Patent Publication Number: US-10320174-B2

Title: Electrical distribution apparatus and methods of assembling same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The field of the disclosure relates generally to electrical distribution apparatuses, and more particularly, to an electrical distribution apparatus including a bus bar assembly that is coupled to a backplane supported by a frame. 
     At least some known panelboards include a wall-mounted enclosure and an electrical distribution apparatus that controls electrical distribution from a main to one or more branch circuits. At least some known electrical distribution apparatuses include conductive bus bars and electrical devices, such as circuit breakers, electrically coupled to the bus bars. In addition, at least some known electrical distribution apparatuses include support structure to support the bus bars and the electrical devices within the wall-mounted enclosure. However, at least some electrical distribution apparatuses are custom designed to fit within a specific wall-mounted enclosure. Moreover, the electrical distribution apparatuses are large and unwieldy. Accordingly, the bus bars and support structure require extra labor and special equipment to assemble and transport to an installation site. In addition, extra labor and special equipment is required to install the bus bars and support structure at the installation site. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, an electrical distribution apparatus is provided. The electrical distribution apparatus includes a bus bar assembly including a first surface. The electrical distribution apparatus also includes a backplane including a second surface. The electrical distribution apparatus further includes a plurality of engagement features and a plurality of openings for receiving the plurality of engagement features. The plurality of engagement features couple the bus bar assembly to the backplane. The plurality of engagement features extend from at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of openings are defined by at least one of the first surface and the second surface. 
     In another aspect, a method of assembling an electrical distribution system is provided. The method includes positioning a bus bar assembly relative to a backplane such that a plurality of engagement features extend into a plurality of openings. The bus bar assembly includes a first surface and the backplane includes a second surface. The plurality of engagement features extend from one of the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of openings are defined by the other of the first surface and the second surface. The method also includes positioning the bus bar assembly such that the plurality of engagement features engages the other of the first surface and the second surface. 
     In yet another aspect, an electrical distribution system is provided. The electrical distribution system includes an enclosure defining an interior volume and an electrical distribution apparatus positioned at least partially within the interior volume. The electrical distribution apparatus includes a bus bar assembly including a plurality of engagement features. The plurality of engagement features extend from a surface of the bus bar assembly. The electrical distribution apparatus also includes a backplane including a plurality of openings for receiving the plurality of engagement features. Each engagement feature of the plurality of engagement features extends into an opening of the plurality of openings and engages the backplane. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electrical distribution system including an electrical distribution apparatus and an enclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the electrical distribution apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an electrical distribution apparatus including a bus bar assembly and a backplane coupled to a frame. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of the electrical distribution apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of a portion of an electrical distribution apparatus including positioning members. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an electrical distribution apparatus including a bus bar assembly and a backplane. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a portion of the bus bar assembly shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical distribution apparatus including a bus bar assembly coupled to a backplane by a bracket. 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of an electrical distribution apparatus including a bus bar assembly coupled to a backplane. 
         FIG. 10  is a series of front perspective views of engagement features of the electrical distribution apparatus shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a series of rear perspective views of engagement features of the electrical distribution apparatus shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature of any drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. 
     The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. 
     Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. 
     Exemplary embodiments of distribution systems and methods of manufacturing distribution systems are described herein. The distribution systems generally include a bus bar assembly, a backplane, and a frame. The bus bar assembly and the backplane are modular components that are configured to couple to each other. In some embodiments, the bus bar assembly includes engagement features that extend into openings in the backplane. In further embodiments, the bus bar assembly includes openings that receive engagement features extending from the backplane. The frame is configured to support the backplane and the bus bar assembly when the backplane is coupled to the frame. In some embodiments, at least one of the backplane and the frame includes a positioning member that at least partially supports the backplane to allow positioning of the backplane relative to the frame. In further embodiments, the backplane includes handle portions that facilitate an operator handling the backplane. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary electrical distribution system  100  including an electrical distribution apparatus  102  and an enclosure  104 .  FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of electrical distribution apparatus  102 . Electrical distribution apparatus  102  includes a bus bar assembly  106  and a backplane  108  mounted to a frame  110  within enclosure  104 . Electrical distribution apparatus  102  is shown in the form of a panelboard. In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution system  100  includes any electrical distribution apparatus  102  that enables electrical distribution system  100  to operate as described herein. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, enclosure  104  includes a plurality of panels  112  isolating an interior volume  114  of enclosure  104  from an exterior environment. Enclosure  104  is configured to receive bus bar assembly  106  and backplane  108  within interior volume  114 . In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution system  100  includes any enclosure  104  that enables electrical distribution system  100  to operate as described herein. 
