This section provides an overview for busbars as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 35 busbar manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked busbar companies as of November, 2024: 1.Panduit, 2.Littelfuse, Inc, 3.Holland Shielding Systems BV.
Table of Contents
A busbar is a copper bar used in control panels and power receiving panels.
Busbars are described as "BUS" in electrical drawings, etc., and are used in control panels by being fixed to insulators, etc. Unlike cables, bus bars have low flexibility and are used in locations where dimensions are clearly defined in advance.
Busbars have a higher allowable current than cables because they do not use organic materials as sheathing, have a higher allowable temperature, use a larger amount of copper, and have a larger cross-sectional area.
Busbars can be used in a wide range of situations in production plants.
For example, it is used as an alternative to the main trunk wiring in control panels for industrial equipment. Busbars have a high allowable current and can easily be tapped off to create branch wiring, making them excellent as main trunks. For the same reason, it can also be used as a wireway for power-receiving panels.
It is also used as a conduit in high-current equipment for electrolytic refining. It is stronger than cable, has no sheath, thus reducing the amount of material, and has a higher allowable current.
The structure of a busbar is simple, consisting of bare copper plates laminated together. They are mainly made of copper to supply high currents with low loss. This is because copper has extremely high conductivity among metals and is relatively inexpensive and readily available. The main metal with higher conductivity than copper is silver, which improves conductivity by about 6%. However, silver is by far the most expensive metal compared to copper, costing about 100 times more by weight.
In addition, busbars do not have a sheath and are always in contact with the outside air, which allows them to dissipate heat very well. Therefore, copper bus bars are the best choice for supplying large currents.
Busbars are mainly made of copper and are also called copper bars.
The most widely distributed type of copper bar, this material has a copper purity of 99.90% or higher and an oxygen content of 80 ppm. It has excellent ductility, electrical conductivity, and durability, and is used for electrical components such as switchboards and in the chemical industry.
A material with a copper purity of 99.96% or higher, with an oxygen content of 10 ppm or less. When used at high temperatures, hydrogen and oxygen react and hydrogen embrittlement is likely to occur. Hydrogen embrittlement is a phenomenon in which the toughness and ductility of a material decrease due to hydrogen absorbed in the material.
This material is used when brazing or welding is required or when it is subjected to high heat during processing or use. However, it has poor distributability and is expensive.
Copper is generally used for busbars, but aluminum is also used in addition to copper. Aluminum has lower tensile strength and conductivity than copper, and its conductor volume is larger. However, due to its lower price and lighter weight, aluminum busbars can be used to reduce costs and weight.
The advantages of using busbars are many.
Busbars are manufactured from metal in the form of thick plates. Since the cross-sectional area is larger than that of a conductor and the capacity is also larger, a large current can flow.
Since there is no insulating film, heat dissipation is higher than that of conductors.
Exclusively designed bus bars can be installed as they are, and general-purpose bus bars can be installed with Y-shaped or round terminals without terminal treatment.
Fixed with bolts or screws, terminals can be stacked or crossed. Screw holes can be placed along the way for efficient branching.
High-frequency currents generated by switching affect malfunctions and noise. Bus bars with a large surface area reduce the effects of high-frequency currents.
Easy installation due to dedicated design, eliminating the need for terminal processing. Inexpensive materials reduce the manufacturing cost of distribution boards and control panels.
A busbar is fabricated through the following processes:
A hole is drilled in the required location in the metal plate. If necessary, threads are made by tapping.
After drilling, bending is performed using a press or bender, and edge-wise bending or flat-wise bending is performed according to needs. Edge-wise bending is done in the width direction, while flat-wise bending is done in the thickness direction.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Chatsworth Products is a manufacturer of data and communication structural support products established in 1991 and based in Chatsworth, CA, USA. The company primarily produces its ZetaFrame brand engineered data center cabinet systems designed for scalability and configurability, and its eConnect power distribution units (PDUs) for cabinet-level power management and electronic access control. It also offers uninterruptible power supplies, adjustable cable runways, and configurable cable management solutions. The company’s products are mainly used in data centers, with additional applications in the information technology and telecommunications industries.
Littlefuse was founded in 1927 and headquartered in the United States. Littlefuse is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company with customers globally. Littlefuse has products segments which are electronic, industrial, and transportation. Electronic segment products include fuses and fuse accessories, positive temperature coefficient resettable fuses, polymer electrostatic discharge suppressors, and varistors. Transportation products include blade, resettable, and high-current and high-voltage fuses, as well as battery cable protectors; fuses, switches, relays, circuit breakers, and power distribution modules. The Industrial segment offerings include contactors, transformers, and temperature sensors for use in renewable energy and energy storage systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, HVAC systems.
PANDUIT was founded by Jack E. Caveney and opened the door for its clients in 1955. The company is specialized in developing advanced physical electrical and network infrastructure solutions such as data centers, office facilities, processing lines, audio video systems, etc., across different markets. PANDUIT designs builds, and installs advanced software and solutions for their clients. Hence, they have been granted 2000 Patents. The company has a labor force of 5000 employees.
