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Legrand Busbar

Legrand Busbar

RS Stock No. 255-2189

Brand Legrand

  • For Use With: Boxes and Distribution Cabinets
  • Length: 990mm
  • Manufacturer: Legrand

€ 1.079.30

Temporarily out of stock

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WAGO 790 Series Busbar Carrier for Use with Busbars

WAGO 790 Series Busbar Carrier for Use with Busbars

RS Stock No. 271-0343

Brand WAGO

  • Brand: WAGO
  • Series: 790
  • Super Section: Terminal Blocks

€ 188.25

10 in stock now

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Siemens Sentron Copper Rod for use with Busbar

Siemens Sentron Copper Rod for use with Busbar

RS Stock No. 228-8263

Brand Siemens

  • Brand: Siemens
  • Category: Circuit Breaker Accessories
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers

€ 92.24

4 in stock now

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Siemens Sentron Copper Rod for use with Busbar

Siemens Sentron Copper Rod for use with Busbar

RS Stock No. 228-8265

Brand Siemens

  • Brand: Siemens
  • Category: Circuit Breaker Accessories
  • For Use With: Busbar

€ 173.19

3 in stock now

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Siemens SENTRON Connecting Terminals for use with Copper busbar

Siemens SENTRON Connecting Terminals for use with Copper busbar

RS Stock No. 211-3863

Brand Siemens

  • Category: Circuit Breaker Accessories
  • For Use With: copper busbar
  • Range: Sentron

€ 151.35

Temporarily out of stock

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Siemens Sentron Copper Rod for use with Busbar

Siemens Sentron Copper Rod for use with Busbar

RS Stock No. 228-8262

Brand Siemens

  • Brand: Siemens
  • Category: Circuit Breaker Accessories
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers

€ 106.05

2 in stock now

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Siemens Sentron Copper Rod for use with Busbar

Siemens Sentron Copper Rod for use with Busbar

RS Stock No. 228-8264

Brand Siemens

  • Category: Circuit Breaker Accessories
  • Manufacturer: Siemens
  • Range: Sentron

€ 125.50

3 in stock now

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nVent HOFFMAN Busbar

nVent HOFFMAN Busbar

RS Stock No. 270-1575

Brand nVent HOFFMAN

  • Manufacturer: nVent Hoffman
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers
  • Width: 3mm

€ 12.30

Temporarily out of stock

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Legrand Busbar Connector

Legrand Busbar Connector

RS Stock No. 266-3284

Brand Legrand

  • Manufacturer: Legrand
  • Material: Copper
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers

€ 165.66

200 in stock now

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Siemens BD01 Busbar, 400V

Siemens BD01 Busbar, 400V

RS Stock No. 217-6971

Brand Siemens

  • Manufacturer: Siemens
  • Range: BD01
  • Series: BVP

€ 828.30

Temporarily out of stock

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 011-6454

Brand Siemens

  • Category: Busbars
  • Range: ALPHA
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers

€ 158.13

in stock now

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ABB EV1125 Busbar

ABB EV1125 Busbar

RS Stock No. 020-1634

Brand ABB

  • Manufacturer: ABB
  • Material: Copper
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers

€ 293.67

in stock now

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ABB EV1122 Busbar

ABB EV1122 Busbar

RS Stock No. 020-2036

Brand ABB

  • Manufacturer: ABB
  • Range: EV1122
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers

€ 380.27

in stock now

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 062-9035

Brand Siemens

  • Brand: Siemens
  • Range: ALPHA
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers

€ 60.37

in stock now

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 062-9036

Brand Siemens

  • Brand: Siemens
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers

€ 112.32

in stock now

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 062-9050

Brand Siemens

  • Category: Busbars
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers

€ 36.65

in stock now

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 062-9051

Brand Siemens

  • Category: Busbars
  • Material: Copper
  • Range: ALPHA

€ 25.10

in stock now

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 062-9052

Brand Siemens

  • Category: Busbars
  • Manufacturer: Siemens
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers

€ 92.87

in stock now

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 062-9054

Brand Siemens

  • Manufacturer: Siemens
  • Material: Copper
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers

€ 601.15

in stock now

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 062-9087

Brand Siemens

  • Range: ALPHA
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers

€ 73.42

in stock now

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Siemens ALPHA Busbar

Siemens ALPHA Busbar

RS Stock No. 062-9089

Brand Siemens

  • Brand: Siemens
  • Category: Busbars
  • Manufacturer: Siemens

€ 878.50

in stock now

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Eaton CU Busbar

Eaton CU Busbar

RS Stock No. 230-4430

Brand Eaton

  • Material: Copper
  • Range: CU
  • Super Section: Circuit Breakers

€ 991.45

Temporarily out of stock

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ABB EV1124 Busbar

ABB EV1124 Busbar

RS Stock No. 020-2314

Brand ABB

  • Brand: ABB
  • Material: Copper
  • Range: EV1124

€ 293.67

in stock now

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ABB PBFC0160 Busbar

ABB PBFC0160 Busbar

RS Stock No. 020-4073

Brand ABB

  • Material: Copper
  • Range: PBFC0160
  • Section: Fuses & Circuit Breakers

€ 243.47

in stock now

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...

What is a copper busbar?

A copper busbar is a flat, rectangular conductor made from copper that is used to distribute and collect electrical power within equipment such as switchgear, distribution boards, fuse blocks, and power cabinets. Copper busbars are known for their high electrical conductivity, excellent current carrying capacity, and low electrical resistance which minimizes voltage drop and heat generation in electrical systems. They come in various forms, including bare copper busbars, tin-plated copper busbars for corrosion resistance and easier soldering, and insulated copper busbars where an insulating sleeve or coating is applied to improve safety and enable closer component spacing. The geometry of a copper busbar—width, thickness, and length—directly affects its ampacity and impedance, making selection important for reliable power distribution in industrial and commercial installations.

