Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
or with email
Your Cart
SubtotalтВ╣0
TotalтВ╣0
Examoogle тАв User тАв info@examoogle.com тАв EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 тАв Page 1 of 248ЁЯФТ Protected PDF тАв Watermarked
Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Which material is used for wiring continuous bus bar?
Aluminium
Copper
Both (A) and (B)
None of these
Both (A) and (B)
Bus bars used in electrical power systems for continuous current distribution are manufactured from either high-conductivity copper or electrical-grade aluminium. Both materials are selected based on their specific conductivity, mechanical strength, and economic viability for the intended current rating.
Bus bars used in electrical power systems for continuous current distribution are manufactured from either high-conductivity copper or electrical-grade aluminium. Both materials are selected based on their specific conductivity, mechanical strength, and economic viability for the intended current rating.
R=╧БALтАЛ тАФ Resistance calculation where material selection affects resistivity (╧Б)
J=AIтАЛ тАФ Current density requirement for safe operation
Bus bars function as low-impedance conductors where multiple electrical circuits are connected. Copper is preferred for its high conductivity and ease of termination, while aluminium is often chosen for large-scale installations due to its lower density and cost-effectiveness, provided the cross-sectional area is adjusted to compensate for its lower conductivity.
Copper has approximately 1.6 times the electrical conductivity of aluminium.
Aluminium bus bars require a larger cross-sectional area compared to copper to achieve the same current carrying capacity.
Copper is ideal for compact switchgear panels due to its superior ductility and connection reliability.
Aluminium is widely used in outdoor substations and long continuous busway systems due to weight reduction.
Copper: Excellent mechanical strength and lower maintenance of joints.
Aluminium: Significantly lower material cost and lighter structural load.
Copper: Higher market price and limited availability.
Aluminium: Requires special anti-oxidation compounds at joint surfaces to prevent high-resistance contact formation.
Low-voltage and medium-voltage distribution panels.
Busway systems in commercial and industrial infrastructure.
Indoor and outdoor substation bus arrangements.
| Feature | Copper | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|
Conductivity | 100% IACS (Reference) | 61% IACS |
Density | 8.96 g/cm┬│ | 2.70 g/cm┬│ |
The selection is guided by IS:5082 for aluminium and IS:1897 for copper bus bars.
For high-current applications, the surface finish (e.g., silver plating) is often applied to aluminium to improve contact resistance.
C is correct тАФ Both copper and aluminium are standard materials for continuous bus bars depending on current requirements and economic constraints.
In competitive exams, always choose both if both are standard engineering practices; however, remember copper is the standard reference for electrical conductivity (100% IACS).