What to consider when choosing aluminum busbar

Aug 19, 2025

The selection of aluminum busbars should revolve around three core objectives: safe conductivity, long-term stability, and adaptability to different scenarios, with a focus on the following key factors:

 

Current carrying capacity: Based on the actual working current, combined with the cross-sectional area and heat dissipation conditions of the aluminum busbar.

 

Electrical resistivity and voltage drop: It is necessary to calculate the voltage drop caused by the length of the busbar to ensure that the terminal equipment voltage meets the usage requirements.

 

Short circuit current tolerance: It is necessary to meet the requirements of thermal stability and dynamic stability during system short circuit.

 

Corrosive environment: Aluminum is prone to oxidation, so it is necessary to choose aluminum busbars with anti-corrosion coatings or use enclosed busbar structures to isolate environmental influences.

 

Connection method and contact resistance: Aluminum busbar connection is prone to producing oxide film, and special aluminum busbar connectors should be preferred and coated with conductive paste to avoid overheating and burning of the contact surface.

 

Mechanical strength: The mechanical strength of aluminum is lower than that of copper, and the support spacing during installation needs to be considered to prevent long-term deformation or fracture under stress.

 

Installation space: Select the appropriate busbar shape based on the layout dimensions of the distribution cabinet and substation.

 

Cost and cost-effectiveness: Compare the procurement and installation costs of aluminum busbars (lightweight and easy to handle), and evaluate the comprehensive cost-effectiveness based on their service life.

 

Standard compliance: It is necessary to comply with national/industry standards to ensure that material purity, dimensional tolerances, conductivity, and other indicators meet the standards.