IS : 8084 - 1976

(Reaffirmed 2002)
Edition 1.3
(1981-03)
Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
INTERCONNECTING BUS-BARS FOR AC
VOLTAGE ABOVE 1 kV UP TO AND
INCLUDING 36 kV
(Incorporating Amendment Nos. 1, 2 & 3)

UDC 621.316.351

© BIS 2006

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN , 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

Price Group 6
 IS : 8084 - 1976

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
INTERCONNECTING BUS-BARS FOR AC
VOLTAGE ABOVE 1 kV UP TO AND
INCLUDING 36 kV
Switchgear and Controlgear Sectional Committee, ETDC 17
Chairman Representing
SHRI V. S. BHATIA Siemens India Ltd, Bombay
Members
SHRI S. K. DATTA ( Alternate to
Shri V. S. Bhatia )
SHRI N. S. S. AROKLASWAMY Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Madras
SHRI N. THYAGARAJAN ( Alternate )
SHRI C. R. BALASUBRAMANIAN English Electric Co of India Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI B. M. RAJSEKHRAN ( Alternate )
SHRI S. K. BHATIA Research & Development Organization for Electrical
Industry, Bhopal
SHRI J. H. BHOJWANI Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Bhopal
SHRI R. C. BANSAL ( Alternate )
SHRI B. N. BISWAS Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Hyderabad
SHRI R. SUBBA RAO ( Alternate )
SHRI K. K. BOSE Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI T. K. GHOSE ( Alternate )
CHIEF ENGINEER Delhi Electric Supply Undertaking, New Delhi
SHRI P. S. SAWHNEY ( Alternate )
DIRECTOR Central Power Research Institute, Bangalore
SENIOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR ( Alternate )
DIRECTOR (TRANSMISSION) Central Electricity Authority, New Delhi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (TRANSMIS-
SION) ( Alternate )
SHRI V. C. DOSHI Associated Cement Companies Ltd, Bombay
SHRI R. H. KULKARNI ( Alternate )
SHRI D. T. GURSAHANI Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals, New
Delhi
SHRI G. R. BHATIA ( Alternate )
SHRI H. V. J. IYENGAR DGEF Ltd, Bangalore
SHRI C. S. N. RAJU ( Alternate )
SHRI R. D. JAIN Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd, New Delhi
SHRI P. RAO ( Alternate )
SHRI N. G. JAYARAM Mysore Electrical Industries Ltd, Bangalore
SHRI B. S. NARASIMHAN ( Alternate )
( Continued on page 2 )

© BIS 2006
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act (XIV of 1957) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.
IS : 8084 - 1976
( Continued from page 1)
Members Representing
SHRI A. R. JHAVERI The Ahmedabad Millowners’ Association,
Ahmadabad
SHRI RAMAN M. THAKKAR ( Alternate )
J O I N T DIRECTOR STANDARDS Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
(ELECTRICAL-1)
DEPUTY DIRECTOR STANDARDS
(SS/TI) ( Alternate )
SHRI V. A. KRISHNAMURTHY Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
SHRI K. S. ANANTANARAYANAN ( Alternate )
SHRI VED PARKASH MAHENDRU Northern India Switchgear Manufacturers Asso-
ciation, Jullundur
SHRI K. K. BHAGAT ( Alternate )
SHRI V. S. MANI The Hindustan Brown Boveri Ltd, Bombay
SHRI K. S. MADHAVAN ( Alternate )
SHRI V. N. MANOHAR The Tata Hydro-Electric Power Supply Co Ltd,
Bombay
SHRI D. B. MEHTA ( Alternate )
SHRI S. K. MUKHERJEE National Test House, Calcutta
SHRI J. S. NEGI Jyoti Ltd, Vadodara
SHRI R. M. NANAVATI ( Alternate )
SHRI H. M. PAI The Ahmedabad Electricity Co Ltd, Bombay
SHRI K. G. PARIKH The Millowners Association, Bombay
DR G. M. PHADKE Indian Electrical Manufacturers Association, Bombay
SHRI M. A. JOSHI ( Alternate )
SHRI K. N. RAMASWAMY Directorate General of Technical Development,
New Delhi
SHRI R. K. GUPTA ( Alternate )
SHRI S. P. RANADE Crompton Greaves Ltd, Bombay
SHRI S. R. POTNIS ( Alternate )
SHRI A. P. SHENOY Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking,
Bombay
SHRI Y. K. PALVANKAR ( Alternate )
SHRI M. P. WAGH Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Bombay
SHRI I. C. JOSEPH ( Alternate )
SHRI S. P. SACHDEV, Director General, ISI ( Ex-officio Member )
Director (Elec tech)
Secretary
SHRI A. K. GOGIA
Assistant Director (Elec tech), ISI

