6 Way 100A Bus Bar with 2 Input Studs

Q: What is a bus bar, and when do I need one?
A bus bar is a metal strip with several stud terminals commoned together, it turns one power feed into several distribution points. You need one when you've got a single supply (a battery, an isolator or a DC-DC output) that needs to feed multiple circuits, and you want a tidy, low-resistance junction instead of stacking ring lugs on a battery post.

Q: Why two input studs instead of one?
Two input studs give you flexibility. Common uses: (a) one for the positive feed and the other for the negative return in a small dual-polarity setup; (b) two positive feeds combined onto the same rail (for example, alternator feed on one, solar feed on the other); (c) one feed in and one as a link out to another bus bar downstream.

Q: What's the difference between the input studs and the output screws?
The two inputs are 1/4" studs, bigger and threaded to accept large ring lugs on heavy supply cable. The six outputs are #8 screws (about 4mm), sized for the smaller wires that feed individual circuits or fuses. All eight terminals are electrically commoned inside the bar.

Q: What voltage systems is it safe on?
Rated to 100A at up to 48V DC, so it's safe on 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V DC systems. Not for mains AC or DC systems above 48V.

Q: Can each output take the full 100A?
No. 100A is the total continuous rating the bar (and its terminals combined) can carry. Each individual output screw is smaller than the inputs and is meant for a smaller share of that total, size each output to its circuit's actual load, and don't design any single output for more than about 30 to 40A continuously.

Q: What wire size fits the terminals?
The two 1/4" input studs take a 1/4" ring lug, that suits heavy supply cable up to about 25mm² (roughly 4 B&S). The six #8 output screws take a #8 ring lug, sized for wire up to about 6mm² (roughly 10 B&S). Match the ring lug to the wire, not the stud.

Q: Is this waterproof? Can I mount it under the bonnet?
No, this is a covered but not sealed bus bar, meant for a protected environment inside a dash, an accessory box, a cabin fuse panel or a dry lockup. It's not rated for direct engine-bay exposure or wet marine installs. Mount it somewhere the cover stays dry.

Q: Do I need one bus bar or two for my circuit?
For a full dual-polarity distribution setup (positive rail and negative rail both split six ways), you'll want two, one wired to the positive supply and one to the negative. A single bar handles a single polarity only. If you're just splitting one polarity out (positive from a fused isolator to six circuits, negatives going straight to chassis), one is enough.

Q: How do I mount it?
The insulated base has recessed mounting holes on either end, fix it with two screws (not supplied) to a solid non-conductive surface, or use a mounting plate if the surface is metal. The recessed holes are the safety feature: they keep the fixing screw heads down inside the base so they can't accidentally touch a live stud above.

Q: What's included?
One 6-way bus bar with two input studs and six output screws, plus one black flame-resistant flexible cover that clips over the top. Ring lugs, wire and mounting screws are not included.