Data Sheet

Heat Shrinkable Tubing for Bus Bar

BBIA Series
5 35 kV

1. Product Description
3M BBIA Series Heat Shrinkable Tubing for Bus Bar is
designed for insulating rectangular, square and round bus bar
rated from 5 kV through 35 kV. It will also cover and insulate
inline bolted connections of rectangular bus bars. The tubing
meets the requirements of ANSI/IEEE Standard C37.20. The
standard tubing lengths are 20 feet (6,1 m) and 50 feet (15,2
m).
BBIA Tubing is made of a specially formulated cross-linked
polyolefin. The tubing is colored orange-red. The material
has high resistance to splitting, good solvent resistance and
excellent tracking resistance properties. The tubing shrinks
easily with industry standard methods, forming an
aesthetically appealing insulation cover.


  

Specially formulated cross-linked polyolefin
 Excellent physical properties
 Excellent dielectric strength
 Excellent tracking resistance
 Excellent chemical resistance
 Good thermal endurance
 Flame retardant; self extinguishing
 Flexible; conforms to bends

Heat shrinkable design

 Each tube fits a range of bus bar sizes and voltage

ratings
 Tight fit provides good heat dissipation

2. Applications
For insulating electrical bus bars per ANSI/IEEE
Standard C37.20:
 For 5, 8, 15, 25 and 35 kV voltage ratings
 For rectangular, square and round bus bars
 For inline bolted connections of rectangular bus
bars
 For copper or aluminum bus bars
 For use in metal-clad switchgear
 For use on metal-enclosed bus bar
 For use with substation switchgear

3. Data: Physical and Electrical

Properties
BBIA Tubing can be used on bus bar rated up to 110
C
(230
F), for 5, 8, 15, 25 and 35 kV voltage classes.

A. Selection Charts for Straight Bus Bar

Standard lengths = 20ft. (6,1m) and 50ft. (15,2m)

5, 8 and 15 kV Bus Bar Size Ranges

Product
Number

Bar
Circumference
(A)

Rectangular *

Square *

Round

BBI3A

3.28 5.57 in.

(83 141 mm)

1 1/2 x 1/4 2 1/2 x 1/2 in.

(38
6 64
13 mm)

1
1 1 1/2
1 1/2 in.

(25
25 38
38 mm)

1 1/8 1 3/4 in.

(29 44 mm)

BBI4A

5.43 8.86 in.

(138 225 mm)

2 1/2
3/8 4
3/4 in.

(64
10 102
19 mm)

2
2 in.
(51
51 mm)

1 3/4 2 3/4 in.

(44 70 mm)

BBI5A

6.67 10.86 in.

(169 276 mm)

3 x 5/8 5 x 3/4 in.

(76
16 127
19 mm)

2
2 2 1/2
2 1/2 in.

(51
51 64
64 mm)

2 1/8 3 3/8 in.

(54 86 mm)

BBI6A

7.57 12.86 in.

(192 327 mm)

3 1/2
1/2 6
3/4 in.

(89
13 152
19 mm)

2 1/2
2 1/2 3
3 in.

(64
64 76
76 mm)

2 1/2 4 in.
(64 102 mm)

BBI7A

8.28 13.00 in.

(210 330 mm)

4 x 1/4 6 x 3/4 in.

(102
6 152
19 mm)

2 1/2
2 1/2 3
3 in.

(64
64 76
76 mm)

2 3/4 4 1/8 in.

(70 105 mm)

BBI8A

10.29 16.43 in.

(261 417 mm)

5
1/4 8
3/8 in.

(127
6 203
10 mm)

3
3 4
4 in.
(76
76 102
102 mm)

3 3/8 5 1/8 in.

(86 130 mm)

BBI9A

12.29 19.23 in.

(312 488 mm)

6 x 1/4 9 x 3/4 in.

(152
6 229
19 mm)

3 1/2
3 1/2 5
5 in.

(89
89 127
127 mm)

4 6 1/8 in.
(102 156 mm)

BBI10A

15.43 24.14 in.

(392 613 mm)

8
1/4 10
3/4 in.

(203
6 254
19 mm)

5
5 6
6 in.
(127
127 152
152 mm)

5 7 5/8 in.
(127 194 mm)

25 kV Bus Bar Size Ranges

BBI3A

3.28 3.56 in.

(83 90 mm)

1 1/2 x 1/4 1 1/2 x 3/8 in.