2
 IS : 8084 - 1976

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
INTERCONNECTING BUS-BARS FOR AC
VOLTAGE ABOVE 1 kV UP TO AND
INCLUDING 36 kV
0. F O R E W O R D
0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards
Institution on 7 May 1976, after the draft finalized by the Switchgear
and Controlgear Sectional Committee had been approved by the
Electrotechnical Division Council.
0.2 With large scale manufacture of bus-bars in this country, the need
for specifying uniform requirements of such equipment was felt,
particularly in view of different practices being followed by the
manufacturers. This standard has, therefore, been prepared to meet
this need and also to provide guidance to the manufacturers in this field.
0.3 In preparing this standard, assistance has been derived from B.S.
159 : 1957 ‘Busbars and busbar connections’, issued by the British
Standards Institution.
0.4 This edition 1.3 incorporates Amendment No. 1 (January 1979),
Amendment No. 2 (September 1979) and Amendment No. 3
(March 1981). Side bar indicates modification of the text as the result
of incorporation of the amendments.
0.5 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated,
expressing the result of a test, shall be rounded off in accordance with
IS : 2-1960*. The number of significant places retained in the rounded off
value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard relates to ac interconnecting bus-bars and bus ducts
(other than by cables) having rated voltage above 1 kV up to and
including 36 kV, open or enclosed type which are part of ac electrical
power systems and used as external connections between terminals of
equipment. These are composed of metals such as copper or aluminium
with air, oil/compound, solid or semisolid materials as insulation. This
standard also covers enclosures, support structure, etc, associated with
bus-bars arrangement.
1.2 Insulators, bushings and cables, etc, which may be used with
*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised ).
3
IS : 8084 - 1976
bus-bar assemblies are not covered in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not cover bus-bars forming part of factory built
switchgear assemblies and also bus-bars used in outdoor switch yards.
1.4 The service conditions for which the bus-bars conforming to this
standard are suitable are given in Appendix A.
1.5 Additional guidelines for busbars used in interconnecting
generator units to main step-up transformer in the power stations, are
provided in Appendix F.
2. TERMINOLOGY
2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall
apply.
2.1 Interconnecting Bus-Bar — A conductor other than cable, used
for external interconnection between terminals of equipment.
2.2 Open Bus-Bar — A bus-bar that is not provided with a protective
enclosure.
2.3 Air-Insulated Bus-Bar — A bus-bar which except at points of
support is designed with air as principal dielectric. It may be covered
with insulating material.
2.4 Oil/Compound Immersed Bus-Bar — An enclosed bus-bar
which is totally immersed in insulating oil/compound.
2.5 Metal Enclosed Bus Duct — An assembly of bus-bar with
associated connections, joints and insulator supports within a
grounded metal enclosure. Metal enclosed bus ducts shall be, in
general, of three basic types that is, non-segregated phase, segregated
phase and isolated phase.
2.5.1 Non-segregated Phase Bus Duct — Metal enclosed bus duct in
which all the phase conductors are in a common metal enclosure
without barrier between the phases.
2.5.2 Segregated Phase Bus Duct — Metal enclosed bus ducts in which
all the phase conductors are in a common metal enclosure but are
segregated by metal/insulation barrier between phases.
2.5.3 Isolated Phase Bus Duct — Metal enclosed bus duct in which
each phase conductor is enclosed by an individual metal housing and
separated from adjacent conductor housing by an air space. Isolated
phase bus ducts shall be of two basic types in general, that is,
discontinuous and continuous.
2.5.3.1 Discontinuous isolated phase bus duct — Isolated phase bus duct
system in which the various sections of bus duct are so interconnected
and earthed that no path is provided for the induced circulating currents
to flow from one phase enclosure to other phase enclosure.

4
 IS : 8084 - 1976
2.5.3.2 Continuous isolated phase bus duct — Isolated phase bus duct
system in which the various sections of bus duct are so interconnected
that low resistance path for the induced circulating current is provided
from one phase enclosure to other phase enclosure.
2.6 Rated Current — The rms value of current which the bus-bar
assembly shall be able to carry continuously under prescribed conditions.
2.7 Rated Voltage — Voltage assigned by the manufacturer to indicate
the highest system rms voltage between phases for which the bus-bar is
intended.
2.8 Rated Frequency — The service frequency for which the bus-bar
is designed.
2.9 Rated Insulation Level — The combination of test voltage values
(both power frequency and impulse) which characterize the insulation of
bus-bar assemblies with regard to its capability of withstanding
dielectric stresses.
2.10 Rated Short Time Current — The rms value of the current
which the bus-bar shall be able to carry for one second under specified
conditions.
3. RATING
3.1 The bus-bar shall be rated in terms of the following:
a) Number of phases,
b) Rated voltage,
c) Rated current,
d) Rated frequency, and
e) Rated short time current.
3.2 Preferred Rated Voltage — Rated voltage of bus-bars shall be
one of the highest system voltages given in Table 1.
3.3 Preferred Rated Insulation Level — The rated insulation level
shall be selected from Table 1 ( see also Appendix F ).
3.4 Preferred Rated Current — These shall be selected from the
following standard values (in amperes):
100, 250, 400, 630, 800, 1 250, 1 600, 2 000, 3 150, 4 000, 5 000,
6 300, 8 000, 10 000, 12 500 and 15 000.
NOTE — In power stations for connecting high current generator units to step up
transformers it is usual practice to use metal enclosed bus-bars. In installations
where main bus duct is of a particular type, various low current tap-offs from these
shall be of similar type.
3.4.1 For installation where the above ratings may not be economical,
other ratings of busbars based on actual capacity of source may be
mutually agreed to between purchaser and manufacturer. In order to

