Types of Conductor Bar Systems (Trolley Bars) for Overhead Cranes and Hoists
A Complete Guide to YAKIN VOLTRA Conductor Bar Systems
Hello, we are YAKIN Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of conductor bar systems for cranes and hoists, as well as electrical power supply products for industrial moving equipment.
Through our industrial power supply brand, VOLTRA, YAKIN Co., Ltd. manufactures a wide range of conductor bar and conductor rail systems in-house, including insulated conductor bars, rigid conductor bars, H-shape conductor rails, UB-shape conductor rails and T-shape heavy-duty bars.
These products are often called “trolley bars” in Korea and other parts of Asia. In the global crane industry, however, the terms “conductor bar” and “conductor rail” are more commonly used.
In this guide, we will introduce the main types of VOLTRA conductor bar systems manufactured by YAKIN Co., Ltd. and explain their features and typical applications.
1. Insulated Conductor Rail (ICR): Peanut-Shaped Trolley Bar
A Versatile Power Supply System for General Cranes and Hoists
An insulated conductor rail is a type of trolley bar in which the conductor is protected by an external insulating structure.
This product category includes the conductor bar commonly referred to as a “peanut-shaped trolley bar” in Korean industrial workplaces.
YAKIN VOLTRA insulated conductor bars are available in current ratings from 60A to 500A and are manufactured in a standard length of 3,000 mm.
Depending on the required specifications, conductor materials can include:
Galvanized steel
Stainless steel
Copper
Insulated conductor bars can be applied to:
Overhead cranes
Electric hoists
Monorail systems
Industrial transfer carts
Various types of moving industrial equipment
Because an insulating structure covers the conductor, this system helps reduce the area in which energized parts are directly exposed.
It is one of the first conductor bar systems that can be considered when selecting a power supply system for conventional cranes and hoists in manufacturing facilities.
2. Rigid Conductor Bar (CCS)
Designed for High-Current Applications in Steel Mills and Shipyards
The rigid conductor bar, also referred to as a Copperhead Conductor System, is an industrial power supply system designed for equipment requiring relatively high current capacity.
VOLTRA rigid conductor bars combine steel and copper to provide mechanical strength and reliable electrical conductivity.
According to individual product specifications, the system is available in current ratings from 300A to 3,500A. The standard bar length is 6,000 mm.
Typical applications include:
Steel mill cranes
Shipyard cranes
Large-scale production equipment
High-current industrial moving equipment
Many older factories and shipyards still operate exposed rigid conductor bars that were installed several decades ago.
When inspecting these systems, it is important to evaluate not only conductor wear, deformation and current collection performance, but also worker accessibility and the condition of existing protective measures.
Depending on the inspection results, maintenance or complete replacement of the conductor bar system may be required.
3. H-Shape Conductor Rail
A Covered Conductor Rail Designed for Safety and Easier Maintenance
The H-shape conductor rail is an industrial power supply rail with an H-shaped conductor structure.
VOLTRA H-shape conductor rails are available in current ratings from 500A to 1,500A. Depending on the required specification, aluminum and stainless steel or aluminum and copper can be applied.
The system is designed for demanding industrial environments where dust or chemical substances may be present. Its structure also allows relatively straightforward inspection and maintenance.
VOLTRA H-shape conductor rails can be equipped with insulating covers and connection covers.
These protective components help reduce direct exposure of energized conductors. For this reason, some industrial facilities have replaced old exposed rigid conductor bars with covered H-shape conductor rail systems.
H-shape conductor rails can be considered for high-speed cranes, transfer equipment and other industrial moving systems requiring stable power transmission.
4. UB-Shape Conductor Rail
A Covered Conductor Bar for Indoor and Outdoor Applications
The UB-shape conductor rail is another industrial conductor bar system that can be equipped with a protective cover around the conductor.
VOLTRA UB-shape conductor rails are available in current ratings from 200A to 1,500A and can be manufactured using aluminum or copper.
A polycarbonate cover protects the conductor and helps provide an additional physical barrier around energized components.
UB-shape conductor rails can be considered for:
Indoor cranes
Outdoor cranes
High-speed moving equipment
Industrial facilities requiring covered conductor rails
Outdoor cranes are repeatedly exposed to moisture, dust and temperature changes. Therefore, the operating environment should be carefully reviewed before selecting a conductor rail material, current rating and cover specification.
