Busbar and Feeder: What Are The Differences?

The feeder and busbar are directly connected to the power distribution systems. But what do these two terms mean? Are they the same? 

Let’s study the busbar and feeder in detail and draw a comparison between them.

Figure 1: Busbar and Feeder

Busbar and Feeder: A Quick Introduction

Busbar

An electric bus bar is a solid bar made of conductive metals. It is widely used in power distribution systems. A busbar typically collects and distributes high-power electricity from one point to another with minimal loss.

Busbars support both high-voltage and low-voltage applications. Some common usages of these metallic bars are, 

• Busbars in switchgear and panel boards carry high currents.
• Electrical switchyard busbars connect high-voltage devices.
• In battery banks, busbars establish connection between a high-voltage and low-voltage equipment.

Figure 2: Busbar in Electrical

Feeder

Though the feeder is a part of the power distribution system, its role is quite different from the bus bar. By definition, you can say that a feeder is a transmission line for carrying electricity from one distribution point to another. Therefore, the main purpose of a feeder is to transfer current from the substations to distribution points. 

Substations or electricity generating points supply high-voltage currents via feeder lines. The high-voltage electricity is converted into a low-voltage current using the step-down transformer. Usually, a 50 KV current is supplied from the substations. 

Moreover, you can find no differences in the current flow between the sending and receiving ends. This is because a feeder does not have an intermediate tapping system.

Busbar and Feeder: Differences in Types 

Busbar feeders can be divided into several types. But in this section, we will only talk about the main types of busbar and feeder.

Busbar Types 

• Single Busbar Arrangements: This simplified busbar arrangement is mostly used in residential areas. You can connect various feeders to this setup.
• Single Busbar Arrangement with Sectionalized Bus: A sectionalized busbar can connect multiple units in large substations.
• Main and Transfer Busbar Arrangement: This busbar setup is safer and can handle overloading of current.
• One-and-a-Half Breaker Arrangement: Such a bus bar type is installed as a power-handling circuit in large stations.

Figure 4: Types of Busbar 

Feeder Types 

• Radial Feeder: This feeder has one transmission line for current flow from the substation to the users. 
• Parallel Feeder: As the name suggests, in this system, two or more feeders run parallel to each other. These feeders originate from the same point and are interconnected with a tie switch.
• Ring Main Feeder: This feeder system creates a loop to establish a connection between the substation busbar and distribution transformers. The transformer can accommodate two feeders with different paths.
• Meshed Feeder: This system includes all the main feeder types. You need to install a mesh feeder network to serve a large customer base.

Figure 5: Types of Feeder 

Busbar and Feeder: Design Differences

Figure 6: Feeder and Busbar

Busbar 

The metallic bars are designed to carry high current loads. Hence, they are made of highly conductive metals, e.g., aluminum and copper. These also include large surface area to avoid overheating and insulations to ensure safety. 

Feeder 

Feeder cables and conductors are also capable of carrying high current. As feeders are installed outside, they are designed to withstand harsh environments and sudden temperature changes.

Busbar and Feeder: Differences in Maintenance

Figure 7: Busbar vs Feeder 

Busbar 

In large power distribution channels, mostly solid and un-insulated busbars are used. The high-temperature, pressure, vibration, and moisture can easily impact the structural integrity of the bars. Thus, you must carry out a regular inspection on the busbars. 

Look for any sign of corrosion, displacement, and cracks. Replace the worn out bar with a new one.

Feeder 

Feeder cables and conductors are insulated for safety and protection. Harsh weather can damage the insulation and tighten the cable length. Such conditions might lead to accidents and interruption in the electricity flow. You should perform regular inspection and maintenance of the cables and conductors to avoid any inconvenience. 

Busbar and Feeder: Application Differences 

Busbar 

Busbar is a mandatory element in residential, commercial, and industrial power distribution systems. These bars can also be installed in automotive, defense, and aerospace applications to transfer high current. In industries, the busbars are mainly used to power up the heavy-duty machines.

Feeder 

The main application of a feeder line is to transmit electricity from a generation point to the end users. For instance, in residential areas, feeder lines distribute current from a nearby substation to the buildings and homes.

Busbar and Feeder: The Summary 

You see, both the busbar and feeder are parts of the power distribution system. Busbars basically act like a platform that connects cables for incoming and outgoing electricity. The bars receive the high current and then distribute to the intended channels. The feeder, on the other hand, is the transmission line that ensures that the current is reached to the end users. 

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