5
IS : 8084 - 1976
account for variations in voltage, power factor etc, a total overload
factor of 10 percent of rated nominal current of source may be
prescribed to arrive at the rated current of busbars.
3.5 Rated Frequency — The bus-bar shall be designed for use on a
supply frequency of 50 Hz.
3.6 Rated Short Time Current — The short time current rating of
the bus-bar shall correspond to the fault level of the system and take
into consideration the protective devices on the incoming side. The
standard duration of short-time current shall be one second
( see also Appendix F ).
4. LIMITS OF TEMPERATURE-RISE
4.1 The temperature-rise limits shall be in accordance with Table 2.

TABLE 1 RATED INSULATION LEVEL (FOR RATED VOLTAGES

ABOVE 1 kV)

( Clauses 3.2, 3.3, 7.1.4.1 and F-2 )

RATED VOLTAGE STANDARD ONE MINUTE POWER FREQUENCY
(HIGHEST SYSTEM IMPULSE WITHSTAND VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE) WITHSTAND

















VOLTAGE Switchgear and Bus-Ducts Used for
Similar Equip- Generator Trans-
ment former Connections
(1) (2) (3) (4)

kV (rms) kV (peak) kV (rms) kV (rms)

3.6 40 10 21
7.2 60 20 27
12.0 75 28 35
24.0 125 50 55
36.0 170 70 75

NOTE 1 — The values given in this table are based on an ambient temperature of
20°C, pressure of 760 mm Hg at 0°C and humidity of 11 g of water per cubic metre.
The values corresponding to the Indian Standard reference temperature of 27°C
when available, will replace above values.
NOTE 2 — A standard impulse wave is one with wavefront of 1.2 microseconds and a
time to half value of wave tail of 50 microseconds.
NOTE 3 — For the purpose of site tests 80 percent of the voltage withstand values
specified above may be used, the test voltage being power frequency ac for 1 minute
or dc for 15 minutes.

6
 IS : 8084 - 1976

TABLE 2 TEMPERATURE-RISE LIMIT

( Clauses 4.1 and 7.1.2.4 )

SL DESCRIPTION OF PARTS TEMPERATURE RISE OVER REFERENCE

NO . OF BUSDUCTS AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 40°C

(1) (2) (3)

i) Busbars and conductors of
copper or aluminium:
a) Bolted joints 50°C
(plain or tinned)*
b) Bolted joints 65°C
(silver plated)†
c) Aluminium welded joints 65°C
ii) Enclosure and covers:
a) Accessible surface 30°C‡
b) Inaccessible surface 50°C
iii) Termination of busbars As for conductors of busbars§
NOTE — For busbars in contact with insulating materials, the temperature rise shall
be governed by the maximum permissible temperature for the class of insulation.
*For high current copper busbar joints in air, tinning or silver plating is
recommended. For bolted aluminium busbar joints suitable jointing compounds are to be
essentially used.
†For silver plated joints, the use of suitable jointing compound is essential to prevent
galvanic corrosion and deterioration of joint in the presence of moisture.
‡Unless otherwise specified in the case of covers and enclosures which are accessible,
but need not be touched during normal operation, temperature rise limits, increased by
10°C are permissible.
§The temperature rise limits for cable terminations shall be governed by the cable
design.

5. CONSTRUCTION
5.0 General construction of various types of metal enclosed bus-bars is
outlined below for the purpose of reference of manufacturers and users
in particular.
5.1 Non-segregated Phase Bus Duct — This consists of three phase
bus-bars running in a common metal enclosure made of steel or
aluminium. The enclosure provides safety for the operating personnel
and reduces chances of faults. The bus duct shall be factory assembled
or site fabricated if facilities are available. The enclosure is effectively
grounded. This type of bus duct is illustrated in Fig. 1.

