Busbar System Overview - ETA

innovative enclosure solutions for industrial & electronic applications 

Innovative enclosure solutions 

for industrial & electronic applications 

22035 Canzo - Como (Italy) 

Via Monte Barzaghino, 6 

Tel. 031.673.611 - Fax 031.670.525 

www.eta.it 

infosede@eta.it 

ETA S.p.A. France 

Rue du Pré aux Boeufs BP 455 

76806 SAINT ETIENNE DU ROUVRAY 

Tel. ++33 (2) 35 64 34 70 

Fax ++33 (2) 35 64 22 75 

eta-france@wanadoo.fr 

ETA Enclosures (UK) Limited 

Unit 4, Kea Park Close, 

Hellaby Industrial Estare 

Busbar 

Rotherham South Yorkshire S66 8LB 

System Overview 

Tel. ++44 (0) 1709 730111 

Fax ++44 (0) 1709 544088 

www.eta-enclosures.co.uk 

info@eta-enclosures.co.uk 

Le misure sono indicative, 

La ETA si riserva di variarle 

al fine di migliorare il prodotto. 

© ETA SpA September 2004

INTRODUCTION 

Power Distribution with Busbar Systems 

for Low Voltage Industrial Automation 

The main incoming feeder, as well as the outgoing terminals, 

switchgear adaptors and fuse bases are mounted directly onto the busbar system 

with 60 mm centre line spacing 

• Improved efficiency 

because physical fixing and electrical connection of the various 

components is carried out at the same time. 

• Improved convenience 

because all the components are mounted directly onto 

the feeding busbar system. 

• Improved flexibility 

because all the connections are done without having to drill 

the busbars. 

• Improved versatility 

because the wide range of available components allows the realization 

of the most diverse customer applications. 

• Improved safety 

because the various available covers guarantee the protection degree 

of IP20. 

EFFICIENCY - FLEXIBILITY - SAFETY 

• Improved reliability 

because the snap-on mechanisms and the hook-shaped rear contacts 

eliminate the need to check the tightening torques 

of the busbar connections. 

• Improved security 

because the short circuit tests certified by the CESI-institute 

guarantee higher values compared to traditional wiring. 

• Improved servicing 

because in all cases of alterations or maintenance work 

in an existing panel, with the busbar-technology, the possible 

down-time of a machine is reduced to a minimum, 

whilst incorrect wiring is almost excluded. 

• Improved aesthetics 

because the modular and logical structure of a busbar system 

makes the whole panel look more organised.

code 

mod. art. description 

WO 01495 busbar support, 3 pole 

WO 01489 busbar support, 1 pole 

WO 01573 side cover for 3 pole support 

WO 01244 cover for single busbar 12 -30 x 5 mm, length = 1 m 

WO 01245 cover for single busbar 12 - 30 x 10 mm, length = 1 m 

WO 01025 front cover for 3 pole busbar system, length = 1,10 m 

WO 01026 holder for snap in mounting of front cover WO 01025 

BUSBARS, BUSBAR SUPPORTS, COVERS 

Supports and covers 

for 60 mm system 

with flat copper bars 

(up to 630 A) 

• for flat busbars of dimensions 12 – 30 x 5/10 mm 

• adjustable to the various busbar widths 

• associated covers IP20 for blank busbar sections 

(without components fitted onto it) 

Flat copper busbars 

12 – 30 x 5 /10 mm 

• tin-plated versions require less time for preparing 

of the connection points and are protected 

against aggressive environments 

• edges slightly rounded (radius 0,3 – 0,7) 

for a better grip of the components on the busbars 

code 


WO 01618 tin plated copper, length = 2,40 m 12 x 5 mm, 200 A 









NB: The above given current values are only approximate; 

for more precise evaluation of the possible thermal load of the various busbars 

please refer to the diagram on the back of this folder. 

