There is NO limit to the number of buses you can draw in each ETAP project. Your ETAP license limits the number of energized buses during calculations. In essence, ETAP´s 32-bit graphical intelligence has virtually eliminated the need for ´nodes.´ Sections of your project such as motor control centers and feeder buses can harbor numerous connections to equipment cables. Additionally, multiple protective and monitoring devices may also be in place. ETAP is unique with how it handles these connections.
With Nodes (Old 16-bit method)

Without Nodes (New 32-bit method)

For example, if you have a Motor Control Center or substation with hundreds of induction motors, synchronous motors, static loads, capacitor banks and motor operated valves, how many buses/nodes are required? What if each of these devices has multiple protective devices, monitoring devices, and an equipment cable? How many buses/nodes would be required now?
With ETAP, the answer is ONE. Loads and motors, even if they have protective devices, monitoring devices and a cable, do not need their own buses/nodes. And yes, load terminal voltages and voltage drops are calculated and displayed on the one-line diagrams.
ETAP defines a bus as a switchgear, switchrack, MCC or a point between any two branch-type devices. Panels and sub-panels are not considered buses. ETAP calculates the number of buses per project file. You may have an unlimited number of projects. Again, there is NO limit to the number of buses you can draw. Limitations are imposed when you run calculations. ETAP verifies that the number of energized buses during the calculation is less or equal to the licensed limit.