TOKYO—Busbar coverings in electrical applications are getting a performance boost from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.
The Japanese silicone firm has developed what it calls an industry first: heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tubing for busbar covering.
"As our heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tubing easily shrinks when heated, one can achieve silicone rubber covering with outstanding electrical insulation and heat resistance simply by covering an object with the tubing and heating it," Shin-Etsu stated in a Sept. 11 release. "Using this tubing for insulative covering of busbars will contribute to higher reliability of power distribution systems and savings in labor and time in busbar production processes."
Busbars are conductive metal strips used increasingly in switchboards, control panels, EVs and hybrid vehicles.
Since they are used in conjunction with high currents and voltages, busbars require tubing or some form of electrical and heat insulation to operate.
Shin-Etsu's "ST-OR" brand features a dielectric strength of 28 kV/mm; outstanding heat and cold resistance, allowing stable performance even in the harshest conditions; and the retention of flexibility typical of silicone rubber even after heat shrinking.
"By developing and suppling high-value-added silicone products based on its accumulated technological capabilities and know-how, Shin-Etsu Chemical helps customers solve their problems and contributes to the realization of a sustainable society," the company stated.