Partners > Erico > Flexibar Flexible Busbar

ERICO's ISO 9001 certified quality control procedures and proprietary automated manufacturing processes have made FLEXIBAR the preferred conductor for panelboard designers and assemblers throughout Europe and the Americas. FLEXIBAR has over 15 years of proven low voltage application success throughout the world.
 
Features

  • FLEXIBAR® consists of a stack of tinned electrolytic copper laminates protected within a durable PVC insulation. • Internal copper laminates are free to slide within the insulation, offering unlimited twisting and bending possibilities for panelboard assembly.

  • Terminals are created by punching FLEXIBAR laminates for optimum surface to surface connectivity.

  • The cost of lugs and associated labor is eliminated when using FLEXIBAR. It is the first cost effective alternative to large diameter electrical cable with lugs or solid busbar for panelboard construction.

Applications

Any low voltage cable or busbar design is a candidate for FLEXIBAR, including:

  • UPS Systems

  • Industrial & Commercial Motor

  • Controls

  • Combination Motor Starters

  • Busways or Busducts

  • Panelboards

  • Switchboards

  • AC & DC Drive Units

  • Transformers

  • Anywhere cable or busbar limitations present a problem, FLEXIBAR offers connection versatility.

Specifications
Name Description More Details
 FLEXIBAR  Flexible insulated busbar    PDF  

 

Flexibar  
is available in a variety of sizes and configurations for a given ampacity requirement. Selecting the correct FLEXIBAR part number is a function of the width of the connection area and the electrical current required. The ampacity shown in the tables below are based on a 50° Centigrade temperature rise.

FLEXIBAR® Characteristics  

1. FLEXIBAR is UL recognized and CSA certified. The black insulation is moisture resistant, flame (VW-1) and UV retardant, and self-extinguishing (UL 94 V0).
2. FLEXIBAR connections are made by punching directly through the laminates. Since there are no lugs to purchase, fewer parts are required. Installation is simpler and faster – and faulty connection problems are eliminated.
3. FLEXIBAR is formed with multiple layers of thin, tin-plated, electrolytic copper.
4. Easily formed, FLEXIBAR holds its shape, increasing the efficiency of your designs.

When bending the conductor into place, its laminates slide freely within the insulation, conforming to your design configurations.

 

Flexibar Selector Chart

SELECT FLEXIBAR 
according to the current carrying requirements of the 
equipment being connected.

Ampacity
(Amps)  		 Width    
(mm)     		 Thickness   
(mm)      		     Length
    (M)		 Part Number
Use this to order.


SELECT FLEXIBAR 
according to the terminal width of the equipment being connected.
Width      
(mm)      		 Ampacity       
(Amps)        		 Thickness   
(mm)      		 Length 
(M) 		 Part Number
Use this to order.

Note: These tables should be used as a guide.

FLEXIBAR® Advantages

• Requires less installation space when compared to cable
• Reduces assembly time
• Eliminates the cost and installation of lugs
• Increases safety
• Reduces the length and number of conductors
• FLEXIBAR is terminated like a busbar, so connections operate at a lower temperature
• Improves design flexibility
• Easily formed and holds its shape
• Insulation allows for closer spacing than traditional busbar designs
• Improves aesthetics
• Reduces inventory costs
• Lower installed cost

Compare FLEXIBAR to Cable

  • When compared to conventional cable, FLEXIBAR requires less 
    copper to achieve comparable ampacity

  • FLEXIBAR offers space savings

  • No lugs or intermediate connection devices are used, improving 
    reliability

  • FLEXIBAR eliminates the multiple cables and lugs which offers 
    the most efficient and cost-effective connection available

 

FLEXIBAR® Accessories - Supports, Clamps

ERICO provides a number of different supports, spacer clamps and connecting clamps for FLEXIBAR.
 
Features
  • Support and spacer clamps easy to install
  • Connecting clamps compact, thus saves space
  • Connecting clamps easy to connect
Tooling Options  

While common tools can be used to fabricate FLEXIBAR®, ERICO offers a complete family of FLEXITOOLS™ customized for Cutting, Stripping, Bending, Twisting, and Punching.  
FLEXIBAR® FLEXITOOLS™ Operating Guide - (116k, 2 pages) Download PDF

Made-To-Order FLEXIBAR® Parts

Custom part fabrication with FLEXIBAR is relatively easy and can be accomplished with standard tools. For small quantities, ordinary hand tools are adequate. When fabricating large quantities, dedicated production tooling is more cost-effective.

Download the PDF below for general design guidelines for FLEXIBAR fabricated parts.

 

Specifications
Name Description
Accessories  
 UFS, FS, RFS  FLEXIBAR® Supports & Spacer Clamps
 FC, BC, HCBC  Connecting Clamps
Flexibar   PDF  
MBJ, BJ  ERIFLEX ground braids with integral palms
FTCB 15, FTCB 20, FRCB 15  ERIFLEX bulk copper braids
RTCB, RRCB, TTCE  ERIFLEX round and tubular braids
Made to Order   PDF  
 FLEXIBAR  Fabricated Parts - Design Guide PDF (146 K)