Most engineers respect the ampacity of an aluminium busbar. The INDAL Handbook suggests they should fear its temperature gradient instead.
INDAL Handbook for Aluminium Busbars (now part of the Hindalco Industries indal handbook for aluminium busbar hot
Aluminum expands more than copper when hot. The Indal Handbook provides the coefficients needed to design expansion joints, ensuring the system doesn't buckle under thermal stress. 7. Best Practices for Hot Joints Most engineers respect the ampacity of an aluminium busbar
In aluminium busbar engineering, "hot" is not an error state. It is a design parameter. Respect the heat, plan for the creep, and always torque twice: once cold, once at full song. The Indal Handbook provides the coefficients needed to
| Condition | Temperature Limit (Ambient 50°C) | Action Required | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 85°C - 90°C (Rise of 35-40K) | Standard inspection | | Hot Spot – Warning | 105°C - 110°C | Infrared scan & torque check | | Hot Spot – Critical | > 120°C | Immediate shutdown & overhaul | | Short-time emergency (1 hr) | 150°C (Risk of annealing) | Load reduction mandatory |