications

Welded Straight Connector heat-affected zone is about 75 percent of minimum yield

strength of the parent metal. Locating the weld in the
reg ion of moderat e stress is a usual method of offsetting
the effect of partial weld annealing. For situations where
.,......... aUTT WHO
~- C ---~-- ·~-~-----------~,,·~------~~--------~ locating the weld in a region of moderate stress is not prac-

~ : ------ ---6- --- ~_-9: : ;:_'UG_:-_:~_,"_~ __=::1:::J'_- .-.. -__-~

tical fo r tubular conductors, reinforcing insert s (Fig.
=_- __= ,_= 13-21) may be used. Static bending tests of such joints
L..-_ t: :=============( ~ _ ____ __ ... show developed stresses as high as 28 ,000 to 32 ,500
I '-' I psi without failure for 6063-T6 tubing. (See ref. 48 and
Slotted insert lUbe next small er pipe size . Locate slot in region
50) .
of lowest tensile stress of co nd ucto r lu be. Other Welding and Bonding Methods
Insert tube held by plu g welds provid es back-up for the butt Other less often used welding and bonding techniques
we ld and also reinforces tube strength . for joining aluminum bus are available for special ci r-
cumstances and applications. Among these methods are:
GMA W spot welding, gas welding, resistance (flash) butt
welding, resistance spot welding, capacitor discha rge
Welded Branch for Bottom of A-Frame Assembly welding, press ure welding, ultrasonic welding, exothermic
welding, explosion welding, diffusion bonding, brazing
and soldering.
To cover all these methods in detail is beyond the scope
of th is chapter and the reader is advised to consult the
Ame rican Welding Society 'S Welding Handbook for fur -
th er information .

Bus Installations

The descriptions of bu s installations in this section are

o nly sufficient to enable recognition of the various types,
Direct weld after uppe r tube is cut 10 shape by means of special wi th emphasis on the conductors, and with supports and
cutting temp lat e. protecti ve housings only incidentally described. The
various types of installations are considered in the order in
which they occur as the energy is generated, transmitted ,
Welding to Intermediate Aluminum distributed and utilized.
Connector Fitting
Generator and Station Bus
The generator in a large power station will generall y be
rated at 23 kV or higher with current rating up to 40,000
amperes, three phase , 60 (N. American std.) or 50 Hz. The
bus runs from the generator terminals to the main
transformer terminals are generally metal enclosed buses
of the isolated phase bus construction. In cases where

~:~
lower current ratings are involved, the bus may be of
segregated or non-segregated phase construction.
"
: '1"':
ANSI Standard C37.20 contains the following defini-
I U sually one of these tion s for various types of bu s construction.
I welds may be a shop Non-Segregated Phase Bus - One in which all phase con-
I weld at reduced cost.
ductors are in a common metal enclosure without barriers
I between the phases (Fig. 13-22a). Another configuration
I has triangular bus arrangement in a circular enclosure.
I I I I
I I I I Segregated Phase Bus - One in which all phases are in a
Ll__<-:':! common metal enclosure, but are segregated by metal bar-
riers between phases (Fig. 13-22b).
Isolated Phase Bus - One in which each phase conductor
is enclosed by an individual metal housing separated from
Fig. 13-21. Typical welded tubular bus connections. adjacent conductor hOusings by an air space (Fig. 13-23).

13-47
bus conductors

Distribution switchyards that serve local areas at

moderate voltages also use rigid bus for principal circuits.
Fig. 13-26 is typical for 13.8 kV distribution. Round

II II tubu lar bus also may be mounted on inverted insulatOrs,

and the take-offs are similarly tubular, though connections
between the low-voltage breakers and the disconnects may
(0) be of nexible cable. Angle bus and double-channel web
bus, Figs. 13-5k, -f, and -g, also are widely used in
distribution switchyards because the nat surfaces aid the
connecting of side taps and reduce fitting costs.
Detailed information on design of moderate voltage

I[QJ lR liB]
substation using UABC and (WBC are given in a number
of technical papers (56,57).
High voltage substations require special care in regard to
corona. The supplier should be advised when tubular bus
(b) conductors, 3 in. nps and larger , are to be used in substa-
tions over 230 kV so that "High Voltage Finish" can be
supplied, i.e. special attention given to the exterior surface
finish to avoid sharp protrusions.
The maximum allowable height of a sharp protrusion is
controlled to some extent by operating Voltage. High
Fig. 13-22. (a) Unsegregated bus ;n which the enclosure voltages require better surface conditions, as shown :
surrounds the assembly, but there ;s no wall between
phases; (b) Segregated three-phase bus, in which a cOm- Operating Maximum Finish
mon wall separates phases. Voltage Height Specification

230 k V or lower 1.5 mm (0.062) Standard Mill

230 kV to 345 RV 1.2 mm (0.047) High Voltage
Isolated Phase Bus - In the case of the isolated phase
345 kV to 500 kV 0.6 mm (0.025) High Voltage
bus, one of three different support insulator arrangements 500 kV 0.1 mm (0.004) High Voltage
may be used (Fig . 13-23a,b,c). In each case, the insulators
are designed to fit the requirements for momentary condi-
Defects should be smoothed to a height not exceeding
tions, system voltage and test requirements. All buses have
the appropriate value based on the operating voltage.
provision for expansion and contraction of the conductors
Complete removal is not necessary. but repaired area
and enclosures due to thermal changes .
should be blended into the remaining surface and should
The typical arrangement of isolated phase bus as used in not exceed 250 micro-inch (AA).
a generating station is shown in Fig. 13-24.
For a more detailed discussion of isolated phase bus Gas Insulated Bus (58)
design and application, refer to references
Compressed gas insulated bus is becoming popular for
(11,12,51,52,53).
switch yard installations where space is at a premium.
Switchyard Bus
The trend in switch yard design for 230 kV and below Busways
favors the nat-type of switchyard in which all bus is on one Often called "bus duct," busways are enclosed , sec-
or two levels, supported by insulators (Fig. 13-25). A tionalized, prefabricated bus-bar assemblies with
typical method of providing for two levels is the A-frame, associated fittings for distribution of ac or de power at
as illustrated (54). Round tubular bus is mostly used, 600 volts or less in ratings of 100 amp or more. They are
although IWCB or angles also are used, particularly for used for transmitting power in industrial and commercial
distribution Voltages. buildings where concealment of circuits is not necessary.
There are a number of technical papers that give con- They are particularly advantageous for vertical risers of
siderable detail on design of substations using tubular large buildings, and in machine shops where current-using
aluminum bus. Two papers giving unusual information equipment is likely to be relocated with process changes.
are: (I) Quick's paper (49) on welded construction using Feeder busways supply power to a distribution center.
II" x II" IWCB for low voltage bus and 4-112 in. nps for Plug-in busways are similar, but provide for plug-in at-
132 kV bus, and (2) Massey's paper (55) using bolted con- tachment of power takeoffs at spaced intervals by insertion
struction for 6" x 4" IWCB at 230 kV. of grip contacts or Hs:.abs". Protective or indicating

13-48
 bus condudor design and applications

(A) Phase Phase

Spacing Spacing

(B) - Metal Enclosure (Typ .)

(e) L Support Insulator (Typ.)

Fig. 13·23. Isolated phase bus - typical support arrangement.

13-49
bus conductors

Generator
Isolated phase

Grounding
eutrol Reactor

Transformer and excitation

To potential
transformers and
instrumentation

Fig. 13-24. Typical isolated-phase bus commonly used in generating station.

insert to
close all
open ends
Transmission
line

I Aluminum
A structural
lower level bus
I I tower
I I
I I
Y Welded A-frome of aluminum
tubing for two-level swi tchyard

Tubular bu s co*nductors ~

""~~
II:: '"\ \
tic-===~
1/
f7
1/
l \!~!fF!=~m==;'i=:::;
"" II ,{~;~:hyard bus

tpst
disc oeb :~ ,': ::

Fig. 13-25. Schematic of ground-type outdoor switchyard for high-voltage transmission. A switchyard for distribution
voltage may be on same level and supplied through transformers from the high voltage main bus.

13-50
 bus conductor design and applications

To user ---_
-----------~ ~ ~ "
Tro n5fer bus Main bus

Fig. 13-26. Typical switchyard for /4.4 k V substation. The

bus conductors are Types k and m of Fig. /3-3 either single
or back-to-back. Types f and g, or other flat-face types are
equally suitable.

L__ _--,--_--l
I
WEEP HOLES

Fig. /3-27. Section through fully insulated feeder

bus way-cooled by conduction only.

The aluminum phase and neutral bars are solidly encased

in laminated insulation, and the assembly housed in an all-
aluminum weathertight enclosure, which is held between
top and bOllom steel channels. Weep holes in bOllom
channel prevent water accumulation.

Another much-used form of feeder bus provides air ven-

tilation between the vertical bars.

Fig. 13-28. Typical plug-in bus way. The molded plastic

plug-in blocks open ailemately on opposite sides so con-
nection can be made to any pair. The bars are immersion
insulated between plug-in blocks and terminals. They are
paired to reduce reactance AB BC CA. The arrangement
shown is suitable for three-phase della. By adding a neutral
bar three-phase wye loads can be supplied. There are many
varieties of plug-in busways for each of which advantages
are claimed.

