busbar

thumb|Copper busbar in a panel thumb|upright|1500 ampere [[copper busbars within a power distribution rack for a large building]]

In electric power distribution, a busbar (also bus bar) is a metallic strip or bar, typically housed inside switchgear, panel boards, and busway enclosures for local high current power distribution, transmission, or switching substations. They are also used to connect high voltage equipment at electrical switchyards, and low-voltage equipment in battery banks. They are generally uninsulated, and have sufficient stiffness to be supported in air by insulated pillars. Those features allow sufficient cooling of the conductors, and the ability to tap in at various points without having to create a new joint.