copper bus for distribution panel

[Bergovoy]

Hey all...

Im modifying the stock distribution panel... Im adding 4breakers, two extra per row.

I'm getting a new computer cover plate made. But the issue I'm trying to deal with is the copper bus that bonds the power to one side of a row of breakers...

I could use wire and ring connectors and loop from breaker to breaker.. But that wire would have to be bigger on the first few breakers as it will carry the current for all the breaker on that row
..

The existing panel has a copper strip about 1/2" wide and about an 1/8" thick.. And is tapped so the breaker can be bolted directly to that bus.

Where can I find copper stock... I will tap it an make it work..

Can I use brass or bronze

Any tips will be appreciated..

Thanks

 

[Fred Villiard]

Try Mc Master Carr, and you should use copper if at all possiable.

Fred Villiard

 

[caguy]

What length do you need? I have a couple of hundred pounds of copper sheet stock. Pm me your address and I'll send you some.

 

[Bergovoy]

hey all, I got some metal from CAGUY, but that wasnt copper.. it was brass... and it was big, and I mean huge.. hehehe

It was also half the thickness of the stock material... I tried to get it bent but it was too brittle and it kept breaking...

I ended up using it even though it was thinner... and the width was a little bit of an issue too as I couldnt trim it under 3/4" with a metal brake...

I used some silver plating powder to minimize any corrosion issues, (powder comes from a company called cool-amp) great stuff.. I remember my father bringing some home when I was a wee one... and I silver plated a bunch of pennies... hehehe


the project came out well..I am trying to get some pictures but my phone camera is broken...i added six more breakers/switches...for future items like refrigerator, Air conditioning, etc...

I can get the digital file if anyone wants it...and I will post pics soon...

thanks for all the help

 

[BobM]

http://www.bluesea.com/articles/108

See the attached.

 

[Maine Sail]

http://www.bluesea.com/articles/108

See the attached.

This is why I always use copper for bus bars. I get it from McMaster Carr...

Copper Bar Stock

 

[caguy]

What I sent him was Phos Bronze. It is used in marine environments over copper because of its resistance to oxidation. It has a higher copper content than does brass which makes it suitable for electrical connectors.

 

[Bergovoy]

i knew/know that brass/bronze and other metals are not as conductive as copper... but I also know that the current being drawn thru this bus is way lower then then ratings/specs.... and the piece I used is way larger, kinda like that chart/diagram on that link...it isnt as thick, but it is also larger/wider... the original bus is about 3/8" or smaller, and there isnt much space/spare metal exposed... the piece I used is at least 3/4"

I also placed the higher ampreage items closer to the wire llugs coming from the 1/2/all switch...and the lower amperage devices on the far end... I also ran 12ga wire to the first and last breakers to make sure the current was equal and available throughout...

I would prefer to have used copper.. but it isnt available here...


and, as of today, I am no longer an S2 owner...

I have to move to California, where i started two and half years ago...

I am claiming my one DO-OVER and pretend the last two years never happened...

Flor-i-DUH sucks... I would advise everyone to avoid this place...health care sucks here...doctors know the situation, but I have heard that their hands are tied... I have gone thru 6 doctors since I have been here... and have only one doctor in calilfornia for over 23 years....

the doctors here blame the DEA, and florida legislators... I have lobbied legislators and written letters to them, and to the AMA, american medical association.. I have written the DEA, I have written corporate business' like CVS and WALGREENs...

I feel for patients who can not leave... If you have cancer, or or other serious health issues and wonder if the Gov't is giong to dictate what doctors can and can not do, then avoid FLOR-i-DUH as the govt is in control of our health care...

I always wondered if obama care was going to be a good thing or not, but now I am sure... this is not an obama care issue, but it is indicative of what can and will happen if govt gets involved.


anyways, enuf of the rant...

I am grateful to all the folks here on this forum and to the many folks I have met who have helped me...I have learned a lot in these last two years.... I love my boat.. she is a great boat and made well... I hope to find a boat in callifornia and live in Marina del Rey area, or Ventura county...

anyways, thanks for all the help, tips, and material...Maybe the new owner will check you guys out as I gave him this website info...

too da loo