Supports and covers 

for 60 mm system 

with T-shaped busbars 

(up to 2500 A) 

• for double or triple T-shaped copper busbars 

with high current loads, 

maintaining the 60 mm centre line spacing 

• associated covers IP20 for blank busbar sections 

(without components fitted onto it) 

• cover strips to close the top/bottom gaps 

between the standard components/front cover 

and the mounting plate of the panel 

code 


WO 01231 busbar support for double T-shaped busbars, 3 pole 

WO 01232 busbar support for triple T-shaped busbars, 3 pole 

WO 01876 busbar support for double T-shaped busbars, 1 pole 

WO 01234 side cover for 3 pole supports WO 01231/2 

WO 01252 cover for one single T-shaped busbar, length = 1 m 

WO 01025 front cover for 3 pole busbar system 

WO 01026 holder for snap in mounting of front cover WO 01025 

WO 01236 cover strip for top / bottom of busbar system, depth = 36 mm 



Double and triple 

T shaped busbars 

• double T-shapes up to 1250 A 

(thinner cross section) 

or 1600 A (full cross section) 

• triple T-shapes up to 2500 A 

• tin-plated versions require less time for preparing 

of the connection points and are protected 

against aggressive environments 

• outgoing components are fitted onto the front part 

of the T-shaped busbars (= 30 x 10 mm) 

code 


WO 01609 tin plated copper, length = 2,40 m double T-shape, 1250 A 




WO 01250 plain copper, length = 2,40 m double T-shape, 1250 A 




WO 01187 tin plated copper, length = 2,40 m triple T-shape, 2500 A 

WO 01227 tin plated copper, length = 3,60 m triple T-shape, 2500 A 

NB: The above given current values are only approximate; 

for more precise evaluation of the possible thermal load of the various busbars 

please refer to the diagram on the back of this folder.

TERMINAL PLATES, COVER CAPS TERMINAL CLAMPS 

Connecting terminal 

plates up to 800 A 

• with three terminal clamps for connection of cables 

or flexible copper bars 

• mounting onto the 60 mm busbar 

without having to drill the bars 

• including phase separators and cover cap 

• cable connection top or bottom 

or even for through cables 

code 

mod. art. cross section 

WO 01240 6 - 50 mm2 / flexible copper 6 x 9 x 0,8 mm width = 54 mm 

WO 01243 35 - 120 mm2 / flexible copper 10 x 15,5 x 0,8 width = 81 mm 

WO 01199 95 - 185 mm2 width = 135 mm 

WO 01754 150 - 300 mm2 width = 135 mm 

WO 01753 flexible copper up to 10 x 32 x 1 mm width = 135 mm 

Cover caps 

for terminal clamps 

• for single terminal clamps 

• to be mounted onto all 60 mm busbar systems 

• to cover a group of single terminal clamps 

or every single terminal clamp according 

to the total width of the cover cap 

code 


WO 01590 for univ. term. clamps and flex. copper connectors width = 54 mm 

WO 01413 for univ. term. clamps and flex. copper connectors width = 84 mm 

WO 01756 for all kind of terminal clamps up to 2500 A width = 135 mm 

WO 01757 for all kind of terminal clamps up to 2500 A width = 270 mm 

Busbar system 

connectors 

• for horizontal connection 

of two identically shaped busbars 

• to join busbars 

in very long panel board arrangements 

• to join single cubicles with shorter busbars inside 

(e.g. for transportation, …) 

• outgoing components are fitted onto the front part 

of the T-shaped busbars (= 30 x 10 mm) 

