Connecting bus for automatic machines: description, features and purpose

It is quite possible to assemble the design of the shield with modular automatic machines by means of loops. But this procedure is quite lengthy and painstaking. Wiring and connecting jumpers require significant labor costs. At the same time, the wires hardly fit in their place, they are easily confused. To simplify this process allows the connecting bus for machines, which is also called comb. Consider the features and purpose of this element, as well as the possibility of its connection.

History of creation

The assembly and disassembly of the filling of the distribution panels are associated with various problems of connecting and placing working elements. This problem is especially relevant for ensuring the interaction of protective devices and machine guns in groups. For this, it was necessary to organize several jumpers from wires with the required cross section. Moreover, this work was carried out manually on site with the adjustment of the wires in size and processing of the joints with electrical tape.

These types of connections have several disadvantages. The main one is the lack of power and automatic shutdown of subsequent jumpers. Similar problems arose due to poorly organized contact, which led to further burnout of the element.

Among the other disadvantages of this method, the following points are noted:

• Significant installation time, due to the need to measure the length of each piece of wiring, stripping insulation, subsequent crimping of the ends;
• unaesthetic appearance of the device due to an excessive number of cables;
• inconvenience of installing devices located on a special rail above the machines.

To simplify and speed up these works, many different devices were invented, one of which is a connecting bus for machines.

Description

Depending on the devices that are connected, the parts in question are divided into several varieties at the poles (from 1 to 3). In the connecting comb for automatic machines, the number of plates and pole ends is identical. Moreover, each of the connectors is designed to perform specific tasks. For example, single-phase models are used to connect similar switches, 4-pole versions aggregate with three-phase devices.

These products have a different step indicator (from 18 to 27 millimeters). Smaller options focus on interacting with a single module. A pitch of 27 mm is used to connect one and a half modular consumers. With the help of combs, it is really possible to simultaneously mount a set of machines (from 12 to 60 pieces). For this reason, the use of such devices is irrelevant for connecting one pair of devices. The best option is to use in switchboards with many contacts.

Design features

The single pole comb busbar includes a solid copper plate in its design. It has a rectangular cross section, as well as branches made through a certain distance. The device is used to connect modular type automatic machines, contactors, RCDs, diflavomatov. The specified "filling" is placed in a special housing made of non-combustible plastic.

The remaining varieties have a similar design, only with the number of tires according to capacity and purpose. That is, in the case of a three-pole device - three buses, in a four-pole analog - four and so on.

Useful advice

Connecting busbars for automatic machines come in two types: pin variations (oriented to interact with most devices) and fork versions (requiring a special clamp). When choosing combs, it is recommended to pay attention to all constructive nuances. This is due to the fact that each type of connected device corresponds to a specific bus modification. If you mount the device with unsuitable connectors, the bends do not completely fall into place, some of them protrude outward, which leads to the danger of electric shock. In addition, this could result in fire if flammable material gets on the contact.

Pros and cons

The advantages of connecting busbars for machines include the following:

• a significant reduction in wiring placed in the shield, which positively affects the accuracy of installation and aesthetics of the appearance of the structure;
• Significant ease of repair and maintenance of fixtures due to the simplified tracking of their work scheme;
• increased load exposure (up to 63 A);
• guarantee of high reliability and quality of connections without heating the working contacts.

Despite all the advantages, the design in question has a number of disadvantages, namely:

• carrying out repairs and maintenance requires turning off the power of all combined devices, which causes certain inconvenience;
• when improving the switchboard, it is necessary to replace the connecting element or install a jumper, which will negatively affect the quality of the connection;
• when replacing a burned-out machine, it is required to loosen the terminals on each device, otherwise it will not work to remove the comb;
• it is necessary to select devices of identical brands;
• connecting a connecting bus for machines is much more expensive than jumpers;
• the design in which these connectors are used must interact with at least six devices, otherwise its operation is impractical.

Installation Recommendations

If the number of circuit breakers to be connected is less than the number of taps on the comb, the excess wires should be cut. This procedure can be carried out using any suitable tool, such as a hacksaw. The busbar and isolator are shortened separately. This is due to the fact that the second element is several centimeters longer. These precautions make it possible to eliminate the occurrence of a short circuit.

At the ends of the insulators they put special plugs that are included with the main device. If the specified protective elements are absent, use of a standard insulating tape is allowed. Any adult can connect a connecting bus-comb for machines; no special professional skills are required for this. The device is mounted on top of the connected units with the placement of each outlet in the provided contact compartment.

Main stage

After trimming the excess bends and placing the existing parts in their place, the screws that are responsible for pressing the contact terminals are fastened. Reliability of connection and further safety of operation of the distribution panel, as well as of all its working units and connections, depend on the strength and quality of the clamp. Power is supplied to one edge of the comb, after which consumers are connected in turn. Then you need to make sure each connection is correct and activate the energy supply to the shield. Installation on this is completed.

Connecting a connecting comb for machines in an electric switchboard on an UZO

According to safety standards, all modern apartment buildings should be equipped with outlet lines that are protected by difavtomatami or UZO. In accordance with the rules and common sense, each line in the switchboard must be equipped with reliable protection against current leakage. These fuses are easy to connect using combs. However, the connection process itself is slightly different from the installation of circuit breakers.

When installing an RCD with automatic devices (single-phase), the bus connecting for them must have at least two poles. A similar requirement is due to the need to summarize the zero and phase to power the difavtomat. The use of a single-phase comb in this case is unacceptable, since there is no possibility of synchronous closure for all protection consumers in the same row. In this case, the outgoing teeth of the tire should be placed through one (the step between the parts should correspond to the width of one module).

Nuances

The connection itself is quite simple. Consider the example of connecting a pair of RCDs. The phase is brought to the first comb, fixed in one terminal with a protective device. Zero must be connected to another bus, followed by clamping at the second consumer terminal. In the same way, all RCDs that are mounted additionally are connected.

This design is very convenient and simple, the interaction of protective elements among themselves is fast and reliable.

Manufacturers

Combs from different manufacturers are on the market. The table below shows the most popular models with markings and brief specifications.

Typical errors

Among the typical mistakes made by inexperienced electricians or amateurs, there are three main points:

1. The acquisition and use of a comb, which does not match the number of inputs and poles of the aggregated device.
2. The use of a connecting bus for automatic machines (3ph) only for a pair of circuit breakers in cases when its power is sufficient to service a whole set of protective units.
3. Connecting an element with a maximum current load of 63 A to a more powerful line.
   

To summarize

The connecting comb-bus greatly simplifies and speeds up the design of distribution boards and a number of other devices. But during its operation, certain points should be taken into account, most of which are described above. In conclusion, it is worth noting one more nuance: if you want to add another machine to the existing series, and the comb is measured by the available quantity, you will have to purchase a new analog or use a jumper. Exit - advance installation of circuit breakers with standard indicators.