busbar meltdown
busbar meltdown
(OP)
Does anyone know of a calculation or rule of thumb for predicting when a copper busbar will enter a meltdown cycle. The point at which the resistance and temp start to rise until meltdown.
I have a suspect busbar, should be 3000Amp rated but it is only carrying 1200Amp and has a surface temp of approx 50c. Ambient temp is 20C.
I have a suspect busbar, should be 3000Amp rated but it is only carrying 1200Amp and has a surface temp of approx 50c. Ambient temp is 20C.






RE: busbar meltdown
Unless you have a bad connection, it sounds like the spacings are much closer than assumed in determining the 3000A rating, assuming the rating is for a 30°C rise.
RE: busbar meltdown
Most instances overheating of bus and cable are due to loose connections if they are not carrying rated current. Copper bus are atleast rated for 90 deg. C temperature.
What you need to do is perform thermal scanning (infra red) of your bus and conncetions in question and review the uniformity of temperatures. Involve a professional testing agency to carry out the scan and interprete the results.
RE: busbar meltdown
RE: busbar meltdown
RE: busbar meltdown
RE: busbar meltdown
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com