13-51
bus conductors

quirements of switchgear. Capacity can readily be varied

by multiple bar arrangements. Switchgear standards are
covered by NEMA No. SG5 and ANSI C37.20.
The major switchgear manufacturers use aluminum bus
as a standard conductor material. Some designs use silver
or tin plated joints while other designs utilize welded
joints. The bus system is phase isolated/insulated to
preclude accidental contact with live bus.

Buses for the Chlor-Alkali Industry (59)

In large chlor-alkali plants, the bus amperages involved

are such that the I2R losses in the bus system can amount
to ;m appreciable cost. Designers of bus systems for such
plants should consider im economic design based on a
balance of cost of power losses with bus investment (I).
Although the total bus current may be quite large , connec-
tion requirements usually require moderate size bars of
extruded 1350-H III or sawed plate, 1350-H 112. The type
of cell and the plant layout are major factors influencing
the bus design. In the steppcd-paralled design Fig. 13-29
the individual bars extend far enough to reach the cell
group they supply .

Fig. 13-29. Mlllti-bar stepped parallel arrangement for Buses for the Aluminum Industry (60)
large de bus for electrolytic supply . Aluminum bars are
welded as an assembly by means of top and bottom cross Although aluminum smelters vary in type of installation
members. and size, some of the larger installations use from 15 to 22
million pounds of aluminum bus. The buses for these large
installations may carry as much as 225,000 amperes. The
larger installations use primarily very large thick cast bars
of 1350 aluminum and some sawed plate. Sawed plate or
extruded bar, mostly 1350 al uminum, are used for connec-
tions. Welded joints are used wherever possible.
devices also may be plugged in or permanently connected.
Feeder bus ways often have bars paired or interlaced to
reduce reactance. However, some are purposely designed Buses for the Magnesium Industry
for high reactance to reduce short-<:ircuit currents .
Busway bars may be arranged flat or on edge; they may Buses for the magnesium industry, like the aluminum in-
be unplated between contact areas but must be suitably dustry, optimize the conductor cross section on the basis of
plated at bolted joints or at plug-ins. The housings may be economics. Aluminum "log" bus (rectangles in the order
ventilated or fully enclosed, and also are available in of 14" x 16") 1350 aluminum appears to be the favorite
weather-resistant construction for outdoor runs. Standard bus shape (61).
operating temperature for plated busways is 55°C rise
above 30°C ambient, with 85°C hot-spot temperature. A
Buses for Electric Furnaces (9,62)
few designs are shown in Figs. 13-9, -27, and -28, but others
having important and valuable features also are available
Buses for electric furnaces present a different problem
from manufacturers literature.
from buses for electrolytic installations since alternating
Industry standards applying to busways are NEC Art. current is involved and reactance of the bus system must be
364, NEMA BU-l and UL 857. kept low. Bars are interlaced to obtain low reactance (Fig.
13-9). Aluminum, sawed plate and extruded bar in
Switchgear
relatively thin wide sizes are used . Here the change in cross
Rectangular bar is the most commonly used shape for section from copper to larger cross section for aluminum
switchgear bus because this shape is inherently easy to should always be in the width dimension to gain the added
fabricate and lends itself to connector and space re- benefit of lower reactance.

13-52
 bus condudor design and applications

y
TABLE 13-25
I

Aluminum Rectangular Square-Corner Bus Bars Physical and Electrical Properties(1)

I
I 6101-T61 Alloy 57% lACS Min.
x- - + - -x
I Single Bar
I X.
dd2) ac Inductive
I (See diagram at lett) Resis- Resis· reactance
Y Moment of inertia tance at tance 60 Hz 1 tt spacing
in.4 20°C mi- Rac/Rdc at 70°C microhms
Area Wt
Size in. Sq. in. Ib/tt 1 x-x 1 y-y crohms per tt at 70°C microhms per tt per tt
1/8 x V, 0.0625 0.074 0.00130 0.0000814 228.6 1.00 271 .7 102.38
3/4 0.0938 0.110 0.00440 0.0001221 152.4 1.00 181.1 94.65
1 0.1250 0.147 0.01042 0.0001628 114.3 1.00 135.8 88.87
11/4 0.1563 0.184 0.02035 0.0002035 91.46 1.00 108.7 84.26
1% 0.1875 0.221 0.03516 0.0002441 76.22 1.00 90.57 80.42
2 0.2500 0.294 0.08333 0.0003255 57.16 1.01 68.60 74.26

3/16 x V, 0.0938 0.110 0.00195 0.0002747 152.4 1.00 181 .1 100.19

3/4 0.1406 0.165 0.00659 0.0004120 101 .6 1.00 120.8 93.06
1 0.1875 0.221 0.01563 0.0005493 76.22 1.00 90.57 87.63
1 '/4 0.2344 0.276 0.03052 0.0006866 60.97 1.01 < 73.18 83.24
11/2 0.2813 0.331 0.05273 0.0008240 50.81 1.01 < 60.98 79.55
2 0.3750 0.441 0.1250 0.001099 38.11 1.01 < 45.74 73.59

1/4 x '12 0.1250 0.147 0.00260 0.0006510 114.3 1.01 < 137.2 98.19
3/4 0.1875 0.221 0.00879 0.0009766 76.22 1.01 < 91.47 91 .58
1 0.2500 0.294 0.02083 0.001302 57.16 1.01 < 68.15 86.45
11/4 0.3125 0.368 0.04069 0.001628 45.73 1.01 < 54.88 82.26
1'12 0.3750 0.441 0.07031 0.001953 38.11 1.0079 45.64 78.72
2 0.5000 0.588 0.1667 0.002604 28.58 1.0142 34.44 72.94

114 x 2V, 0.6250 0.735 0.3255 0.003255 22.86 1.03 < 27.98 68 .33
, 3 0.7500 0.882 0.5625 0.003906 19.05 1.031 23.34 64.49
31/2 0.8750 1.029 0.8932 0.004557 16.33 1.05 < 20.38 61.20
4 1.0000 1.176 1.133 0.005208 14.29 1.0505 17.84 58.33
5 1.2500 1.470 2.604 0.006510 11.43 1.0713 14.55 53.47
6 1.5000 1.764 4.500 0.007812 9.527 1.0916 12.36 49.86
8 2 .0000 2.352 10.7 0.0104 7.145 1.1286 9.58 43.08

3/8 x 1 0.3750 0.441 0.03125 0.004395 38.11 1.01 < 45.74 84.26
11/4 0.4688 0.552 0.06104 0.005493 30.49 1.02 < 36.95 80.42
11/2 0.5625 0.662 0.1055 0.006592 25.41 1.03 < 31.09 77.13
1¥- 0.6563 0.772 0.1675 0.007690 21.78 1.04 < 26.91 74.26
2 0 .7500 0.882 0.2500 0.008789 19.05 1.04 23.55 71 .70

3/8 x 2V. 0.8438 0.992 0.3560 0.009888 16.94 1.04 20.93 69.40
2 1/2 0.9375 1.103 0.4883 0.01099 15.24 1.05 19.02 67.31
3 1.1250 1.323 0.8438 0.01318 12.70 1.07 16.15 63.62
4 1.5000 1.764 2.000 0 .01758 9.527 1.10 12.45 57.66
5 1.8750 2.205 3.906 0.02197 7.622 1.13 10.23 52.93
6 2.2500 2.646 6.750 0 .02637 6.351 1.16 8.755 49.01
8 3.000 3.528 16.00 0.03516 4.763 1.21 6.849 42 .74
10 3.750 4.410 31.250 0.04395 3.811 1.24 5.615 37.82
12 4.500 5.292 54.00 0.527 3.176 1.27 4.792 33.76
(Continued)

13-53
 bus conductors

TABLE 13-25 (Continued)

Single Bar
X,
y dd2) ac Inductive
I (See diagram at left) Resis- Aesis- reactance
Moment 01 inertia tance at tance 60 Hz 1 ft spacing
I in.4
Area Wt 20°C mi- Rac/Rdc at 70°C microhms
I Size in. Sq. in. Ibllt 1 x-x 1 y-y crohms per ft at 70°C microhms per ft per ft
~-- + - -x 1/2 x1 0.5000 0.588 0.04167 0.01042 28.58 1.02 34.64 83.26
I
I 1V4 0.6250 0.735 0.08138 0.0 1302 22.86 1.03 27.98 78.72
1V2 0.7500 0.882 0.1406 0.01563 19.05 1.04 23.55 75.65
I 1% 0.8750 1.029 0.2233 0.01823 16.33 1.05 20.38 72.94
Y 2 1.0000 1.176 0.3333 0.02083 14.29 1.06 18.00 70.52

1/2 x 2V, 1.250 1.470 0.6510 0.02604 11.43 1.08 14.67 66.33
3 1.500 1.764 1.125 0.03125 9.527 1.0951 13.397 62.79
3V2 1.750 2.058 1.786 0.03646 8.166 1.120 10.868 59 .72
4 2.000 2.352 2.667 0.04167 7.145 1.1402 9.681 57.01
5 2.500 2 .940 5.208 0.05208 5.716 1.1782 8.003 52.40
6 3.000 3 .528 9.000 0.06250 4.763 1.2097 6.847 48.56
8 4.000 4 .704 21 .33 0.08333 3.573 1.2587 5.344 42.40
10 5.000 5.880 41 .667 0.10410 2.858 1.2951 4.398 37.54
12 6.000 7.056 72.0 0.125 2.382 1.330 3.764 33.53

