By Sam Ward ISOLBARRA 0 Comments

IP66 and IP68: why the degree of protection in busbar trunking is important

In complex industrial environments or those exposed to atmospheric agents, choosing the right degree of protection for electrical systems is a strategic choice . Busbar trunking with IP66 and IP68 protection guarantees continuity, safety, and durability . In this article, we explore what these codes mean, which applications require high protection, and why Graziadio’s Isolsbarra technology is the ideal solution for outdoor installations or in harsh environments.

What is the IP protection rating?

The IP ( Ingress Protection ) degree of protection is a standard defined by the IEC 60529 standard , which indicates the level of protection of an electrical enclosure against the penetration of solid bodies and liquids.

It is made up of two numbers:

First digit: protection against solid objects

  • The first digit (from 0 to 6) refers to protection against dust and solid objects.

Second digit: protection against liquids

  • The second digit (from 0 to 8) indicates the protection against the ingress of water and other liquids.

Application examples

  • IP66 guarantees total protection against dust and resistance to strong jets of water.
  • IP68 ensures the same dust protection, with the addition of the ability to withstand prolonged immersion in water.

Why IP66 and IP68 are important in busbar trunking

In electrical distribution systems, especially when installed outdoors or in harsh environments, the degree of protection is crucial.

Typical applications

Graziadio busbar trunking with Isolsbarra technology offers high protection (up to IP68), designed for:

  • outdoor installations without the need for additional coverings
  • environments with the presence of humidity, dust or risk of flooding
  • areas subject to direct solar radiation or tropical climates

Isolsbarra technology: individually insulated conductors

Graziadio ‘s Isolsbarra solution stands out for its use of individually insulated conductors , a technical feature that directly contributes to achieving high levels of protection.

Advantages of Isolsbarra technology

  • Greater resistance to external agents
  • Watertightness of the casing
  • Continuity of service even in the event of partial damage to a driver
  • Suitability for installation in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres
  • UV protection and fire resistance , according to product regulations

Where is an IP66–68 busbar trunking useful?

Graziadio busbar trunkings with IP66–68 protection are suitable for environments classified as “aggressive”.

Common environmental conditions

  • High humidity or risk of condensation
  • High pressure washing (e.g. food plants)
  • Presence of dust, chemical vapors or corrosive agents
  • Exposure to atmospheric agents (rain, wind, sun)

Intended uses

  • Outdoor industrial environments
  • Plants in marine or tropical areas
  • Tunnels, underpasses, underground areas
  • Areas at risk of flooding

Fire resistance and continuity of service

In addition to protection from dust and liquids, Graziadio busbar trunking is designed to offer resistance to the spread of flame and, where required, fire resistance.

Regulatory requirements in case of fire

  • 30 minutes for alarms and emergency lights
  • 90 minutes for fire-fighting elevators, ventilation, sprinkler systems

Additional casings

For these applications, the ducts can be integrated into an additional protective casing that increases their thermal and mechanical resistance.

Outdoor installations: real-world examples

Here are some examples showing the effectiveness of IP66 and IP68 joints on Isolsbarra busbar trunking:

The concrete advantages of high protection

Long-term benefits

  • Safety and reliability in critical environments
  • Less need for preventative maintenance
  • No additional cost for external coverings
  • Maximum operational continuity even in extreme conditions
  • Compliance with fire regulations
  • Durability even in high-wear environments

Certified reliability Graziadio

Relying on Graziadio for the design and installation of IP66 or IP68 busbar trunking means choosing a certified, durable, and tested solution . Isolsbarra technology combines robustness and modularity, allowing for safe installations even in environments requiring the highest levels of protection.

 

By Sam Ward K-SERIES 0 Comments

Compact Power For Great Performance!

 

When space is limited but performance must remain high, our K SERIES is born:

– Current from 800 to 5000 A

– Up to IP55 degree of protection

– Simple and safe installation

Compact, flexible and high-performance: perfect for civil, tertiary and industrial systems.
See all the specifics here

By Sam Ward Uncategorized 0 Comments

Busbar Trunking For Data Centres

How to Ensure Electrical Safety in Critical Environments with Intelligent, Scalable Systems

Operational continuity in a Data Centre depends on the quality of its electrical infrastructure. Discover why more and more designers choose Graziadio busbar ducts to ensure efficiency, reliability, and modularity.

In a world where data is the new capital, Data Centres are the beating heart of companies, institutions, and public infrastructures. But behind the computing power, cooling systems, and server rooms, there is often an unseen yet essential element: the electrical supply.

Oversized systems, complex or hard-to-maintain cabling are no longer sustainable. Today you need scalable, safe, and intelligent solutions capable of adapting to the pace and demands of the digital world.

That’s why organizations of all sizes, from large industrial groups to cloud service providers, rely on Graziadio to design future-ready, efficient electrical installations.

Data Centres: The Heart of the Digital Economy

We live in a world where the amount of data generated every second is constantly increasing. Behind every click, cloud operation, banking transaction, or medical inquiry, there is a powerful, silent infrastructure: the Data Centre.

