Busbars & Bolts

philippi Busbars & Studs – Professional Power Distribution for Onboard Networks and Vehicles

Busbars and studs are the backbone of any professional onboard installation. They connect batteries, main switches, fuses, and consumers to a structured, reliable DC distribution system – in 12V and 24V onboard networks on boats, yachts, motorhomes, expedition vehicles, and special vehicles. Philippi offers a complete range of high-quality copper busbars, power distributors, feed-through studs, and connector blocks – for currents from a few amperes to well over 600 A.

Brief explanation: Busbars bundle multiple cable outlets at a common potential – positive or negative – thus ensuring a clean, clear, and standard-compliant power distribution without unnecessary connection points.

Why busbars instead of individual wiring?

In professional onboard networks, busbars are used to connect multiple consumers, battery supply lines, or return lines at a common point. The advantages over direct individual wiring are clear: minimized contact resistances due to solid copper conductors, clear and maintenance-friendly installation, reduced risk of fire due to structured cable routing, and compliance with the requirements of DIN EN ISO 13297 (electrical DC installation on small craft).

All Busbars & Studs at a Glance

SMS Series – Compact Busbars for Small and Medium Systems

The SMS busbars are the compact standard solution for smaller onboard networks and negative distribution points. Available in single and double versions:

The SMS 7 is a compact busbar with 5 consumer connections 4 mm and 2 supply connections 5 mm – ideal for connecting negative terminals in small systems.

DualBus Series – Two-Pole Busbars for Simultaneous Positive and Negative Connection

The DualBus busbars enable two-pole connection of consumers to a single connection unit – positive and negative in a compact housing:

The DualBus busbars are made of tinned copper and allow for two-pole connection of consumers to a single connection unit. Voltage range max. 48 V DC.

Busbar BS 2305 – Standard Solution for Medium Currents

The BS 2305 is a high-quality busbar made of tinned copper with 4 threaded studs Ø 4.8 mm without cover. Voltage range max. 300 V AC / 48 V DC, continuous load max. 100 A AC/DC, dimensions (WxHxD): 107 × 23 × 32 mm. Also available with protective cover.

PowerBar Series – Busbars for Highest Currents

The PowerBar series is designed for high-performance high-current applications – solid copper rails with large 3/8" studs for anchor winches, bow thrusters, inverters, and other high-current consumers:

The PowerBar busbars are made of solid copper with a tinned surface. Voltage range max. 48 V DC.

MSS 9 – Negative Pole Busbar for Large Cross-Sections

The MSS 9 is a high-quality negative pole busbar for large cross-sections, suitable for distributing battery supply lines and cable outlets for anchor winches, bow thrusters, and other consumers. The nominal cross-section of the busbar is 300 mm². Galvanically nickel-plated copper busbar mounted on plastic insulating supports. Connection option for max. 4 × 95 mm² (M8) and 5 × 25 mm² (M6) cable lugs. Dimensions L 238 × W 39 × H 42 mm.

EMS 6 – Negative Pole Busbar for the Power Install System 250

The EMS 6 is a 6-fold negative busbar with a current carrying capacity of 250 A. All studs M10, dimensions L 212 × W 40 × H 50 mm. Specially designed for use in the Philippi Power Install System 250 as a central negative pole distributor.

Power Distributor SSP – Compact Distributors with Studs and Screw Terminals

The SSP power distributors combine one or two large supply studs (9.5 mm / 3/8") with several smaller screw terminals for consumers – the compact solution for structured positive or negative distribution:

Feed-through Studs DFB – Stud Connection Through Bulkheads and Panels

Feed-through studs are used to run cable connections through bulkheads, control panels, or partitions without sacrificing watertightness:

DFB (8 mm studs): Feed-through studs with 8 mm connection studs on both sides, mounting hole Ø 17.5 mm, protection class IP 66, dimensions (front) W 32 × H 51 mm. Available in black.

DFB (10 mm studs): Feed-through studs with 10 mm connection studs on both sides, mounting hole Ø 17.5 mm, protection class IP 66. Available in black and red – red for positive pole, black for negative pole, color-coded pole identification at a glance.

Connector Block – Blade Terminal Distributor for Small Consumers

The screw-on connector block for 6.3 mm blade terminals offers 3 separate potentials with 4 plug-in options each. Ideal for structured distribution of small consumers, sensors, and control units directly on the control panel or in the control cabinet.

Mounting Studs M10

In addition to the busbar assortment, Philippi offers M10 mounting studs as individual components – for replacement, expansion, or individual connection configurations on existing busbars and distributors.

Material and Quality – Why Tinned Copper?

All Philippi busbars are made of solid copper with a nickel-plated surface. Copper offers the best electrical conductivity of all technically used metals. Nickel plating permanently protects the surface from corrosion caused by salt water, moist air, and aggressive onboard atmospheres – a decisive advantage over untinned alternatives in marine applications.

For which applications are Philippi busbars suitable?

Sailing yachts and motorboats for positive and negative busbars in the bilge and control cabinet, commercial shipping for standard-compliant DC installation according to DIN EN ISO 13297, motorhomes and expedition vehicles for structured main power distribution, vehicles with lithium battery systems for high-current applications up to 600 A, as well as the Philippi Power Install System 250 with suitable EMS busbars as system components.

Frequently Asked Questions about Philippi Busbars & Studs

What is the difference between a busbar and a power distributor? A busbar connects several cable outlets of the same potential (positive or negative) via a solid copper bar. A collector support point (SSP1/8) combines a large supply stud with several smaller screw terminals – structurally similar, but more compact and often already with an integrated housing.

Which busbar is suitable for high-current applications such as an anchor winch or bow thruster? For high-current consumers, we recommend the PowerBar busbars (up to 600 A DC) or the MSS 9 with a nominal cross-section of 300 mm² and connection option for cable lugs up to 95 mm².

Why are feed-through studs available in red and black? The color coding follows the polarity identification in the onboard installation: Red indicates the positive pole, black the negative pole. This allows connections to be clearly and safely distinguished even in confined installation situations.

Which voltages are permissible with Philippi busbars? Most Philippi busbars are designed for voltages up to max. 50V DC – thus suitable for 12V, 24V, and 48V DC systems.

Are the busbars suitable for lithium onboard networks? Yes. Due to the solid copper conductors and the high continuous current ratings (up to 600 A), Philippi busbars are also suitable for lithium battery systems with high charging and discharging currents.

What does IP 66 mean for feed-through studs? IP 66 means complete protection against dust ingress and strong water jets from any direction. The DFB feed-through stud is therefore also suitable for use in splash water-exposed areas – e.g., when routing cables through outer walls or water-hazard bulkheads.

Philippi Busbar Boat · Copper Busbar Yacht · Power Distributor Onboard Network · DualBus Busbar · PowerBar High Current · MSS 9 Negative Pole Busbar · Feed-through Stud IP66 · SMS 7 SMS 22 · SSP Power Distributor · Onboard Installation DC Distribution · EMS 6 Power Install System · Connector Block Blade Terminal · Philippi Electrical Systems