Fixed-Window Plug-In Busway
These systems have tap-off openings set at the factory. Each bus plug must line up with an opening.
A good fit for: Layouts with fixed equipment locations and planned power connections.
Explore Busway Fundamentals
Plug-In Busway Systems: Fixed Tap-Off vs Open-Slot Access
Plug-in busway brings power to several points along one run. Insulated busbars carry the power inside a protective housing. Compatible plug-in devices connect equipment to the busway.
Traditional systems use fixed openings called tap-off windows. USA TrackBusway uses a continuous open slot. This gives you more choice in where approved devices can connect.
Fixed Tap-Off Windows vs Open-Slot Access
The key difference is where plug-in devices can connect.
Continuous Open-Slot Track Busway
USA TrackBusway has an open slot along the run. Compatible power drops, outlet boxes, and tap-off units connect at approved locations.
A good fit for: Layouts where equipment may move or expand.
Device compatibility, product listings, electrical codes, load limits, and the approved design still apply.
Explore Track BuswayFixed windows can suit equipment that stays in place. Open-slot access gives you more options when layouts change or grow.
Concept sketches only. Device locations and clearances depend on the approved system.
Plug-In Busway System Components
Five core components bring power from the supply to your equipment.
Busway sections
Carry power along the run. Choose the busway system that fits your load.
Compare systems
Power feeds
Connect the incoming supply to the busway. Match the feed to your system.
Explore power feeds
Joiners
Connect adjacent busway sections. Each system uses matching joiner parts.
View T225 joiners
Hangers & supports
Support and align the run. Choose hardware for your mounting layout.
View T225 hangers
Plug-in tap-offs
Deliver power to equipment. Choose compatible outlet boxes or cord drops.
Explore plug-in power
T40 and T225 examples shown. Use components designed for your selected busway system.
How to Choose Bus Plugs and Tap-Off Units
A bus plug or tap-off unit connects equipment to a compatible busway. It may include a breaker, receptacle, cord drop, or outlet box.
Bus plugs are not universal. Use devices approved for the selected system. Check these five areas before ordering:
- Access style: Choose fixed windows or open-slot access. Check the opening shape and allowed device locations against current manufacturer documents.
- Compatible parts: Match the manufacturer, system family, catalog numbers, and tap-off models. Check feeds, outlet boxes, power drops, and other parts too.
- Electrical ratings: Check voltage, amperage, phase, output type, and breaker needs.
- Feeds and loads: Check feed locations, run length, conductor layout, and calculated loads. Include any voltage-drop limits.
- Project requirements: Check product listings, marked ratings, current document revisions, electrical codes, and the approved design.
Use the Tap-Off Selection Guide for voltage, pole count, and connection options.
Review the T40 or T225 system details. Check the listing scope and technical-document library for your system.
Selection and installation: Follow product listings, manufacturer documents, electrical requirements, project drawings, and the approved design. Qualified personnel must select, install, move, and energize the system using approved procedures.
Plug-In Busway vs Feeder Busway
| Busway type | Main use | Where devices connect | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feeder busway | Carries power between major pieces of equipment. | Usually has no plug-in openings along the run. | Route, end connections, feeder construction, and ratings. |
| Fixed-location plug-in busway | Supplies several loads at planned points. | Tap-off windows set at the factory. | Window spacing, device clearance, and compatible bus plugs. |
| Continuous-access track busway | Supplies several loads along the run. | Open slot with approved device locations. | Slot shape, location limits, and approved tap-off models. |
What does “riser” mean? A riser is a vertical busway installation. It is not a separate connection type. Check the manufacturer’s current documents for allowed mounting directions and access styles.
Review Busway Fundamentals →Benefits of Open-Slot Track Busway
Open-slot access can help you:
- Place power near equipment, racks, benches, or workstations.
- Reduce floor-level cable clutter with overhead power.
- Serve several approved connection points along one run.
- Plan feeds and plug-in devices around voltage, phase, and calculated loads.
- Add or move compatible devices where the approved design and procedures allow.
Both access styles need compatible parts and load calculations. Follow electrical requirements and the approved project design. Qualified personnel must carry out the electrical work.
Where Plug-In Busway Is Used
See how plug-in busway brings power to equipment in these spaces.
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Industrial
Machinery, robotics cells, equipment rows, and changing production layouts. Explore → -
Data Centers
Rack rows, support equipment, test areas, and phased power expansion. Explore → -
Laboratories
Flexible benches, instruments, pilot areas, and overhead power drops. Explore → -
Offices
Open ceilings, changing workstations, lighting, and equipment power. Explore → -
Retail
Displays, seasonal layouts, lighting, and flexible point-of-use power. Explore → -
Automotive
Assembly lines, bays, automation cells, tools, and testing zones. Explore →
Choose Your USA TrackBusway System
Start with your equipment layout and power needs. Check voltage, phase, calculated loads, and part compatibility. Then choose a system, feeds, and plug-in devices.
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40A Track Busway
For flexible overhead power layouts.
View 40A Track Busway → -
225A Track Busway
For higher-capacity power layouts.
View 225A Track Busway → -
FEEDs
For bringing power into the Track Busway run.
View FEEDs → -
POWER Plug-Ins
For outlet boxes, drop cords, and tap-off units.
View POWER Plug-Ins →
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Plug-in bus duct is another common name for plug-in busway. Both carry power through enclosed busbars and provide approved plug-in access.
Construction, access style, ratings, and compatible parts vary by system. Check the listed product details before choosing parts.
A bus plug connects equipment to a compatible busway. Similar devices may be called tap-off units, outlet boxes, power drops, or plug-in units.
The device must match the busway system and the project’s electrical needs.
Use plug-in busway when several loads need power along one run. Feeder busway carries power between major pieces of equipment. A project may use both.
Drawings show the route, feeds, and proposed device locations. Manufacturer documents confirm access style, compatible tap-offs, ratings, and suitability. A drawing alone does not establish approval.
Review the selection checklist, current product documents, and listing scope.
Check these details before ordering:
- System family, compatible parts, and access style.
- Voltage, amperage, phase, output type, and breaker needs.
- Feed locations, run length, and calculated loads.
- Electrical codes and the approved project design.
Qualified personnel must select and install the system using the listed product documents.
Planning a Plug-In Busway Project?
Tell us about your equipment and power needs. We can help you compare systems, plan feed locations, and choose compatible plug-in devices for your layout.