Amphenol Pcd, founded in 1977 and located in Beverly, Massachusetts, is a supplier of interconnect products. The company’s broad range of products includes circular connectors, dust caps, junction modules, relay sockets, and Ethernet military switches. These products have broad applications across industries such as aerospace, military, telecommunications, industrial automation, and defense. The company’s products are used for ensuring connections, protecting sensitive components, and facilitating efficient communication and control systems in equipment and systems.
Rittal is a German manufacturer of electrical enclosures and related products that was established in Herborn, Hesse in 1961 as part of the Friedhelm Loh Group. The company primarily produces standard and modular enclosures for various electronic and electrical components, such as servers, switchgear, or control panels. It also offers automation, power distribution, IT infrastructure, and climate control systems for use in industrial facilities. Rittal products are mainly used by clients in the telecommunications, energy production, automotive, maritime, and logistics sectors.
Wetown Electric Group Co. Ltd., established in 1986 and based in Jiangsu Province, China, is a manufacturer of electrical products for power distribution and new energy sectors. The company's product range includes high and low-voltage busway systems, switchgear, and energy storage solutions. It offers everything from copper and aluminum materials to supports and hangers. Its solutions serve various industries, including power grids, commercial real estate, and new energy. Its products have been integral to major projects like the Beijing Olympic Bird's Nest and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge—the company partners with industry giants like ABB, GE, and Schneider.
Siemens began in 1847 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. Siemens focuses in automation and digitalization technology and operates globally. Siemens’s 5 operating segments are digital industries, smart infrastructure, mobility, Siemens Healthineers, and Siemens Financial Services. Siemens Financial Services provides debt and equity investment as well as financing solutions. Siemens Healthineers is a medical devices company that provides products and consulting. Mobility includes passenger and freight transportation. Smart infrastructure includes full solutions for electrification. Digital industries offer both software and hardware for industries and production efficiency.
SOURIAU, established in 1917 and based in Champagné, France, is a manufacturer and supplier of great-performance interconnect solutions. The company offers a wide range of products, including connectors, backshells, contacts, and accessories, serving various industries such as aerospace, defense, industrial, and transportation. SOURIAU's interconnect solutions play a crucial role in ensuring ideal and secure connections in critical applications, enabling data transfer and power delivery in harsh environments. The company also provides customized solutions to meet specific customer needs, backed by extensive expertise and engineering capabilities.
Amphenol Air LB, established in 1961 and headquartered in Carignan, France, is a plug-in connector and component manufacturer and supplier. The company specializes in performance standard and custom connectors, interconnect solutions, and attachment systems for demanding markets and applications in harsh environments where installation, weight, or space can be significant concerns. Its products include quick connection junction modules, modules for wire wrap contacts, and terminal blocks. It also offers a range of accessories, contacts, and tools.
Hubei Xinghe Electric New Material Co. Ltd., established in 2003 and headquartered in Huanggang, Hubei, China, is a specialist manufacturer in the field of electric power conductive materials and power equipment. The company's product portfolio includes aluminum and aluminum alloy tubular busbars, composite shielding insulation copper, and low-voltage compact bus duct systems. It also produces electric fittings, lightning-proof grounding material, and complete switch cabinets. The company specializes in the production of custom prefabricated substations, with power transmission projects completed in Changji, China, and Korea for LG Engineering.
Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd, commonly known as JAE, was established in 1953 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is a designer and manufacturer of connectors, user interface solutions, and electronics for the aerospace, agriculture, semiconductor, and camera stabilization sectors. THe company’s product segments include IO connectors, board to board connects, cable to cable connectors, and more. The company’s motion sensing and control segment includes accelerometers, inertial measurement units, and directional modules.
Holland Shielding Systems BV, established in 1985 in The Netherlands, started as a manufacturer of electronic components and now produces a wide range of frequency and electrical shielding systems. The company's products include PCB shielding cans, farraday cages, frame gaskets used for farraday-integrated tents, EMI displays, mesh foils to shield against magnetic, low-frequency radio waves, microwave radiation, and equipment used in earthing against high-voltage dangers. Their products are used by the FCC to prevent electromagnetic interference and customize facility shielding systems to protect against eavesdropping.
Abrisa Technologies, established in 1948 in Santa Paula, California, USA, is a premier manufacturer and supplier of custom glass fabrication and thin film optical coatings. The company's diverse product portfolio includes a wide range of glass materials and ultra-thin fabrication coatings used in various industries such as displays, electronics, aerospace, and more. These precision coatings enhance optical performance and durability in critical applications. Abrisa Technologies aims at pushing the boundaries of optical technology, delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower industries to achieve enhanced visual experiences, advanced technologies, and superior functionality.
Hubbell, incorporated in the late 1800's, and based in Shelton, Connecticut, USA, is a manufacturer of electrical and electronic products. Its comprehensive product range covers standard and specialized wiring devices, rough-in electrical products, connectors, grounding solutions, lighting fixtures, and various electrical equipment for use in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities. These products find application in diverse settings, from controlled data centers to power grids. The company's products address business challenges, improve energy efficiency, enhance safety, withstand harsh environments, and enable easier management of wiring and grounding systems around buildings.
