Rail sleeve: the best choice for every situation

In larger buildings, electricity enters through one or more transformers at a central switchboard: the main distribution board. In addition to transformers, generators and UPS systems are also used, and all these components must be connected together and transported to the consumer units. This can all be done with heavy-duty cable connections, but busbar trunking systems come out as the better solution time and time again. 

Thijs de Boer, account manager at busbar expert STbenelux, explains the advantages of the so-called busbar or busway systems. "One advantage that weighs increasingly heavily in today's business operations of companies is the fact that busbar is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than cable. Saving space is another issue: compared to cable routes, busbars take up less space. This is an added advantage in locations where many cables will be placed together in a cable tray or under raised floors. Moreover, the heat generated by cables packed together is not desirable. Not only can it lead to unsafe situations, but in data centers - where cooling of the fed servers is a priority - it is certainly not desirable. This is when rail at height is an ideal solution. Installing busbar ducting can also be done in less time than laying cables and is less error-prone because of the plug-and-play nature of the components. Depending on the type of rail, the laid-out route allows for easy modifications and expansions. Equipment can be added where needed to increase rack or production capacity. This modular aspect is an acclaimed plus in data centers and in industry."

It has to work and look good

"As specialists in designing and implementing busbar trunking systems, we hear that over and over again," De Boer continues. "The versatility of the product means it can be used anywhere. We supply busbar trunking systems in different versions. For example, there are simple transport rails, but also distribution rails from which one can branch off at any point. In addition, each type of rail has its own situation- and environment-specific advantages. Such as amperage, dust tightness, (splash) water tightness and even aesthetic properties. The latter may raise an eyebrow, but what hangs in plain sight must also look good. For example, we represent the brand Starline, which distinguishes itself from many other manufacturers not only by branching options at any position desired by the end user along the entire length of the busbar, but also by its attractive, sleek design. We also enjoy working with Schneider Electric's Canalis, which is robust and suitable for "heavier" projects. This allows us to serve diverse market segments with the product that is most suitable given its characteristics. Based on drawings, meticulous measurements, on-site research and customer requirements, we always work out the best solution." 

Which type Apply rail sleeve?

"Sometimes, of course, the customer makes the choice of the manufacture of busway tube. No problem, we can handle any type of busway. But if we are allowed to recommend a system, we do so deliberately. STbenelux's advice is based on knowledge and experience. For example, we supplied and assembled over 600 meters of busbar for the new construction site of Vergeer Kaas on behalf of Kromwijk Elektrotechniek. The rail system provides for the coupling of the transformers with the main distributor and the energy transport to the various sub-distributors and heavy machinery, such as the complete cooling installation. To connect the transformer - which is separate in its own switch house - to the main distributor in the main building, a weather and windproof connection between the two buildings was needed. We recommended performing this part of the project with the waterproof Canalis KR, because of its high IP rating." 

Or a combination of brands?

"For Global-e data center, we applied the originally American manufacturer Starline to feed the data racks in the data room. We recommended that because of its modularity, flexibility, clarity, extensive choice of design and also the beautiful design of the junction boxes. For the power supply to the data room, we again chose Canalis from Schneider Electric. This type of busbar is ideally suited for the safe transport and distribution of large capacities. Circuit breaker-protected Canalis junction boxes provide the link to each of the busbar power supply boxes of the Starline busbar system in the room. Thus we make the best choice for each situation, possibly with a combination of brands."