Overhead Crane Busbar System
vs. e-chain® Cable Carrier

Busbars are horizontal metal conductors used to supply power along the runway or bridge of a crane through steel or copper conductor bars. A collector arm slides along the conductor bar, allowing current to pass from the electrified conductor bar to the moving collector and on to the moving hoist or other traveling element.

Busbars require frequent inspection and maintenance, leading to downtime for the crane system. The collector shoes installed on the collector arms need to be regularly inspected and replaced when they wear out, requiring the system to be powered down for maintenance. Additionally, busbars are limited in the complexity and type of energy they can supply, and they expose bare loaded conductors to the surrounding environment, causing serious safety concerns, especially in hazardous or explosive environments.

Busbars are limited to power or occasionally control circuits, and adding additional components may require a full rebuild of the cable management system. They are also restricted to the transfer of electricity, which may not be sufficient in the era of Industry 4.0 where data transfer, such as for Ethernet, sensors, and camera systems, is essential.

Busbars are not suitable for areas with strict hygiene requirements, cleanroom environments, or environments with explosive and highly flammable products. They can also experience problems when used in environments with dust, debris, or corrosive elements.

e-chain is designed to withstand demanding environments, with a clean and durable design that reduces the need for frequent maintenance and inspection. It remains stable even under high loads and is resistant to moisture, heat, dirt, and debris. Additionally, it can guide energy, data, air, and liquids all in one system, making it suitable for the transfer of electricity as well as data transfer, which is essential in the era of Industry 4.0.

e-chain is suitable for long travels up to 1,000m and is proven to withstand the most demanding environments. This addresses the safety concerns associated with busbars and makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Unlike busbars, the e-chain system can guide energy, data, air, and liquids all in one system, making it suitable for the transfer of electricity as well as data transfer, such as for Ethernet, sensors, and camera systems, which is essential in the era of Industry 4.0.

e-chains, especially the autoglide 5 system, require significantly less installation time and effort compared to busbars, reducing overall setup costs and complexity.