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    01.4TB.077 Insulation of Bus Joints

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    Bryan James Javier

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    01.4TB.077 Insulation of Bus Joints

    Uploaded by

    Bryan James Javier
    36 views2 pages

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    36 views2 pages

    01.4TB.077 Insulation of Bus Joints

    Uploaded by

    Bryan James Javier

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Insulation of Bus Joints

    February 20, 1997

    One of the defining features of metal-clad switchgear built according to ANSI/IEEE Standard C37.20.2 is
    that all power circuit bus work, including both factory-made and field-made joints, is covered with
    insulating material. The insulated bus, including the joints, must pass a power-frequency voltage test for
    one minute at rated voltage. This voltage is applied between the insulated conductor and an electrode,
    usually a foil wrapping, on the surface of the insulation. The insulation decreases the likelihood of
    accidentally starting a fault with a misplaced tool (or body part). If a fault does occur, due to a break in
    the insulating system, the fault is usually kept from traveling the length of the bus because the insulation
    keeps the arc rooted in one place. And finally, the insulation allows reduced spacing between the bus
    bars for a given B.I.L. rating, allowing more compact switchgear.

    However, taking advantage of this smaller size equipment requires insulation of all joints, both in the
    main bus and at cable or bus duct terminations in the switchgear. Over the years a number of methods of
    insulating joints have been used, including the following:

    1. Taping. This is probably the oldest method of insulating a joint, and it is still used in some cases. It is
    slow, often taking several hours per joint, and a good joint is highly dependant on the skill and care of the
    person doing the taping. However, some joints are so complex that taping is about the only way to
    insulate them.

    2. Asphalt-filled plastic boxes. 45 to 50 years ago, many main bus joints were insulated by enclosing
    them in hard plastic boxes and pouring the box full of an asphaltic compound. This was a messy
    process, and the materials used were neither flame retardant nor track resistant. It was especially messy
    when a joint had to be opened and cleaned for some reason. The method was abandoned before 1960
    for new equipment, but there are probably many of these joints still in service in older switchgear.

    3. Flexible boots. Boots, molded to fit the shape of the joint, are the most common method of joint
    insulation in switchgear up to 15 kV. The great majority of these boots are molded of PVC, but other
    materials have been used. The boots can be installed quickly and easily, removed readily, and reused.
    At voltages above 15 kV, however, it is very difficult to get these boots to pass the test for bus bar
    insulation required by the standard.

    4. Heat and cold shrink materials. There are a number of heat shrink and cold shrink products
    available. These generally do a good job on straight in-line joints, but can be difficult to use on joints with
    a more complex shape.

    Powell Industries, Inc. Tel: 713.944.6900 • Fax: 713.947.4453


    PO Box 12818 www.powellind.com
    Houston, TX • 77217
    ©2005 Powell Industries, Inc. • All rights reserved. [email protected]
    Insulation of Bus Joints
    page 2

    5. Poured joints. For our PV System 38® switchgear, Powell has developed a system of poured joints,
    using removable molds and a clear urethane insulating material. This joint insulation method does meet
    the bus bar insulation test at 38 kV, and provides for visual inspection of the bus joint.

    Please be sure to insulate the bus joints when you install your metal-clad switchgear.

    Baldwin Bridger, P.E.


    Technical Director Emerititus

    Powell Industries, Inc. Tel: 713.944.6900 • Fax: 713.947.4453


    PO Box 12818 www.powellind.com
    Houston, TX • 77217
    ©2005 Powell Industries, Inc. • All rights reserved. [email protected]

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