{"schemaVersion":1,"slug":"plug-in-busway","name":"Plug-in busway","kind":"symbol","abbreviation":"BD","aliases":["plug-in busbar trunking","distribution busway","rising main busway"],"category":"connections-wiring","drawingTypes":["SLD","GA"],"referenceFamilies":["IEC","IEEE / ANSI","Manufacturer"],"summary":"Busway with tap-off outlets along its length, drawn with outlet marks where plug-in units can be connected.","description":["Plug-in busway distributes power along its route through outlets into which tap-off units can be inserted. It is common in rising mains in multi-storey buildings, factory floors and data halls, where loads change and new feeders are added without rewiring.","The symbol shows that outlets exist but not which are used. Tap-off units actually fitted are drawn separately with their protective devices. Readers should not assume every outlet mark represents a connected load, and voltage drop calculations should use the actual tap-off positions."],"readingNotes":["Distinguish outlet positions from fitted tap-off units.","Check voltage drop to the most remote tap-off."],"drawingChecklist":["Mark outlet positions on the layout.","Draw fitted tap-off units separately.","State rating and conductor configuration."],"distinction":"Plug-in busway has outlets for tap-off units; feeder busway carries power point to point only.","facts":[{"label":"Graphic cue","value":"Busway line with outlet marks along it"},{"label":"Typical use","value":"Rising mains and flexible factory distribution"},{"label":"Preview","value":"Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic"}],"references":[{"sourceId":"busbar-trunking","relevance":"Manufacturer busbar trunking ranges with tap-off outlets."},{"sourceId":"pub-object-engineering-design","relevance":"Installation design methodology including busway distribution."}],"related":["busway-feeder-run","busway-tap-off-point","ga-busway-tap-off-unit"],"artwork":"s28-plug-in-busway","publishedOn":"2026-10-28","updatedOn":"2026-10-28","provenance":"independent-public-research","plainEnglish":{"title":"What does Plug-in busway mean?","introduction":"Plug-in busway distributes power along its route through outlets into which tap-off units can be inserted. It is common in rising mains in multi-storey buildings, factory floors and data halls, where loads change and new feeders are added without rewiring.","example":"The symbol shows that outlets exist but not which are used. Tap-off units actually fitted are drawn separately with their protective devices. Readers should not assume every outlet mark represents a connected load, and voltage drop calculations should use the actual tap-off positions.","drawings":"Distinguish outlet positions from fitted tap-off units. Check voltage drop to the most remote tap-off. Plug-in busway has outlets for tap-off units; feeder busway carries power point to point only.","terms":[{"name":"Rating","meaning":"A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified."},{"name":"Schematic","meaning":"A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance."}],"diagram":"flow","steps":["Identify the device and form","Read the connections and state","Check the equipment reference"],"caption":"A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.","sources":[{"label":"Canalis busbar trunking systems","url":"https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/products/master-ranges/line-series/"},{"label":"Electrical installation design methodology and references","url":"https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design"}],"detail":"Busway with tap-off outlets along its length, drawn with outlet marks where plug-in units can be connected. Plug-in busway has outlets for tap-off units; feeder busway carries power point to point only.","profileId":"reviewed-symbol-20261028"},"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/plug-in-busway","illustration":{"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/tools/electrical-library/illustrations/plug-in-busway.svg","scope":"Original educational concept; not an official standard graphic or product footprint","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"sources":[{"id":"busbar-trunking","title":"Canalis busbar trunking systems","publisher":"Schneider Electric","url":"https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/products/master-ranges/line-series/","type":"manufacturer","scope":"Public transport and distribution applications for busbar trunking. Select the exact system before using its dimensions.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Manufacturer busbar trunking ranges with tap-off outlets."},{"id":"pub-object-engineering-design","title":"Electrical installation design methodology and references","publisher":"Schneider Electric — Electrical Installation Guide","url":"https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design","type":"manufacturer","scope":"Public design context. No universal working clearance, equipment dimension or project compliance conclusion is asserted.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Installation design methodology including busway distribution."}]}