     Also, in the exemplary embodiment, electrical distribution system  100  is configured to electrically couple to a main power circuit, such as a three-phase power supply, and to distribute power to one or more branch circuits that are electrically coupled to electrical distribution apparatus  102  through electrical devices. In the exemplary embodiment, electrical devices  116  are electrically coupled to bus bar assembly  106  along the perimeter of bus bar assembly  106 . In particular, electrical devices  116  include a main breaker electrically coupled to bus bar assembly  106  along an end of bus bar assembly, and a plurality of branch circuit breakers electrically coupled to bus bar assembly  106  along the sides of bus bar assembly  106 . In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution system  100  includes any electrical device  116  that enables electrical distribution system  100  to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, electrical distribution system  100  includes, without limitation, any of the following electrical devices: circuit breakers, circuit switching devices, electrical meters, fuses, intelligent devices, relays, protection devices such as surge protection devices and transient voltage surge suppressors, power supplies such as three-phase and four-phase power supplies, and circuit interrupters other than circuit breakers, such as contactors, motor starters, motor controllers, and other load controllers. 
     In reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , backplane  108  defines a plurality of elongate slots  122  arranged symmetrically about a central portion of backplane  108 . Each slot  122  is sized and shaped to receive a fastener to secure each electrical device  116  to backplane  108 . Slots  122  are arranged in two rows on each side of bus bar assembly  106  when bus bar assembly  106  is coupled to backplane  108 . The two rows include a bus side row and a load side row. Slots  122  are spaced from one another at a defined increment in a longitudinal direction  142  of backplane  108  such that slots  122  align with mounting features (e.g., fasteners or fastener openings) on electrical devices  116  when electrical devices  116  are connected to bus bar assembly  106  and bus bar assembly  106  is coupled to frame  110 . Slots  122  are elongate in a transverse direction  144  orthogonal to longitudinal direction  142  to provide flexibility in the mounting position of electrical devices  116 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , bus bar assembly  106  includes a plurality of modular bus bars arranged in a stacked configuration. Each bus bar is configured to couple to one phase of a multi-phase power supply. In some embodiments, the bus bars are separated by spacers and/or bus bar insulators. In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  102  includes any bus bar assembly  106  that enables electrical distribution apparatus  102  to operate as described herein. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, frame  110  includes a plurality of support members to which components of electrical distribution system  100  are mounted. In the exemplary embodiment, frame  110  includes vertical rails  130  and horizontal rails  131 ,  132 ,  133 . Vertical rails  130  extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of frame  110 , and are oriented substantially parallel to each other. Horizontal rails  131 ,  132 ,  133  are oriented substantially orthogonal to vertical rails  130  and substantially parallel to each other. An upper horizontal rail  131  is coupled to a first end of each vertical rail  130 . A lower horizontal rail  133  is coupled to a second end of each vertical rail  130 . An intermediate horizontal rail  132  is coupled to each vertical rail  130  between the first end and the second end. Accordingly, intermediate horizontal rail  132  is positioned between upper horizontal rail  131  and lower horizontal rail  133 . In the exemplary embodiment, intermediate horizontal rail  132  is positioned approximately midway between upper horizontal rail  131  and lower horizontal rail  133 . Horizontal rails  131 ,  132 ,  133  and vertical rails  130  extend across a length and width of frame  110 . Moreover, the thickness of horizontal rails  131 ,  132 ,  133  and vertical rails  130  defines a depth of frame  110 . In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  102  includes any frame  110  that enables electrical distribution apparatus  102  to operate as described herein. 