7
IS : 8084 - 1976

FIG. 1 TYPICAL NON-SEGREGATED PHASE BUS DUCT

5.2 Segregated Phase Bus Duct — This type is similar to
non-segregated phase bus duct except that metal or insulation barriers
are provided between phase conductors to reduce chances of phase to
phase faults. This type of design is illustrated in Fig. 2. The metal
barriers are preferred.
5.3 Isolated Phase Bus Duct — In this construction each phase
conductor is housed in a separate non-magnetic enclosure. The bus
duct is made of sections which are assembled together at site to make
complete assembly. The enclosures are generally round or square in
shape and are of welded construction. The enclosures of all phases are
usually supported on a common steel structure.
5.3.1 In discontinuous type designs the enclosures and structures are
so interconnected and grounded that effective grounding is achieved
without forming closed circuit for induced circulating currents;
suitable insulation is provided between enclosure joints wherever
necessary to avoid these currents. Metal and insulation braces are
provided between enclosures to take care of short circuit forces, etc.
This type of design is illustrated in Fig. 3

FIG. 2 TYPICAL SEGREGATED PHASE BUS DUCT

8
 IS : 8084 - 1976
5.3.2 In continuous type designs, phase enclosures are effectively
welded or connected at the two ends to other phase enclosures to form
a low resistance path adequate to carry current of the same order as the
bus-bar unless the circulating currents are limited by some suitable
means such as the use of reactors. This design may not require
insulation at enclosure joints. This type of design is illustrated in Fig. 4.
NOTE — For selection of type of busduct, see Appendix F.
5.4 Conductors — Conductors suitable for bus-bars and bus-bar
connections are specified in the following Indian Standards:
Copper Conductors
IS : 282-1963 Specification for hard-drawn copper conductors for
overhead power transmission ( revised )
IS : 613-1964 Specification for copper rods for electrical purposes
( revised )
IS : 1897-1971 Specification for copper strip for electrical
purposes ( first revision )
Aluminium Conductors
IS : 398-1961 Specification for hard-drawn stranded aluminium
and steel-cored aluminium conductors for overhead power
transmission purposes ( revised )
IS : 1841-1971 Specification for EC grade aluminium rod
produced by rolling ( first revision )
IS : 2067-1962 Specification for wrought aluminium for electrical
purposes, wire (other than that used for overhead conductors)
IS : 4026-1969 Specification for aluminium ingots (EC grade)
( first revision )
IS : 5082-1969 Specification for wrought aluminium and
aluminium alloys, bars, rods, tubes and sections for electrical
purposes
IS : 5484-1969 Specification for EC grade aluminium rod
produced by continuous casting and rolling
5.4.1 Conductor jointing shall be done as given in Appendix B. Joints
shall be such that the temperature-rise shall not exceed that specified
in Table 2 and shall be so constructed or treated as to prevent
deterioration in service and maintain the conductivity of the joint.
Provision shall be made in joints between copper and aluminium
conductors for prevention of electrolytic action, either by exclusion of
moisture or use of suitable bimetallic connector or its equivalent.

9
IS : 8084 - 1976

FIG. 3 TYPICAL DISCONTINUOUS TYPE ISOLATED PHASE BUS DUCT

5.5 Enclosure
5.5.1 Enclosure Material — The material for enclosure of isolated
types of bus-bar shall be non-magnetic.

10
 IS : 8084 - 1976

FIG. 4 TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF CONTINUOUS TYPE OF ISOLATED

PHASE BUS DUCT
5.5.2 Construction — The enclosure for voltages more than 1 000 V are
under consideration; till such time the purchasers may select one of the
degrees of protection given in IS : 2147-1962* ( see also Appendix F )
5.6 Thermal Expansion — Provision shall be made, where
necessary, to allow for longitudinal expansion and contraction of
bus-bars and bus enclosures, caused by temperature variation.
*Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear.

11
IS : 8084 - 1976
5.7 Grounding of Isolated Phase Bus Duct — A continuous ground
conductor shall be provided in parallel with the isolated phase bus to
ensure that all enclosures are grounded. The ground bus may take the
form of a separate bar or wire (copper or aluminium), it may be the
enclosure itself, or it may be the supporting structure, if a continuous
electrical path can be provided suitable for the same rated short time
current as the main bus conductors.
5.7.1 The ground conductor shall preferably be connected to the station
ground at one point only, although more connection points are
satisfactory if induced current loops have been avoided. Induced
voltages across insulated joints in the housing should be kept as low as
possible and preferably below two volts during rated current operations.
5.8 Supporting Structure
5.8.1 The supporting structure for the bus duct shall be strong enough
to cater for the various static and dynamic loadings, such as weight of
the bus duct, short circuit forces, wind load, seismic forces, etc ( see
also Appendix F ).
NOTE — For high current installations like isolated phase bus ducts, considerations
shall be given to the problem of induced magnetic heating and circulating current in
the structure. Suitable insulated gaps in the steel work to eliminate closed loops and
short-circuiting band around the steel members aid in solving the problem. This
problem is prominent in discontinuous type designs and the necessity of
incorporating short-circuiting bands is recommended beyond 4 500 amperes ratings.
5.9 Ventilation — The bus ducts shall be normally natural cooled.
Forced cooling may be considered beyond 10 000 amperes ratings.
5.9.1 For enclosed bus-bars, provision shall be made to prevent
accumulation of condensation of moisture. This may be done by
providing heaters, dry air circulation, pressurization, ventilation
through breathers or filtered drains where necessary. When filtered
drains are provided they should be provided at the low point in vertical
sections to prevent accumulation of condensation.
5.10 Terminations — For terminating the bus conductors at the
generator and transformer terminals suitable flexible connections
made of braids or multiple laminations shall be used. Termination at
generator may require seal off bushings or baffles with provision for
escape to atmosphere of hydrogen from possible leaks in or around the
generator bushing.
5.11 When specified by the purchaser the bus-bars may be provided
with isolating shorting links. If so provided, they should be located at
easily accessible position.