5/8 x 2';' 1.5625 1.838 0 .8138 0 .05086 9.146 1.11 12.06 65.39
3 1.8750 2.205 1.406 0.06104 7.622 1.13 10.23 61.98
4 2.5000 2.940 3.333 0 .08138 5.716 1.18 8.0 15 56.38
5 3.1250 3.675 6.510 0 .1017 4 .573 1.24 6.738 51 .88
6 3.7500 4.410 11.25 0.1221 3.811 1.28 5.796 48.12
8 5.000 5.880 26.67 0 .1628 2.858 1.34 4 .551 42.06
10 6.250 7.550 52.083 0.2034 2.286 1.39 3.777 37.27
12 7.500 8.820 90.00 0.2441 1.905 1.44 3.260 33.31

3/4 x 3 2.2500 2.646 1.688 0 .1055 6.351 1.17 8 .830 61 .20

4 3.0000 3.528 4.000 0.1406 4 .763 1.22 6 .906 55.77
5 3.7500 4.410 7.813 0 .1758 3.811 1.28 5.796 51.38
6 4.5000 5.292 13.50 0.2109 3 .176 1.34 5.057 47.69
8 6.0000 7.056 32.00 0 .2813 2.382 1.40 3 .962 41 .73
10 7.5000 8.820 62.50 0.3515 1.905 1.46 3 .306 37.00
12 9.0000 10.584 108.0 0.422 1.588 1.51 2.849 33.08

1x8 8.0000 9.408 42.667 0.6666 1.7863 l -i ch bar not used for A-C
10 10.0000 11 .760 83.333 0.8333 1.4290
12 12.0000 14.112 144.000 1.0000 1.1909
14 14.0000 16.464 228.667 1.1666 1.0207
16 16.0000 18.816 341 .333 1.3333 0.8932
18 18.0000 21 .168 486.000 1.5000 0.7939

(Continued)

13-54
 TABLE 13-25 (Continued)
Two Bars T hree Bars Four Bars
de ae X. ae X. ae
Resis-
X.
Resis- Inductive de Resis- Inductive de Resis- Inductive
tance at tance 60 Hz reactance Resis- tance 60 Hz reactance I Resis- tance 60 Hz reactance
70°C mi- at 70"e 1 ft spacing tance at at 70°C 1 ft spacing tance at at 70°C 1 ft spacing
crohms Rac/Adc microhms microhms 70"e mic- Rac/Rdc microhms microhms ! 70"e mic- Rac/Rdc microhms microhms
Size in. per It at 70°C per ft per ft rohms per ft at 70"C per ft per ft rohms per ft at 70°C per ft per ft
114 x 1 33.96 1.02 34.64 77.39 22.64 1.04 23.55 71.54 16.98 1.06 18.00 67.02
1 1/2 22.64 1.04 23.55 71.81 15.09 1.07 16.15 67.10 11.32 1.10 12.45 63.31
2 16.98 1.06 18.00 67.36 11.32 1.10 12.45 63 .41 8.49 1.15 9.76 60.14

1/4 x 3 11.33 1.089 12.33 59.97 7.55 1.168 8.82 56.77 5.66 1.27 7.19 54.89
4 8.49 1.140 9.68 54.35 5.66 1.247 7.06 5 1.64 4.25 1.38 5.86 50.63
5 6.79 1.183 8 .04 49.76 4.53 1.307 5.92 47.41 3.40 1.45 4.92 47. 04
6 5.66 1.22 6.91 45.92 3.77 1.352 5.10 43.84 2.83 1.51 4.27 43.93
8 4.25 1.28 5.43 39.72 2.83 1.414 4.00 38.05 2.12 1.60 3.40 38.76

3/8 x2 11 .32 1.10 12.45 64.21 7.55 1.18 8.91 59.16 5.66 1.28 7.25 55.16
3 7.55 1.18 8.91 58.05 5.03 1.32 6.64 54.09 3.78 1.5 1 5.70 50.82
4 5.66 1.26 7.13 53.21 3.77 1.43 5.40 49.95 2.83 1.63 4.61 47.19
5 4.53 1.31 5.93 49.22 3.02 1.51 4.56 46.45 2.26 1.72 3.89 44 .06
6 3.77 1.36 5.13 45.83 2.52 1.58 3.97 43.42 1.89 1.79 3.38 41. 31 0-
8 2.83 1.42 4 .02 40.26 1.89 1.68 3.17 38.34 1.42 1.91 2.70 36.64 :;;
10 2.26 1.45 3.28 35.79 1.51 1.77 2.67 34.19 1.13 2.00 2.26 32.76
8
112 x 2 112 '"
g-
3
4
5.66
4.25
1.226
1.326
6.94
5.63
55.06
50.13
3.77
2.83
1.418
1.578
5.35
4.47
49.88
45.67
2.83 1.72 4.87 47 .38 a-.,
2.12 1.89 4 .01 44.21
5 3.40 1.399 4.75 46.06 2.26 1.690 3.83 42.14 1.70 2.00 3.40 41.43 g..
6 2.83 1.455 4.1 2 39.66 1.89 1.77 3.34 39.13 1.42 2.08 2.94 38.96 '"
cO·
8
10
2 .12
1.70
1.536
1.591
3.26
2.70
37.04
32.57
1.42
1.13
1.89
1.96
2.67
2.22
34 .16
30.20
1.06
0.849
2.20 2.33 34.70 '"
Q
2.30 1.95 31. 11
'a."
~
(1) Structural properties (moment of inertia, etc.) are also suitable for bars having rounded edge within accuracy limits that are regarded
as satisfactory for bus-conductor applications.
....
w (2) de resistance at 20°C is based on minimum conductivity of 57% lACS for 6101 -T61 alloys . g'
•
U1 Note: See also pages 13-63 to 13-67 for additional information regarding Tables 13-25 through 13-32. g.
U1
"'"
bus conductors

TABLE 13-26

Current Rating of Rectangular Aluminum Bus-Bar Arrangements

Amperes for 6101-T61 Alloy 57% lACS Conductivity (see footnotesl

Size
0 1 Bar

60 Hz
00 2 Bars

60 Hz
DOD 3 Bars

60 Hz
0000 4 Bars

60 Hz
(Inches) de ae de ae de ae de ae
I/~ x 1 308 308 607 601 905 887 1203 1168
11/2 430 429 833 817 1235 1194 1637 1561
2 549 545 1051 1021 1552 1480 2053 1915
3 780 768 1472 1410 2162 2000 2851 2530
4 1005 980 1878 1760 2749 2462 3619 3081
5 1225 1184 2275 2092 3321 2905 4365 3625
6 1443 1381 2665 2413 3881 3338 5095 4146
7 1870 1760 3427 3034 4974 4183 6517 5 152
3/ 8 x2 691 678 1340 1278 1989 1831 2638 2332
3 974 941 1857 1709 2739 2384 3620 2946
4 1249 1191 2356 2099 3460 2893 4563 3574
5 1519 1429 2842 2483 4162 3387 5479 4178
6 1785 1657 3320 2847 4848 3857 6375 4765
8 2308 2098 4253 3569 6188 4774 8119 5875
10 2822 2534 5165 4289 7493 5632 9817 6941
1/ 1 x 3 1145 1074 2205 1991 3265 2742 4324 3297
4 1462 1369 2782 2416 4100 3264 5417 3940
5 1774 1634 3345 2828 4912 3778 6477 4580
6 2081 1892 3897 3230 5706 4284 7514 52 10
8 2685 2393 4975 4014 7255 5276 9531 6246
10 3278 2880 6209 4779 8763 6256 11493 7579
= =
= =
= =
=
Size
1 Bar

60 Hz
2 Bars

60 Hz
= 3 Bars

60 Hz
=
=
4 Bars

60 Hz
(Inches) de ae de ae de ae de ae
1/4 x 1 300 300 585 580 775 765 905 880
1 1/1 420 415 800 785 1060 1020 1240 1180
2 535 530 1010 980 1340 1280 1560 1460
3 750 735 1380 1310 1850 1700 2180 1940
4 955 930 1720 1600 2300 2050 2740 2330
5 1160 1120 2000 1830 2670 2330 3160 2610
6 1320 1270 2220 2010 2970 2540 3440 2800
8 1620 1520 2640 2320 3410 2840 3900 3080
J/s x 2 670 660 1230 1170 1620 1490 1920 1700
3 935 905 1680 1550 2250 1960 2730 2220
4 1190 1130 2080 1860 2800 2340 3360 2630
5 1420 1340 2420 2 110 3250 2650 3850 2940
6 1630 1520 2710 2330 3680 2940 4280 3200
8 2000 1820 3240 2700 4210 3270 4820 3490
III x 3 1100 1050 1870 1650 2560 2080 3070 2340
4 1390 1300 2290 1960 3150 2470 3800 2750
5 1650 1520 2680 2240 3630 2780 4370 3090
6 1890 1710 3050 2490 4060 3050 4800 3330
8 2310 2050 3640 2900 4790 3490 5510 3720
1. Ratings based on 30• C rISe over 40•C ambient In still but unconfined atr (e - 0 .351, corresponding to usual mdoor
temperature. For other temperature rise values see Fig . 13-11 . Vertical bar ampacity based on work by House and Tuttle.
Horizontal bar ampacity from industry sources .
2. Space between bars is assumed equal to bar thickness .
3 . For a--c phase spacings less than la-in . an allowance for proximity effect must be made .
4 . Ratings are based on horizontal mounting, in air. with no attachments .
5 . For de ratings of other alloys. multiply by :
Fo' 1350,1.035; 6101-T6, 0.982; 6101-T63, 0.992 ; 6101-T64, 1.02 ; 6101 -T65, 0.996.
For 60 Hz. the use of these mult ipliers is conservative .

