Cu-flex busbar from Referro Systems introduces new cabling options

Distribution company Referro Systems is continuing its busy start to 2024 by introducing to the South African market the Cu-Flex copper busbar from Danish electrical brand Cubic. What sets this product apart is that it is flexible, which makes system design more flexible itself.

By definition, electrical busbars are metallic strips or bars inside switchgear, panel boards, or other electrical distribution equipment. It facilitates local high-current power distribution and avoids problems when joining two cables into one since it acts as a junction where the incoming power and outgoing power meet.

Cu-Flex flexible copper busbars are manufactured from strands of copper wires that are woven into a flexible busbar. “Using a proprietary technique, the ends of the busbar are forged into a solid unit,” says Referro, adding, “The insulated and flexible busbar provides time saving and maintenance-free connection contact surfaces for motor control centres, switchboards or industrial control panels.” The busbars are supplied ready for use without users having to shorten and strip the wires, make holes, or complicated bends.

The Cu-Flex busbars add new options, opportunities and advantages to electrical systems, and can be used for several applications including:

• Battery systems: In large-scale energy storage systems or electric vehicles, Cu-flex busbars can be used to connect battery cells or modules.
• Electrical connections: Cu-Flex busbars provide a reliable, low-resistance connection between electrical components such as transformers, circuit breakers and other busbars. “They are particularly useful where vibrations, thermal expansion or movement could cause rigid connections to fail. Cu-flex busbars also offer flexibility to accommodate changes or additions to the systems,” says Referro.
• Industrial machinery: Flexible copper busbars like the Cu-Flex system can be used for power transmission, control systems and motor connections.
• Moveable equipment: These busbars are perfect for use in electrical systems where weight savings and flexibility are essential, such as in aircraft wiring.
• Power distribution: Busbars can be used to connect large electrical equipment, such as generators and substations, as well as smaller equipment.
• Power electronics: In power electronic devices such as inverters and rectifiers, Cu-Flex busbars can be used to connect semiconductor devices, capacitors and other components to ensure system integrity.
• Reliable earthing: Cu-Flex busbars can be used for grounding and connecting various electrical components, giving operators peace of mind that their electrical system is safe to use without the threat of failure and injury to staff.
• Renewable energy: Wind turbines and solar inverters can benefit from the flexible copper bars if they are utilised to interconnect components and carry high currents generated by these renewable energy sources

Cu-Flex busbars have been tested, approved and certified under various authorities such as DEKRA (Deutsche Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein) and DNV (Det Norske Veritas). Cu-Flex technology is also UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc) recognised in category Component – Panel Board & Switchboard Accessories.

Enquiries: www.referro.co.za