     Also, in the exemplary embodiment, backplane  108  includes a first end  134 , a second end  136 , a first side  138 , and a second side  140  collectively defining a perimeter of backplane  108 . First side  138  and second side  140  each extend from first end  134  to second end  136 . Accordingly, backplane  108  extends a length in longitudinal direction  142  from first end  134  to second end  136 , and a width in the transverse direction  144 . In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  102  includes any backplane  108  that enables electrical distribution apparatus  102  to operate as described herein. 
     In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, backplane  108  is coupled to each horizontal rail  132  of frame  110 . In particular, first end  134  is coupled to upper horizontal rail  131  and second end  136  is coupled to lower horizontal rail  133 . Intermediate horizontal rail  132  is coupled to backplane  108  between first end  134  and second end  136 . Backplane  108  is positioned on frame  110  such that backplane  108  is spaced from vertical rails  130  by a lateral spacing sized to receive electrical devices  116 . In some embodiments, the lateral spacing is varied to accommodate electrical devices  116  having different sizes. For example, the lateral spacing is adjusted by varying the location at which backplane  108  is coupled to frame  110 , or by varying the width of backplane  108  and/or bus bar assembly  106 . 
     Also, in the exemplary embodiment, backplane  108  includes flanges  146  extending from first side  138  and second side  140 . In the exemplary embodiment, backplane  108  includes four flanges  146 . Flanges  146  extend along the length of backplane  108  and provide support to backplane  108 . In addition, flanges  146  facilitate an operator handling and positioning backplane  108 . For example, flanges  146  include a handle portion  148  for an operator to grasp. Handle portion  148  includes a recess and/or opening formed into each flange  146 . In addition, a portion of flange  146  is folded over, thickened, and/or rounded to remove sharp edges. In some embodiments, handle portion  148  includes a material that facilitates an operator grasping handle portion  148 , such as a gripping material and/or a loop. In alternative embodiments, backplane  108  includes any flange  146  that enables backplane  108  to operate as described herein. In some embodiments, flanges  146  are omitted. In further embodiments, backplane  108  and/or bus bar assembly  106  includes handle portions  148  separate from flanges  146 . 
     Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, flanges  146  define notches  150  and act as positioning members for backplane  108 . Notches  150  are configured to receive a portion of frame  110 . Notches  150  include a curved edge that is positioned against frame  110  to enable backplane  108  to pivot relative to frame  110 . Backplane  108  pivots between a first position and a second position. In the first position, backplane  108  is at least partially angled relative to frame  110 . In the second position, first edge  134  and second edge  136  of backplane  108  contact frame  110 . During assembly, an operator positions flanges  146  against bottom horizontal rail  132  such that flanges  146  and frame  110  at least partially support backplane  108 . Flanges  146  are maintained against bottom horizontal rail  132  and backplane  108  is pivoted into the second position. In some embodiments, backplane  108  contacts each of horizontal rails  131 ,  132 ,  133  in the second position. After backplane  108  is pivoted into position, backplane  108  is coupled to frame  110 . In one embodiment, fasteners extend through openings in backplane  108  and frame  110  to secure backplane  108  in position. In alternative embodiments, backplane  108  is positioned on frame  110  in any manner that enables electrical distribution apparatus  102  to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, backplane  108  is received by notches  150  defined by frame  110  to facilitate positioning backplane  108  relative to frame  110 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, frame  110  defines alignment features  152  that facilitate aligning backplane  108  relative to frame  106 . Alignment features  152  include grooves that are configured to receive an edge of backplane  108  and align backplane  108  relative to frame  110 . Alignment features  152  are defined by intermediate horizontal rail  132  and are spaced from vertical rails  130 . Backplane  108  is positioned approximately midway between vertical rails  130  when backplane  108  is aligned with alignment features  152 . In alternative embodiments, frame  110  includes any alignment features  152  that enable electrical distribution system  100  to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of upper horizontal rail  131  and lower horizontal rail  133  defines alignment feature  152 . In further embodiments, alignment features  152  include protuberances that abut against an edge of backplane  108 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an electrical distribution apparatus  200  including a bus bar assembly  202  and a backplane  204  coupled to a frame  206 .  FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of electrical distribution apparatus  200 . Frame  206  is configured to support bus bar assembly  202  and backplane  204  within enclosure  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Bus bar assembly  202  and backplane  204  are modular units that are configured to couple to each other. In particular, bus bar assembly  202  includes engagement features  208  that are configured to extend through openings  210  in backplane  108  and couple bus bar assembly  202  to backplane  204 . Moreover, engagement features  208  at least partially support bus bar assembly  202 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, engagement features  208  extend from bus bar assembly  202  and have a hook shape. In particular, engagement features  208  extend outward from a surface of support  220  and towards backplane  108 . Moreover, engagement features  208  are integrally formed with support  220 . In the exemplary embodiment, a catch portion of engagement features  208  extends at an angle relative to a base portion to define the hook shape. In the exemplary embodiment, engagement features  208  define an approximately 90° angle. The base portion extends substantially perpendicular to the surface of support  220  and the catch portion extends substantially parallel to the surface. Accordingly, engagement features  208  are configured to catch or engage objects. In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  200  includes any engagement feature  208  that enables electrical distribution apparatus  200  to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, at least one engagement feature  208  extends from a surface of backplane  204 . In further embodiments, engagement features  208  are positionable. In some embodiments, engagement features  208  include, without limitation, any of the following: a mushroom shaped portion, an arrow shaped portion, a barb, a knob, a protuberance, a wedge, a teardrop shaped portion, and any other engagement component. 
     Also, in the exemplary embodiment, a central portion of backplane  204  includes openings  210  configured to receive engagement features  208 . Openings  210  are elongate slots and extend in a vertical direction. In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  200  includes any opening  210  that enables electrical distribution apparatus  200  to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  200  includes at least one opening  210  defined by bus bar assembly  202 . 
     Also, in the exemplary embodiment, backplane  204  and bus bar assembly  202  include openings  214 ,  216  sized and shaped to receive locking pins  212 . Locking pins  212  secure bus bar assembly  202  to backplane  204  to inhibit movement of bus bar assembly  202  relative to backplane  204 . In particular, locking pins  212  inhibit movement of bus bar assembly  202  in a longitudinal direction, and inhibit engagement features  208  disengaging from backplane  204 . Coupling tabs  218  extend from the front surface of backplane  204  and define openings  216 . Supports  220  extend from the sides of bus bar assembly  202  and define corresponding openings  214 . In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  100  includes any locking feature that enables electrical distribution apparatus  100  to operate as described herein. 
     In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, during assembly of electrical distribution apparatus  200 , engagement features  208  are inserted into openings  210  such that the hook portions of engagement features  208  extend beyond backplane  204 . Bus bar assembly  202  is then positioned such that engagement features  208  engage backplane  204 . When engaged with backplane  204 , engagement features  208  inhibit removal of bus bar assembly  202  from backplane  204 . In the exemplary embodiment, locking pins  212  are removably inserted through openings  214  and openings  216 . In alternative embodiments, bus bar assembly  202  is coupled to backplane  204  in any manner that enables electrical distribution system  100  to operate as described herein. 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of a portion of an electrical distribution apparatus  300  including positioning members  302 . Electrical distribution apparatus  300  includes positioning members  302 , a frame  304 , a backplane  306 , and a bus bar assembly  308 . Bus bar assembly  308  is coupled to backplane  306 . Backplane  306  includes openings  310  configured to receive positioning members  302 . Positioning members  302  extend from a top rail  312  of frame  304  and are configured to support at least a portion of bus bar assembly  308  and backplane  306 . Accordingly, positioning members  302  facilitate positioning backplane  306  between a first position and a second position. In the first position, backplane  306  is suspended by positioning members  302  such that backplane  306  is spaced from frame  304 . In the second position, backplane  306  contacts frame  304 . In the exemplary embodiment, positioning members  302  each include an elongate fastener, such as a shoulder bolt, that is coupled to top rail  312 . In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  300  includes any positioning member  302  that enables electrical distribution apparatus  300  to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, positioning members  302  extend from backplane  306 . 
