It is quite possible to assemble the design of the shield with modular machines by means of loops. But this procedure is quite long and painstaking. Wiring and connecting jumpers require significant labor costs. At the same time, the wires are difficult to fit in their place, easily confused. To simplify this process allows the connecting bus for machines, which is also called a comb. Consider the features and purpose of this element, as well as the possibility of its connection.
History of Creation
Assembly and disassembly of the filling of switchboards are associated with various problems of connection and placement of work items. This problem is especially relevant for ensuring the interaction of protective devices and automata in groups. This required organizingseveral jumpers from wires with the required cross section. Moreover, this work was done manually on site with the adjustment of wires to size and the processing of connections with electrical tape.
Such types of connection have a number of disadvantages. The main one is the lack of power and automatic shutdown of subsequent jumpers. Similar problems arose due to poorly organized contact, which led to further burnout of the element.
Among other disadvantages of this method, the following points are noted:
- significant installation time, due to the need to measure the length of each piece of wiring, strip the insulation, then crimp the ends;
- unaesthetic appearance of the device due to excessive cables;
- inconvenience of installing devices located on a special rail above the machines.
To simplify and speed up these works, many different devices were invented, one of which is a connecting bus for automatic machines.
Description
Depending on the devices that are connected, the parts in question are divided into several varieties by poles (from 1 to 3). In the connecting comb for automata, the number of plates and pole endings is identical. In addition, each of the connectors is designed to perform specific tasks. For example, single-phase models are used to connect similar switches, 4-pole versions are aggregated with three-phase devices.
Specifiedproducts have a different step rate (from 18 to 27 millimeters). Smaller options are focused on interacting with a single module. A pitch of 27 mm is used to connect one and a half modular consumers. With the help of combs, it is really possible to mount a set of automatic machines at the same time (from 12 to 60 pieces). For this reason, the use of such devices is irrelevant for connecting one pair of devices. The best option is the use in switchboards with multiple contacts.
Design features
The single pole comb bar incorporates a solid copper plate in its design. It has a rectangular section, as well as branches made through a certain distance. The device is used to connect modular automatic machines, contactors, RCDs, difavtomatov. The specified "stuffing" is placed in a special case made of non-flammable plastic.
The rest of the varieties have a similar design, only with the number of tires according to capacity and purpose. That is, in the case of a three-pole device - three tires, in a four-pole analogue - four, and so on.
Helpful advice
There are two types of connecting busbars for machines: pin variations (oriented to interact with most devices) and fork versions (requiring a special clamp). When choosing combs, it is recommended to pay attention to all design nuances. This is due to the fact that each type of connected devices corresponds tospecific tire modification. If you mount a device with unsuitable connectors, the taps do not fully fall into place, some of them protrude outward, which leads to a risk of electric shock. In addition, it is a fire hazard if flammable material comes into contact with the working contact.
Pros and cons
The advantages of connecting busbars for machines include the following points:
- a significant reduction in the wiring placed in the shield, which has a positive effect on the accuracy of installation and the aesthetic appearance of the structure;
- significant simplification of the repair and maintenance of fixtures due to the simplified tracking of their working scheme;
- increased load withstand (up to 63 A);
- guaranteed high reliability and quality of connections without heating the working contacts.
Despite all the advantages, the considered design has a number of disadvantages, namely:
- repair and maintenance work requires turning off the power of all combined devices, which causes some inconvenience;
- when improving the switchboard, it is necessary to replace the connecting element or install a jumper, which will negatively affect the quality of the connection;
- when replacing a burnt out machine, it is required to loosen the terminals on each device, otherwise it will not work to remove the comb;
- necessary to select fixtures of identical brands;
- connection of the connecting bus for vending machinesmuch more expensive than jumpers;
- design using these connectors must interact with at least six devices, otherwise its operation is impractical.
Installation recommendations
If the number of circuit breakers to be connected is less than the number of taps on the comb, the excess wires should be cut off. This procedure can be carried out by using any suitable tool, such as a hacksaw. The busbar and insulator are shortened separately. This is due to the fact that the second element is several centimeters longer. These precautions will help prevent short circuits.
At the ends of the insulators put special plugs that are included with the main device. If these protective elements are not available, standard insulating tape can be used. Any adult can connect the connecting bus-comb for automatic machines; special professional skills are not required for this. The device is mounted on top of the connected units with each outlet placed in the provided terminal compartment.
Main Stage
After cutting off the excess taps and placing the existing parts in their places, the screws responsible for pressing the contact terminals are fixed. The strength and quality of the clamp depends on the reliability of the connection and the further safety of the operation of the switchboard, as well as all its working units and connections. Power is supplied to one edge of the comb, after which it is allowed to alternately connectconsumers. Then you need to make sure that each connection is correct and activate the power supply to the shield. Mounting on this is complete.
Connecting the connecting comb for machines in the electrical panel to the RCD
According to safety standards, all modern apartment buildings must be equipped with outlet lines that are protected by difavtomat or RCD. In accordance with the rules and common sense, each line in the switchboard must be equipped with reliable protection to prevent current leakage. Such fuses are easy to connect using combs. However, the connection process itself is slightly different from the installation of circuit breakers.
When installing RCDs with automatic machines (single-phase), the connecting bus for them must have at least two poles. Such a requirement is due to the need to sum up the zero and phase to power the difavtomat. The use of a single-phase comb in this case is unacceptable, since there is no possibility of synchronous closing for all protection consumers located in the same row. In this case, the outgoing teeth of the tire should be placed through one (the step between the parts should correspond to the width of one module).
Nuances
The connection itself is quite simple. Consider an example with connecting a pair of RCDs. The phase is brought to the first comb, fixed in one terminal with a protective device. Zero must be brought to another bus, followed by clamping on the second terminal of the consumer. According to the same scheme, all RCDs mountedoptional.
Such a design is very convenient and simple, the interaction of protective elements with each other occurs quickly and reliably.
Producers
Combs from different manufacturers are on the market. The table below shows the most popular models with markings and brief characteristics.
| Modification | Parameters | Estimated price (in rubles) |
| Connecting rail for ABB type PSH1 breakers |
number of phases – 1; number of modules – 60; diameter (sq mm) - 10 |
From 550 |
| Schneider Electric version 63A/12 |
number of modules – 12; pitch (mm) – 18; · excerpt (A) – 63; type – PIN 3 IEK |
From 500 |
| BB PS1/57N (neutral) |
allowable current (A) – 63; number of modules – 57; type – PS1 |
From 750 |
| ABB PSH1/12 |
number of phases/modules – 1/12; section (mm) – 10, 2; working distance (mm) – 17, 6; Type of protective plugs – END.1.1. |
From 120 |
Common mistakes
Among the typical mistakes made by inexperienced electricians or amateurs, there are three main points:
- Purchasing and using a comb that does not match the number of inputs and poles of the aggregated appliance.
- The use of a connecting bus for automatic machines (3ph) only for a pair of circuit breakers in cases where its power is sufficient to service a whole set of protective units.
- Connecting an element with a maximum current load of 63 A to a more powerful line.
Summarize
The connecting comb-tire greatly simplifies and speeds up the design of switchboards and a number of other devices. But during its operation, certain points should be taken into account, most of which are described above. Finally, one more nuance is worth noting: if you want to add another machine to the existing row, and the comb is measured for the available quantity, you will have to purchase a new analogue or use a jumper. The way out is the early installation of circuit breakers with standard indicators.
