1. What is Busbar Current Capacity?

The busbar current capacity is the maximum current a busbar can carry without exceeding its temperature rating. It depends on the busbar's cross-sectional area and the material's current carrying capacity per unit area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Width \) — Busbar width in millimeters
• \( Thickness \) — Busbar thickness in millimeters
• \( Material\ Factor \) — Current carrying capacity per mm² (A/mm²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the total current capacity by multiplying the cross-sectional area (width × thickness) by the material's current carrying capacity factor.

3. Importance of Current Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper current capacity calculation ensures busbars can handle expected loads without overheating, which is critical for electrical system safety and reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter width and thickness in millimeters, select the appropriate material factor. For custom materials, select "Custom" and enter the specific factor.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical material factors?
A: Copper: 1.6 A/mm², Aluminum: 1.2 A/mm², Brass: 0.9 A/mm². These may vary based on temperature rise and cooling conditions.

Q2: How does temperature affect capacity?
A: Higher ambient temperatures reduce current capacity. The factors provided are for standard conditions (typically 30-35°C ambient).

Q3: Should derating factors be applied?
A: Yes, for multiple busbars in close proximity or high ambient temperatures, derating factors of 0.7-0.9 are typically applied.

Q4: What about skin effect at high frequencies?
A: This calculator assumes DC or low-frequency AC. For high frequencies, skin effect reduces effective capacity.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate but actual capacity depends on installation conditions, cooling, and specific material properties.