Busbar System Alternative - micro flizz®

A busbar is a metallic strip or bar, typically made from copper, aluminium, or steel, used to conduct electricity within electrical panels, switchgear, and power distribution systems.
They provide a safe, efficient way to distribute high currents and connect multiple circuits.

Common uses of a busbar include:

• Power distribution in industrial and commercial buildings
• Electrical switchboards and switchgear
• Data centres and energy storage systems
• Railways, manufacturing lines, and automation equipment

A busbar works by acting as a central point that collects and distributes electrical power.
Electricity flows into the busbar from an incoming supply, and the busbar then feeds multiple outgoing circuits or equipment.

Key advantages:

• Handles high electrical loads safely
• Reduces wiring complexity
• Improves reliability and performance
• Enables modular expansion of systems

Busbar systems come in various configurations depending on the application and redundancy requirements.

Common arrangements include:

• Single Busbar: Simple, cost‑effective; used in low‑complexity installations.
• Double Busbar: Allows switching between two supplies for maintenance or reliability.
• Sectionalised Busbar: Divides the system into sections for improved flexibility and fault isolation.
• Ring Busbar: Creates a loop for continuous supply even if one section is down.
• Main and Transfer Busbar: Used when backup redundancy is needed for critical systems.

Busbars require frequent inspection and maintenance, leading to downtime for the crane system. The collector shoes installed on the collector arms need to be regularly inspected and replaced when they wear out, requiring the system to be powered down for maintenance. Additionally, busbars are limited in the complexity and type of energy they can supply. This can expose bare loaded conductors to the surrounding environment, causing serious safety concerns, especially in hazardous or explosive environments.

Busbars are limited to power or occasionally control circuits, and adding additional components may require a full rebuild of the cable management system. They are also restricted to the transfer of electricity, which may not be sufficient.

Busbars are not suitable for areas with strict hygiene requirements, cleanroom environments, or environments with explosive and highly flammable products.

An e-chain® is suitable for long travels up to 1,000m and is proven to withstand the most demanding environments. This addresses the safety concerns associated with busbars and makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Unlike busbars, the e-chain® system can guide energy, data, air, and liquids all in one system, making it suitable for the transfer of electricity as well as data transfer, such as for Ethernet, sensors, and camera systems, which is essential in the era of Industry 4.0.

e-chains® require significantly less installation time and effort compared to busbars, reducing overall setup costs and complexity.

A conductor rail, also known as a power rail or third rail is an electrified rail used to supply power to moving equipment.
It is commonly used in industrial automation as well as some rail transport systems.

Typical applications:

• Overhead cranes
• Hoists and lifting systems
• Automated warehouses
• Theme parks and people movers
• Conveyor systems

Conductor rail equipment refers to all components required to deliver power safely and reliably via a conductor rail system.

This usually includes:

• Power rails (steel, aluminium, or copper)
• Collector trolleys / collector shoes that draw power to moving machinery
• Hangers and supports
• Expansion joints for thermal movement
• Insulators and covers for safety
• End caps, joints, and connectors

These components work together to deliver uninterrupted power to moving equipment in demanding industrial environments.