High-current slip rings
BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush) high-current slip ring
Heavy-duty carbon-brush slip rings for very high current and voltage, with copper-graphite power rings and precious-metal signal rings. Large and heavy by design, but straightforward to maintain.
Key specifications
| Circuits (max) | 76 |
|---|---|
| Current per circuit (max) | 500 A |
| Voltage (max) | 20,000 V |
| Speed (max) | 10 rpm |
| Ingress protection | IP54 (option) |
| Temperature | -20–80 °C |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Options
- fibre optics
- encoders
- RF joints
- pneumatics
- hydraulics
- power ring up to 500A
- signal ring 5-20A
- housings up to approx. 4 m scale
- scheduled-maintenance or maintenance-free versions
Typical applications
What a high-current slip ring is
A high-current slip ring is a rotary joint built to carry heavy power, typically tens to hundreds of amps per circuit, across continuous rotation. Instead of fine precious-metal wires, it uses wider rings in copper alloy or brass and brushes in copper graphite or silver graphite, sized to keep current density and contact heating within limits. Ring spacing and insulation are increased for higher working voltages. Many designs also carry low-level signal rings on precious-metal contacts in the same assembly, separated from the power section.
When engineers choose a high-current slip ring
Choose a high-current design when motors, heaters, magnets or welding equipment on the rotating side draw more than a standard ring can handle. It suits cranes, cable reels, welding positioners and heavy turntables. The trade-offs are size, weight, drag torque and brush dust: carbon-based brushes wear and need inspection, so maintenance access matters. Where rotation is limited to a few turns, a cable carrier or cable wrap may still be simpler. Keep sensitive signals physically separate from the power rings.
How to specify the BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush) variant:
- Current per circuit, continuous and peak (A)
- Working voltage and required insulation level (V)
- Duty cycle and ambient temperature (°C)
- Speed, continuous and peak (rpm)
- Number of power circuits plus any signal or earth circuits
- Bore, envelope and mounting (mm)
- Brush inspection interval and maintenance access
Common mistakes to avoid
- Quoting the motor nameplate current but not the inrush or peak current at start-up
- Ignoring temperature rise in an enclosed housing, which derates current capacity
- Placing encoder or fieldbus rings right next to high-current motor feeds
- Leaving no access to inspect brushes and clean carbon dust
BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush): frequently asked questions
What is the BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush)?
Heavy-duty carbon-brush slip rings for very high current and voltage, with copper-graphite power rings and precious-metal signal rings. Large and heavy by design, but straightforward to maintain. Published series figures include circuits 76, current per circuit 500 A, voltage 20,000 V, speed 10 rpm. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush)?
The BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush) is part of a range available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What is the circuits of the BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush)?
The published series maximum circuits is 76. Individual models and sizes in the BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush) range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Why do high-current slip rings use carbon brushes rather than gold contacts?
Gold-wire contacts suit low currents because they give very low noise, but they cannot carry heavy current without overheating. Copper graphite and silver graphite brushes offer a large contact area, good conductivity and self-lubrication, which handles tens to hundreds of amps. The trade-off is brush wear and dust, so these units need inspection intervals and sensible enclosure design.
How much current can one slip ring circuit carry?
It depends on ring size, brush material, speed, ambient temperature and duty. Standard capsules typically manage a few amps per ring, while dedicated high-current units are commonly rated from tens of amps to several hundred amps per circuit. Always quote continuous, peak and duty cycle together, because a ring that is fine at 50% duty may overheat when run continuously.
Further reading: How to select a slip ring · How to specify a slip ring · Slip rings
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Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
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