code 

mod. art. for connection of busbar types max dist. between busbars 

WO 01166 flat copper bars 12 - 20 x 5 mm 5 - 10 mm 

WO 01193 flat copper bars 12 - 20 x 5 mm 100 - 110 mm 

WO 01990 flat copper bars 20 - 30 x 5 / 10 mm 9 - 20 mm 



WO 01827 double T-shaped busbars 9 - 20 mm 



WO 01274 triple T-shaped busbars 50 - 60 mm 

WO 01275 triple T-shaped busbars 100 - 110 mm 

Terminal clamps 

up to 630 A 

• for direct connection of cables 

without cable lugs or wire end ferrules 

• for direct connection of flexible copper bars 

without holes 

• connection onto the busbar system 

in any required position 

without depending on distances of predrilled holes 

• associated IP20 cover caps 

Universal terminal clamps 

code 

mod. art. cross s. / space (width x height) for use on busbars 

WO 01284 1,5 - 16 mm2 / 7x5 x 7,5 mm 12 - 30 x 5 mm 

WO 01285 4 - 35 mm2 / 10,5 x 11 mm 12 - 30 x 5 mm 

WO 01287 16 - 70 mm2 / 14 x 14 mm 12 - 30 x 5 mm 

WO 01068 16 - 120 mm2 / 17 x 15 mm 12 - 30 x 5 mm 

WO 01289 1,5 - 16 mm2 / 7x5 x 7,5 mm 12 - 30 x 10 mm 

WO 01290 4 - 35 mm2 / 10,5 x 11 mm 12 - 30 x 10 mm 

WO 01292 16 - 70 mm2 / 14 x 14 mm 12 - 30 x 10 mm / T-shapes 

WO 01203 16 - 120 mm2 / 17 x 15 mm 12 - 30 x 10 mm / T-shapes 

Brace terminals 

code 

mod. art. cross s. / max rated current for use on busbars 

WO 01318 95 - 185 mm2 / max. 500 A 20 - 30 x 5 / 10 mm / T-shapes 

WO 01760 150 - 300 mm2 / max. 600 A 20 - 30 x 5 / 10 mm / T-shapes 

WO 01759 up to 32 x 10 mm / max. 800 A 20 - 30 x 5 / 10 mm / T-shapes 

Flexible copper connectors 

code 

mod. art. cross s. / space (width x height) for use on busbars 

WO 01996 25 x 20 mm 12 - 25 x 5 / 10 mm 

WO 01997 30 x 20 mm 12 - 30 x 5 / 10 mm 

WO 01586 30 x 30 mm 12 - 30 x 5 / 10 mm 

WO 01587 30 x 35 mm 12 - 30 x 5 / 10 mm 

WO 01616 32 x 40 mm 12 - 30 x 5 / 10 mm 

Terminals for T-shaped 

busbar systems 

up to 2500 A 

• to feed to or from T-shaped busbars 

with flexible copper bars 

• associated cover caps WO 01756 and WO 01757 

• up to 2500 A on triple T-shaped busbars 

• up to 1600 A on double T-shaped busbars 

• including 1 spacer bar to use in between 

the flexible copper bar and the main power busbar 

(if more layers of flexible copper bars 

are used, also more spacer bars should be used 

in between each layer of flexible copper!) 

code 

mod. art. cross s. / space (width x height) 

WO 01185 41 mm x 20 - 42 mm max. 3 flexible copper bars / 1600 A 








WO 01186 101 mm x 20 - 46 mm max. 3 flexible copper bars / 2500 A

SWITCHGEAR ADAPTORS FUSE BASES 

Adaptors 

for motor starters 

• for mounting of 3 pole motor starters 

directly onto the 60 mm busbar system 

• for use with all types of switchgear 

from various manufacturers 

• snap-on mounting onto all types of busbars 

of the 60 mm system 

• up to 63 A with cables already installed 

• 80 A with 16 mm2 terminals at the top 

• extension modules of 9, 45 or 54 mm width 

for installation of star-delta or reverse motor starters 

code 


WO 32430 25 A, width 45 mm 1 DIN rail 

WO 32431 25 A, width 45 mm 2 DIN rails 








NB: other versions on request 

code 


WO 32963 width = 9 mm, without DIN rails 

WO 32477 width = 45 mm, 2 DIN rails 

WO 32478 width = 54 mm, 2 DIN rails 

Adaptors 

Side modules 

Adaptors for MCCBs 

• for mounting of 3 pole MCCBs directly 

onto the 60 mm busbar system 

• with adjustable mounting rails 

for MCCBs of any supplier 

• cable connection between MCCB 

and busbar system either top or bottom 

code 


WO 32214 200 A, terminals on top of the adaptor 

WO 32215 200 A terminals on the bottom of the adaptor 

WO 32168 250 A, terminals on top of the adaptor 

WO 32216 250 A, terminals on the bottom of the adaptor 

WO 32262 630 A, terminals top or bottom 

NB: special versions for circuit breakers of ABB, SIEMENS, MOELLER,… on request 

Fuse switch 

disconnectors 

for NH-type fuses 

• for fuse links, sizes NH000 (100 A) to NH3 (630 A) 

• snap-on mounting directly 


• visible disconnection of all 3 phases 

• shock hazard protection 

• cable connection top or bottom 

code 

mod. art. description connection 

WO 33216 size NH000 - 100 A box terminals 50 mm2 WO 33198 size NH00 - 160 A M8 cable lug / clamp 70 mm2 WO 33601 size NH 1 - 250 A M10 cable lug 