13-56
 TABLE 13-27

Physical and Electrical Properties of Aluminum Standard Pipe-Size Conductors at Typical Conductivities
53% lACS for 6063-T6 and 43% for 6061-T6

6063-T6 6061-T6
de ae Current de ae Current
Outside Inductive Res ls- Resistance Ratings Resls- Resistance Ratings
Olam. Wall Reactance tance 60 Hz at 70°C Amp at lance 60 Hz at 70°C Amp at
Nominal of Thick- 1 ft spacing at 20°C A./R.., 60 Hz 60 Hz at 20°C R.cl Rde 60 Hz 60 Hz
Size Tube ness Area Weight 60 Hz-Xa microhms at microhms! (1)(2)(3)(4) microhms at microhmsl (1)(2)(3)(4)
in. in . in . sq. In. Ibllt microhm!ft per ft 70°C It Outdoor per ft 70°C It Outdoor

SCHEDULE 40 PIPE
1/2 0. 84 0.109 0.2503 0.294 79.01 61.40 1.00024 72.16 416 75.68 1.00017 86.44 380
314 1.05 0.113 0.3326 0.391 73.55 46.20 1.00031 54.31 517 56.95 1.00024 65.05 473
1 1.315 0.133 0.4939 0 .581 68.29 31 .12 1.00039 36.58 681 38.36 1.00032 43.82 622
1 1/4 1.660 0.140 0.6685 0.786 62.68 22.99 1.0005 27.03 859 28.34 1.00039 32.37 705
1 112 1.90 0.145 0.7995 0.940 59.45 19.22 1.00064 22.60 984 23.69 1.00046 27.07 900
2 2.375 0 .154 1.075 1.264 54.15 14.30 1.00082 16.82 1234 17.63 1.00055 20.14 1128
21 /2 2.875 0 .203 1.704 2.004 49.85 9 .019 1.0022 10.62 1663 11.12 1.0015 12.71 1520
3 3.500 0.2 16 2.228 2.621 45.19 6.897 1.0030 8.128 2040 8.500 1.0018 9.725 1865
3112 4.000 0.226 2.680 3.151 42.04 5.736 1.0038 6.765 234'1 7.070 1.0022 8.091 2145
4 4.500 0.237 3.174 3 .733 39.28 4.842 1.0047 5.717 2664 5.968 1.0027 6.834 2436
4 1/2 5.001 0.247 3.689 4.338 36.80 4.166 1.0057 4.923 2984 5.135 1.0033 5.884 2728
5 5.563 0.258 4.300 5.057 34.31 3.574 1.0068 4.229 3348 4.406 1.0040 5.051 3063
6 6.625 0.280 5.581 6.564 30.23 2.754 1.0095 3.266 4064 3.394 1.0054 3 .897 3719
- '----- - - - - - - -

SCHEDULE 80 PIPE
112 0.84 0.1 47 0.3200 0 .376 79.68 48.02 1.00053 56.46 470 59.19 1.00038 67.62 429
314 1.05 0.154 0.4335 0.510 74.14 35.45 1.00074 41 .69 590 43.70 1.00053 49.93 539
1 1.315 0.179 0.6338 0.751 68.81 24.06 1.0010 28.30 774 29.65 1.00075 33.89 707
1 1/4 1.660 0.191 0 .8815 1.037 63.14 17.44 1.0014 20.52 985 21.49 1.00105 24.57 901
1 1/2
2
1.900
2.375
0 .200
0.218
1.068
1.477
1.256
1.737
59.89
54.56
I 14.39
10.40
1.0020
1.0028
16.94
12.26
1137
1446
17.73
12.82
1.0015
1.0021
20.28
14.68
1039
1322
0-
t:
21 /2 2.875 0.276 2.254 2.650 50.23 6.820 1.0072 8.072 1907 8.406 1.0039 9.637 1746 '"
3 3.500 0.300 3.016 3.547 45.55 5.096 1.0103 6.050 2363 6.281 1.0049 7.208 2166 n
3 1/2 4.000 0.318 3 .678 4.326 42.39 4.178 1.0138 4.977 2735 5.150 1.0075 5.925 2507
o
OJ
4 4.500 0.337 4.407 5 .183 39.61 3.487 1.0171 4.168 3118 4.298 1.0095 4.955 2862 g.
41 /2 5.000 0.355 5.180 6 .092 37.13 2.967 1.0210 3.559 3505 3.657 1.0116 4.236 3221
5
6
5.563
6.625
0.375
0 .432
6.112
8.405
7.188
9.884
34.63
30.58
2.515
1.829
1.0260
1.0457
3.032
2.247
3949
4891
3.099
2.254
1.0165
1.0212
3 .598
2.629
3631
4532
&
..,
(1) Current ratings listed in the Tables are based on 30°C temperature rise over
40°C ambient horizontally mounted conductors, with spacing sufficient to eliminate
(3) Current ratings for direct current are close to those of alternating currents for all
except the larger sizes; and for them the increase for dc bus is about 1.5 percent.
:t
cO'
=:.
proximity effects, generally assumed not to be Significant if spacing is 18-ln. or (4) NEMA Standard SG l -3.02 (7/ 13/60 ) lists current ratings for tubes of 57%-6 1% Q
over. Conduction of heat by supporting structures and laps can appreciably lACS conductivity. but without stated emissivity fac tors . However. even after =:.
affect the ratings. adjustment for the 53% lACS conductivity of 6063-T6 alloy (and 43% for 606 1- a..
(2) Conductors outdoors with a 2-ft/sec crosswind. Nomi nal oxidized surface (e = T6 alloy), the ratings differ somewhat from those of this Table. .g
0.50). "0
...w ~r
• 5'
....
VI
i;l
bus conductors

TABLE 13-28

Physical and Electrical Properties of Large-Diameter Round-Tube

Bus Conductors 6101-T61 Aluminum Alloy 57% lACS Conductivity
(Minimum)(1)

Inductive ac
Out- Wall Moment Reactance dc Resistance
Current Rating
side thick- of 1 II spacing Resistance at 70"C
60 Hz Amp
diam. ness Area Weight Inertia 60 Hz-Xa at 20"C R.c/ Ade 60 Hz
in. in. sq. in. Ib/ll 1 in.- mlcrohms/ll microhms/ll at 70"C microhms/ll Indoor Outdoor

0.312 5.58 6.56 22.62 32 .6 2.563 1.014 3.088 3195 4020

6 0.375 6.63 7.79 26.33 32.8 2.156 1.030 2.639 3465 4360
0.500 8.64 10.16 39.94 33.1 1.654 1.089 2.140 3845 4840
0.625 10.55 12.41 38 .63 33.4 1.354 1.200 1.931 4070 5125
0.250 5.30 6.23 30 .23 28 .9 2.696 1.006 3.222 3360 4190
7 0.375 7.80 9.18 43.0 29 .2 1.831 1.030 2.24 1 4015 5010
0.500 10 .2 1 12.01 54.2 29.5 1.400 1.090 1.813 4465 5575
0.625 12 .52 14.72 64.2 29.7 1.142 1.203 1.632 4635 5785
0.250 6 .09 7.16 45.75 25.8 2.348 1.006 2.807 3805 4720
8 0.375 8 .98 10.56 65.44 26.0 1.591 1.030 1.947 4555 5645
0.500 11 .78 13.85 83.20 26.2 1.213 1.091 1.573 5045 6250
0.625 14.48 17.03 99.2 26.5 0.987 1.206 1.414 5190 6435
0.250 6.87 8.08 65.8 23.2 2.079 1.006 2 .486 4255 5245
9 0.375 10.16 11.95 94.7 23.3 1.406 1.030 1.721 5100 6285
0.500 13.35 15.70 121 .0 23.4 1.070 1.092 1.389 5650 6965
0.625 16.44 19.34 145.0 23.6 0.869 1.208 1.247 5980 7370
0.312 9.50 11.17 111 .5 20.6 1.505 1.015 1.815 5185 6355
10 0.375 11 .34 13.33 131.5 20.7 1.260 1.031 1.544 5635 6910
0.500 14.92 17.55 168.8 20.9 0.958 1.092 1.243 6255 7670
0.625 18.41 21 .65 203.1 21 .0 0.776 1.210 1.116 6640 8140
0.312 11 .46 13.47 195.8 16.3 1.247 1.015 1.504 61 55 7480
12 0.375 13.70 16.11 231 .6 16.4 1.043 1.031 1.278 6685 8125
0.500 18.06 21 .24 299.2 16.6 0.791 1.093 1.027 7415 9015
0.625 22.33 26.27 362.3 16 .7 0.640 1.213 0.9222 7850 9545
0.500 21.21 24.94 483.8 12.7 0.674 1.094 0.8761 8570 10345
14 0.677 28.34 33.32 630.3 12.9 0.504 1.284 0.7695 9160 11059
0.750 31.22 36.71 687.3 13.0 0.458 1.399 0.7610 9425 11 380