12
 IS : 8084 - 1976
5.12 Secondary Wiring — Secondary control devices and their
wiring shall be isolated by suitable barriers from all primary circuit
elements with the exceptions of short lengths of wire at instrument
transformer terminals.
6. MARKING
6.1 Each bus-bar or bus duct shall be provided with a name plate or
plates carrying the following data, marked in a durable manner and
located in a place such that it is visible and legible when the bus-bar is
installed:
a) Reference to this standard, Ref IS : 8084;
b) Manufacturer’s name or trade-mark;
c) Type designation or serial number;
d) Rated voltage;
e) Rated frequency;
f) Rated current;
g) Rated short time current;
h) Number of phases; and
j) Country of origin.
6.1.1 Bus-bars may also be marked with the ISI Certification Mark.
NOTE — The use of the ISI Certification Mark is governed by the provisions of the
Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act and the Rules and
Regulations made thereunder. The ISI Mark on products covered by an Indian
Standard conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply with the
requirements of that standard under a well-defined system of inspection, testing and
quality control which is devised and supervised by ISI and operated by the producer.
ISI marked products are also continuously checked by ISI for conformity to that
standard as a further safeguard. Details of conditions under which a licence for the
use of the ISI Certification Mark may be granted to manufacturers or processors,
may be obtained from the Indian Standards Institution.

7. TESTS
7.0 Classification of Tests
7.0.1 Type Tests — The following shall constitute type tests:
a) Impulse voltage test ( see 7.1.1 ),
b) Temperature-rise test ( see 7.1.2 ),
c) Short time current test ( see 7.1.3 ), and
d) Power frequency voltage withstand test ( see 7.1.4 ).
7.0.2 Routine Test — The following shall constitute routine test:
Power frequency voltage withstand test ( see 7.2.1 ).

13
IS : 8084 - 1976
7.0.3 Site Test — The following site tests shall be carried out after
installation of bus-bar at site:
a) Power frequency voltage withstand test ( see 7.3.1 ), and
b) Insulation resistance test for enclosure circuit ( see 7.3.2 ).
7.0.4 Tests of verify degree of protection provided by enclosures are
given in Appendix F.
7.1 Type Tests
7.1.0 General — Because of the variety of types, ratings and possible
combinations, it is impracticable to do type test on all arrangements of
bus-bars. The performance of any arrangement may be substantiated
by test data and experience on comparable arrangements and such
data shall be considered as evidence of compliance with the
requirements of this standard. In the absence of the test data the
purchaser may require the type test to be made but should in such case
specify this in his enquiry or order.
7.1.1 Impulse Voltage Test
7.1.1.1 The bus-bar shall be subjected to impulse voltage dry tests with
1.2/50 microsecond impulses in accordance with IS : 2070-1962* and
the appropriate test voltage specified in Table 1.
7.1.1.2 The shape of the test voltage applied shall be that of the
standard impulse wave in accordance with the definition accuracy in
IS : 2070-1962*.
7.1.1.3 During the test, the earthed terminal of the impulse generator
shall be connected to the frame of the bus-bar.
7.1.1.4 Five consecutive impulse voltage waves shall be applied. If a
flashover or puncture does not occur, the bus-bar shall be considered to
have passed the test. If puncture occurs, or if two or more flashovers
occur, the bus-bar shall be considered to have failed the test. If only
one flashover takes place, 10 additional impulses shall be applied and
only if flashover or puncture does not occur on any of these additional
applications the bus-bar shall be considered to have passed the test
successfully.
7.1.1.5 The bus-bar shall be capable of passing the specified tests with
voltages of both positive and negative polarity. However, when it is
evident which polarity will give the lower break down voltage, it shall
suffice to test with that polarity.
7.1.1.6 The peak value and the wave-shape of the test voltage shall be
recorded for all tests by means of a cathode-ray oscillograph with a
calibrated voltage divider.

*Method of impulse voltage testing.

