Connections for grids and substations
IZAR makes flexible connectors, busbars and Cupal spacers that take up the thermal expansion of busbars in substations and join copper to aluminium.
Where it works
Between busbars and apparatus
Connectors work between main busbars, on apparatus and transformer terminals, and wherever an aluminium conductor meets a copper terminal.
What it has to withstand
Thermal expansion
Long busbars expand as they heat up. A flexible insert takes up the movement before it loads terminals and insulators.
Copper and aluminium
Direct contact between the two metals corrodes. A Cupal spacer makes the joint safe.
Short-circuit currents
A short circuit puts large forces on the current path. A laminated stack stays more stable than a braid.
Connection types
What fits here
Aluminium flexible connectors
Aluminium strips welded to a flat bar join aluminium busbars without a transition to copper.
Cupal spacers
CuAl sheet between copper and aluminium: safe contact and corrosion protection, in any shape.
Copper busbars
Copper busbars 4 m long, tin- or silver-plated, drilled as required.
Enquiry
What to include in your enquiry
- Material on each side: Cu or Al
- Current [A] or cross-section [mm²]
- Expansion or offset to absorb
- Contact dimensions and hole pattern
- Finish: tin, silver or nickel
- Indoor or outdoor installation
Questions
Choosing the right connector
How do you connect an aluminium busbar to a copper terminal?
With a Cupal PC spacer between the copper and the aluminium. The CuAl sheet provides safe contact and protects the joint between the two metals from corrosion; IZAR makes it in any size and shape.
Why fit a flexible connector in substation busbars?
To take up the thermal expansion of the busbars. A rigid path would transfer it to apparatus terminals and insulators; a PE or PAL insert flexes and keeps its full cross-section.
Do the current rating tables apply to outdoor installation?
No. The values in the IZAR tables are approximate and apply to vertical mounting inside a building, without forced air flow, at air temperatures up to 40 °C. State other conditions in your enquiry.
Describe the installation point
Current, contact dimensions and the movement to absorb, or a drawing. Our sales team will pick the connection type and prepare a quote.