What kind of metal does continuous bus bar wire typically consist of?

Bus-bar

In electric power distribution, a busbar (also bus bar) is a metallic strip or bar, typically housed inside switchgear, panel boards, and busway enclosures for local high current power distribution.

They are also used to connect high-voltage equipment at electrical switchyards, and low-voltage equipment in battery banks. Busbars are typically composed of copper, brass, or aluminium as solid or hollow tubes.

Copper and aluminum are chosen for busbar applications because:

• Copper and aluminum are both excellent conductors of electricity. Copper has a higher electrical conductivity than aluminum, but aluminum is still widely used because it offers a good balance between conductivity and cost.
• Aluminum is lighter than copper, making it advantageous in applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in aerospace or transportation applications.
• Both copper and aluminum exhibit good corrosion resistance. Copper naturally forms a protective oxide layer, while aluminum can be coated for added protection. This makes them suitable for use in various environmental conditions.
• Both metals are malleable and can be easily shaped and fabricated into the required busbar configurations. This makes it convenient for manufacturing and installation purposes.
• Copper has a higher thermal conductivity compared to aluminum. In applications where heat dissipation is crucial, copper may be preferred. However, aluminum is still suitable for many applications where thermal conductivity is not the primary concern.