(38
6 38
10 mm)

MEASURE
CIRCUMFERENCE

1 1/8 in.
(29 mm)

BBI4A

5.43 5.80 in.

(138 147 mm)

2 1/2
3/8 2 1/2
5/8 in.

(64
10 64
16 mm)

MEASURE
CIRCUMFERENCE

1 3/4 in.
(44 mm)

BBI5A

6.67 7.18 in.

(169 182 mm)

3 x 5/8 3 x 3/4 in.

(76
16 76
19 mm)

MEASURE
CIRCUMFERENCE

2 1/8 2 1/4 in.

(54 57 mm)

BBI6A

7.57 8.43 in.

(192 214 mm)

3 1/2
1/2 4
1/4 in.

(89
13 102
6 mm)

MEASURE
CIRCUMFERENCE

2 1/2 2 5/8 in.

(64 67 mm)

BBI7A

8.28 10.44 in.

(210 265 mm)

4 x 1/4 5 x 3/8 in.

(102
6 127
10 mm)

2 1/2
2 1/2 in.

(64
64 mm)

2 3/4 3 1/4 in.

(70 83 mm)

BBI8A

10.29 12.88 in.

(261 327 mm)

5
1/4 6
3/4 in.

(127
6 152
19 mm)

3
3 in.
(76
76 mm)

3 3/8 4 in.
(86 102 mm)

BBI9A

12.29 15.31 in.

(312 389 mm)

6 x 1/4 7 x 3/4 in.

(152
6 178
19 mm)

3 1/2
3 1/2 4
4 in.

(89
89 102
102 mm)

4 4 7/8 in.
(102 124 mm)

BBI10A

15.43 19.79 in.

(392 503 mm)

8
1/4 9
3/4 in.

(203
6 229
19 mm)

5
5 in.
(127
127 mm)

5 6 1/4 in.
(127 159 mm)

NOTE: * Rectangular and square bar sizes are based on bars having radiused edges and corners.
NOTE: BBIA sizing is based on straight sections of bar. For bolted connections consult bolted connection chart on page 3.
NOTE: Contact your 3M Sales Rep for recommendation on the use of BBIA on 1/8 thick bus bar.

A. Selection Charts for Straight Bus Bar (Cont.)

Standard lengths = 20ft. (6,1m) and 50ft. (15,2m)

35 kV Bus Bar Size Ranges

Product
Number

Bar
Circumference
(A)

Rectangular *

Square *

Round

BBI7A

8.28 8.86 in.

(210 225 mm)

4 x 1/4 4 x 3/4 in.

(102
6 102
19 mm)

MEASURE
CIRCUMFERENCE

2 3/4 in.
(70 mm)

BBI8A

10.29 10.94 in.

(261 278 mm)

5
1/4 5
3/4 in.

(127
6 127
19 mm)

MEASURE
CIRCUMFERENCE

3 3/8 in.
(86 mm)

BBI9A

12.29 13.00 in.

(312 330 mm)

6 x 1/4 6 x 3/4 in.

(152
6 152
19 mm)

MEASURE
CIRCUMFERENCE

4 4 1/8 in.
(102 105 mm)

BBI10A

15.43 16.86 in.

(392 428 mm)

8
1/4 8
3/4 in.

(203
6 203
19 mm)

MEASURE
CIRCUMFERENCE

5 5 1/4 in.
(127 133 mm)

NOTE: * Rectangular and square bar sizes are based on bars having radiused edges and corners.
NOTE: BBIA sizing is based on straight sections of bar. For bolted connections consult bolted connection chart on below.
NOTE: Contact your 3M Sales Rep for recommendation on the use of BBIA on 1/8 thick bus bar.

B. BBIA Coverage for Inline Bolted Connections (Rectangular Bus Bar)

NOTE: First select BBIA size from preceding selection charts for Straight Bus Bar.