5. T-Shape Heavy-Duty Open Conductor Bar
A High-Capacity System for Heavy Industrial Applications
The T-shape heavy-duty open conductor bar is designed for industrial environments requiring high current capacity and strong mechanical performance.
VOLTRA T-shape conductor bars are available in current ratings from 600A to 3,500A.
Depending on the required specifications, stainless steel and copper combinations or solid copper conductors can be used. The standard bar length is 6,000 mm.
T-shape conductor bars can be applied to demanding industrial facilities such as steel mills and shipyards.
Depending on the installation structure and current collection requirements, the system may be reviewed together with different pantograph or collector configurations, including:
Side-contact single type
Side-contact double type
Downward-pressure double type
High-capacity collector type
Custom-manufactured configurations
For cranes requiring substantially higher current capacity than conventional hoist conductor bars, a heavy-duty system such as the T-shape conductor bar may be considered.
6. Rail Conductor System
Designed for Light Rail and Specialized Moving Equipment
The power supply products manufactured by YAKIN Co., Ltd. are not limited to cranes and hoists used in industrial factories.
The rigid third rail conductor system is manufactured using aluminum and stainless steel and is available in current ratings from 1,500A to 4,500A.
This product was developed for applications including rubber-tired and steel-wheel light rail transit systems.
YAKIN Co., Ltd. also holds a design patent related to this rigid third rail conductor system.
7. Hybrid Patented Conductor Bar
Designed for Ports, Wharves and Large-Scale Moving Equipment
The hybrid patented conductor bar is available in current ratings from 500A to 2,000A and can be manufactured using aluminum or copper.
The conductor is protected by a polycarbonate cover, while electrical current is collected through a pantograph-type current collection structure.
The system is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
Typical applications include:
Large ports
Industrial wharves and cargo terminals
Large-scale material handling equipment
Heavy industrial moving equipment
YAKIN Co., Ltd. therefore manufactures not only conventional conductor bars for factory cranes and hoists, but also specialized power supply systems for moving equipment used in steel mills, shipyards, ports and light rail transit systems.
Type | Current Rating | Material | Typical Applications |
Insulated Conductor Bar | 60A–500A | Galvanized Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper | Overhead cranes, hoists, monorails |
Rigid Conductor Bar | 300A–3,500A | Steel + Copper | Steel mills, shipyards |
H-Shape Conductor Rail | 500A–1,500A | Aluminum + Stainless Steel/Copper | Covered crane power systems |
UB-Shape Conductor Rail | 200A–1,500A | Aluminum or Copper | Indoor and outdoor cranes |
T-Shape Heavy-Duty Bar | 600A–3,500A | Stainless Steel + Copper/Solid Copper | Heavy industrial cranes |
Rigid Third Rail | 1,500A–4,500A | Aluminum + Stainless Steel | Light rail systems |
Hybrid Patented Bar | 500A–2,000A | Aluminum or Copper | Ports and large moving equipment |
Should a Conductor Bar System Be Selected Only by Its Current Rating?
No. Even when two facilities operate similar cranes, the most appropriate conductor bar system may differ depending on the installation environment and operating conditions.
The following factors should be reviewed together:
Required current capacity and operating voltage
Total travel and installation length
Crane or hoist travel speed
Indoor or outdoor installation
Dust, moisture, temperature and chemical exposure
Existing collector or pantograph specifications
Installation structure and maintenance accessibility
When replacing an existing trolley bar or conductor rail system, it is important to inspect not only the conductor bar but also the entire current collection system, including current collectors, collector shoes and pantographs.
YAKIN VOLTRA: From Manufacturing to Installation and Replacement
Since 1985, YAKIN Co., Ltd. has manufactured conductor bars, rigid conductor rails, current collectors, pantographs and related power supply products for industrial moving equipment.
We provide support for new conductor bar installation as well as the inspection and replacement of aging trolley bar systems.
If your facility requires a new conductor bar system or is planning to replace an existing system, please send us photographs and available specifications of the currently installed product.
YAKIN Co., Ltd. can review the appropriate solution for your operating environment, including:
Insulated conductor bars
Rigid conductor bars
H-shape conductor rails
UB-shape conductor rails
T-shape heavy-duty conductor bars
Specialized conductor systems for ports and light rail transit
For conductor bar systems for overhead cranes, hoists and industrial moving equipment, contact YAKIN Co., Ltd..
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