Product Description
GE isolated-phase bus duct was the standard high-current bus system connecting large turbine-generators to their step-up transformers in fossil and nuclear generating stations from the 1950s through the 1980s. Each phase ran in its own aluminum enclosure with expansion joints and flanged sections. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, the flange joints allegedly used compressed asbestos gaskets, and the phase conductors and generator-terminal bushings were allegedly wrapped in woven chrysotile fabric boots and insulating tape at penetration points to prevent flashover.
Opening a bus duct for internal inspection, replacing a flange boot, or renewing a gasket allegedly released asbestos fibers into the powerhouse basement.
Workers Exposed
- Substation electricians servicing generator bus duct at power stations
- Industrial electricians (IBEW) opening iso-phase bus duct during outages
- Plant electricians inspecting and reinsulating bus duct penetrations
- Industrial maintenance electricians replacing flange gaskets and boots