Aluminium Buss Bars

[Julian 641]

I'm looking to make some buss bars out of aluminum.

The buss bars will span two D3100's ~13" for each positive and ground, I was wondering what size and type of aluminum I should go with.

I'm not sure how thick or wide of buss bars should I get? I was considering 1 Inch thick by 2 inches.

[pro-rabbit 64]

Where are you going to get it from? If you have the funds I highly suggest copper if you can.

[Julian 641]

Where are you going to get it from? If you have the funds I highly suggest copper if you can.

I was considering but the local place doesn't stock it IIRC.

But Aluminum is cheap

[95Honda 486]

1" x 2" Aluminum bar stock will have no voltage drop...

[Julian 641]

1" x 2" Aluminum bar stock will have no voltage drop...

But would that be excessive though?

[nem 2,019]

Are you ing to drill holes to put your wire in like Steve did or are you going to crimp ends on your wire and use bolts to the bars?

[Julian 641]

Are you ing to drill holes to put your wire in like Steve did or are you going to crimp ends on your wire and use bolts to the bars?

I am going to drill/tap holes and use bolts to hold down the terminals

[nem 2,019]

If you have no luck finding what you want let me know I have something that will work for you.

[Julian 641]

If you have no luck finding what you want let me know I have something that will work for you.

www.metalbythefoot.com is local so I can get Aluminum for cheap.. around 1$/ft lol.

[nem 2,019]

If you have no luck finding what you want let me know I have something that will work for you.

www.metalbythefoot.com is local so I can get Aluminum for cheap.. around 1$/ft lol.

Ok, that is going to be cheaper then shipping you copper for all the more you need.

[jonbearsmt 919]

i use 1/4 thick by 2 inchs wide for mine.

[onebadmonte 235]

I used 3/8 x 1-1/2" for mine. As far as the grade, or type of aluminum just go with 6061-t6.

[95Honda 486]

^^ Easy to work with (machine) also......

[shizzzon 461]

I use Grade 6061 also. Grade 1100 is the best conductor as far as i know but for the price, 6061 is by far the better choice.

Aluminum can be purchased and used as is without fear of it oxidizing on you anytime soon.

Non treated copper can oxidize in just a week so you would need to spray or apply a product to resist oxidation and assume you applied it perfectly.

Also, if you want to know how large of a buss bar you will need, i can help with that.

A 1" thick x 2" wide bar can handle current continuous up to ~1,500A. This rating, if i remember right, allows the aluminum to reach 140F at this rating.