These facilities require a stable, continuous, and secure power supply. A single interruption can lead to data loss, downtime, and significant economic damage. Therefore, electrical system design is a strategic aspect, not just a technical detail.

In this context, Graziadio busbar ducts offer the ideal solution for those seeking modular, certified, reliable systems crafted specifically for the needs of modern Data Centres.

Power Supply in Data Centres: The Stakes Are High

Data Centres are highly critical environments where power must be guaranteed 24/7, 365 days a year.

It is therefore essential to minimize risks such as:

  • service interruptions
  • overheating
  • human errors during maintenance
  • expansion difficulties

An intelligent electrical system design relies on:

  • redundancy
  • continuous monitoring
  • ease of maintenance
  • modularity

This is where busbar ducts come into play—as the true nervous system for power distribution in an orderly, scalable, and safe manner.

Cables vs. Busbar Ducts: Why More Data Centers Choose the Latter

For years, electrical cables were the standard in installations. However, with increasing power density and control needs, their limitations are now clear.

Drawbacks of cables:

  • excessive bulk in technical routes
  • thermal management difficulties
  • long installation times
  • impossible to safely intervene with live systems

Advantages of busbar ducts:

  • plug & play modularity
  • enhanced operational safety
  • reduced installation times
  • no risk of wiring errors
  • natural EMC protection due to metal enclosure

Thus, busbar ducts are more suited to the dynamic architectures of Data Centers, which evolve and expand rapidly.

Graziadio Solutions for Data Centers: Technology Serving Reliability

Graziadio & C. is a European benchmark in busbar duct manufacturing. The company offers three systems perfectly suited to Data Center needs:

GDA – 63 to 2500 A

  • Compact, modular structure
  • Easy installation and modification
  • Ideal for secondary distribution in server racks
  • Plug & play solution

K SERIES – 800 to 5000 A

  • Compact structure with aluminum or copper conductors
  • Seismic certification and up to 2 hours fire resistance
  • Lightweight
  • Perfect for main power and backup

ISOLSBARRA – 630 to 6300 A

  • Insulated structure with aluminum or copper conductors
  • IP66/IP68 protection rating
  • Seismic certifications and up to 3 hours fire resistance
  • Ideal for main power and backup

All systems are tested, certified, and compatible with critical environments where every detail matters.

Certifications and Performance: European and International Standards

Graziadio busbar ducts are certified according to the strictest regulations:

  • Fire resistance (up to 180 minutes) – UNI EN 1366-3, UNI EN 13501-2
  • Seismic installations – Passed seismic tests
  • Low electromagnetic emissions – Ideal for sensitive environments
  • IP66/IP68 – Protection from water, dust, and external agents

Real-World Use Cases: Data Centers That Chose Graziadio

  1. Leonardo – Data Center in Genoa
    • One of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers uses:
      • GDA 250 A for secondary power paths
      • ISOLSBARRA 1600 A for main supply
    • Fast installation, perfect modularity, and continuous reliability
  2. Leonardo Tecnopolo – CINECA Data Center, Bologna
    • Located in one of Europe’s most advanced tech hubs
    • Uses K Series, GDA, GLS for supercomputer power
    • High-performance, seismic safety, redundant load support
    • Optimized installation and maintenance cost
  3. Gazprom Tower – St. Petersburg, Russia
    • Supplied 160 A to 800 A aluminum ducts for this high-rise
    • Ensures power continuity even in complex configurations
    • Safe installation in a high-visibility, high-standard environment
  4. Telecommunications Data Center – Middle East
    • Confidential project in desert conditions
    • Advanced thermal insulation
    • Hybrid GDA/ISOLSBARRA system
    • Compatible with UPS and generators
  5. Cloud Provider – Northern Italy
    • Regional cloud computing Data Center
    • GDA ducts with multiple derivations
    • Installed in just 4 days
    • Simplified maintenance with no service disruption

Download Graziadio’s official Data Center brochure for full details and technical specs.

How We Help Clients Choose the Right System

Graziadio supports clients at every stage:

  1. Technical and design analysis
  2. Regulatory and certification support
  3. In-factory pre-configuration
  4. Training and technical documentation
  5. Post-sales assistance

Every project starts from a real need – our team turns it into a scalable, customized solution.

An Italian Partner with a Global Reach

Graziadio & C. operates in over 45 countries, offering:

  • Entirely Italian-made products
  • On-site quality control
  • Integrated logistics and fast delivery
  • Direct support to designers and installers

Design Continuity with Confidence

Underestimating the electrical infrastructure of a Data Center is a risk no organization can afford. Graziadio busbar ducts allow for:

  • Security
  • Adaptability over time
  • Certification
  • Ready-to-install systems

In an era where reliability and scalability are everything, choosing an intelligent power distribution system means protecting your company’s entire digital capital.

Contact Us

Are you designing a Data Center?
Want a more efficient alternative to cables?
Looking for an expert, reliable partner?

The Graziadio technical team is ready to assist.

Email: sales@graziadio.co.uk

Website: www.graziadio.co.uk
Phone: 024 76 706109