Why Smart Facilities are Ditching Conduit: 6 Reasons Why Track Busway Represents the Future of Power Distribution

In the age of AI, automation, and IoT, facility managers face mounting pressure to deliver more power, more flexibility, and faster upgrades, all without disrupting operations. Yet most facilities are saddled with outdated and inflexible electrical distribution systems like conventional pipe and wire, which are rigid, labor-intensive, and difficult to modify.

With Starline Track Busway, a modular, plug-and-play power distribution system, facilities are transforming their electrical infrastructure. If you’re planning a retrofit or new build, here are six compelling reasons why busway is the superior choice over conduit.

 

1. Faster Installation

Starline busway installs up to 90% faster than conventional pipe and wire. Its compact, lightweight design eliminates the need for multiple homeruns and complex conduit installations. With versatile mounting accessories, you’ll reduce labor costs and be up and running in a fraction of the planned timeline. 

 

2. Built-In Flexibility

Compared to pipe and wire, busways are designed to deliver flexibility. Busway’s open channel design with hot swappable plug-in units enables you to reposition power access in minutes, without shutting down operations or rewiring entire sections.

 

3. Unmatched Scalability         

Busway grows with your facility. With its open channel design, additional plug-in units can be added when and where power is needed. Compared to pipe and wire installations which may require extensive rewiring or additional panelboards, busway scales by design with minimal disruption.

 

 

4. Safer Work Environments

Busway systems, which are most often installed suspended from the ceiling, put the electrical boxes out of reach while eliminating potential trip hazards from extension cords. Additionally, plug-in units are designed to deliver circuit protection directly at the point of use, rather than in a far-off panelboard.

 

5. Design Versatility

Busway gives you the flexibility to install power infrastructure before finalizing equipment placement. With options ranging from 40-1200 amps, busways deliver higher ampacity power in less space, freeing up valuable square footage. Plug-in units are also highly customizable and can be easily swapped should equipment positioning change.

 

6. Long-Term Cost Savings 

Whether retrofitting an existing facility or building new, Starline Track Busway minimizes total cost of ownership. With faster installation, fewer materials, and simple modifications, you’ll reduce costs and save time and money, both up front and in the future.

 

Compared to traditional conduit infrastructure, track busways aren’t just an upgrade, they’re a strategic investment in agility, safety, and scalability. 

To learn more about the benefits of Starline Track Busway, visit starlinepower.com/products/busway/track-busway