Cleanliness, safety and continuity: in the food industry, every detail counts.
Our systems are ideal for environments with high hygiene standards, thanks to IP66 protections and resistant materials.
Lighting and Power Busbar Systems
5 mistakes to avoid when choosing a busbar system – and how to prevent them
The choice of busbar trunking directly impacts the safety, continuity of service, and total cost of ownership (TCO) of a system. A properly sized and certified system reduces unplanned downtime, simplifies future expansions, and maintains stable power distribution under all operating conditions.
In this article, we analyze the 5 most common mistakes made when selecting and designing a busbar trunking system , with practical suggestions for avoiding them and concrete examples of Graziadio lines that help prevent any critical issues.
Why the busbar trunking is the main element of the distribution
In many industrial plants, manufacturing plants, logistics facilities, data centers, hospitals, and airports, busbar trunking is the backbone of distribution: it connects electrical panels, powers backbones and process lines, and delivers energy safely and orderly to where it’s needed.
Compared to traditional cables it offers significant advantages:
- Higher current density
- Orderly paths and less clutter
- Faster installation
- Modularity and possibility of specific derivations
Precisely because it is the heart of the system, errors in the selection or sizing phase can cause overheating, voltage drops, maintenance difficulties and non-compliance with regulations.
Mistake 1 – Undersizing the flow rate
Problem
Often the busbar trunking is chosen “flush” with the current absorption, neglecting:
- Load peaks due to start-ups or production cycles
- Environmental conditions that influence the permissible flow rate
- Growth margin for future expansions
Risks
Overheating, insulation degradation, reduced service life, and abnormal voltage drops.
How to avoid it
- Collect realistic load profiles
- Apply correct environmental coefficients
- Consider voltage drop and reserve margin
Graziadio Solutions
- GDA/GDR – 63-250 A
- K SERIES – 800-5000 A
- ISOLSBARRA – 630-6300 A and ISOLFLEX – 630-6300 A
- J SERIES – 63-160 A
- PRODUCTOR – 50-400 A
Error 2 – Ignoring the installation environment
Problem
Underestimating the IP rating or corrosion resistance can lead to failure and premature degradation.
How to avoid it
- Evaluate humidity, dust, chemical agents, washing and temperature
- Choose compatible casings and gaskets
- Design routes that avoid water stagnation
Graziadio Solutions
Mistake 3 – Neglecting short circuit resistance
Problem
A busbar trunking may be suitable for the rated current but not sufficiently certified to withstand the stresses of a short circuit.
How to avoid it
- Know the presumed short circuit current and the intervention time of the protections
- Choose ducts with type tests suitable for the required Icw/Ipk
- Check for correct tightening and grounding
Graziadio Solutions
Mistake 4 – Not designing flexibility
Problem
“Closed” systems without provision for branches or expansions require complex and costly interventions.
How to avoid it
- Provide strategic branch points
- Plan extra flow in critical sections
- Use modular systems
Graziadio Solutions
Mistake 5 – Saving on quality and certifications
Problem
A cheap product without adequate certifications can lead to hidden costs and operational risks.
How to avoid it
- Check type tests and documentation
- Check the availability of spare parts
- Rely on qualified technical support
Graziadio Solutions
Use cases and applications
- Manufacturing and Automation: GLS, MULTICONDUCTOR, GDA, J SERIES
- Logistics and Large-Scale Retail: K SERIES, GDA/GDR, J SERIES
- Data centers: K SERIES, ISOLSBARRA, GDA
- Food Industry: ISOLSBARRA, GDA
- Civil Infrastructure: GDA/GDR, K SERIES, GLS
Quick checklist
- Load profiles and peaks
- Voltage drop
- Installation environment
- Short circuit resistance
- Modularity and sockets
- Installation and accessories
- Documentation and certifications
- Spare parts and assistance availability
Avoid these 5 mistakes
It means having a safe, continuous, and sustainable electrical distribution over time. Graziadio offers a full range of solutions, from light distribution to high-current backbones and medium voltage, with technical support at every stage.
Discover the entire Graziadio range and request a consultation for your system.
Italian Breweries
Graziadio supplied the Peroni Brewery in Padua with Isolsbarra 2000 A , complete with aluminum conductors, for the transformer-panel connection lines. The Carlsberg Italia brewery in Lainate (MI) also received Multiconductor, a conduit for moving lines.
Hospitals and Energy Continuity
Business continuity, absolute safety, certified reliability: in healthcare contexts, every detail makes the difference.
Our IP66 and IP68 busbars meet the needs of hospitals and healthcare facilities with safe, modular and quiet solutions.
Explore the Isolsbarra range here
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.
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
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
- 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
- One of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers uses:
- 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
- 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
- Telecommunications Data Center – Middle East
- Confidential project in desert conditions
- Advanced thermal insulation
- Hybrid GDA/ISOLSBARRA system
- Compatible with UPS and generators
- 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:
- Technical and design analysis
- Regulatory and certification support
- In-factory pre-configuration
- Training and technical documentation
- 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
Busbar trunking: the ideal solution for industrial plants
In a constantly evolving sector such as the industrial one, energy efficiency and plant safety are absolute priorities. Electricity distribution plays a crucial role in ensuring operability and reliability, especially in high-intensity contexts such as production plants, data centres and large infrastructures. In this scenario, busbar trunking emerges as the most advanced technological solution to optimize energy transport, reducing waste, simplifying installation and ensuring exceptional durability over time.
