A reliable, flexible power distribution system is critical to manufacturing and everyday business operation in manufacturing, industrial and commercial sectors, where upgrades are often required to enhance efficiency and optimise productivity.
Traditionally, when assembly lines need to be re-arranged or facilities need to be re-organised, it is also necessary to reconfigure the conventional electrical conduit and wiring power distribution system. “This upgrade requires removing existing electrical conduit and wiring, and then rewiring the system to bring power to new locations in the facility,” explains the team from electrical manufacturer Legrand. “These tedious changes are often done at great inconvenience and cost to the business, with a potential loss of profits due to downtime and decreased productivity.”
The key advantage of a track busway system is that users can bring the power source to machines and equipment, instead of trying to wire machines back to the power source at a distant panel board. “The simple linear design of track busways is more organised than conventional electrical conduit and wiring, making the power distribution system easier to design, install, maintain and also facilities later changes to the system layout,” adds Legrand.
Get on track
Legrand’s track busway system is a flexible, efficient alternative to traditional power distribution systems that lack flexibility in adapting to changes. Track busways provide localised power exactly where its required, and users can easily scale up power to handle higher electrical load requirements. In addition, track busways offer significant long-term savings in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a power distribution system.
“Quick installation, easy adaptation to layout modifications, premises expansion or refurbishment, with minimal disruption, greater safety and improved performance are just some of the advantages of a track busway system over conventional busbar systems,” says Legrand.
Since a track busway system is not hard-wired into the physical ceiling or walls, there is flexibility to make quick changes in the layout of the power distribution system. It is simple to take down the existing track busway sections, move them to new positions and reconnect the busway sections and plug-in units above the machines they serve, with minimal downtime.
“Another advantage of this system is scalability, where additional sections can be added to meet new requirements, for example, a factory expansion. If there is a need to scale up power, it is easy to replace existing plug-in units with new ones designed to support higher power requirements,” adds the manufacturer.
With track busway systems, all the necessary components in a complete electrical distribution system – including breakers, connectors, power outlets, metering and surge protection – are built into the plug-in units. By installing busway systems and plug-in units directly above assembly lines or wherever power is needed, power can be provided exactly where it is needed.
“Our track busways can deliver power levels of between 40 and 6300 amps, and up to 600VAC or VDC, single-phase or three-phase,” says Legrand. “Depending on its length and power delivery rating, a single busway section can support multiple plug-in units. Depending on the number of outlets, a plug-in unit can support multiple power cords.”
Unlike traditional conduit and wiring components, track busway sections and plug-in units are re-usable and can be moved from one location to another. A track busway system has been designed to facilitate easy maintenance and repair on individual machines. Since breakers and fuses are located within the plug-in units, instead of at a distant panel board, it is easy to turn off a machine by flipping the corresponding breaker switch on the plug-in unit for the machine that requires service. “This feature allows other machines powered by the same plug-in unit to remain operational and also eliminates the potential error of turning off the incorrect machine.”
In line with Legrand’s commitment to the highest safety standards, all track busway systems have integrated safety features. “The track busway grid and all plug-in units, for example, have a built-in earthing system that ensures absolute safety. Additionally, because plug-in units provide localised power to machines, there is no need to run power cables and extension cords across the floor. This prevents potential fire and tripping hazards.
Track busways help minimise operational downtime and guarantee optimum productivity, while also providing significant long-term operational savings.
Enquiries: www.legrand.co.za