1. Cu rrent ratings are on same basis as per Notes 1, 2, and 3 of Table 13-27.

13-58
 bus condudor design and app/icatians

TABLE 13-29

Physical and Electrical Properties of Square Aluminum Tubular Conductors 6101-T61 Alloy
57% lACS Conductivity (minimuim)

u a ed va ues app Iy t0 unven rtI ated t ub es. Ven rttdtb

T abit la8 u es h ave
about 8 percent less weight. Add 15 percent to current ratings of
ventilated tubes having staggered ventilating holes spaced 4-in. apart
longitudinally with hole diameters as follows : For 3-in. tube, 1V. in.;
for 4·in . tube, 1% in.; for 5-in . tube, 1% in .; for 6-in tube, 1;'.. in .
T "b -- ....
0
'\
'

~, ./
. For 6101·T61 •
Inches
(a) Square Size Inductive ac ac
(b) Outside Corner Reactance de Current Ratings
R. c/Rde Resistance
Radius Moment 1 II spacing Resistance at of 70' C 60 Hz
(e) Web Thickness of Inertia 60 Hz-X, at 20' C 70' C 60 Hz Amp (1) (2)
Area Weight
(a) (b) (c) sq. in. Iblll 1 in." mierohms/ll mierohmslft 60 Hz mierohms/ll e = 0.35 e = 0.90

3 ¥a ,/, 2.643 3.108 3.272 45.5 5.407 1.04 6.683 1880 2300
3 '/, ¥a 3.736 4.394 4. 215 46.1 3.825 1.09 4.954 2170 2640
3 :y, ,/, 4.571 5.375 4.598 46.9 3. 126 1.18 4.384 2250 2760

4 V, 'I, 3.589 4.221 8.215 38.7 3.982 1.05 4.968 2450 3020
4 '/, ¥a 5.236 6.158 11.30 39.0 2.729 1.11 3.600 2880 3550
4 'Yo '/, 6.571 7.727 13.06 39.6 2.175 1.21 3.127 3040 3760

5 'Yo ,/, 4.482 5.271 16.26 33.5 3.189 1.06 4.016 2980 3700
5 'Yo ¥a 6.575 7.733 22.76 33.8 2.173 1.13 2.918 3490 4340
5 'Yo V, 8.571 10.08 28.32 34.1 1.667 1.24 2.457 3810 4730

6 :yo '/. 5.482 6.447 29.36 29.1 2.607 1.08 3.346 3540 4420
6 :yo ¥a 8.075 9.497 41 .59 29.4 1.770 1.15 2.418 4170 5200
6 'Yo '/, 10.57 12.43 52.35 29.6 1.352 1.28 2.056 4570 5640

e
1. Current ratings are based on 30 rise over 40°C ambient, conductors horizontally mounted and spaced sufficiently to eliminate proximity effects.
D

For temperatu re rise of 50°C above 40°C am bient, increase ratings by about 30 percent. (See Fig. 13-11). The e = 0.35 rating applies to lubes
in still but unconfined air (usual indoor condition) with normal oxidized surface. The e = 0.90 rating applies similarly but with surface painted
with flat nonmetallic paint.

13-59
bus conductors

TABLE 13-30
y
Properties of Uniform Thickness Aluminum Channel Bus Conductors
W
Outside Corner
Physical properties are for single channels; electrical properties
Radius - in .
are for two channels in face-ta-face arrangement. 6101 -T61 alloy
57.0% lACS Conductivity (minimum)
Web
Thick-
Corner
Radius
r -.
A
4-X

ness
_T
0.25 in.
0.375
3/8 in.
1/2
1
0.500
0.625
5/8
3/4
I
Y ~B_
.. Single Channel ... ... Fa,e~to-Face Pair •
ae
Distance Inductive ae
Dimensions in. Moment of Current Ratings
to Reactance de Resistance
see sketch Inertia in 4 60 Hz Amp
Neutral 1 ft spacing Resistance
Rae/ Rd< at 70c e
Area Wt. X 60 Hz-X.. at 200 e at 700 e 60 Hz Indoor Outdoor
A B T W Sq. in. Ib/ft Ix-x Iy-y in. microhmslft microhms/ft 60 Hz microhms/ft e ~ 0.35 e ~ 0.50

3 1.312 0.25 3.933 1.23 1.44 1.49 0.18 0.397 46.2 5.82 1.04 7.19 2300 2760
4 1.75 0.25 4.188 1.70 1.99 3.79 0.46 0.500 39.2 4.21 1.04 5.21 2910 3500
4 1.75 0.625 4.375 3.67 4.30 6.72 0.74 0 .627 40.2 1.946 1.32 3.05 3660 4400
5 2.187 0.625 5. 4.84 5.68 13.5 1.60 0.750 33.8 1.475 1.36 2.38 4760 5700
6 2.687 0.437 6. 4.46 5.23 21.3 2.83 0.794 29.7 1.602 1.13 2.15 5800 6950

7 3.187 0 .375 7. 4.63 5.43 33.7 4.33 0.893 24.8 1.542 1.16 2.13 6140 7350
7 3.187 0.562 7. 6.69 7.87 44.4 6.15 0.935 25.2 1.068 1.35 1.71 6790 8150
7 3.187 0.625 7. 7.34 8 .61 47.7 6.72 0.989 25.4 0.973 1.44 1.66 6820 8450

8 3.687 0.375 8. 5.38 6.31 49.9 6.91 1.02 no 1.327 1.21 1.41 6240 7500
8 3.687 0.500 8. 7.03 8.33 63.4 8.64 1.07 22.1 1.017 1.29 1.56 6560 7900
8 3.687 0.625 8. 8.59 10.07 74.9 11.1 1.10 22.4 0.832 1.37 1.35 7900 9400

9 4.125 0.625 9. 9.77 11.44 109.2 14.9 1.21 19.1 0.732 1.47 1.28 8610 10500
11 5.312 0.250 11 . 5.23 6.13 91.8 14.4 1.40 14.3 1.367 1.1 1 1.80 8100 9750
11 5.3 12 0.312 11 . 6.49 7.60 119.8 17.7 1.42 14.4 1.102 1.18 1.54 8940 10800
11 5.312 0.562 11. 11.32 13.27 198.2 29.8 1.51 14.7 0.631 1.44 1.08 10400 12400

12 5.812 0.25 12. 5.73 6.71 128.5 19.0 1.53 12.1 1.248 1.15 1.70 8980 10800
12 5.812 0.315 12. 7.11 8.40 186.0 27.5 1.57 12.4 0.997 1.35 1.60 10500 12100
12 5.812 0.625 12. 13.75 16.11 288.5 45.3 1.67 12.7 0.520 1.53 1.945 11550 13700

1. Ratings are based on 30"e rise over 40"( ambie nt temperature in still but unconfined air for usual indoor conditions (e = 0.35), and for
2 ftlsec cross w ind for usual outdoor conditions (e = 0.50).
2. For temperature ri se of 50 0 ( above 40 0 ( ambient, an increase of about 30 percent of current rating indoors is generally in accordance
w ith tests. (See Fig . 13-11.)

13-60
 bus condudor design ond applications

TABLE 13-31

Properties of Uniform Thickness Angle Bus Conductors

6101-T6 Alloy 55.0% IAC5 Conductivity (minimum)(4)

Minimum
(2) Distance a, (1)
Size Moment of to Neutral Current Ratings
Inductive
See Sketch inertia in.4 Axis Amp-60 Hz
Reactance de ae
(3) 1 ft spacing Resistance R••/ Rd < Resistance
W T Area Wt 60 Hz-X. at 70"C at 70"( at 700 ( Indoor Outdoor
in. in. Sq. in. Ibltt I. or y I, x or y z microhms/ft microhms/ft 60 Hz microhms/ft e ~ 0.35 e ~ 0.50

3 1/4 V. 1.56 1.83 1.60 0.65 0.91 1.28 51.41 11.23 1.024 11 .50 1300 1902
4 V. 1.93 2.27 3.04 1.22 1.09 1.55 46.60 9.06 1.045 9.46 1550 2236
4 'Ie 2.85 3.36 4.36 1.77 1.14 1.61 46.62 6.13 1.115 6.84 1850 2654
4V2 'Ie 3.23 3.80 6.30 2.55 1.26 1.79 43 .93 5.42 1.145 6.20 2050 2885
5 'Ie 3.60 4.24 8.74 3.54 1.39 1.96 41.52 4.86 1.175 5.70 2250 3130
1. Indoor current ratings are based on 3D"( rise over 40"C ambient in still but unconfined air, normally oxid ized surface (e = 0.35). Outdoor
ratings are based si milarly, but with 2 ftlsec crosswind (e = 0.50). Horizontal mounting is assumed with spacing sufficient to eliminate
proximity effects, generally assumed to be 18-in. or over. Indoor ratings based on work by House and Tuttle . Outdoor ratings from
IEEE paper by Prager, Pemberton, Craig, Bleshman (22) .
2. Back-to-back angles are to be conside red as separate members; not as a composite.
3. Al ignment grooves are extruded to facilitate centering of holes accord ing to NEMA standard spacings.
4. A modification of this design (see Fig. 13-Sk) has a lug at top that does not interfere with bolting, yet it strengthens the shape against
tendency to roll-over to the z-z axis in long spans subjected to large lateral short circu it forces. For equal weight of shape, the z-z
radius of gyration is increased 20 percent . The stress that causes roll-over is thereby increased about 40 percent .
5. See page 13-66 for additional information regarding this table.