14
 IS : 8084 - 1976
7.1.2 Temperature-Rise Test
7.1.2.1 The test shall be made with the specified nature of supply (ac
or dc) and if ac at a frequency of 40 to 60 Hz.
7.1.2.2 The test assembly shall be 3 phase unit or 1 phase unit, as
applicable, having a minimum length of 5 m. It shall have at least 1
joint (conductor and enclosure) per phase, bolted, clamped or welded.
Supply leads shall be of proper size to prevent heat interchange. Ends
of the bus shall be sealed.
Test current shall flow through all phases, the current in each
phase within 2 percent of the specific test current value. The test
current shall be applied continuously until the temperature of all the
bus bar parts and supports are substantially constant (three
successive readings at not less than 30 minutes intervals shall show a
maximum variation of ± 1°C in hottest spot temperature).
The test shall be conducted in a room reasonably free of drought.
The bus arrangement shall be around 60 cm from the floor.
7.1.2.3 The recommended methods of measurement of temperature
and precautions to be observed while carrying on the temperature-rise
measurement are given in Appendix C.
7.1.2.4 At the end of the tests, the temperature-rise of the different
parts of the main circuit shall not exceed the values specified in Table 2.
7.1.3 Short Time Current Test
7.1.3.1 The tests shall be made as necessary to determine the thermal
and mechanical adequacy of buses and connections. Short time tests of
metal enclosed bus shall be made with a three-phase section having a
minimum length of 5 m. The power supply may be three-phase or
single-phase. If three-phase, these conductors shall be connected
together at one end, while the other ends are connected to the power
source. If single-phase power is used, the circuit shall be arranged so
that current flow is through two adjacent phase conductors. The force
due to a three-phase fault is approximately 86.6 percent of that due to
a single-phase fault for the same current. Therefore, for single-phase
testing, the current shall be 7.0 percent below the current for
three-phase testing.
7.1.3.2 The test may be done at any suitable voltage with bus-bars at
any convenient temperature. The short time current shall be applied
for one second and its rms value shall be determined from the
oscillogram as indicated in Appendix D. The highest peak value of the
major current loop during the first cycle of test shall not be less than
2.55 times the rated short time current.
7.1.3.3 The short time current shall not produce any mechanical
damage, permanent distortion or burning of part and shall not cause a
15
IS : 8084 - 1976
temperature-rise that added to maximum temperature attained at the
rated current would damage the insulation of current carrying parts.
7.1.3.4 After the test, the bus-bars shall be in a condition to comply
with their ratings as specified in 3 when they are again at the ambient
temperature.
7.1.4 Power Frequency Voltage Withstand Test
7.1.4.1 Where practicable, power frequency voltage test shall be
applied to bus-bars and bus-bar connections completely assembled
with all joints as in service or where the insulation of joints between
bus-bars may be completed only after erection on site, to individual
sections of bus-bars with suitable temporary insulation applied to
exposed connections. The rms test voltage shall be as given in Table 1.
7.1.4.2 The test voltage shall be applied between each phase and earth
in turn with the remaining phases earthed.
The test voltage shall be alternating, of any frequency between 25
Hz and 100 Hz and approximately of sine-wave form.
7.1.4.3 The voltage shall be increased from its initial value as rapidly
as is consistent with its value being indicated by the measuring
instrument. The full test voltage shall then be maintained for one
minute. During the test, one pole of the testing transformer shall be
connected to earth and to the frame of the bus-bar enclosure.
7.1.4.4 When the insulation is entirely of porcelain, a test at ordinary
temperature shall be regarded as equivalent to one at the maximum
temperature that may be reached in service, but if the insulation
includes materials other than porcelain the test may be made at
ordinary temperature provided that the manufacturer satisfies the
purchaser by means of a type test that representative individual
sections of the insulation will withstand the test voltage at the
maximum temperature that may be reached in service.
7.2 Routine Test
7.2.1 Power Frequency Voltage Withstand Test — This test shall be
carried out at the manufacturers’ premises on various forms of
representative sections. This test shall be carried out in accordance
with 7.1.4.
7.3 Site Test
7.3.1 Power Frequency Voltage Withstand Test — For those bus-bars
which are assembled at site the voltage test should be done as agreed
between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
7.3.2 Insulation Resistance Test for Enclosure Circuit — This test is
applicable to discontinuous type of isolated phase bus duct only, where
insulation is provided in the enclosure circuit. This shall be done by a
1 000 V megger.
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 IS : 8084 - 1976
8. INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED TO THE MANUFACTURER
WITH ENQUIRY
8.1 The information regarding particulars given in Appendix E shall
be provided by the purchaser, if required by the supplier.

APPENDIX A
[ Clauses 1.4 and C.1.1 (e) ]

SERVICE CONDITIONS
A-0. This standard applies to bus-bars which are designed to be used
under the following conditions.
A-1. TEMPERATURE
A-1.1 Ambient temperatures are as follows:
a) Maximum ambient temperature 45°C,
b) Maximum daily average ambient air temperature 35°C, and
c) Maximum yearly average ambient air temperature 30°C.
A-2. ALTITUDE
A-2.1 The altitude of the site of installation does not exceed 2 000 m.
NOTE — For installations at higher altitudes, it is necessary to take into account the
reduction of the dielectric strength and of the cooling effect of the air. Bus-bars and
their enclosures so used shall be designed or used according to an agreement between
manufacturer and user. Information given in the manufacturer’s catalogue may
constitute such an agreement.

