PIP VECV1001

DRAFT
Vessel Design Guide
1/20/17

ASME Code Section VIII, Division 1

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed
Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

Process Industry Practices

Page 1 of 34

PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence
over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters
or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not
be made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names
from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather
recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications
are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines
are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA
requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or
other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed.
Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.
This Practice is subject to revision at any time.
Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of
Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member
Companies and Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or
modifications of any kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express
written authorization of PIP. Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly
indicate modifications or exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized
Users may provide their clients, suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice
solely for Authorized Users purposes. These purposes include but are not limited to the
procurement process (e.g., as attachments to requests for quotation/ purchase orders or
requests for proposals/contracts) and preparation and issue of design engineering
deliverables for use on a specific project by Authorized Users client. PIPs copyright
notices must be clearly indicated and unequivocally incorporated in documents where an
Authorized User desires to provide any third party with copies of the Practice.

PUBLISHING HISTORY
October1995
February 2004
February 2007
January 2009
March 2014

Issued
Complete Revision
Technical Correction
Complete Revision
Complete Revision

Not printed with State funds

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed
Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

PIP VECV1001
DRAFT
Vessel Design Guide
1/20/17
ASME Code Section VIII, Division 1
Table of Contents
1. Introduction..................................2
1.1 Purpose............................................2
1.2 Scope...............................................2

2. References...................................2
2.1 Process Industry Practices...............2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards.........2

3. Requirements..............................2
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6

General............................................2
Design..............................................3
Fabrication.......................................7
Inspection and Testing......................8
Documentation.................................8
Conflict Resolution...........................9

Process Industry Practices Page 2 of 34

PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

1.

COMPLETE REVISION
March 2014

Introduction
1.1

Purpose
This Practice provides requirements for the purchase of metal-enclosed bus duct.

1.2

Scope
This Practice describes requirements for design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of
metal-enclosed, self-cooled, nonsegregated-phase bus duct assemblies for use on systems
operating at 34.5 kV and below, and suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.

2.

References
Applicable parts of the following Practices and industry codes and standards shall be considered
an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of contract award shall be used,
except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used herein where appropriate.
2.1

Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP ELSBD01D - Data Sheet for Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed
Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

2.2

Industry Codes and Standards

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM D1535 - Standard Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (ANSI/IEEE)

IEEE C37.23 - IEEE Standard for Metal-Enclosed Bus

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (NEC)
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
UL 1479 - UL Standard for Safety Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Firestops

3.

Requirements
3.1

General
3.1.1

The bus duct assembly shall be designed, fabricated, and tested in accordance
with ANSI/IEEE C37.23.

3.1.2

Bus duct shall be designed to operate continuously under site conditions listed on
the purchasers PIP ELSDB01D Data Sheet.

3.1.3

If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet, the bus duct
assembly shall be UL listed or 3rd party approved.

3.1.4

The bus duct assembly shall be nonsegregated-phase, totally enclosed, and

rigidly constructed and shall include all required transitions and hardware for
termination to supply and load equipment.

3.1.5

Solid dielectric (sandwich) type constructed bus duct assemblies shall not be
permitted.

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PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

3.2

COMPLETE REVISION
March 2014

Design
3.2.1

Bus Bars
3.2.1.1 General

1. Rating of bus assembly shall be as shown on the purchasers

PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet.
2. Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, bus bars shall be made of copper.
3. Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, all uninsulated phase bus and bus bar joints shall be tin or
silver plated.
4. Bus bar and joints shall be manufactured to remove sharp edges and
to minimize corona.
5. Rated maximum voltages and corresponding insulation levels shall
be in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.23-2003, Table 2.
3.2.1.2 Bracing

As specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet, bus bar

assembly, including the bus bracing, shall be capable of withstanding
mechanical and thermal effects, without damage or deformation, of the
short time withstand current accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.23-2003,
Table 10.
3.2.1.3 Insulation and Bus Bar Supports

