Bolted connections for busbars

[Firedancer]

Hello,

I was wondering if there is any information anywhere regarding busbar bolted connections?

recently working on two lots of terminations, one lapped and one clamped. I’m specifically looking for the effects of using bolts in different orientation on the same connection.

so one bolt with the head to the front and another with the nut to the front. I’ve always put them in the same way to be uniform and was wondering if installing them With no order could cause an issue?

potentially causing an issue with expansion rate? Or with pressure distribution on mating surfaces?

TIA

 

[MDJ]

Providing it is very tight and the bolt a minimum of 8 mm2 IME then either way will be fine, use spring washers as well so the nut and bolts do not loosen

 

[westward10]

What make of busbar chamber is it.

 

[Firedancer]

Thanks for replies.

it’s actually on a contactor Moeller DIL H2000

 

[bomjac]

The only correct tightness for any bus are connection is the manufacturers recommendation. Over-tight can be just as dangerous as under-tight as the contact area of the busbars can become deformed and too small causing excess heating at joints.

use a torque wrench and set it to the correct value (it will surprise you just how much we tend to over-torque connections in general).

 

[davesparks]

Providing it is very tight and the bolt a minimum of 8 mm2 IME then either way will be fine, use spring washers as well so the nut and bolts do not loosen

Only if you use the right kind of spring washer.
Split washers are next to useless, a disc spring (aka Belleville washer) would be far more appropriate for electrical connections.

 

[tickertboo]

The only correct tightness for any bus are connection is the manufacturers recommendation. Over-tight can be just as dangerous as under-tight as the contact area of the busbars can become deformed and too small causing excess heating at joints.

use a torque wrench and set it to the correct value (it will surprise you just how much we tend to over-torque connections in general).

thats what i woud do as it may invalidate the warranty set out by the manufactures its common sense