A high ampacity busbar includes a pair of oppositely facing bowl-shaped conductors, each of whose cross sections resembles half of a hexagon or an open isosceles trapezoid, separated by an air gap in both horizontal and vertical configurations. The air gap increases cooling efficiency by natural convection by exposing more surface area of the conductors directly to the air flow within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. As a result, the overall temperature of the bus system is reduced. The shaped conductors have smoother transitions presented to the electrical current between the bends of the conductors. These smooth transitions improve current distribution throughout the conductor, reducing skin effects. As a result of improved thermal dissipation and reduced skin effects, the amount of copper needed to maintain the same ampacity is significantly reduced. Magnetic shields can be placed between adjacent busbars, reducing proximity effects.