1. Unless specified otherwise on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data

Sheet, phase bus bars shall be insulated.
2. Bus bar insulation shall be liquid-dipped, fluidized bed, or
electrostatically-applied epoxy. Sleeve type insulating systems,
including heat-shrinkable tubing, shall not be permitted.
3. Insulated bus bar joints shall be covered with molded, flexible PVC
insulating boots. Termination connections shall also be provided with
insulating boots.
4. Bus bar insulation and insulating supports shall be made of flameretardant, track-resistant, non-hygroscopic materials that meet the
same requirements of insulating materials covering buses in
accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.23-2003, Section 7.8.
5. Unless specified otherwise on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, stand-off insulators and bus bar supports for bus ducts rated
5 kV and greater shall be made of porcelain material.
3.2.2

Neutral and Grounding Considerations

3.2.2.1 Unless specified otherwise on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, bus duct assemblies for 3-phase, 4-wire solidly grounded systems
shall have a full-sized neutral bus bar.

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PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

COMPLETE REVISION
March 2014

3.2.2.2 High-Resistance Grounded Systems

1. High-resistance grounded systems shall have a minimum No. 8 AWG
neutral conductor with an insulation rating equal to that of the bus
bar insulation.
2. Unless specified otherwise on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, the conductor shall be inside the bus duct and identified in
accordance with NFPA 70 Article 200.
3. The conductor shall be provided with an additional 20 feet at each
end for terminations.
4. If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet, the
neutral conductor shall be provided as a neutral bus bar.
3.2.2.3 Ground Bus
1. As specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet, a bare
copper ground conductor or bus bar shall be provided.
2. If adjacent enclosures are connected together, the ground conductor
or bus shall be bonded to each metal enclosure to provide a
continuous electrical ground to minimize the possibility of
circulating currents.
3. The ground conductor or bus shall be capable of carrying the
available ground fault current shown on the purchasers
PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet.
3.2.2.4 Bus duct enclosure shall have a plated copper NEMA 2-hole grounding
pad on each end.
3.2.3

Enclosures
3.2.3.1 General

1. Bus duct enclosures shall be non-ventilated.

2. Enclosures for the indoor bus duct shall be drip-proof in accordance
with ANSI/IEEE C37.23.
3. Enclosures for the outdoor bus duct shall have the following
characteristics:
a. Weather-resistant in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.23
b. A sloped top that prevents collection of water
c. Screened drain holes using 300 series stainless steel at low points
along the bottom.
4. Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, the enclosure for the bus duct shall be as follows:
a. For bus ducts with a current rating less than 2000 amps, the
enclosure shall be made from No. 11 gauge steel minimum.
b. For bus ducts with a current rating of 2000 amps or greater, all or
part of the enclosure shall be made from nonmagnetic metal to

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PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

COMPLETE REVISION
March 2014

limit induced current losses and circulating currents by breaking

the magnetic path.
5. External fasteners on outdoor enclosures shall be made from type
316 stainless steel.
6. Enclosures shall have removable covers for access to bus bar joints
and other internal devices. Access openings in horizontal sections
shall be located on the bottom of the enclosure.
7. Access openings shall have removable covers with closed cell
neoprene rubber gaskets and captive fasteners. Gaskets shall be
totally concealed for protection against deterioration.
3.2.3.2 Supports

1. The manufacturer shall supply the following bus duct support design
requirements:
a. Location and type of supports required for the bus duct enclosure
b. Forces produced at the support points by bus duct enclosure
2. Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, outdoor enclosures shall be supported from below by
structural steel. The supports shall not restrict access to the bus duct.
3. Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, indoor enclosures shall be supported from above by trapeze
supports. The supports shall not restrict access to the bus duct.
4. Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, the purchaser shall supply the bus assembly supports.
3.2.4

Wall and Floor Penetrations

3.2.4.1 A flame-retardant, vapor-resistant, non-hygroscopic, non-conductive, and
weather/dust tight barrier shall be provided where the bus duct penetrates
interior and exterior walls and floors.
3.2.4.2 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, the barriers for bus duct penetrations shall have a minimum flame
rating of 30 minutes in accordance with UL 1479.
3.2.4.3 Wall and floor penetrations shall have a gasketed, flanged seal-frame
between the outside of the bus duct enclosure and the wall or floor.
3.2.4.4 Materials necessary to maintain the fire rating of wall and floor
penetrations surrounding the bus duct assembly shall be provided by the
purchaser.

