M E T C O M A R I N E ELECTRICAL BUS BARS PRODUCT CATALOG #5 Distribution Bus Bars Collection Bus Bars Junction Blocks Combination Bus Bars Fuse Holders Battery Links Custom Configurations METCO / DIVISION OF ACORN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
METCO premium power distribution components for quality boat builders METCO (Marine Electrical Technology Company) specializes in engineering and producing electrical power distribution components for marine vessels. For more than 10 years, METCO has been serving America s quality boat builders with distribution bus bars, collection bus bars and other power distribution components. Premium METCO power components, made in the USA, are specifically designed to improve the reliability of marine circuits and enhance the quality of the vessels they are installed in. We combine customer service with quality products and prompt deliveries to meet your production schedules. Our expertise in power distribution is built upon years of experience in power control engineering, in a wide variety of marine and other applications. We support our engineering expertise with CAD design and CNC manufacturing that assures as-designed performance and product consistency from piece to piece, order to order. Robust METCO bus bar designs are implemented using nickel-plated copper or brass conductors, stainless steel hardware and rugged phenolic polymer insulators. Our bus bars are designed for both dependable performance in the harsh marine environment and ease of installation and connection in your factory. We keep pace with today s trends in marine electrical design and actively support the work of the American Boat and Yacht Council with financial and technical contributions. We quickly respond to new directions in power distribution with custom components designed and manufactured to your specifications. If you don t see what you need in this catalog, tell us about your application and we will work with you to design and build custom products to meet your specific needs. Table of Contents METCO Bus Bar Design...1 Distribution Bus Bars...2,3 Collection Bus Bars...4,5 Junction Blocks...6,7 Combination Bus Bars...8,9 Fuse Holders...10,11 Battery Links...10,11 Custom Configurations...12 How to Buy...12 Typical Recreational Vessel Wiring Diagram...13 Catalog #5
METCO bus bars are properly designed to support the electrical needs of recreational vessels The wiring of a modern recreational vessel requires the collection or distribution of many electrical power circuits. All DC wiring on USbuilt vessels uses a 2-wire system, including a protected positive and negative battery return for each appliance. American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards allow a maximum of 4 terminations to a single post. When more circuits are required, bus bar collectors must be used to satisfy these standards. (Reference ABYC E-11) The bonding system has the same requirement 2 as the power circuit. Each #8 AWG green wire must run from the device being protected to the protection zinc. A single collection bus bar, capable of terminating all the required circuits while holding them at the same potential without heating and without allowing a voltage drop, is required. These important issues voltage drop and heating determine the size and capacity of the bus bar. METCO bus bar design incorporates a highly conductive, nickel-plated copper or brass bar (1), supported on an insulating base (2). The bus bar is designed to be galvanically compatible with the electrical system conductors (tinned wire, tinned terminals). This is referred to as white metal continuity. Stainless steel fasteners (3) are used to provide high-strength, corrosion-resistant mechanical connections. (Reference ABYC E- 9.15.8) The mechanical and electrical connections are separate functions, and it is important to insure that corrosion and galvanic action do not destroy the integrity of the electrical circuit. Care must be taken to prevent current from flowing through the fasteners. The pad of the terminal must be in direct contact (4) with the bus bar. The stainless steel fasteners used for mechanical connections 3 to the bus bar are very poor conductors. Other important design considerations include: The cross section (W x H) of the bus bar must conduct the entire current of the circuit and be appropriate for 4 the size of the fasteners and conductors 1 connected to it (see below). A good rule of thumb is that, with all the circuits energized, the bar must remain at ambient temperature. The bus bar, fasteners and the base must be adequately sized to support the cables attached to it. The terminals should be appropriately sized for the conductors. In general, #16 to #14 AWG wire should be secured with 8-32 screws having captive external star washers and the metal of the bus bar should be at least.093 thick. #12 to #8 AWG wire should be secured with 10-24 screws having captive external star washers and the metal should be at least.125 thick. 1/0 and 2/0 cables require at least 3/8 studs and a bus bar that is at least.250 thick. Catalog #5 1
