Traditional cables have a wide range of applications in power systems, electrical communications, and other fields. However, in recent years, with the widespread promotion of bus ducts, many people believe that bus ducts may replace cables in the future. Is this really the case? Let's take a look at the differences between the two!

Physical picture of the cable.

1. Basic Definitions

Cables are generally divided into single-core cables and multi-core cables. A single-core cable refers to a cable conductor of a certain phase composed of multiple copper wires wrapped in an insulating layer; a multi-core cable refers to a cable with multiple mutually insulated conductors within an insulating protective layer.

A busway refers to a type of electrically continuous power distribution system constructed by safely enclosing copper or aluminum busbars within a metal housing.

CG BUSWAY Safe Busway

2、 performance comparison.

1. Current Carrying Capacity

Cables: The maximum rated current for cables used in the project is 1600A with a limited selection range.

CG BUSWAY: The maximum rated current for CG BUSWAY used in the project can reach up to 6300A with a wide selection range.

2. Installation and Construction

Cables: Installation requires a large space and a considerable number of construction workers; when laid on the surface, cable trays need to be used, and when laid underground, trenches need to be dug, posing more safety hazards.

CG BUSWAY: Convenient installation with fewer required construction workers; additionally, the compact structure of CG BUSWAY occupies less space and provides a neat appearance after installation.

3. Operation and Maintenance

Cables: Due to material wear and aging, regular inspections, maintenance, and even replacements are necessary.

CG BUSWAY: Routine maintenance is relatively simple, typically involving measuring the temperature rise of the outer casing, core bolts, and incoming box joints to assess the current status of the CG BUSWAY system.

The brand CG BUSWAY has developed an intelligent monitoring system for bus ducts, enabling real-time remote monitoring of the operation status of the bus ducts.

4. Connection Methods

Cables: Need on-site connections with relatively poor connection flexibility; even pre-branch cables require specially customized branch connectors, which are expensive.

CG BUSWAY: Typically uses a plug-in installation method for connections, with a plug-in box every few meters, making connections very convenient.

5. Fire Resistance

Cables: The insulation and sheath of ordinary cables can burn easily at high temperatures; although fire-resistant cables are available, they are costly.

CG BUSWAY: The shell is made of metal material, which does not burn and has flame-retardant properties.

Cable installation and maintenance are cumbersome, requiring a significant number of personnel.

6. Heat Dissipation Performance

Cables: The insulation layer and outer sheath of cables provide both insulation and thermal insulation. When laying cables in cable trays, it is allowed to lay a maximum of 2 layers; otherwise, it is not conducive to heat dissipation.

CG BUSWAY: Heat dissipation can be achieved through air convection, and heat dissipation performance is superior by dissipating heat through tightly connected metal enclosures.

7. Economic Costs

Cables: Cables have higher energy losses, resulting in higher additional electricity costs. With a lifespan not exceeding 15 years, cables are prone to issues such as aging joints and insulation layer detachment, requiring frequent replacements. This leads to higher overall costs compared to CG BUSWAY.

CG BUSWAY: More energy-efficient than cables, CG BUSWAY has a lifespan of over 30 years and is easy to maintain in the long term. The overall costs of using CG BUSWAY are lower than using cables. Taking the example of using the CG BUSWAY's new energy-saving and electricity-saving busway, it can save 7% to 10% in costs compared to using cables. The payback period is also shorter than that of cables, with sustainable benefits for decades after reaching the breakeven point.

CG BUSWAY: Installation and maintenance of the busway are simple, requiring fewer personnel.

In summary, in low-voltage power supply and distribution systems, using bus ducts offers significant advantages over cables, and in the future, bus ducts will also replace cables in some areas and find more extensive applications.

The specific choice of bus duct depends on the project conditions. For example, for users with tight initial investment budgets, it is recommended to choose the CG BUSWAY Nano Aluminum Alloy Bus Duct, which has a better cost and performance ratio compared to cables. To achieve the goal of overall energy savings, the CG BUSWAY new energy-efficient compact bus duct can be used, which has a lower overall cost compared to using cables.