3.2.5

Equipment Connections
3.2.5.1 Design and coordination of the bus duct connections to associated
equipment shall be provided. The data required to design the connections
shall be specified in the suppliers quotation. The purchaser shall provide
the data.
3.2.5.2 Plated braided flexible connectors shall be provided for bus duct
connection to other equipment.

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PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

COMPLETE REVISION
March 2014

3.2.5.3 Closed cell neoprene rubber gaskets and all hardware for enclosure and
electrical connections shall be provided.
3.2.5.4 Torque values for bus connections shall be posted in a visible location on
the bus duct.
3.2.5.5 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, all bolted power bus connections shall be secured with corrosion
resistant, silicon bronze or stainless steel hardware, including bolts,
locking washers, and nuts or jam nuts.
3.2.6

Space Heaters
3.2.6.1 Outdoor bus duct assemblies shall have space heaters to minimize
condensation.
3.2.6.2 Indoor bus duct assemblies shall have space heaters only if indicated on
the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet.
3.2.6.3 Space heaters shall be completely wired connection to an external power
source.
3.2.6.4 Space heaters shall have the following characteristics:
a. Rated for 240 volts and sized to provide the heat output to prevent
internal condensation when operated on a 120-volt system.
b. Unless otherwise indicated on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, a maximum sheath temperature of 160C.
c. Designed to maintain a minimum temperature differential of 5C
above 40 C unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP
ELSBD01D Data Sheet.
d. Accessible and removable from outside the enclosure with the bus
bars energized.
e. The space heater shall be provided with high temperature wiring
suitable for the application within 6 inches (152 mm) of the heater
terminals.
f.

Mounted on a stand-off insulator spacers.

3.2.6.5 Space heater circuit wiring shall be as follows:

a. Brought to a single set of interface terminals for purchaser
connection. The ampacity of external supply circuits shall be agreed
upon with the purchaser.
b. The circuit shall be terminated in a junction box located at the
switchgear end of the bus duct. The junction box shall be provided.
c. Interconnection wiring shall be armored cable within the assembly.
d. Flame-resistant, 600 volt rated insulation and stranded copper
conductors with a minimum 12 AWG.
e. Wire markers shall match the suppliers interconnection drawing.

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PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

f.

COMPLETE REVISION
March 2014

All splices and terminations shall be on connected to terminal strips

rated 600 volt and 30 amps with insulated compression type ring
connectors.

3.2.6.6 As indicated on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet, space

heaters shall be controlled by a humidistat or thermostat. The humidistat
or thermostat shall be adjustable and easily accessible with the bus
energized.
3.2.6.7 All space heater system components shall be suitable for the area
classification specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet.
3.3

Fabrication
3.3.1

General
3.3.1.1 Bus bars shall be fabricated to align properly with the mating terminals
on the equipment.
3.3.1.2 Braided flexible connectors shall be used to compensate for thermal
expansion of the bus and not for misalignment.

3.3.2

Coatings
3.3.2.1 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, external and internal surfaces of the bus duct enclosure shall be
coated (i.e., painted) with at least one coat of corrosion-resistant material.
Final thickness of coating shall be 5 to 7 mils.
3.3.2.2 Unless specified otherwise on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, bus duct enclosure finish shall be light-gray ANSI 61 in
accordance with ASTM D1535 - 2001 (Munsell Notation 8.3G
6.10/0.54).
3.3.2.3 Two 1-pint cans of paint shall be provided for field touch-up.

