Cables and Busbars in Electrical Installation of Industrial Projects

What are cables and busbars?

Cables and busbars transport current from one point to another. The electrical design consultants determine the sizing of electrical cables and busbars based on the voltage during the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electrical energy. As the size has a major cost impact, the electrical consultants select the dimensions of cables and busbars to optimize the cost. Hence, it is a very significant step during electrical design. Furthermore, the project requirements determine whether the electrical consultants select cable or busbar.

More about cables

Electrical cables connect two or more devices and transfer electrical signals. Cables are placed on cable trays using ties, laces, etc. 

More about busbar

Busbars are easy and safe to install. Another feature of busbars is that they need less space. They are modular, which makes the installation fast. However, busbars are not chosen in structures where switchgears are secondary in number. Electrical consultants work on the downstream power usage to arrive at the sizes. 

What is the difference between electrical cable & busbar?

• The electrical cable is multiple wires bundled up together or running alongside, whereas busbars are metal bars carrying current. 
• Electrical cables have insulation to protect against shock and electrical isolation, which is lacking in busbars. 
• While busbars are aesthetic and use much less space, cables are messy if not dressed properly and occupy a lot of space.  
• Electrical consultants prefer busbars due to their flexibility and modularity compared to cables. Hence, busbars are easier to relocate and expand.
• Busbar has much better resistance than cables.
• Installation of Busbars is easy and accessible when compared with cables. 

What are the key deliverables of electrical consultants?

1. Calculation of cable and busbar sizing 
2. Preparation of Cable schedules
3. Preparation of Cable tray layout and cable duct sizing
4. Layout of busbar preparation
5. Equipment terminal lists
6. Cable cutting schedules
7. Material take-off lists

Finally, the electrical consultant can optimize the electrical installation by designing the cable and busbar depending on the project requirement.