Golf Course Power FAQs: Smarter Power Infrastructure with Track Busway

The growing adoption of lithium-ion battery powered carts, course maintenance equipment, and automated caddies have course operators increasingly addressing one issue: how can you update power infrastructure to keep pace? Traditional electrical infrastructure, such as pipe and wire or conduit, was not designed to adapt to the power demands of this changing technology. That’s where Starline Track Busway comes in. In this FAQ, we’re answering the most common questions on how busway provides a smarter power solution for golf courses and facilities.

1.    What makes Starline Track Busway different from traditional pipe and wire?

Starline Track Busway is a modular power distribution system that uses an open channel to deliver continuous access to power. Unlike traditional pipe and wire, plug-in units can be inserted anywhere along the channel. This means power can be positioned and reconfigured along the busway without hiring an electrician to run or reroute cables.

2.    What is installation like?

Busway can be mounted in several different ways: suspended from the ceiling or mounted on a wall or rack. As a self-contained system, busways require fewer cables and eliminate long conduit runs from panelboards to equipment. This simplified installation means busways can be installed in a day or two, reducing labor costs compared to longer traditional conduit installations. A customized mounting bracket designed to support any brand of charger can also be incorporated onto the busway system, putting your charging equipment right where you need it.

3.    Is busway better for a new build or a retrofit? 

Whether you are building a new facility or looking to upgrade your existing building, busways deliver key design agility and flexibility for the future. For new builds, the busway’s open channel means you don’t need to know the exact position of your carts or equipment on day one—and if you need to make changes down the road, the system is designed to adapt quickly. For retrofits, busway’s design versatility means it can be installed without major renovation to your existing building infrastructure, minimizing disruption to your existing operations.

4.    How does busway optimize use of space?

Traditionally hung overhead, busways eliminate the hazards of having extension cords and the complexity of mounting duplex boxes within your facility. Busways also act as a mounting system, meaning you don’t need additional structures to support electrical boxes or cart chargers. As an adaptable overhead grid, power can be accessed wherever you need it to optimize the workflow of your facility.

 

5.    What if I need to add chargers or make a change to my system?

Busway’s open channel design enables you to place plug-in units anywhere along the run. Plug-in units are engineered to order with the specific outlets, drop cords, and circuit protection you need. Simply insert the plug-in into the busway channel and turn ninety degrees. The plug-in unit locks into place, providing a safe and reliable power connection. Additional busway sections can be added to your existing system, making scaling simple.

6.    Where are golf courses able to use track busway?

Busway systems are ideal for anywhere flexible and scalable power access is needed. Whether you are charging electric carts or batteries in your cart barn or powering equipment in your maintenance shed, busways deliver unmatched flexibility to your operations. Its continuous access modular design provides adaptable power from day one, with the ability to easily expand or adapt as business needs grow or change.

Learn how Starline helps golf courses or see how track busway revitalized operations in our Butler Country Club case study.