Morek IT OÜ is based in Tallinn, Estonia, and has been a manufacturer of components and accessories for electric cars since its establishment in 2004. The company’s products include universal, neutral (N) or protective earth (PE), and bow terminals. It also manufactures device connectors, distribution blocks, and insulated copper flexible busbars as well as related products, such as cable entry plates, glands and grommets, and photovoltaic accessories and connectors. The company serves global customers and provides logistic support for warehouses in Estonia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic.
Blue Sea Systems, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, United States, is a manufacturer of emergency vehicle electrical components and systems. The company offers over 1,000 electric products, including battery switches, automatic charging relays, and power post connectors. Its products are used in boat electrical systems and emergency vehicle electrical systems, such as fire trucks, among other specialty vehicle applications. It also provides complete vessel monitoring systems. Its products are available through a network of dealers, retailers, and tech installers worldwide.
Druseidt GmbH & Co. KG, established in 1890 and headquartered in Germany, operates as a manufacturer and supplier specializing in electrical and industrial cables, as well as cable accessories. The company offers an extensive range of products, including power cables, control cables, and instrumentation cables for diverse industrial applications as well as cable accessories such as connectors and terminals. These are used for industries spanning electrical engineering, automation, and manufacturing, enabling the transmission of power, control signals, and data. The company's products fnd application in the construction of electrical systems and machinery, ensuring efficient energy distribution and signal transmission.
Suncall Corporation, founded in 1943 and headquartered in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor of automotive parts, hard disk-related components, printer-related products, and communication-related items. The company offers a range of automotive parts, including boot clamps, detent springs, and ring gears. Additionally, the company also provides connectors and adapters for optical communications. Within its printer-related product category, it manufactures shafts, torque limiters, and clutches for business machines. In the realm of hard disk-related products, it offers shock-resistant suspension and DSA suspension for HDD. It has achieved IATF 16949 certification for Shunt Busbars produced at the South Kyoto Plant.
Seastrom Manufacturing Co., Inc. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision washers and related hardware that was established in 1928 in Glendale, California, USA. The company offers standard washer models such as lock and flat round washers, military spec washers such as AN and MS series washers, and specialty assembly hardware products such as Hiram Jones pins and expansion plugs. It also offers custom engineering and laser part marking services for unique projects. The company’s products and services are commonly used in the aerospace, defense, and heavy machinery industries.
Gonda Metal Industry Co., Ltd. located in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of copper and copper alloy fabricated products. The company's product range includes Copper Busbar, Copper/Brass Round Rod, Copper Anode for Plating, Die Forgings, and Magnesium Alloy Sheet AZ61. These products are utilized in various applications, especially in the electrical industry. It serves sectors like electricity/precision instruments and the IT industry. The company offers services that include manufacturing, sales, and real estate leasing.
Richardson RFPD, based in Geneva, Illinois, is an electronic component distributor that became a subsidiary of Arrow Electronics in 2011. The company stocks products such as antennas, power supplies, and ICs, and its engineering team brings together over 600 years of combined design experience in IoT product development, wireless, and RF, making it competent from conception to production. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has three international distribution hubs in Asia, Europe, and North America. It sells products from several brands, including Advanced Thermal Solutions, Empower RF Systems Inc., and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies.
Altech Corporation, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Flemington, New Jersey, is a supplier and distributor of electronic and control components and is ISO 9001 certified. The company provides a broad line of products, including programmable controllers, monitoring relays, and terminal blocks, used in instrumentation, industrial control, and automation applications. The company’s enclosed disconnect switches are available in different materials like stainless steel, plastic, and aluminum and have a use rating of 16A to 150A/600V AC. The products are all RoHS and REACH compliant and meet diverse national and international standards like IEC, CSA, and UL.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Panduit |
9.5%
|
2 | Littelfuse, Inc |
6.6%
|
3 | Holland Shielding Systems BV |
5.8%
|
4 | Chatsworth Products |
5.1%
|
5 | Rittal GmbH & Co. KG |
4.9%
|
6 | Amphenol Pcd |
3.9%
|
7 | Hubbell. All Rights Reserved |
3.8%
|
8 | Wetown Electric Group Co., Ltd. |
3.5%
|
9 | Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited |
3.4%
|
10 | Souriau |
3.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the busbar page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 4 | 21.1% |
Germany | 3 | 15.8% |
China | 3 | 15.8% |
France | 2 | 10.5% |
Japan | 2 | 10.5% |
United Kingdom | 2 | 10.5% |
Turkey | 2 | 10.5% |
Netherlands | 1 | 5.3% |
6 products are listed.
Hata Metal Works Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
■ Product overview A bus bar is a conductor stick used to connect a power supply to each part of the distribution board or the control panel. The E...
Hata Metal Works Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
■ Product overview A bus bar is a conductor stick used to connect a power supply to each part of the distribution board or the control panel. The E...