What are copper busbars used for?

Copper busbars are used to carry high currents efficiently in a compact form factor. Typical applications include electrical distribution in switchgear, panelboards, motor control centers, and power distribution blocks. They are also used in solar inverters, electrical cabinets, data centers, and industrial machinery where durable, low-resistance conductors are required. In addition to bare copper busbars, tin-plated copper busbars and insulated variants are common, offering improved corrosion resistance, enhanced solderability, and enhanced safety in exposed environments. For projects that require lightweight, robust copper busbar assemblies, copper busbar strips and copper bars are used as modular components to build custom configurations in a controlled manufacturing process.

How do you select the right copper busbar size and rating?

Selecting the correct copper busbar size and rating depends on the expected current, allowable temperature rise, operating environment, and mechanical constraints. Key considerations include:
  • Current carrying capacity (ampacity) based on cross‑section, temperature rating, and insulation
  • Conductor geometry: copper busbar width, thickness, and length for proper mounting and clearance
  • Voltage rating and insulation requirements to prevent arcing and creepage
  • Connection method: lugs, clamps, bolted joints, or soldered interfaces and their torque specifications
  • Ambient temperature, thermal management, and potential derating factors
  • Finish and environment: bare copper vs tin-plated copper busbar for corrosion resistance
  • Mechanical constraints: available space and bending radius if the busbar needs to be shaped on site
When in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s ampacity tables for copper busbars and consider using copper busbar strips or copper bars in modular assemblies from trusted suppliers like RS Components to ensure compatibility with your enclosure and connectors.

What is tin-plated copper busbar and why use it?

Tin-plated copper busbars have a thin coating of tin on the copper surface. This tin finish offers several practical advantages:
  • Improved corrosion resistance in humid or mildly corrosive environments
  • Better solderability and easier brazing when making electrical connections
  • Enhanced wear resistance on contact surfaces, prolonging life in repeated connection/disconnection cycles
  • Lower risk of surface oxidation that can increase contact resistance over time
Tin-plated copper busbars are a common choice for electrical distribution systems, panel assemblies, and frequency of maintenance where reliability and long-term performance are critical. They are often offered alongside bare copper busbars and insulated copper busbars as part of a complete copper busbar solution for power distribution.

How do I install copper busbars safely?

Safe installation of copper busbars involves proper preparation, secure connections, and ongoing inspection. Follow these guidelines:
  • Power down the system and lockout/tagout the equipment before handling copper busbars
  • Use appropriate PPE and ensure surfaces are clean and free of contaminants
  • Choose correct connectors, clamps, and lugs sized for the copper busbar cross-section and rated current
  • Torque bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications to avoid loose connections or over-tightening
  • Keep busbars clean and free of oxidation, and cover exposed bare copper where needed for safety
  • Maintain adequate clearance and creepage distances to prevent arcing, particularly in high-voltage applications
  • Inspect joints for heat buildup and signs of wear during routine maintenance
  • Store and transport copper busbars in a way that prevents bending or denting the cross-section
In environments with moisture or chemical exposure, consider tin-plated copper busbars or insulated copper busbars with protective sleeves to extend service life and reduce maintenance needs.

What finishes and variants are available for copper busbars?

Copper busbars come in several variants to suit different applications:
  • Bare copper busbar for maximum conductivity and cost efficiency in protected environments
  • Tin-plated copper busbar for enhanced corrosion resistance and solderability
  • Insulated copper busbar with sleeves or coating to improve safety and allow closer component placement
  • Copper busbar strip and copper bar form factors for modular assemblies and custom configurations
  • Time-saving pre-cut and machined copper busbars designed for standard enclosures
When selecting finishes, consider operating environment, required longevity, and compatibility with connectors, lugs, and fasteners. RS Components typically offers a range of copper busbars and related copper products to fit common industrial and commercial installations.

How do you calculate the ampacity of a copper busbar?

Ampacity calculation for a copper busbar involves cross-section area, conductor temperature rating, insulation, ambient temperature, and cooling conditions. A practical approach includes:
  • Referencing standard ampacity charts for copper busbars with the chosen cross-section and material (bare copper, tin-plated, or insulated)
  • Applying derating factors for ambient temperature, enclosure ventilation, and grouping of conductors
  • Considering voltage drop and contact resistance at connections, which can affect overall system performance
  • Verifying with the manufacturer’s data for the specific copper busbar grade and finish
For precise design, consult RS Components’ copper busbar product data sheets and use engineering tables to match cross-section area (mm² or kcmil), rated current, and allowable temperature rise to your application, whether it’s electrical distribution, power distribution blocks, or a switchgear assembly.

What is the difference between copper busbar, copper strip, and copper bar?

The terms describe similar copper conductors in different geometries and use cases:
  • Copper busbar typically refers to a flat, wide rectangular conductor used for high-current distribution within enclosures and switchgear. It emphasizes low resistance and compact routing.
  • Copper strip is a narrower and thinner form that can be used for modular interconnects, connector fingers, or localized distribution where space is limited.
  • Copper bar is a broader category that can describe larger cross-section copper components, including the thickest and most rigid forms used in mechanical assemblies and support structures.
In practice, engineers choose copper busbars, copper strips, or copper bars based on current rating, space constraints, mounting options, and desired thermal performance. RS Components offers a range of copper busbars and related copper products to cover these needs.