5, 8 & 15 kV: Inline Bolted Connections

Rectangular Bar
Width

BBI3A

1.5 in.(38 mm)

1 LAYER

2.0 in.(51 mm)

2 LAYERS

BBI4A

BBI5A

2.5 in.(64 mm)

1 LAYER

3.0 in.(76 mm)

2 LAYERS

3.5 in.(89 mm)

2 LAYERS

4.0 in.(102 mm)

2 LAYERS 2 LAYERS

5.0 in.(127 mm)

BBI6A

BBI7A

1 LAYER

1 LAYER

BBI8A

BBI9A

BBI10A

1 LAYER
2 LAYERS 2 LAYERS

6.0 in(152 mm)

1 LAYER

2 LAYERS 2 LAYERS

1 LAYER
1 LAYER

1 LAYER

7.0 in.(178 mm)

2 LAYERS

1 LAYER

8.0 in.(203 mm)

2 LAYERS 2 LAYERS

1 LAYER

9.0 in.(229 mm)

2 LAYERS

1 LAYER

10.0 in.(254 mm)

2 LAYERS

25 & 35 kV: Inline Bolted Connections

USE 2 LAYERS OF BBIA INSULATION FOR ALL 25 & 35 kV INLINE BOLTED CONNECTIONS
3

C. Typical Dimensions
Product
Number

Length

Minimum Expanded
Tubing I. D.

Expanded Wall
Thickness

Max. Recovered
Tubing I. D.

Recovered Wall
Thickness

BBI3A

20 & 50 ft.
(6,1 & 15,2 m)

2.38 in.
(60 mm)

0.049 in.
(1,24 mm)

1.01 in.
(26 mm)

0.113 in.
(2,87 mm)

BBI4A

20 & 50 ft.
(6,1 & 15,2 m)

4.35 in.
(110 mm)

0.043 in.
(1,09 mm)

1.67 in.
(42 mm)

0.113 in.
(2,87 mm)

BBI5A

20 & 50 ft.
(6,1 & 15,2 m)

5.30 in.
(135 mm)

0.043 in.
(1,09 mm)

2.04 in.
(52 mm)

0.114 in.
(2,90 mm)

BBI6A

20 & 50 ft.
(6,1 & 15,2 m)

5.90 in.
(150 mm)

0.046 in.
(1,17 mm)

2.33 in.
(59 mm)

0.117 in.
(2,97 mm)

BBI7A

20 & 50 ft.
(6,1 & 15,2 m)

6.78 in.
(172 mm)

0.048 in.
(1,22 mm)

2.55 in.
(65 mm)

0.130 in.
(3,30 mm)

BBI8A

20 & 50 ft.
(6,1 & 15,2 m)

8.25 in.
(210 mm)

0.049 in.
(1,24 mm)

3.18 in.
(81 mm)

0.128 in.
(3,25 mm)

BBI9A

20 & 50 ft.
(6,1 & 15,2 m)

8.83 in.
(224 mm)

0.054 in.
(1,37 mm)

3.78 in.
(96 mm)

0.127 in.
(3,23 mm)

BBI10A

20 & 50 ft.
(6,1 & 15,2 m)

10.28 in.
(261 mm)

0.059 in.
(1,50 mm)

4.53 in.
(115 mm)

0.138 in.
(3,51 mm)

Typical Clearances for Rectangular and Square Bus Bars

Voltage Rating
(kV)

BIL
(kV)

15 & Below

BBIA Insulated
(Indoor Clearance)

Uninsulated
(Indoor Clearance)

Dimension
b

Dimension
c

Dimension
b

Dimension
c

110

2.7 in.
(69 mm)

3.0 in.
(76 mm)

7.5 in.
(191 mm)

5.0 in.
(127 mm)

25

125

3.0 in.
(76 mm)

3.5 in.
(89 mm)

10.5 in.
(267 mm)

7.5 in.
(191 mm)

35

150

4.5 in.
(114 mm)

5.5 in.
(140 mm)

12.5 in.
(318 mm)

9.5 in.
(241 mm)

NOTE: b = minimum phasetophase dimension

c = minimum phasetoground dimension

The table indicates typical minimum clearance dimensions for BBIA bus bar insulation, as compared to that for uninsulated bus
bar. These dimensions are based on 60 Hz withstand, DC withstand (hypot) and BIL tests (Reference: ANSI/IEEE C37.20) and
from partial discharge (corona) tests. Testing was performed on 12 ft. (3,7 m) lengths of copper and aluminum bus bar enclosed in
a 3 ft. (0,9 m) long duct, with air spacing between the bar and grounded duct.

D. Typical Physical and Electrical Properties

Electrical Properties
Test Method

E. Fluid Resistance (MILI23053/15A)

Immersion at 23_C (73_F) for 24 hours

Typical Value*

D Dielectric Constant
(ASTM D150)

Typical Physical Properties after Immersion

Fluid

3.5

Fluid
Absorption
(% by wt.)

