BD
Plug-in busway
Busway with tap-off outlets along its length, drawn with outlet marks where plug-in units can be connected.
SLD / GA
Symbols · BD
Feeder busway
A busway run used purely to carry power between two points, drawn as a distinct trunking line without tap-off points.
In plain English
What does Feeder busway mean?
Feeder busway carries high current between a transformer and switchboard, or between switchboards, in an enclosed busbar trunking rather than parallel cables. Single-line diagrams draw it as a distinct line style or double line with its rating, so that it is not mistaken for cable.
A simple example
The symbol does not show the busway impedance, which is often lower than equivalent cables and affects fault level downstream. It also does not show the conductor arrangement, such as whether a full neutral or separate earth bar is included. Expansion units, fire barriers and flanged ends are physical details on the busway layout drawing.
What the drawings help you do
Read the busway rating and conductor arrangement. Use busway impedance, not cable data, for fault calculations. Feeder busway has no tap-off points; plug-in busway provides outlets along its length.
This particular reference
A busway run used purely to carry power between two points, drawn as a distinct trunking line without tap-off points. Feeder busway has no tap-off points; plug-in busway provides outlets along its length.
- Winding
- A coil of conductor inside an electrical machine or transformer.
- Rating
- A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: Canalis busbar trunking systems · IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
SLD / GA · BD
What it represents
Feeder busway carries high current between a transformer and switchboard, or between switchboards, in an enclosed busbar trunking rather than parallel cables. Single-line diagrams draw it as a distinct line style or double line with its rating, so that it is not mistaken for cable.
The symbol does not show the busway impedance, which is often lower than equivalent cables and affects fault level downstream. It also does not show the conductor arrangement, such as whether a full neutral or separate earth bar is included. Expansion units, fire barriers and flanged ends are physical details on the busway layout drawing.
How to read it
- Read the busway rating and conductor arrangement.
- Use busway impedance, not cable data, for fault calculations.
Information to show or reference
- State current rating and conductor configuration.
- Reference the busway layout drawing.
- Include busway impedance in fault studies.
A distinction that matters
Feeder busway has no tap-off points; plug-in busway provides outlets along its length.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Canalis busbar trunking systems
Manufacturer busbar trunking ranges including feeder runs.
IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
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