But what makes busbar trunking so high-performing compared to traditional systems? In this article we will explore every detail, highlighting the advantages, structure and main fields of application.
What is busbar trunking?
Busbar trunking is a modular system designed to distribute electrical energy safely and efficiently.
Unlike traditional electrical wiring, it uses conductive bars enclosed in an insulating and protective casing.
This system allows for the transport of large amounts of current with reduced dimensions and maximum safety, making it ideal for industrial applications, strategic infrastructures, large commercial and civil buildings.
What does busbar trunking look like?
Busbar trunking consists of:
- Conductive bars made of copper or aluminium, which transport energy.
- Insulating sheath (in PVC or advanced thermoplastic materials) that guarantees electrical and mechanical protection.
- External metal or plasticized structure for protection from impacts, atmospheric agents, water and dust.
- Quick couplings and modular systems for simple and safe connections.
Depending on the needs, busbar trunking can have different characteristics:
- Resistance to extreme conditions (high temperatures, humid environments)
- High protection levels ( IP66, IP68 )
- Easy expansion and modification without invasive intervention
Why choose busbar trunking instead of traditional cables?
In recent years, busbar trunking has become the preferred choice for industrial plants due to its numerous advantages:
- Superior safety: thanks to insulation, protection from dust and water (with protection levels up to IP68 ).
- Quick installation : pre-assembled modules allow for shorter installation times compared to traditional cables.
- Simplified maintenance : the components are easily inspected and replaced.
- Modularity : the system can be expanded, modified or adapted without invasive demolition.
- Energy efficiency: energy loss is reduced, increasing overall efficiency.
Although cables are still used in many plants, in advanced industrial contexts the busbar trunking is establishing itself as the standard for a series of concrete reasons:
Comparison table
| Characteristic | Bus duct | Traditional cables |
| Safety | Very high (IP66–IP68) | Media (requires channelling) |
| Installation time | Fast, modular | Slower and more complex |
| Future expandability | Very easy (adding modules) | Complex (new wiring) |
| Energy efficiency | High (less dispersion) | Lower (cable losses) |
| Inspection and maintenance | Simple and fast | Difficult |
| Average implant lifespan | >30 years | 10–15 years |
Conclusion : Busbar trunking is safer, quicker to install, longer-lasting and more flexible than traditional wiring.
Where is busbar trunking used?
Thanks to their versatility and reliability, busbar trunking is used in:
- Industrial plants ➔ where continuous power without interruptions is required.
- Airports ➔ to support critical infrastructure such as lighting and security systems.
- Tunnels and subways ➔ harsh environments where protection against humidity is essential.
- Hospitals and large healthcare facilities ➔ safe power supply for life-saving equipment.
- Data centre ➔ continuous and easily changeable power supply.
- Strategic infrastructures ➔ such as the Pedemontana Veneta highway , where Graziadio has made an important supply.
Graziadio’s added value: ISOLSBARRA
Among the most popular solutions, ISOLSBARRA stands out , the flagship busbar duct designed by Graziadio.
Main features of ISOLSBARRA:
- Range from 630A up to 6300A.
- IP66 and IP68 certification , for complete protection against dust and water.
- Modular, flexible and easily inspectable structure.
- Made entirely in Italy, with high quality materials.
- Dedicated technical support from design to installation.
Discover ISOLSBARRA here.
Quick answers on busbars
When is it best to use busbar trunking?
When the system requires high transport currents, continuous reliability, ease of maintenance or future modular expansion possibilities.
Are busbars more expensive than cables?
At the purchasing stage, ducts may seem more expensive, but considering reduced installation times, longer life and minimal maintenance, the overall cost is often lower.
How long does busbar trunking last?
A properly installed system can last more than 30 years of operation without the need for major replacements.
Discover the future of electrical distribution
Choosing a busbar trunking means adopting a safe, efficient and long-lasting technology.
Graziadio offers tailor-made solutions, supported by 65 years of experience and innovation Made in Italy.
Contact us to find out how we can support your project.
Find out more at www.graziadio.co.uk
65 Years of Graziadio!
For more than 65 years, we have been transforming energy into progress.
From the first armoured enclosure to IP68 solutions, our history is made up of ingenuity, research and all-Italian passion.
We have grown, we have evolved, but we have never lost our DNA: flexibility, speed and constant innovation.
Today our power lines travel the world, bringing with them the excellence of Made in Italy.
Lean Production
How to make your company more agile and competitive?
Lean Production is one of the most effective management models: it is the key to eliminating
waste, optimising every phase of the production process and creating more value for customers.
At Graziadio, we live Lean every day, because we believe that lasting success comes from innovation and improvement in every step of the company, even in the details.
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