Nov 2024

BUSBAR TESTING AT PLP NEW ZEALAND

PLP NZ recently completed electrical heat-rise testing on aluminum busbar tubes and connectors for PLP Vietnam. This testing, part of a series of type-testing requirements, was conducted to validate the continuous current rating of the aluminum busbar at 6,500 Amps. The test assembly featured 200mm diameter by 8mm thick tubular busbars joined by bolted connectors arranged in a loop. The test current was applied over several hours until the busbars and connectors reached their peak temperatures.

At the customer’s request, the current was further raised to 8,200 Amps, the maximum capacity of PLP NZ’s largest heat unit. The maximum recorded temperatures were collated and evaluated against the acceptance criteria of the testing standard.

The results confirmed that the maximum heat rise was within acceptable limits, verifying the busbar tube’s compliance with the required current rating. PLP NZ’s electrical testing facility is equipped to test a broad range of conductors, from smaller sizes to large substation busbars.