Angle
Notching Dimensions
A B C D
IN'1~IN
Notch
31 / 4 X
1
/4 1.50 1.75 2.375 , Detail
4x 1/4 1.875 1.75 2.00 2.8 13 w
4 x '/, 1.875 1.75 2.00 2.813
4' ;'x'/,
5 x ' /,
2.187
2.313
1.75
1.75
2.00
2.00
3.006
3.256
L
Some Notchi ng
on Other leg

13-61
.
~
0-
w c:
~

0-
...., n
o
TABLE 13-32 "
"-
c:
n
Properties of Integral-Web Channel Bus Conductors 0"
~
~
6101-T61 Alloy (lACS 58% typical)
Current Inductive
Size
Wall de Rating Reactance ac 60 Hz
(See Moment of Current Rating
Sketch) Thick· Inertia. in.4 Resistance de 1 ft spacing Resistance ac-60 Hz
70"( R.c 7OO(
B---
ness Rdc- 7O°C 60 Hz- X. R•../Rdc
A B T Area Wt microhms e ~ 0.35 microhms 700 ( microhms Indoor Outdoor
in. in. in. sq. in. Ibltt I•.• I y •y per ft Indoors per ft 60 Hz per ft e ~ 0.35 e ~ 0.50

4
4
4
4
0.15 6
0.250
2.439
3.781
2.87
4 .45
3.876
5.788
6.213
9.216
6.88
4.42
2260
2810
39.02
39.76
1.020
1.035
7.000
4.581
2240
2276
2520
3115
-l er-
4 4 0.312 4.46 5.25 6.892 10.94 3.75 3050 40 .8 1.05 3.94 2980 3360
T
6 4 0.250 4 .78 5.62 16.35 12.74 3.50 3480 34.8 1.050 3.68 3400 3780
6 4 0.375 6.02 7.08 14.5 14.0 2.78 3900 36.6 1.08 3.00 3760 4180
6 4 0.375 6.95 8.17 22.91 17.45 2.41 4200 - 1.09 2.62 4020 4470
6 5 0.375 7.60 8 .94 25 .19 29.78 2.20 4500 32.5 1.11 2.44 4320 4800 See also page 13·67 for additional
6 6 0.375 8.60 10.15 29.73 45 .98 1.95 5020 27 .6 1.11 2.16 4760 5270 informat ion regarding th is table .
6 6 0.550 11.22 13.19 40.05 60 .86 1.49 5730 31 .4 1.22 1.82 5190 5740
For standard vent diamete r and
7 7 0.500 12.84 15.10 64.83 95.87 1.30 6530 27 .6 1.2 1 1.58 5940 6540 sp acing. and notch -groove arrange-
ments, consult supplie rs .
8 5 0.375 9.08 10.68 52.88 37.59 1.84 5350 29.1 1.12 2.064 5060 5560
8 5 0.500 11.75 13.82 66.84 46.67 1.42 6090 30.0 1.28 1.82 5380 5910
8 8 0.500 16.12 18.96 103.5 152 .3 1.04 7740 24.7 1.26 1.31 6890 7550

9 9 0 .625 20.04 23.57 162.3 240.1 0.84 9060 21 .6 1.37 1.14 7740 8450

10 10 0.625 23.50 27.64 255.6 362.4 0.71 10260 19.1 1.42 1.01 8610 9350

11 11 0.625 26.16 30.76 281.7 451 .8 0.64 11260 16.9 1.43 0.91 9390 101 70

12 12 0.625 32.28 37.96 312.0 653.0 0 .52 12980 15.8 1.53 0.79 10490 11330

1 . Current rat in gs are based on 6101 -T61 alloy with standa rd vent·hotes in web. Fo r 6101-T6 reduce rating by 2 percent. Indoor ratings are based on 30° C rise over 40° C ambient in
still but unconf ined air, normally oxidized surface (p =0 .35) and simil arly for outdoor rat ings, except 2 f t/sec cross wind (e=0.50)' H orizont al mount ing is assumed with spacing
su fficient to eli minate prox imity effects, generally assumed to be 18·in. or over. For temp erature rise of 50° C above 40° C ambient, the indoo r ratings for 30° C r ise may be increased
abou t 30 percent. (See F ig. 13 - 11 .)

Indoor ratings (dc and ac) calculated by computer and verified by tests, rounded . Outdoor ratings are ca lculations on ly. More test work is needed for outdoor.

2. The sketch only approx imates a typical outline. For vent and no t ch arrangements cons ult su pp lier. The interior perimeter va ries accord ing to the washer diame ters that are to be
accomm odat ed, and as to their location per NEMA spacing. T he 12 in. x 12 in . size is a comp osite of two sy mmetr ic extrusions bolted together.
 bus condudor design and applications

APPENDIX 13A

Notes To Tables 13·25 Through 13·32

General Table 13·25

I. Aluminum weights are computed on basis of 0 .098 lb. Aluminum Rectangular Square Corner Bus Bars
per cu. in. I. Direct current (dc) ampacity values calculated from
2. Elements of sections for rectangles, tubes and equal House·Tuttle formulas for vertical arrangements
angles calculated from following relationships. 2, Rdc at 70°C is listed for 2, 3 and 4 bars as a conven·
ience for d·c applications.
RE CTANGLE A bd
Ad, of moment.. throu&"h center d
"2 3. Rac/ Rdc and xa values from Mak and Lewis paper (5)

'lBj·f·, bd' for some sizes, Xa for other sizes from tables by
12 W.A. Lewis for Alcoa. Other Rac/ Rd c values from
bd'
x ,
-6- Dwight's Charts (4) ,
1.... . .. j rl-t = {T2
d
= 0.288675<1
I_ _·_b .
o
_._":

Table 13·26

CIRCLE
.lolli, of lBo_eDt.
tltroach _ter
-.-
2"
rd'

d
= 0.785398 dt
Current Rating oj Rectangular
A luminum Bus Bar Arrangements
I . Direct current (de) ampacity values calculated from

"o
- -··· :·~
rd'
~ = 0.049087 d' Hou se· Tuttle formulas for vertical arrangements
= 0,098175 d a 2, Example (Refer to Ampacity discussion)
x
t_____ ______ -1: 4·114 in. x 4 in. 6 101 ·T61 bars, vertical arrangement
with 1/ 4 in . spacing
EQUAL ANGLE
A t (b+c)
e = 0.35, Ta = 40°C , Tc 70°C, Rd c at 70°C
... ---- ... -----.-. ·-t x b'+ct
m+cT
4.245 x 10- 6 ohms

s, : )'
•
4• . so
~\0.25
I 1 1 _\ = t.(b-x)3+b.l 8- & ( x -t)·
: 3 We = 0.0275 Pc ,- L /
: h-t = 1 1 _1
where Pc = 4 x 8.5 = 34 in .
.J I
11-3 = et' +e8t + 3ct( b-4..r: + ~ ) J + t .. + 6t~ (21l-i) t
12
I,"" =
ct ll +Cllt+3ctb 2 +t' L = 4 in,
12
0.25
Fig. 13A·I. = 0.0275 x 34 ( ~O ) (30)
Source: Carnegie Steel Company. Pocket Companion, 1920.

46.419 watt 1ft.

13-63
bus conductors

Kf = .00864 (from Table 13A-I)

Wr m = 0.0439 P r . e
m
[(Kc)
100
4 _ (~)
100
4J
where P rm = 10 in .

e = .35 bars
4.5 x .0672 x 7200)°·6
.95 openings = 0.1695 ( x .00864 (70-40)
0.0478

f,(343) 4 = (4.5)°·6 11.1165

= 0.0439 x 10 x .35~ 100
= 27.409 watts/ ft.
= 6.520 watt / ft. for metal surfaces

W rj = 0.0439 Prj . e~~(K)4

I~ -
(KI~) 4]
where 0 = 4.5"
where Prj = 2 x 3 x .25 = 1.5 in.
e = 0.5
= 0.0439 x 1.5 x .95 (42.33) = 2.655 watt / ft.
for open bar spacing values of K from Table 13A-1.

Wr = 0.138 x 4.5 x 0.5 [138.41 - 95 .98]

W = 46.419 + 6.520 + 2.655 = 55.594
= 13 .1745

55.594 \ y,
= ( 4.245 x 10- 6) 'i.W = 27.409 + 13.1745 = 40.5835

= 3,619 amperes
'i.W )0.5
(Rac at 70·C
Table 13-27
Physical and Electrical Properties oj Aluminum
40.5835 )0.5
( 5.717 x 10-6
Standard Pipe Size Conductors at Typical
Conductivities
= 2,664 amperes
I. Ampacity values calculated from House-Tuttle for-
mulas
2. Example (Refer to Ampacity discussion):
4 in . Schd . 40 6063-T6 Pipe Conductor Outdoor Ser-
vices, e = 0.5, wind 2 ft/see., no sun .