Distribution Bus Bars Design Features: Isolated Metal. All electrical metal parts of the bus assembly are electrically isolated from the mounting surface. Direct Power Transmission. Power is transmitted from cable terminals directly to the surface of the bus bar, not through the studs. Special Applications. To accommodate various special applications, we will custom-design bus bar assemblies. Please consult the factory for pricing. White Metal Continuity. Nickel-plated copper bus bar for high conductivity when used with tin-plated connectors. Stainless steel studs and split washers for a robust mechanical connection that is separate from the electrical connection. Rating. All products designed for under 50V use. Part 40438 shown Part Qty. of Stud Size Bus Bar Current Bus Bar Overall Approx. Number Studs (inches) Material (Amps) Dimensions Dimensions Weight (W x H) (L x W x H) (oz.) 40238 2 3/8 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 5.00 x 1.25 x 1.68 8 40338 3 3/8 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 7.25 x 1.25 x 1.68 8 40438 4 3/8 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 8.75 x 1.25 x 1.68 16 40638 6 3/8 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 10.75 x 1.25 x 1.68 24 40838 8 3/8 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 11.50 x 1.25 x 1.68 28 40856 8 5/16 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 11.50 x 1.25 x 1.68 28 50412 4 1/2 Copper 700 1.50 x.250 10.50 x 1.50 x 2.13 32 60838 8 3/8 Copper 700 1.25 x.375 11.89 x 1.50 x 1.68 25 Note: All dimensions shown in inches. 2 Catalog #5
METCO Division of Acorn Technology Corporation 40238 40338 5.000 4.000 40438 40638 9.750 40838 10.750 10.500 40856 11.500 10.500 50412 60838 0.750 11.500 10.500 1.500 0.750 11.890 Catalog #5 3
Collection Bus Bars Design Features: White Metal Continuity. Nickel-plated copper or brass bus bar for high conductivity when used with tin-plated connectors. Stainless steel studs and split washers for a robust mechanical connection that is separate from the electrical connection. Direct Power Transmission. Power is transmitted from cable terminals directly to the surface of the bus bar, not through the studs. Ease of Connection. Large, robust studs for connection to large conductors. Screws include captive external star washers. Rating. All products designed for under 50V use. Part M14 shown Part Qty. of Stud Qty. of Screw Bus Bar Current Bus Bar Overall Approx. Number Studs Size Screws Size Material (Amps) Dimensions Dimensions Weight (inches) (W x H) (L x W x H) (oz.) M4 1 5/16 4 8-32 Brass 150.750 x.125 4.50 x 1.00 x 2.00 4 M10 1 5/16 10 8-32 Brass 150.750 x.125 5.75 x 1.00 x 1.00 4 M14 1 5/16 14 10-24 Copper 200 1.00 x.125 7.88 x 1.25 x 1.62 8 M28 3 5/16 28 10-24 Copper 250 1.00 x.125 8.50 x 4.00 x 1.25 25 M80 2 3/8 20 10-24 Copper 250 1.00 x.125 11.00 x 1.25 x 1.62 11 SR521 2 3/8 12 10-24 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 7.50 x 1.25 x 1.50 13 Note: All dimensions shown in inches. 4 Catalog #5
METCO Division of Acorn Technology Corporation M4 4.500 3.500 M10 M14 M28 0.500 M80 10.250 11.000 SR521 Catalog #5 5
Junction Blocks Design Features: Secure Termination. The use of two nuts with two flat washers and one split washer insures a robust connection between the cable lugs being joined. Stainless steel fasteners are used throughout for superior corrosion resistance. Robust Base. Large cable can exert high forces on terminations. Large insulator bases designed for high cable loads are used to manage these stresses. Isolated Metal. All electrical metal parts of the bus assembly are electrically isolated from the mounting surface. Flexibility. Available with 1, 2, or 4 posts. (For other post configurations, please consult the factory.) Rating. All products designed for under 50V use. Part JB38-2 shown Part Qty. of Stud Size Current Overall Approx. Number Studs (inches) (Amps) Dimensions Weight (L x W x H) (oz.) JB56-1 1 5/16 500 2.63 x 1.00 x 1.50 2 JB56-2 2 5/16 500 3.50 x 1.00 x 1.50 3 JB38-1 1 3/8 500 3.00 x 1.25 x 2.13 3 JB38-2 2 3/8 500 5.00 x 1.25 x 2.13 5 JB38-4 4 3/8 500 9.25 x 1.25 x 2.13 10 JB12-1 1 1/2 700 3.75 x 1.50 x 2.75 8 JB12-4 4 1/2 700 9.00 x 1.50 x 2.75 22 Note: All dimensions shown in inches. 6 Catalog #5
JB56-1 METCO Division of Acorn Technology Corporation JB56-2 JB38-1 3.000 1.250 JB38-2 0.625 0.500 2.000 3.625 1.250 5.000 JB38-4 0.625 JB12-1 0.500 8.250 9.250 3.750 1.500 1.250 JB12-4 0.750.625 2.500 7.750 1.500 0.625 9.000 Catalog #5 7
