Planning an electrical installation requires considering how to supply power to individual receivers in a home or business. A product that provides efficient distribution of electrical energy is a power rail (also known as a connecting rail). What exactly are connecting rails used for? When is their use recommended? And which power rail should you choose for your project?
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What is a power rail used for?
The power rail is one of the most important electrical installation devices. It is used to distribute electrical energy in buildings. It plays an important role in distributing and transmitting current to all receivers that require it. The power rail is mounted in the switchboard for the purpose of proper arrangement and quick assembly of modular devices and power cables.
Application of the connecting rail:
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speeds up the construction of the switchboard – you do not waste time on manually creating numerous wire connections, cutting sections and other similar work; - improves the aesthetics and durability of the switchboard – you avoid tangling of wires;
- streamlines any repair work - you can easily find the location of damage and remove individual modular devices from the row (you don't have to unscrew the entire rail);
- ensures installation flexibility – in the future you can easily expand or rebuild the switchboard;
- enhances protection against electric shock – excludes the risk of touching hazardous parts with a finger (with a minimum protection level of IP20);
- provides protection against short circuits – short circuits are often caused by human error, particularly faulty connections.
In what places will a power rail be useful?
Power rails are used in various industries, locations and electrical installations. They are useful in residential buildings, as well as industrial, commercial and public utility buildings. This is one of the most commonly used elements in modern electrical switchboards, especially those that are extensive. The rail ensures effective, safe and orderly distribution of current between modules and provides a number of additional benefits, which we described in the previous paragraph.
What are the types of conductor rails?
The most common current rails in switchboards are shaped like a strip with single-sided connection contacts. Their structure resembles a comb. The shortest connection rails have only 4 modules, and the longest, which are cut independently, even 50 or more. Current rails come in many variants. Due to the construction of the contacts and application, we distinguish 3 basic types of connection rails.
- Comb busbars – are used to make horizontal and vertical connections between circuit breakers and residual current circuit breakers. Models of various configurations and sizes are available.
- Fork rails - are characterized by contacts made of copper with a specific fork shape. They are used for fork connections to the circuit. They often additionally have a protective insulating coating, so they can be safely used in home and industrial electrical installations. There are short and long models to choose from, 1-, 2- and 3-phase.
- Pin rails – also known as pin rails, with pin-like or longitudinal rod-like contacts. Due to their considerable lengths and large number of modules, they are used in more complex installations, including in industry, construction and metallurgy. There are vertical pin rails and horizontal rails, single-row and multi-row.
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What to remember when installing a power rail?
Selecting the right current rail, then cutting it to the right length and installing it correctly is the basis for safe and efficient, long-term operation of the electrical installation. Installation errors can result in excessive heating, unstable mounting to switches, and in extreme cases lead to a phase-to-phase short circuit. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to follow the installation recommendations for connecting rails provided by manufacturers.
In such guidelines, you will find information about connection points, among other things. Work should begin by turning off all electrical devices and preparing the equipment that you intend to connect to the power rail. After completing the assembly, be sure to check the correctness of the connections and carry out tests. Verify the voltage and current values. Make sure that all devices are working properly. In case of any doubts or lack of experience, contact a licensed electrician.
How to choose the right power rail?
The type of current rail contacts is not the only parameter that should be considered when selecting the optimal solution for the existing/planned electrical installation. Other important parameters and features include:
- number of phases in the circuit being serviced,
- cross-section and length of the rail,
- rail system,
- number of devices to be connected to the bus,
- value of rated continuous current (In),
- maximum rated operating voltage Ue,
- number of rows,
- number of modules,
- compliance with international standards,
- flammability class,
- insulation and its strength (Ui),
- tightness class (IP),
- materials used.
The selection of the current rail depends on the specific requirements of the project and the system used in the switchboard, so it is worth consulting the purchase with a qualified electrician or installer. We encourage you to use the technical support of Onninen specialists. We will help you find a connecting rail of the right type and with the right parameters: length, diameter, number of phases, rows, modules, etc. We will indicate which model of rail will work best in the case of a rated current of a specific value and for connecting a specific number of circuit breakers. You will gain certainty that the selected current rail is compatible with your modular equipment.
Power rails at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find a wide range of current rails to suit every electrical installation, both in single-family homes and large industrial facilities. Our range includes comb, fork and pin connecting rails in various configurations, designed to connect up to 57 devices. All products are made of high-quality materials. They guarantee excellent electrical conductivity and meet the strict European standards.
They are highly resistant to harsh environmental conditions and external factors, which translates into extended service life and, consequently, long-term reliability of your electrical installation. We only work with renowned manufacturers and suppliers of modular equipment. Our partners include ELEKTRO-PLAST Opatówek – a leading Polish manufacturer of electrical installation equipment with experience dating back to 1980. You can order all current rails online. Many models are available immediately.
Don't know which power rail meets the requirements of your project? Do you need to select connectors or a wire for the rail? Take advantage of our experience! Write, call or visit one of dozens of Onninen stationary branches throughout Poland. We also encourage you to discover the remaining range of electrical equipment. In our wholesale store you will find everything you need for effective distribution of electrical energy - at home and in the company. Are you an electrician or fitter? Ask about the offer dedicated to professionals.