0 V)0.6
We = 0.1695 ( :~

whole 0 = 4.5 in.

pf = .0672 (from Table 13A-I)

v = 2 x 3600 (for 2 ftlsec wind)

I'f = .0478 (from Table 13A-I)

13-64
 bus conductor design and applications

TABLE 13A-l

Viscosity, Density at Sea Level to 15,000 Ft , and Thermal Conductivity of Air

Temperature Absolute Density. Pf Thermal

(,~ot
Viscosity . Conductivity
F* C K I't Sea Level 5,000 It 10,000 It 15,000 It kt
32 0 273 55.55 0.0415 0.0807 0.0671 0.0554 0.0455 0.00739
41 5 278 59.73 0 .0421 0.0793 0 .0660 0.0545 0.0447 0.00750
50 10 283 64 .14 0.0427 0.0779 0 .0648 0 .0535 0.0439 0.00762
59 15 288 68.80 0 .0433 0.0765 0 .0636 0.0526 0 .0431 0 .00773
68 20 293 73.70 0 .0439 0.0752 0.0626 0 .0517 0.0424 0 .00784

77 25 298 78.86 0.0444 0.0740 0 .0616 0 .0508 0.0417 0 .00795

86 30 303 84.29 0.0450 0.0728 0.0606 0.0500 0.0411 0 .00807
95 35 308 89.99 0.0456 0.0716 0.0596 0 .0492 0.0404 0 .00818
104 40 313 95.98 0 .0461 0.0704 0 .0586 0.0484 0 .0397 0 .00830
113 45 318 102.26 0.0467 0.0693 0 .0577 0.0476 0 .0391 0 .00841

122 50 323 108.85 0.0473 0.0683 0 .0568 0 .0469 0 .0385 0.00852

131 55 328 115.74 0 .0478 0.0672 0.0559 0.0462 0.0379 0.00864
140 60 333 122.96 0.0484 0.0661 0.0550 0.0454 0.0373 0.00875
149 65 338 130.52 0.0489 0.0652 0.0542 0 .0448 0.0367 0 .00886
158 70 343 138.41 0.0494 0 .0643 0 .0535 0 .0442 0.0363 0 .00898

167 75 348 146.66 0 .0500 0.0634 0.0527 0 .0436 0 .0358 0 .00909

176 80 353 155.27 0.0505 0.0627 0.0522 0.0431 0.0354 0 .00921
185 85 358 164.26 0 .0510 0.0616 0 .0513 0 .0423 0 .0347 0 .00932
194 90 363 173.63 0 .0515 0.0608 0 .0506 0.0418 0.0343 0 .00943
203 95 368 183.40 0 .0521 0.0599 0.0498 0.0412 0 .0338 0 .00952

212 100 373 193.57 0.0526 0.0591 0.0492 0.0406 0.0333 0.00966

·Oegrees Fahrenheit.
I't = absolute viscosity, Ib/ lhrillti.
P, = den sity , Ib 01 air/til.
kt = thermal conductivity 01 air, watts/lsq !tllel at It = Ite + \,1 /2 .
fa = ambient temperature C.
tc = conductor temperatu re C .

Source: "Current Carrying Capacity of ACSR ," H.E. Hou se-P.O. Tuttl e, AI E E Transactions , Paper 58-41, 1958 .

13-65
 bus conductors

Table 13·28 ( 1lt)0.25

Physical and Electrical Properties oj Large Diameter
w e = 0.027 Pc \"'L
Round·Tube Bus Conductors, 6101·T61
1. Ampacity values calculated from House· Tuttle for· Pc = LH J + LVI + LV 2 = 6.75 in.
mulas.
2. Example (Refer to Ampacity discussion)
8 in. 0 .0. by 0.500 in. wall , 6101·T61 indoor service,
e = .35
LV 2

where D = 8 in., te = 70' C, ta = 40' C

We = 0.072 x (8)0.75 x (70·40)1.25

= 24.046
+ 1.685
L LV I + LV 2 LHI + LH2

Wr = 0.138 x D X e [c~f . (~f] lit = 30

where 0 = 8 in., Ke· 343 ' K, Ka = 313 ' K, e = 0.35 tc = 70' C

W, = 0.138 x 8 x .35 [138.41 ·95.98] ta = 40'C

30 \ 0.25
= 16.395
Wc = 0.027 x 6.75 ( 1.6857 x (70·40)

~W )112 = 11.23 watts/fl.

(Rac at 70'C

Rac 70' C from table = 1.59 x 10- 6

__ ( 40.441 ~ 1/ 2 P, = total exposed perimeter (13 in.)
1.59 x 10 6; = 5,043 amperes
W, = 0.0439 x 13 x .35 (138.41 ·95.98) = 8.48 watts/ fl.

Table 13·31
~W = 11.23 + 8.48 = 19.7 1
I. Xa values from work by W.A. Lewis for Alcoa .
2. Outdoor ampacity from IEEE paper by Prager, I = ( ~W \1 / 2 19.71 ) 112
Pemberton, Craig , Bleshman (22) \ Rac at 70' C; = ( 11.47 x 10- 6

3. Indoor ampacity based on form ulas developed by = 1,311 rounded to 1,300

House· Tuttle and verified by extensive tests.

Example:

3·114 in . x 3·114 in. x 114 in. VABC, 6101·T6

Indoor service, e = .35, Rac at 70'C = 11.47

13-66
 bus conductor design and applications

Table 13-32 Con vection Loss (Free Air)

Properties 0/ Integral - Web Channel Bus Conductors
I. Xa values from work by W_A. Lewis for Alcoa
2. Ampacity based on formulas de veloped by House-
Tuttle. Indoo r values based on tests data. Typical con- (b.t \ 0.25
ducti vity used because of better correlation with test We = 0.026 P e \L)
points. Test work needed for outdoor values since it is
not known how wind would affect this shape . How- f,t te - ta in degrees C = 70 - 40 = 30
ever, it appears from theoretical studies that the results
may have an accuracy of ± 10"10.
= +
L height width
Example:
HxW 36 .
6 in. x 6 in. x .0550 in., ventilated, 30°C rise over 40°C L = - .= 3.00
H + W 12
Radiated Heat
30) 0.25
We = 0.026 x 24 ( 3.00 x (30)

where Pc = nominal perimeter-inches

where : Pr = exposed perimeter in inches
= 33.29 watt s/ ft.
= (2 x heights + 2 x width)

e = emissivity
"LW ) 1/ 2
Test showed value of 0.47, combination of surface and
slo ts for new bus . (
Rae at 70°C

0.35 is conservative . where Rae at 70°C = 1.82, typical

Wr = 0.0439 x 24 x .35 [(~~ f -c~fJ 15.65 + 33.29) 1/ 2

( 1.82 x 10- 6

= 15.65 watt s/ ft. 5,186 rounded to 5,190 amperes

13,- £,7
bus conductors

APPENDIX 13B

Bibliography

General Design for the Chlor-Alkali Industry ," Electrochemical

Technology, Vol. 5, No. 3-4, March, April 1967.
Alcan Aluminum Bus Conductors, Design Manual -
Aluminum Company of Canada, Ltd. 3. Arnold, A.H.M., "The Alternating-Current
Resistance of Hollow, Square Conductors," JIEE Vol. 78,
Alcoa Aluminum Bus Conductor Handbook 1936, pp. 580-593.
-Aluminum Company of America.
4. Dwight. H.B., "Electrical Coils and Conductors,"
Kaiser Aluminum Bus Conductor Manual - Kaiser McGraw-Hili Book Company, 1945 .
Aluminum & Chemical Sales, Inc .
5. Mak, S.T. and Lewis, W.A ., "Alternating Current
Reynolds Aluminum Bus Conductors, Brochure - Distribution in Parallel Conductors of Arbitrary Cross-
Reynolds Metals Company. Sectional Shape," 1973, IEEE Conference Paper
Aluminum Busbar, Thomas, A.G. and Rata, P.J.H. C70169.0.
-Northern Aluminum Company Ltd., London. 6. Arnold , A.H.M ., "Proximity Effects in Solid and
L' Aluminium Dans Les Postes Exteriurs de Transfor- Hollow Round Conductors", JIEEE Vol. 88, 1948, pp.
mation - L'Aluminium Fran~ais , Paris. 349-359.