A-3. ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS

A-3.1 Atmosphere which is not heavily polluted.
A-3.2 Atmospheric climate not conducive to the growth of fungi and
condensation of moisture.
A-4. CONDITION OF INSTALLATION
A-4.1 The bus-bars and their enclosures shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

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IS : 8084 - 1976

APPENDIX B
( Clause 5.4.1 )

CONDUCTOR JOINTS
B-1. JOINTING PRACTICE FOR ALUMINIUM TO ALUMINIUM
AND ALUMINIUM TO COPPER CONNECTION
B-1.1 Contact Pressure — Sufficient contact pressure should be
maintained to ensure low contact resistance, but not so great as to
cause relaxation of the joint by cold flow. The design of the joint should
be such that the pressure is maintained within this range under all
conditions of service. To avoid excessive local pressure the contact
pressure should be evenly distributed by the use of pressure plates or
washers of adequate area and thickness.
B-2. REMOVING THE OXIDE FILM
B-2.1 Satisfactory methods of removing the oxide film include draw
filing, light machining or very vigorous scratch brushing under neutral
grease. The scratch brushes should not have been previously used on
other metals.
B-2.2 Special jointing compounds that fulfil the same purpose and
eliminate the need for any abrasive action are also available.
B-2.3 One of the procedures of B-2.1 and B-2.2 should always be
applied when a joint is reassembled after being broken down.
B-3. JOINTS
B-3.1 Excellent permanent connections in aluminium bars may be
made by fusion welding. Inert gas metal or tungsten arc welding
processes are recommended.
B-3.2 Aluminium-copper connections are designed on the same
principles as aluminium connections and surface preparation is the
same. The copper surface may be tinned if desired.
B-3.3 Bimetallic joints located outdoors, particularly in industrial or
marine locations, should be protected from the effects of electrolytic
action.

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 IS : 8084 - 1976

APPENDIX C
( Clause 7.1.2.3 )

TEMPERATURE-RISE MEASUREMENTS
C-1. GENERAL
C-1.1 While assessing the temperature-rise of bus-bar the following
factors will be considered:
a) Allowance for temperature coefficient of resistance,
b) Skin effect ratio,
c) Proximity effect ratio,
d) Effect of the presence of enclosure, and
e) Service conditions ( see Appendix A ).
C-1.2 The following methods of measuring temperature are recognized:
a) Thermometer method, and
b) Thermocouple method.
C-1.3 In order that the measurement of temperature may produce
consistent results, certain precautions should be observed. These are
specified in C-2 to C-3.
C-2. THERMOMETER METHOD
C-2.1 The thermometer may be bulb thermometer containing mercury
or alcohol or resistance thermometer.
C-2.2 When bulb thermometers are used in places where there is any
varying or moving magnetic field, those containing alcohol should be
employed in preference to those containing mercury.
C-2.3 When a bulb thermometer is used to measure the temperature of
a surface of a conductor, the bulb should be surrounded by a single
wrapping of tin foil of thickness not less than 0.025 mm. The foil shall
be turned up at the end to form complete covering for the bulb and
shall then be secured in contact with the surface under test. The
exposed part of the wrapped bulb shall be completely covered with a
pad of insulating material without unduly shielding the test surface
from normal cooling.
C-3. THERMOCOUPLE METHOD
C-3.1 The two conductors between which the thermoelectric effect is
produced shall be soldered or welded at both the hot and cold junctions.
C-3.2 When applied to the surface of live conductors, the hot junction

19
IS : 8084 - 1976
is covered with insulation and shall be wrapped with tin-foil as
described for bulb thermometers. The thermocouple circuit should be
earthed to minimize the possibility of capacitive currents.
C-3.3 The protecting pad of heat insulating material specified in C-2.3
shall be employed whether junction is insulated or not.
C-3.4 The cold junction shall be immersed in oil preferably contained
in a vacuum flask, the temperature of which is measured by a
thermometer.
C-4. MEASUREMENT OF AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
C-4.1 The temperature of surrounding air shall be measured by means
of at least two thermometers so placed as to take account of the
maximum and minimum ambient temperature and mean reading
shall be used for calculations. Each thermometer shall be immersed in
oil contained in a bottle of about half litre capacity completely filled.

APPENDIX D
( Clause 7.1.3.2 )

DETERMINATION OF THE EQUIVALENT rms VALUE OF A

SHORT-TIME CURRENT DURING A SHORT CIRCUIT
OF A GIVEN DURATION
D-1. The oscillogram in Fig. 5 indicates by way of example the current
that has passed through the bus-bar during a short circuit. The rms
value of the current during the time interval 0 to T of such a wave is
given by the formula:
T
1
Irms = ----
T ∫0 i2 dt
where T is the duration of the current in seconds, and i is the
instantaneous value of the current expressed in amperes.
D-2. The times in Fig. 5 are indicated as abscissae on the axis OX, and
the current values as ordinates on the axis OY, the origin O of the
co-ordinates representing the beginning of the short circuit and O T its
duration.