WO 33602 size NH 2 - 400 A M10 cable lug 

WO 33603 size NH 3 - 630 A 

only for mounting on 10 mm thick busbars 

M10 cable lug 

WO 33148 mounting kit for use of sizes NH1 and NH2 on 5 mm busbars 

NB: other kinds of connection accessories on request 

Fuse bases 

for fuses type D/D0 

• 3 pole versions, up to max. 63 A 

• for fuse links type D0 (400V) or type D (500V) 



• front covers for shock hazard protection 

code 


WO 01647 E 18, for D0 fuses width = 27 mm 

WO 01980 front cover for fuse base WO 01647 

WO 31918 E 27, for DII fuses width = 42 mm 


WO 31919 E 33, for DIII fuses width = 57 mm 


NB: more versions on request 

code 


WO 31160 fuse base, 3 pole isolating 

WO 31232 load switch disconnector, 3 pole switching 

Fuse switch 

disconnectors for NFC 

cylindrical fuses 

• for cylindrical fuses 10 x 38 mm up to 32 A 

• 3 pole, only 27 mm wide 

• fuse change only possible in disconnected position 



• completely finger proof

Triple T-shaped bars - In 2500A 

(Tested system) 

• Bar part number: WO 01187; WO 01227 • Support part number: WO 01232 

Support CL Icw (kA Ipk (kA) 

distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

450 50 105 

500 47 99 

550 44 92 

600 41 86 

650 38,5 81 

700 36,5 77 


distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

450 50 105 

500 47 99 

550 44 92 

600 41 86 

650 38,5 81 

700 36,5 77 

Test values 

Values extrapolated by calculation. 

NB All values in the table, also test values, are valid for 

2 or 4 and more supports mounted at equal distances. 

For 3 supports at equal distances, decrease the centre 

line value by 15% approx. or the Icw value by 10% 

approx. (calculations according to EN 60865-1) 

Double T-shaped bars - In 1600A 



distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

375 50 105 

400 48 101 

450 45,4 95 

500 43,5 91 

550 40,2 84 

600 37,5 79 

650 35,4 74 

700 33,5 70 

• Bar part number: WO 01608; WO 01190; WO 01249; WO 01229 

• Support part number: WO 01231 

Test values 







Double T-shaped bars - In 1250A 


• Bar part number: WO 01609; WO 01224; WO 01250; WO 01223 

• Support part number: WO 01231 

Test values 







TECHNICAL DATA 

30x10 mm copper bars - In 630A/800A 


• Bar part number: WO 01625; WO 01204 • Support part number: WO 01495 


distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

250 30 63 

300 27 57 

350 25 53 

400 23,8 50 

450 22,4 47 

500 21 44 

550 20,2 40 


distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

250 30 63 

300 27 57 

350 25 53 

400 23,5 50 

450 21,5 45 

500 20,2 42 

550 19,5 39 

Test values 



any number of supports (calculations according to 

standard EN 60865-1) 

20x10 mm copper bars - In 520A 


distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

250 24 50 

300 24 50 

350 24 50 

400 22 46 

450 20 40 

500 13,5 27 

550 12 24 

• Bar part number: WO 01624 • Support part number: WO 01495 

All values were extrapolated through calculation from 

the values of the 30x10 tested system and are valid for 









NOTE: The Icw value of 24 kA is the limit value calculated for 

the thermal effects of a failure lasting 1s and not for the 

mechanical resistance of copper. The calculation proves that 

such value can be maintained up to a 350 mm centre line 

distance between the supports.


30x5 mm copper bars - In 450A 15x5 mm copper bars - In 250A 


distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

250 30 63 

300 27 57 

350 25 53 

400 23,5 49 

450 22,4 47 

500 21 44 

550 20 40 


distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

250 25 53 

300 25 53 

350 25 53 

400 23,5 49 

450 22 46 

500 20,5 43 

550 19,5 39 








distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

200 20 40 

250 20 40 

300 20 40 

350 20 40 

400 20 40 

450 20 40 

500 20 40 

550 19 38 










distance between the supports. 




