About Methode

A leading manufacturer of power distribution systems for the telecommunications industry previously used discrete wires in their fuse panel applications. A need for higher current carrying capacity from major telecommunications companies arose. Specifically, a system with a rating of 20 Amperes instead of the previous 15 Amperes would give them a competitive advantage. With the wiring approach, a rating of 20 Amperes could not be achieved as the system ran too hot which damaged other components.

A Methode bus bar system provided the solution. The design included discrete single conductors with laminated polyester insulation that were formed to the required shapes. In order to reduce the customer's cycle time, Methode supplied a subassembly that included the bus bars, fuse holders, mounting brackets, pc boards and terminal blocks. A rating of 20 Amperes was achieved as the bus bars ran much cooler and met the temperature rise specification. With this new design, the customer could offer their customers this innovative product with superior power density.