Tensile
Strength
(PSI)
(MPa)

Elongation
Dielectric
Results
at Break
Strength
(%)
(V/mil @ 0.150 in.)
(MV/m)

D Dielectric Strength (70 mils)

(ASTM D149)

550 V/mil
(22 MV/m)

Specification
Requirement

D Volume Resistivity
(ASTM D257)
(MILI23053/15A)

1.4
1013

Deicing fluid
(MilA8243)

0.0

2330
(16,1)

600

333
(13,1)

Pass

Hydraulic fluid
(MilH5606)

2.8

1920
(13,2)

550

392
(15,4)

Pass

Lube oil
(MilL7808)

0.8

2330
(16,1)

515

404
(15,9)

Pass

Lubricating oil
(MilT5624)

0.3

2365
(16,3)

515

451
(17,8)

Pass

Jet fuel, JP4

(MilT5624)

7.4

1380
(9,5)

515

349
(13,7)

Pass

5% salt water

0.1

2400
(16,5)

525

436
(17,2)

Pass

30% ammonia
solution

0.4

2175
(15,0)

600

403
(15,9)

Pass

Noalox Joint
Compound

0.4

2180
(15,0)

515

439
(17,3)

Pass

Contact cleaner
(3M #1607)

42.0

830
(5,7)

385

287
(11,3)

Pass

Black enamel
paint

23.1

810
(5,6)

350

366
(14,4)

Pass

Acetone

4.2

1550
(10,7)

510

339
(13,3)

Pass

Methylene
chloride

37.9

900
(6,2)

340

313
(12,3)

Pass

D Track Resistance (7 hrs.)

(ASTM D2303)
(ANSI/IEEE C37.20)

1 in. @ 3 kV
(25 mm @ 3 kV)

Physical Properties
Test Method

Typical Value*

D Tensile Strength
(ASTM D257)
(MILI23053/15A)

2200 psi
(15 MPa)

D Ultimate Elongation
(ASTM D638)
(MILI23053/15A)

575%

D Water Absorption
7 days @ 23_C (73_F)
(MILI23053/15A)

0.3%

D Corrosion (Copper)
16 hrs. @ 120_C (248_F)
(MILI23053/15A)

Pass

D Fluid Resistance
24 hrs. immersed
(MILI23053/15A)

Product
All straight sections of bus bar shall be insulated with 110_C
(230_F) rated heat shrink tubing which meets the
requirements of ANSI/IEEE C37.20. The tubing shall be
made of halogen free, cross-linked polyolefin, orange-red in
color. The tubing shall be rated for the same voltage rating as
the bus bar, up to 35 kV. The insulation shall be designed for
use on rectangular, square and round bus bars, and it must be
designed to cover and insulate inline bolted connections of
rectangular bus bars. The product must be packaged with
complete installation instructions.

Dielectric Str. = 287451 V/mil

(11.317.8 MV/m)

Thermal Properties
Typical Value*

D Flammability
(ANSI/IEEE C37.20)

Pass

D Thermal Endurance
(ANSI/IEEE 1)
(IEC 216)

110_C (230_F)

D Accelerated Aging
7 days A 175_C (347_F)
(MILI23053/15A)

Tensile = 1430 psi

(10 MPa)
Elongation = 400%

D Heat Shock
4 hrs. @ 225_C (437_F)
(MILI23053/15A)

Pass

D Low Temperature Flexibility

4 hrs. @ 55_C (67_F)
(MILI23053/15A)

Pass

> 200
(>7,9)

4. Specifications

Tensile = 8102400 psi

(5.616.5 MPa)

Test Method

> 750
(>5,2)

Engineering/Architectural
All straight sections of bus bar, and inline connections of
rectangular bus bars, shall be insulated in accordance with the
instructions included with the 3M BBIA Series, Heat
Shrinkable Tubing for Bus Bar. This coverage shall include
all copper and aluminum, rectangular, square and round bus
bars rated at 5, 8, 15, 25 and 35 kV.

5. Performance Tests
A. Dielectric Withstand Tests
(ANSI/IEEE C37.20)
Tests were performed on BBI Series Tubing installed on
rectangular bus bar, on both straight sections and inline
bolted connections. The 2 and 3 in. (51 and 76 mm) bars
were 10 ft. (3,05 m) long, and all other bars were 12 ft.
(3,66 m).

* All values are averages, based on several determinations,

and are not intended for specification purposes.

