Cable Bus vs. Electrical Conduit

Comparison of the two technologies

Types of Electrical Conduit

There are many types of conduits; they can be either flexible or rigid. With or without options such as liquid-tight, or flame retardant. Conduits are made from materials such as:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Polymers
• Fiber
• Fire Clay

Comparison of Bus Duct and Cable Bus

Electrical Conduit
Little engineering requirements.	Fully engineered to minimize loses and wastes.
High level of protection although: Can act as a conduit for possibly corrosive (or dangerous) liquids and gases unless liquid/air tight addition. High cost of material. No phase balancing or free air rating so cables generally need to be de-rated.	Cable Bus designed to provide: Ample protection for the cables from environmental factors. Not only proper ventilation to maintain free air rating but proper drainage as well. Cables that can operate at rated ampacity value.
Conduit installation: Considered one of the most difficult electrical systems to install. Safety: Conduits are generally installed from one enclosure to another before conductors can be pulled in. This forces installers to be working within an enclosure that may contain live equipment.	Cable Bus Installation: Very straightforward, can be installed by as little as 2 people Safe: Cable Bus allows for conductors to be pulled in from locations adjacent to terminations. Therefore installers are not required to be near any live equipment