What Is Air-Insulated Busway? Structure, Applications & Selection Guide | Yongjin
Learn what air-insulated busway is, how it works, its structure, typical applications, technical considerations and how to select the right system for electrical power distribution projects.
An air-insulated busway is a type of busbar trunking system in which the conductors are arranged inside a protective enclosure with air forming part of the insulation space between the live conductors and surrounding structure.
It is designed to transmit and distribute electrical power through prefabricated busway sections while maintaining an organized and enclosed power route.
Yongjin’s YKC Air-Insulated Busway is one of the product series available for selected electrical distribution applications.
A typical system may be used between major electrical distribution points or as part of a broader busway network in industrial and commercial projects.
Air-insulated busway carries electrical current through conductors installed inside a metal enclosure.
The conductors are mechanically supported and separated according to the busway design.
Individual sections are connected together to create a continuous electrical route.
A typical arrangement may be:
Transformer
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LV Switchgear
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Air-Insulated Busway
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Distribution Equipment
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Electrical Loads
Depending on the project layout, the system can include straight sections, connectors, elbows, starting sections and terminal components.
The exact configuration should always be selected according to electrical and installation requirements.
A typical air-insulated busway system includes several important elements.
The conductors carry the electrical current through the busway system.
Their arrangement, size and material are selected according to the required current rating and project specification.
A defining feature of this busway type is the use of air as part of the insulation arrangement around the conductors.
The spacing and internal structure are engineered to provide the required electrical separation.
The outer enclosure provides mechanical protection and helps keep the busway system organized.
It also supports the internal conductor arrangement and provides a defined installation structure.
Busway sections are connected together through dedicated joints.
The joint system must maintain:
Electrical continuity
Mechanical alignment
Proper connection between sections
Supports are used to secure the busway along the installation route.
The type and spacing of support depend on the actual project design.
Air-insulated busway and compact busway are both used for electrical power distribution, but their internal structures are different.
Compact busway uses a closely integrated conductor arrangement inside a compact enclosure.
It is often considered where:
Installation space is limited
High-current distribution is required
A compact route is preferred
Air-insulated busway uses an internal arrangement where air forms part of the insulation space.
It may be considered where the project specification or system design calls for this type of busway construction.
The final choice should not be based only on the name of the system.
Engineers should review:
Rated current
Short-circuit requirements
Installation space
Route
Environment
Project specifications
Required system configuration.
It is a busbar trunking system where air forms part of the insulation arrangement around the internal conductors.
No. Their internal construction is different, although both are used for electrical power distribution.
It can be used in industrial, commercial and other electrical distribution projects depending on the project design and specification.
Normally: SLD, rated current, route length, equipment layout, installation environment and project specification.
What Is Compact Busway?
Air-Insulated Busway vs Compact Busway
What Is Busbar Trunking System?
How to Select Busway Rated Current
Busway vs Cable: Which Is Better?→
Send Yongjin your SLD, rated current, busway route, number of plug-in points, plug-in box ratings, equipment layout and project specification for preliminary review.