Combination Bus Bars Design Features: Collection and Distribution. These products are designed for use in circuits that require both the collection of small conductors and the distribution of large conductors. Isolated Metal. All electrical metal parts of the bus assembly are electrically isolated from the mounting surface. Direct Power Transmission. Power is transmitted from cable terminals directly to the surface of the bus bar, not through the screws or studs. Special Applications. To accommodate various special applications, we will customdesign bus bar assemblies. Please consult the factory for pricing. White Metal Continuity. Nickel-plated copper bus bar for high conductivity when used with tin-plated connectors. Stainless steel studs and split washers for a robust mechanical connection that is separate from the electrical connection. Rating. All products designed for under 50V use. Part 40638WS2 shown Part Qty. of Stud Qty. of Screw Bus Bar Current Bus Bar Overall Approx. Number Studs Size Screws Size Material (Amps) Dimensions Dimensions Weight (inches) (W x H) (L x W x H) (oz.) 40438WS 4 3/8 4 10-24 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 9.50 x 1.25 x 2.12 16 40638WS 4 3/8 12 10-24 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 16.0 x 1.25 x 1.50 31 2 5/16 3 1/4 40638WS2 6 3/8 12 10-24 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 14.0 x 1.25 x 1.50 27 SR520 3 3/8 11 10-24 Copper 500 1.00 x.250 8.63 x 1.25 x 2.12 22 3 1/4 Note: All dimensions shown in inches. 8 Catalog #5
METCO Division of Acorn Technology Corporation 40438WS 0.375 8.500 9.500 40638WS 14.750 0.625 16.000 40638WS2 13.000 SR520 8.625 1.250 0.625 3.250 2.125 3.250 Catalog #5 9
Fuse Holders Design Features: Designed for Marine Applications. Stainless steel hardware, dead back with moistureresistant base. Versatility. Will accommodate Bussman ANL & ANN fuses, 35-600 Amps, on the same fuse holder. Secure Termination. The use of two nuts and a split washer insures a secure termination. Robust Base. Large cable can exert high forces on terminations. Large insulator bases designed for high cable loads are used to manage these stresses. Special Applications. Also available in 2 centers for Littlefuse fuses. Please consult the factory for pricing. Rating. All products designed for under 50V use. Part Qty. of Stud Current Qty. of Qty. of Overall Approx. Number Studs Size (Amps) Fuses* Spares* Dimensions Weight (inches) (L x W x H) (oz.) ANL-1 2 3/8 600 1 0 3.50 x 1.00 x 1.75 3 ANL-1S 4 3/8 600 1 1 3.50 x 2.75 x 1.75 6 Battery Links Design Features: All dimensions shown in inches. *Fuses not included. Provides a compact, robust connection for a series-parallel battery bank Includes connections for two starter motors (unfused) and one house load (fused), one house load (unfused) Negative connections for four leads. Part Qty. of Stud Bus Bar Current Bus Bar Qty. of Qty. of Overall Approx. Number Studs Size Material (Amps) Dimensions Fuses* Spares* Dimensions Weight (inches) (W x H) (L x W x H) (oz.) BL-6N 4 3/8 Copper 700 1.50 x.250 0 0 8.37 x 1.50 x 1.12 18 BL-6S 2 5/16 Copper 700 1.50 x.250 1 0 8.37 x 1.50 x 1.12 19 2 3/8 All dimensions shown in inches. *Fuses not included. 10 Catalog #5
METCO Division of Acorn Technology Corporation ANL-1 ANL-1S 2.500 1.000 2.750 3.500 BL-6N BL-6S Catalog #5 11
Custom Configurations In addition to standard METCO catalog items, we will work with you to design and develop custom power distribution components. Our electrical engineering expertise allows us to properly size and configure bus bars, junction blocks and other components to meet ABYC requirements and support any power load. Based on our extensive experience with copper, brass, insulation, stainless steel and other materials and our use of CNC machining techniques, we can fabricate virtually any power distribution component utilizing these materials. Whether you have an existing component that isn t performing up to your standards or a new application where no components exist, we can help you. How To Buy METCO marine power distribution products are sold directly to boat builders. We maintain inventories of catalog items and promptly ship confirmed orders to established customers. Because you communicate directly with the factory, you receive accurate, knowledgeable answers to your application questions. Our components are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for 12 months of service or for 18 months from date of manufacture. Specifications and list prices are subject to change without notice. To order, or for more information, contact METCO DIVISION OF ACORN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 23103 Miles Road Cleveland, OH 44128 Ph: 216-663-1244 Fax: 216-663-1005 www.acorntechnology.com 12 Catalog #5
Typical Recreational Vessel Wiring Diagram Horn Distribution Panel Wiper Negative DC Bus Windlass Accessory Negative Bus Blower Float Switch Bilge Pump Engine Positive Distribution Bus Parallel Switch or Solenoid Main Feed Engine Overcurrent Protection House Battery Battery Switch Battery Switch Battery Engine Negative Terminal DC Main Negative Bus Battery Fuel Tank Grounding Bus AC Grounding Bus Seacock Strainer Chain Plates Electronics Ground Plate Zinc Metal Objects Auxiliary Ground Bus Main Lightning Down Conductor Immersed Ground Plate or Strip Catalog #5 13
7.750 1.500 9.000 MARINE ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY METCO DIVISION OF ACORN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 23103 Miles Road Cleveland, OH 44128 Ph: 216-663-1244 Fax: 216-663-1005 www.acorntechnology.com