Test values 









distance between the supports. 


distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

200 15 30 

250 15 30 

300 15 30 

350 15 30 

400 15 30 

450 15 30 

500 15 30 

550 13 26 


distance 

(mm) 

for 1s) 

200 12 24 

250 12 24 

300 12 24 

350 12 24 

400 12 24 

450 12 24 

500 12 24 

550 12 24 






NOTE: The Icw value of 15 kA is the limit value 

calculated for the thermal effects of a failure lasting 1s 

and not for the mechanical resistance of copper. The 

calculation proves that such value can be maintained 

up to a 500 mm centre line distance between the 

supports. 







NOTE: The Icw value of 12 kA is the limit value 

calculated for the thermal effects of a failure lasting 1s 

and not for the mechanical resistance of copper. The 

calculation proves that such value can be maintained 

up to a 550 mm centre line distance between the 

supports.

Current-carrying capacity of bars 

The current-carrying capacity of bars change according to the surrounding 

ambient temperature and the temperature attained by the bars themselves, as a 

result of current flow. From the diagram of DIN 43671, you can calculate the 

variations of these three parameters in relation to the basic conditions, namely: 

nominal capacity (K2 =1) at 35°C ambient temperature and 65°C bar operating 

temperature. If the values of one or both temperatures are changed, the K2 

coefficient is obtained; multiplying the nominal capacity by K2, the new capacity 

value is obtained. Instead, if you want to know the temperature reached by the bars 

with a capacity other than the nominal, and at a given ambient temperature, 

you calculate K2 from the relation between requested capacity and nominal 

capacity. The crossing point of the two values on the chart corresponds to the 

third value. 

Example 

A 30x10 mm busbar system has a nominal capacity of 630 A (K2=1, 

busbar temperature 65°C). 

If capacity is increased to 800 A, you calculate K2=800/630=1.3. 

Intersecting this value with the 35° curve, a bar temperature of 85°C is obtained. 

Therefore, on the bars, you can mount components (bar holders, accessories, etc.) 

with a temperature resistance of at least 85°C. 


Innovative enclosure solutions 

for industrial & electronic applications 

Short-circuit withstand strength 

The short circuit resistance of a bar distribution system indicates its capacity to 

withstand dynamic stress generated during failure. 

The only method for verification is to test the bars (short-circuited at one end) with 

the application of a current in the range of tens of thousand amperes, which is 

supposed to be the maximum load that can be supported. If the system is not 

damaged, the Icw test current value is the value of comparison with the assumed Icc 

short circuit current at the installation point of the equipment within the electric 

system. 

For the equipment to be suitable, the value of assumed short circuit current cannot be 

higher than the test value. For assumed current values lower than test values, you can 

extrapolate a different system configuration, increasing the distance between the 

supports, to save on materials and have more space available on the bars. 

The tests carried out at CESI have allowed the creation of tables with charts, showing 

the centerline distances between the supports according to the assumed short circuit 

current at the installation point. 

With these tables, which are included in the technical manual supplied with the 

“Quadroplan” software, the system can be dimensioned correctly. In addition, the 

technical documentation included in the same manual, complying with the standards, 

shall be considered as valid for the certification and CE marking of an electric 

assembly manufactured with bar distribution systems submitted to tests, as 

prescribed by the European directive 73/23/EEC 

22035 Canzo - Como (Italy) 

Via Monte Barzaghino, 6 

Tel. 031.673.611 - Fax 031.670.525 

www.eta.it 

infosede@eta.it 

ETA S.p.A. France 

Rue du Pré aux Boeufs BP 455 

76806 SAINT ETIENNE DU ROUVRAY 

Tel. ++33 (2) 35 64 34 70 

Fax ++33 (2) 35 64 22 75 

eta-france@wanadoo.fr 

ETA Enclosures (UK) Limited 

Unit 4, Kea Park Close, 

Hellaby Industrial Estate, 

Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S66 8LB 

Tel. ++44 (0) 1709 730111 

Fax ++44 (0) 1709 544088 

www.eta-enclosures.co.uk 

info@eta-enclosures.co.uk 

ETA si riserva di modificare i valori indicati 

al fine di migliorare il prodotto. 

Values indicated on this catalogue may be 

changed by ETA, in order to improve product 

manufacturing. 

© ETA SpA March 2005

Busbar System Overview - ETA

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