     During assembly of electrical distribution apparatus  300 , an operator positions backplane  306  such that positioning members  302  extend through openings  310 . The operator then slides backplane  306  along positioning members  302  until backplane  306  contacts frame  304 . Openings  310  are sized to receive positioning members  302  and facilitate backplane  306  sliding along positioning members  302 . In particular, openings  310  are larger than the heads of positioning members  302 . Accordingly, openings  310  are oversized in comparison to openings configured to receive fasteners that secure backplane  306  to frame  304 . Positioning members  302  and openings  310  are positioned such that backplane  306  and frame  304  are aligned. In particular, the centers of openings  310  are positioned lower than the centers of other openings in backplane  306  because positioning members  302  contact an edge of openings  310  and are not aligned with the center of openings  310 . After backplane  306  is aligned and positioned relative to frame  304 , the operator secures backplane  306  to frame  304 . Accordingly, positioning members  302  facilitate the operator positioning backplane  306  relative to frame  304  and facilitate the operator coupling backplane  306  and frame  304 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical distribution apparatus  400  including a bus bar assembly  402  and a backplane  404 .  FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a portion of bus bar assembly  402 . Bus bar assembly  402  includes bus bars  406 , bus bar support  408 , and engagement features  410 ,  412 . Engagement features  410 ,  412  extend from bus bar support  408  and are configured to extend into openings  414  of backplane  404 . Openings  414  are elongate slots and extend in a vertical direction. Openings  414  are aligned vertically in two rows in a central portion of backplane  404 . Engagement features  410 ,  412  include hooks  410  and stops  412  that are sized to fit within openings  414  and inhibit movement of bus bar assembly  402 . In particular, hooks  410  are configured to engage backplane  404  and couple bus bar assembly  402  to backplane  404 . Stops  412  are configured to abut against at least one edge of openings  414  and at least partially support bus bar assembly  402 . In addition, bus bar assembly  402  and backplane  404  each include locking openings  416  configured to receive locking pins  212  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) that secure bus bar assembly  402  to backplane  404 . In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  400  includes any component that enables electrical distribution apparatus  400  to operate as described herein. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, hooks  410  are oriented in different directions. In particular, a first set of hooks  410  face downward and a second set of hooks  410  face upward. Upward-facing hooks  410  engage backplane  404  when bus bar assembly  402  is moved upward. Downward-facing hooks  410  engage backplane  404  when bus bar assembly  402  is moved downward. Accordingly, hooks  410  inhibit movement of bus bar assembly  402  in different directions. Each stop  412  is positioned between a forward-facing hook  410  and an upward-facing hook  410 . In alternative embodiments, engagement features  410 ,  412  are positioned in any manner that enables electrical distribution apparatus  400  to operate as described herein. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of an electrical distribution apparatus  500  including a bus bar assembly  502  coupled to a backplane  504  by a bracket  506 . Bracket  506  includes orthogonal portions that contact bus bar assembly  502  and backplane  504 . In addition, bracket  506  defines openings  508  configured to receive fasteners  510 . Fasteners  510  couple bracket  506  to bus bar assembly  502  and backplane  504 . Accordingly, bracket  506  inhibits longitudinal and transverse movement of bus bar assembly  502  relative to backplane  504 . In alternative embodiments, bus bar assembly  502  and backplane  504  are coupled together in any manner that enables electrical distribution apparatus  500  to operate as described herein. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of an electrical distribution apparatus  600  including a bus bar assembly  602  coupled to a backplane  604 .  FIG. 10  is a series of front perspective views of engagement features  606 ,  608  of electrical distribution apparatus  600 .  FIG. 11  is a series of rear perspective views of engagement features  606 ,  608  of electrical distribution apparatus  600 . Engagement features  606 ,  608  extend from bus bar assembly  602  and are configured to extend through openings  610 ,  612  defined by backplane  604 . Engagement features  606 ,  608  include hooks  606  and stops  608 . Openings  610 ,  612  include slots  610  and stepped openings  612 . In alternative embodiments, electrical distribution apparatus  600  includes any engagement feature  606 ,  608  and/or opening  610 ,  612  that enables electrical distribution apparatus  600  to operate as described herein. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, bus bar assembly  602  and backplane  604  are configured such that engagement features  606 ,  608  extend into respective openings  610 ,  612 . In particular, hooks  606  extend into slots  610  and stops  608  extend into stepped openings  612 . A displaceable member  614  extends through at least a portion of each stepped opening  612 . Displaceable member  614  is positionable between a neutral position and a displaced position. Displaceable member  614  is biased towards the neutral position. When in the neutral position, displaceable member  614  is aligned with backplane  604 . When in the displaced position, displaceable member  614  is angled relative to backplane  604 . Engagement features  606 ,  608  are configured to move displaceable members  614  between the neutral position and the displaced position when engagement features  606 ,  608  are inserted into openings  610 ,  612 . In the exemplary embodiment, stops  608  cause displaceable members  614  to move to the displaced position when stops  608  are inserted into stepped openings  612 . Displaceable members  614  return to the neutral position when stops  608  are positioned within a bottom portion of stepped openings  612  or removed from stepped openings  612 . When stops  608  extend into stepped openings  612  and displaceable members  614  are in the neutral position, displaceable members  614  inhibit movement of bus bar assembly  602 . In particular, displaceable members  614  abut against stops  608  and inhibit engagement features  606 ,  608  disengaging from backplane  604 . Accordingly, engagement features  606 ,  608 , openings  610 ,  612 , and displaceable members  614  couple bus bar assembly  602  to backplane  604 . In alternative embodiments, bus bar assembly  602  is coupled to backplane  604  in any manner that enables electrical distribution apparatus  500  to operate as described herein. 
     In reference to  FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 10  a method of assembling an electrical distribution system includes positioning bus bar assembly  106  relative to backplane  108  such that engagement features  208  extend into openings  210 . The method also includes positioning bus bar assembly  106  such that engagement features  208  engage a surface. In some embodiments, locking pins  212  are inserted into openings  214 ,  216  in bus bar assembly  106  and backplane  108  to inhibit movement of bus bar assembly  106  relative to backplane  108 . The method further includes positioning backplane  108  such that positioning members  302  support at least a portion of backplane  108  and moving backplane  108  between a first position and a second position while backplane  108  is supported by positioning members  302 . In some embodiments, backplane  108  is pivoted relative to frame  110 . In further embodiments, backplane  108  slides along positioning members  302 . The method also includes coupling backplane  108  to frame  110 . 
     The distribution systems described above generally include a bus bar assembly, a backplane, and a frame. The bus bar assembly and the backplane are modular components that are coupled together at an installation site. In some embodiments, the bus bar assembly includes engagement features that extend into openings in the backplane and couple the bus bar assembly to the backplane. In further embodiments, the backplane includes engagement features that extend into openings in the bus bar assembly. The backplane is coupled to and supported by the frame. In some embodiments, at least one of the backplane and the frame includes a positioning member that at least partially supports the backplane and facilitates coupling the backplane to the frame. 
     An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein includes at least one of: (a) reducing cost and time required to assemble electrical distribution systems; (b) providing modular components for an electrical distribution apparatus; (c) providing electrical distribution apparatuses that have a scalable design; (d) providing electrical distribution apparatuses that are ergonomic for operators to handle; (e) reducing the cost and time required to install electrical distribution apparatus; (f) increase shipping and manufacturing options for electrical distribution apparatuses; (g) provide electrical distribution apparatuses that have improved paths to market; (h) provide electrical distribution apparatuses that are easier for distributors to stock; and (i) provide electrical distribution apparatuses that are manufactured at an increased number of distributed manufacturing sites. 
     Exemplary embodiments of electrical distribution apparatuses and methods of assembling electrical distribution apparatuses are described above in detail. The electrical distribution apparatuses and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein but, rather, components of the electrical distribution apparatuses and/or operations of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or operations described herein. Further, the described components and/or operations may also be defined in, or used in combination with, other systems, methods, and/or devices, and are not limited to practice with only the electrical distribution systems and apparatuses described herein. 
     The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.