Best Guide in Differentiating Bus Boxes, Bus Ducts, Busways, and Termination Boxes

Though these terms may seem jargon to some, termination boxes, busways, bus ducts, and bus boxes are all the same. These are classified as electrical enclosures that protects and houses a busbar made of copper or is tin plated. Busbars usually carry very large currents and calls for protection given by electrical enclosures. The electrical enclosure used for this type of application usually protect four busbars and is mounted on custom z-brackets that are built with specific insulators. The type of insulators will vary on the amperage and other differentiating variables. The enclosures for this type are designed in such a way that it will allow the tapping of feeder circuits. 

The usual type of electrical enclosure used for this special type of application are for switchgear applications and the enclosures used for this are made from stainless steel or aluminum – for a lighter weight. In addition to this, there are other simplified applications such as multiple unit draw systems or for commercial construction projects with a more common type for electrical sourcing. Usually in this uncomplicated applications, enclosures can be made with stainless, aluminum, or powder coated carbon steel. 

To help you in determining the size and construction of electrical enclosures for these applications, consider the following guides: 

1. Determine the number of devices or drops that are needed to be connected in order to locate and set the number of access points. 

1. Appropriate space sizing between connected units 

1. Indicate where the enclosure is going to be used to determine the best option for enclosure material – indoors/outdoors/harsh and hazardous environments. This key point is very important because the efficiency of the enclosure depends on the material used. Different applications calls for different types of steel and type of nema enclosures. 

In coming up with the most efficient enclosure suitable for any specific application, it is also important to indicate specific requirements needed to develop and build the best bus box. Its efficiency not only heavily depends on the material used. It should be also designed to meet specific needs and uses depending on the type of environment it is going to be used. 

To help you in making your decision, you might want to consider the following specification: 

1. Provide front and rear access by building multiple access points. 

1. Several options and variety for different door/access panel hardware options. 

1. To separate the ground from the required legs, consider using welded multi-step “Z” brackets on enclosures. 

1. Use a customer supplied copper bus bar, pre-punched to the enclosure. 

1. Build enclosures with specific NEMA or IP rating in mind to get the most optimum and customised performance. 

There you have it! It is always important to be on top of manufacturing game by determining the right material to be used in enclosures, specific design specification to meet different applications, and indicating the right NEMA or IP enclosure type. These factors will help you in providing the best protection for your equipment.