Power Frequency and Impulse Withstand Tests: The

samples were inserted through a grounded 3 ft. (0.9 m) long
duct and positioned to the required air gap clearance from
one duct wall.
Test for Bus Bar Insulation: The samples were wrapped
with a half-lapped layer of 3M Scotcht 24 Electrical
Shielding Tape to establish a ground plane in contact with
the BBI insulation.
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3. Slide BBIA Tubing into position and shrink onto bus

bar using standard industry methods.

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B. Instructions for Inline Bolted Connections

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B. Corona Tests (ANSI/IEEE 454)

Corona (partial discharge) testing was performed on BBI

insulated bus bar which was inserted through a grounded 3
ft. (0.9 m) long duct. The bar was positioned to the required
air gap clearance from one duct wall. The test results
suggest that the air gap between the bar and duct is so large
in relationship to the air gap between the bar and
insulation, that no corona condition exits in the normal
testing range up to 38 kV.
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1. For 15 kV applications consult the Inline Bolted

Connections chart on page 3. Determine whether one
or two layers of BBIA will be required. All 25 and
35 kV applications will require two layers of BBIA
(see Additional Instructions for 25 and 35 kV
Connections on page 7).
2. Clean the bolted connection.
3. Cut one layer of BBIA tubing to cover at 6 inches
(152 mm) of existing insulation on each side of the
connection. Exercise care to ensure a clean cut.

 
  


4. Cut a second (outer) layer of BBIA tubing (if

required) to a length that is 2 inches (51 mm) shorter
than the first layer.

An instruction sheet is included in each package to provide

the installer with the information required to properly install
the BBIA Series Tubing on bus bar. A brief summary of the
installation for BBIA is outlined as follows:

5. Shrink the first (inner) layer of BBIA tubing onto the

bus bar and bolted connection. If required, center the
second layer of tubing over the first layer and shrink
using standard industry methods.

A. Instructions for Straight Bus Bar

1. Clean bus bar and cut BBIA Tubing to required
length. Use a sharp knife or razor to ensure a clean cut
with no nicks.

/.",  /" &3",

((",  /" &3",
2%-.%(# (-/&.%)(

2. Preheating of bus bar is recommended.

4. Dimples appearing in BBIA tubing during

shrinkage are normal, and are removed with
continued even heating.

C. Additional Instructions for 25 and 35 kV

Connections
1. Fill in edges of existing bus bar insulation with an
electrical grade filler before applying two layers of
BBIA tubing.

5. Heat
application
should
be
discontinued
immediately after dimples disappear, or when tubing
has shrunk smoothly onto bar.

Filler

6. Use proper torch which produces a blue and yellow

flame.

7. CAUTION: Be careful handling insulated bus bar

while it is still hot. The heated tubing is soft and
susceptible to physical damage.

Existing Insulation

Filler

8. SAFETY: Use caution and proper safety procedures

when working with open flame and high
temperatures. This would include maintaining a well
ventilated workplace.

D. Application Tips
1. Keep Torch flame moving to prevent burning.

7. Maintenance

2. For rectangular bars: Shrink the edges of the BBIA

tubing first. This will achieve a more uniform
insulation thickness around the bar.

BBIA tubing is not impaired by freezing or overheating due

to ambient temperatures found in storage or shipping. Normal
storage and stock rotation practices are recommended.

3. BBIA tubing normally shrinks at approx. 250
F

(120
C).
(Caution: burn damage can occur if tubing
temperature exceeds approx. 600
F (315
C) for
several minutes.)

8. Availability
3M BBIA Series Heat Shrinkable Tubing for Bus Bar is
available from your local authorized 3M electrical
distributor.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PURCHASER:

All statements, technical information and recommendations related to the Sellers products
are based on information believed to be reliable,
but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not
guaranteed. Before utilizing the product, the
user should determine the suitability of the product for its intended use. The user assumes all
risks and liability whatsoever in connection with
such use.
80610681555

3M Electrical Products Division

6801 River Place Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78726 9000

All statements or recommendations of the seller

which are not contained in the Sellers current publications shall have no force or effect unless contained in an agreement signed by an authorized
officer of the Seller. The statements contained
herein are made in lieu of all warranties expressed
or implied, including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose which warranties are hereby expressly disclaimed.
3M 1993

SELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE

USER OR ANY OTHER PERSON UNDER ANY
LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY,
FOR ANY INJURY OR FOR ANY DIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUSTAINED OR
INCURRED BY REASON OF THE USE OF ANY
OF THE SELLERS PRODUCTS.