3.3.3

Rating Nameplate
3.3.3.1 The complete bus duct assembly shall have two permanent nameplates,
one at each end.
3.3.3.2 Nameplates shall be stainless steel securely fastened with stainless steel
screws.
3.3.3.3 Information on the nameplate shall include the following as a minimum:
a. Manufacturers name, date of manufacture
b. Shop Order Number
c. Serial Number
d. Maximum voltage
e. Rated continuous current of phase and neutral bus (if provided)
f.

Basic insulation level (BIL)

g. Frequency
h. Rated short-time current, if applicable
i.

Process Industry Practices

Rated short-circuit withstand current (asymmetrical)

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PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

j.

COMPLETE REVISION
March 2014

Temperature rise of buses and enclosure

k. Phase Identification
3.3.4

Identification Tag
3.3.4.1 Identification tags shall be provided and located near each rating
nameplate.
3.3.4.2 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, the nameplate shall be made of laminated plastic with black
engraved lettering on a white background.
3.3.4.3 As specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet, the tag shall
list the equipment number, purchase order number, and project number.

3.3.5

Shipping
3.3.5.1 Splice plates, gaskets, hardware, and other loose equipment required to
assemble and connect bus duct to equipment shall be tagged and shipped
with the identified bus duct per project specification.
3.3.5.2 All bus duct pieces and sections shall be clearly identified in accordance
with the assembly drawings.
3.3.5.3 All equipment shall be packaged or crated for weather protection and
prevention of damage in shipment.
3.3.5.4 Material used for shipping shall be clearly marked for removal before
energization.

3.4

3.5

Inspection and Testing

3.4.1

Each bus duct assembly shall be tested in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.232003, Section 6.3, standard production tests.

3.4.2

Insulating material for covering buses and connections shall be tested in

accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.23-2003, Section 7.8. Proof of successful
testing shall be provided to the purchaser as certified test results.

3.4.3

If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet, the purchaser

reserves the right to inspect the bus duct and witness the tests at the factory.
Purchaser shall be notified two weeks in advance of date of final tests.

Documentation
3.5.1

Documentation Content
3.5.1.1 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data
Sheet, drawings shall be provided in purchaser approved electronic
format.
3.5.1.2 Drawings shall have a space on the right-hand bottom corner for the
purchasers title block.

3.5.2

Drawing and Data Requirements

3.5.2.1 One reproducible set of drawings and the specified number of copies of
all documentation and operating manuals as specified on the purchasers
PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet shall be provided.

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PIP ELSBD01
Design and Fabrication of Metal-Enclosed Nonsegregated-Phase Bus Duct Assemblies

COMPLETE REVISION
March 2014

3.5.2.2 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSBD01D Data

Sheet, reproducible drawings shall be in CAD convertible .DWG
electronic format.
3.5.2.3 Drawings and data shall be provided in accordance with Table 1.
Table 1. Documentation Requirements
A
With
Bid
X

B
For
Review
X
X

C
Final
Certified
X
X

D
As
Built
X
X

X
X

X
X
X
X(1)

X
X

Description
Detailed bill of material
General layout of equipment, termination details,
recommended support locations, dimensions, weights,
and outline drawings showing the final assembled
configuration
Location of space heaters, space heater loads and
space heater wiring diagram
Connection wiring diagrams for all electrical equipment
Control schematic diagrams
Certified test reports
Installation, operation, and maintenance manual
Final as-built drawings
Recommended priced spare parts list

X
X
X
Notes:
A. These documents shall be provided with proposal.
B. These documents shall be provided for the purchasers review and authorization to proceed
before fabrication.
C. These documents shall be provided as part of the final certified document submittal.
(1) Equipment shall be shipped with one set of installation, operation, and maintenance
manuals.
D. Final as-built documents shall be provided within 2 weeks following shipment.

3.6

Conflict Resolution
Any conflicts between the reference documents shall be identified in writing to the
purchaser for resolution. When resolving conflicts, the following order of precedence
shall apply:
a. Purchase order
b. PIP ELSBD01D Data Sheet
c. This Practice, PIP ELSBD01
d. Referenced standards

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