Aluminum Busbars - Swiss Aluminum Ltd., Zurich 7. Sigg, Hans-Jurg and Strutt, Max J.O ., "Skin Effect
and Proximity Effect in Polyphase Systems of Rectangular
Aluminum in Busbars and Connections, The British Conductors Calculated on an RC Network ," IEEE Trans .
Aluminum Company, Ltd ., London. Vol. Pas-89, No.3, 1970, pp. 470-477.
Aluminum Electrical Conductor Handbook. 1982 - The 8. Fisher, L.E. and Frank, R.L., "Paired-Phase Bus
Aluminum Associat ion. Wash ington. D. C. Bars for Large Polyphase Circuits," AlEE Trans . Vol. 62
(1943) pp . 71-77.
Higgins, Thomas James, "The Design of Busbar In-
dustrial Distribution Systems: An Epitomization of 9. Paschkis, V. and Persson, J ., "Industrial Electric
Available Data, " 1945, Technical Paper 45-25. Furnaces and Appliances," (book), Interscience Publica-
tions (1960).
Deans, W., "Electrical Buses and Bus Structures,"
Bulletin 4211 of ITE Circuit Breaker Company, 1942. 10. Perry, John H., " Chemical Engineers Handboo k",
McGraw-H ili Book Company, 1950, Chapter-Heat
"Use of Aluminum for Substation Buses," IEEE Trans.
Transmission by Conduction and Convection.
Vol. 5-82, pp. 72-79.
II. Swerdlow, Nathan and Buchta, Marion , "Practical
Numbered References Solutions of Inductive Heating Problems Resulting from
High Current Buses," AlEE Trans . Vol. 78, pp.
I. IEEE, "Guide for Design of Substation Rigid-Bus 1736- 1746,1959 .
Structures." .
12. Skeats, W.F. and Swerdlow, Nathan, "Minimizing
2. Guess, L.T. and Crow, C.K., "Advances in Bus the Magnetic Field Surrounding the Isolated Phase Bus by

13-68
 bus conductor design and applications

Electrically Continuous Enclosures," AlEE Power Ap- 28. Taylor, D.W. and Stuehler, C.M., "Short Circuit
paratus and Systems, Feb. 1963, pp. 655-666. Tests on 138 kV Buses," AlEE Trans. Vol. 75, 1956, pp.
739-741.
13 . Killian, S.c. "Ind uced Currents in High-Capacity
Bus Enclosures," AlEE Trans. Vol. 69, 1950, pp. 29. Milton, R.M. and Chambers, Fred, "Behavior of
1388-1395. High-Voltage Buses and Insulators During Short
Circuits," AlEE Trans. Vol. 75, 1956, pp. 741-749.
14. Maxwell, J.C . "A Treatise on Electricity and
Magnetism," (book) 3rd Ed. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 30. Moorer, S.D., "1 150-230 kV Bus Design Practices
England, 1892. with Emphasis on Short Circuit Requirements, " Trans. &
Substa. Committee, Southeast Electric Exchange, October
15 . Schurig, O.R., "Engineering Calculation of In- 21, 1965.
ductance and Reactance for Rectangular Bar
Conductors," General Electric Review, Vol. 36, No.5 31. Schurig, O.R., "Fault Voltage Drop and Impedance
(May 1933) . at Short Circuit Currents in Low Voltage Circuits," AlEE
Trans. Vol. 60 (1941), pp. 478-486.
16. Lewis, W.A., "Transmission of Electric Power,"
Litho Ed., Chicago, Ill. , Illinois Institute of Technology, 32. Woodruff, L.F., "Discussion on the Natural Fre-
1948. quency of Bus Bars," AlEE Trans. 1923, p . 568.
33. Den Hartog, J.P., "Mechanical Vibrations," (book)
17. Carlson, c.L. and Van Nostrand, R., "Ampacities
3rd Ed., McGraw-Hill Book Company.
of Copper and Aluminum Bus Bars," IEEE Paper F
76-080-2, January, 1976. 34. Tanberg, R .. "Stresses in Bus Supports," Electrical
Journal , Vol. 24 (October 1972), pp. 517-524.
18. Melsom, S.W. and Booth, H .C., "Current Carrying
Capacity of Solid Bare Copper and Aluminum Conduc- 35 . Brenner, M., "Basic Principles to Support
tors," J1EE Vol. 62, pp. 909-915. Aluminum and Copper Buses," Electrical World, July
1953, pp. 118-119.
19. House, H.E. and Tuttle, P.D ., "Current-Carrying
Capacity of ACSR," AlEE Trans. Paper 58-41, February, 36. Papst , H.W., "Stresses in Bus Bars and Design
1958. Features to Meet These Stresses-the Spring Mounted
Bus," Westinghouse Electric Corp. Bulletin, 1933.
20. McAdams, W.H. , "Heat Transmission," (book)
McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 1954. 37. Grier, L.N. and Guess, L.T. , "Suspended Buses
Carry Heavy Current," Electrical World, Vol. 116 (1941)
21. Schurig, O.R. and Frick , C.W., "Heating and
p. 1889.
Current-Carrying Capacity of Bare Conductors for Out-
door Service," General Electric Review , Vol. 33, No.3, 38. N.T. Bond, "Aluminum Contact Surfaces in Elec-
March 1930, pp. 141-157. trical Transition Interfaces," Proceedings of the Holm
22. Prager, M., Pemberton, D.L., Craig, A.G., and Seminar on Electrical Contacts 1968, pp. 13-25.
Bleshman, N., " Thermal Considerations for Outdoor Bus 39. N.T. Bond, D.L. Robinson, and M. Mohajery ,
Conductor Design," IEEE Trans. Power Apparatus and "Fundamental Consideration of Aluminum Electrical
Systems, Vol. Pas 90, No.4, pp. 1361-1368, July/August Contact Interfaces ," Electrical Contacts 1977 Proceedings
1970. of the Annual Holm Conference on Electrical Contacts,
pp.213-222.
23 . "Busbar Current Capacity, Paint Treatment and Its
Effects on Cooling," Electrician, Vol. 126 (March 21, 40. LR. Greenwood, "Area of Contact Between Rough
1941) pp . 178. Surfaces and Faits."
24. Fugill, A.P., "Carrying Capacities of Enclosed 41. Holm, Ragnar , "Electric Contact Handbook ," 3rd
Buses," Electrical World, Vol. 99 (1932), pp. 539-540. Ed., 1958, Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
25. IEEE Committee Report, "A Guide for Calculating 42. N.F. Mott, "Theory of the Formation of Protective
Losses in Isolated Phase Bus," presented IEEE New York Oxide Films on Metals-II," Transaction oj the Faraday
Meeting, 1968. Society, Vol. 36 (1940) pp. 472.
26. Tripp, W.A., "Forces on Conductors During Short 43 . S.W. Melsom and H.C. Booth, "The Efficiency of
Circuits," Electric Journal, Vol. 34, (Dec. 1937), pp. Overlapping Joints in Copper and Aluminum Bus Bar
493-497. Conductors," Journal oj Institute oj Electrical Engineers,
27. Killian, S.C., "Forces Due 10 Short Circuit Vol. 60, No. 312 (1922).
O.:rrents," Delta-Star IAagazine (January-February 1943).

13 -69
bus conductors

44. N.T. Bond and F.L. McGeary, "Nickel Plating for with Calculated Values," IEEE Vo. Pas 87, No.8, pp.
Improved Electrical Contact to Aluminum," Conference 1724-1730, 1968.
Record of the 1968 Second Annual Meeting of the IEEE
54. Christensen, A.H ., "Rigid Bus A-Frames," IEEE
Industry and General Applications Group, pp. 375-387.
Conference Paper T&S pp. 33, December 1978.
45. N.T. Bond, "Electrical Transition Interfaces at
55. Massey, John R., "Integral Web Channel Bus Con-
Aluminum Terminations," Electrical Contacts 1978 Ninth
struction IEEE Trans. and Large Substa. Committee
International Conference on Electric Contact Phenomena,
Paper, April 1967, Roanoke, VA .
pp. 93-98.
56. Milton, R.M., SI. Clair, R.C. , Wilhoite, G.M.,
46. Shand, E.B. and Valentine, C.E., "Boiting of
"Design Criteria for Integral Web and Universal Angle
Busbar Joints," Electric Journal (September 1933), pp.
Buses," AlEE Paper 63-101,1963.
397-380.
57. Weber, L.c., Fossum, H., "Aluminum Angle
47. Stewart, H. J., "Belleville Spring Washers,"
Substation Bus Conductor," AlEE Conference Paper
Fasteners, Vol. 9, NO.5
CP-58-1286, 1958.
48. Asbury, C .E. and Hartmann, c.J., " Development
58. "Bibliography of Gas Insulated Substations," IEEE
of a Welded Aluminum Bus for Substations," Proceedings
Pas Vol. 99, No. I, p. 389.
of the Conference on Electrical Utilization of Aluminum,
AlEE (March, 1955) pp. 4-9. 59. Hagemoen, S.W., " Improving the Capacity of a
High Current D-C Bus," Ref: IEEE PCI-76-52, Con-
49. Quick, D.M., "Welded Aluminum Bus in Outdoor
Transfer Yard of the Sewaren Generating Station," Elec- ference Record 76CHll09 8-IA.
tric Light and Power, Vol. 27 (December 1949), pp. 58-63. 60. Gerald, G., "Extractive Metallurgy of Aluminum,"
Vol. 2, Interscience, 1963.
50. Ray, J.J. and Calhoun, J.K., "Aluminum Bus in
High Voltage Substations on the Philadelphia Electric 61. Frothro, T.B., "Design and Specification Considera-
Company System," Proceedings of the Conference on the tions for Construction of Large Industrial Rectifiers and
Electrical Utilization of Aluminum AlEE (March 1955) Their Associated Facilities," IEEE Trans. on Industry Ap-
pp.9-14. plications, Vol. IA-I I, No.2, March-April 1975.
51. ANSI Standard C37.23 62. Rols, Rene,. " Aluminum Conductors in Electrolysis
l'lstal1ations and Electric Furnaces," L' Aluminum Fran-
52. Conangla, Amado and Harris , F.W., "Isolated Bus
cais, Paris .
Enclosure Loss Factors," IEEE Vol. Pas 87, No.7, pp .
1622- 1628, 1968. 63. Donati, E. "Overlapping Joints in Electric Furnace
Circuits," L'Energie Electrica, Vol. 12, No.6 (June 1935)
53. Elgar, E.C., Rehder, R.H., and Swerdlow, Nathan, pp. 433-440.
"Measured Losses in Isolated-Phase Bus and Comparison

'd-70