20
 IS : 8084 - 1976

OT = Duration of short circuit

}
AB
CD
= Envelope of current-wave

I0, I1, I2, etc = rms value of asymmetrical current at each instant

FIG. 5 DETERMINATION OF EQUIVALENT rms VALUE OF A

SHORT TIME CURRENT
D-3. The equivalent rms value of the current is determined as follows:
Let the time interval OT be divided into ten equal parts and
determine for the instants 0, 1, 2, 3, etc, 9, 10 the rms values I0, I1,
I2, etc, I9, I10, of the asymmetrical current from the formula:

Iasym = 2 2
( I sym ) + ( I DC )

where
Isym = the rms value of ac component of the current at the
instant under consideration, and
IDC = the value of the dc component of the current at the same
instant.

The equivalent rms value of the current during the time of short
circuit, Iaverege, is given with sufficient accuracy by the Simpson
formula:

1- [ 2 + 4 ( 2 +I 2 +I 2 +I 2 +I 2 ) + 2 ( 2 +I 2 +I 2 +I 2 )+I 2 ]
Iaverage = ----- I0 I1 3 5 7 9 I2 4 6 8 10
30

21
IS : 8084 - 1976

APPENDIX E
( Clause 8.1 )

INFORMATION REQUIRED WITH ENQUIRY AND ORDER

E-1. The purchaser shall supply the following information along with
the description and drawings, while making an enquiry:
a) Type of Bus-Bar — It shall be specified whether the bus-bars are:
1) Open type,
2) Non-segregated type with steel/aluminium trunking,
3) Segregated with steel/aluminium, and
4) Isolated phase type.
b) Rating of Bus-Bars and Tee Offs — The enquiry shall specify the
following:
1) Number of phases,
2) Rated voltage,
3) Rated current,
4) Rated frequency, and
5) Rated short time current.
c) Service Conditions — The enquiry shall specify the following:
1) Reference ambient temperature;
2) Altitude of site;
3) System earthing;
4) Whether the bus-bars are electrically exposed or non-exposed;
and
5) Other special conditions if any, such as exposure to corrosive,
fumes, gas, etc.
d) Tests — Any special type tests required to be conducted for the
bus-bars shall be specified.
e) Installation Details — The enquiry shall specify the following:
1) The layout of equipment,
2) Termination details of all the equipment to be connected,
3) Details of current transformers and Potential transformers,
4) Earthing equipment associated with bus-bars,
5) The details of civil construction for supporting the bus-bars, and
6) Requirements for sealing at various points of bus run.
f) Special Requirement, if Any
NOTE — For the execution of job, after placement of order, the exact and final details
required under (d) shall be made available by the purchaser.

22
 IS : 8084 - 1976

APPENDIX F
( Clauses 1.5, 3.3, 3.6, 5.3.2, 5.5.2, 5.8.1 and 7.0.4 )

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR BUSBARS USED IN POWER

STATIONS FOR INTERCONNECTION OF GENERATOR UNITS
AND MAIN STEP-UP TRANSFORMER
F-0. The additional guidelines are given below in order to achieve
standardization of the above busducts.
F-1. RATED SHORT TIME CURRENT
F-1.1 Separate fault level values shall be specified for the main and
tap-off busducts.
NOTE — Faults on the main bus is fed on one side from generator and on the other
side from grid. Any section of main bus will carry current from any one side at a time.
For faults on tap-offs, the current from both sides add up in the tap-off portion. Hence
fault current for main bus is invariably less than that of tap-off bus.

F-2. PREFERRED RATED INSULATED LEVEL

F.2.1 The rated insulation level shall be selected from Table 1.
F-3. SELECTION OF TYPE OF BUSDUCT
F.3.1 In order to limit heating of near-by steel structure and
reinforcements, for ratings of 8 000 amperes and above continuous
type isolated phase busduct designs may be preferred.
F-4. DEGREE OF PROTECTION
F-4.0 The enclosure of busduct shall meet the following requirements
of water and air tightness tests.
F-4.1 Water Tightness Test — The enclosure of busduct shall
prevent the entrance of power when a stream from 25 mm diameter
hose under head of 11 metres (under flow condition) and with the
nozzle 3 metres from the equipment, is directed downward on it over
the full length at an angle of at least 45 degrees from horizontal. The
test shall be made for five minutes.
F-4.2 Air Tightness Test — When busduct is completely assembled
in accordance with manufacturers direction it may be checked for air
tightness by filling with air to a pressure of 150 mm of water. After the
air supply is shut off the pressure drop shall not be more than 75 mm
of water in 15 seconds. Any breather or drain valve hole shall be sealed
before the test.

23
Bureau of Indian Standards
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Copyright
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Review of Indian Standards
Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also
reviewed periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates
that no changes are needed; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for
revision. Users of Indian Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest
amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of ‘BIS Catalogue’ and ‘Standards : Monthly
Additions’.
This Indian Standard has been developed by Technical Committee : ETDC 17 and amended by
ETDC 58

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue
Amd. No. 1 January 1979
Amd. No. 2 September 1979
Amd. No. 3 March 1981

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