Bus Bar Scheme
Buses are typically arranged to allow access to equipment for maintenance or replacement due to failure or
upgrades. Additionally, bus arrangements should provide for future growth, including consideration of
disconnect switches that allow for continuity of service during construction.
Single bus single breaker arrangement (SBSB)
• Consists of one main bus that contains positions for several circuits.
• Applied in locations where system reliability is not critical.
• To increase reliability, a bus-sectionalizing breaker can be installed on the bus.
Main and transfer bus arrangement (MTB)
• Consists of two buses, a main and a transfer.
• Each circuit bay consists of one breaker and three switches, except the transfer breaker bay, which
requires only two switches.
• The main bus is normally energized, and all circuits are serviced from the main bus.
• When a main breaker is taken out of service, circuits are serviced by the transfer breaker.
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Double bus single breaker arrangement (DBSB)
• Consists of two main buses connected together through a circuit breaker.
• Each circuit uses a circuit breaker and three disconnect switches and can be connected to either bus
through disconnect switches.
• All circuits to be connected to one bus in case of an outage on the other bus.
Ring bus arrangements (RB)
• Each circuit is connected between two breakers.
• The breakers are arranged in a series connection to form the “ring.”
• The switchyard is normally operated with all breakers in the closed position. Power flow is evenly
distributed because the ring bus operates as a single node.
• The ring bus arrangement is very reliable when all breakers are closed and the ring is intact.
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Breaker and half bus arrangement (B-1/2)
• Consist of two main buses that are normally energized.
• Three breakers are required to serve two circuits.
• The middle breaker is common between two circuits.
• Any breaker or bus can be taken out of service without interruption of service.
• Faults on one circuit do not affect the other circuit unless the associated breaker fails to trip.
• This arrangement is used for substations where reliability and service continuity is important.
Double bus double breaker arrangement (DBDB)
• Consists of two main buses with two breakers and four switches per circuit.
• Any breaker or bus can be taken out of service for maintenance without an interruption to service. Split
bus operation is possible.
• This bus arrangement is considered to be the most reliable.
• It is rarely used at this time due to its cost and the space required.
For power system studies consulting and corporate training requirements, Contact us.
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