AM IR NE L E T C RICAL TECHNOLOGY METCO MARINE … · METCO MARINE ELECTRICAL BUS BARS ... METCO Bus Bar Design ... Part Qty. of Stud Size Bus Bar Current Bus Bar Overall Approx

Distribution Bus Bars

Collection Bus Bars

Junction Blocks

Combination Bus Bars

Fuse Holders

Battery Links

Custom Configurations

M E T C O M A R I N E

ELECTRICAL BUS BARSPRODUCT CATALOG #5

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METCO / DIVISION OF ACORN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONMETCO / DIVISION OF ACORN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

M E T C O M A R I N E

ELECTRICAL BUS BARSPRODUCT CATALOG #5

Catalog #5Data and prices are subject to change without notice Printed in the U.S.A

METCO (Marine Electrical Technology Company)specializes in engineering and producing electricalpower distribution components for marine vessels.For more than 10 years, METCO has been servingAmerica’s quality boat builders with distributionbus bars, collection bus bars and other powerdistribution components.

Premium METCO power components, made in the USA, are specifically designed to improve the reliability of marine circuits and enhance thequality of the vessels they are installed in.

We combine customer service with qualityproducts and prompt deliveries to meet yourproduction schedules. Our expertise in powerdistribution is built upon years of experience inpower control engineering, in a wide variety ofmarine and other applications. We support ourengineering expertise with CAD design and CNC manufacturing that assures as-designedperformance and product consistency from piece to piece, order to order.

Table of ContentsMETCO 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

METCO premium power distributioncomponents for quality boat builders

Robust METCO bus bar designs are implementedusing nickel-plated copper or brass conductors,stainless steel hardware and rugged phenolicpolymer insulators. Our bus bars are designed for both dependable performance in the harshmarine environment and ease of installation andconnection in your factory.

We keep pace with today’s trends in marineelectrical design and actively support the work of the American Boat and Yacht Council withfinancial and technical contributions. We quicklyrespond to new directions in power distributionwith custom components designed andmanufactured to your specifications. If you don’tsee what you need in this catalog, tell us aboutyour application and we will work with you todesign and build custom products to meet yourspecific needs.

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Catalog #5 1Data and prices are subject to change without notice Printed in the U.S.A

The wiring of a modern recreational vesselrequires the collection or distribution of manyelectrical power circuits. All DC wiring on US-built vessels uses a 2-wire system, including aprotected positive and negative battery return for each appliance. American Boat and YachtCouncil (ABYC) standards allow a maximum of 4terminations to a singlepost. When morecircuits are required, busbar collectors must beused to satisfy thesestandards. (ReferenceABYC E-11)

The bonding system hasthe same requirementas the power circuit.Each #8 AWG greenwire must run from thedevice being protectedto the protection zinc. A single collection busbar, capable ofterminating all the required circuits while holdingthem at the same potential without heating andwithout allowing a voltage drop, is required.These important issues—voltage drop andheating—determine the size and capacity of thebus bar.

METCO bus bar design incorporates a highlyconductive, nickel-plated copper or brass bar (1),supported on an insulating base (2). The bus baris designed to be galvanically compatible with theelectrical system conductors (tinned wire, tinnedterminals). This is referred to as ‘white metalcontinuity.’ Stainless steel fasteners (3) are used toprovide high-strength, corrosion-resistantmechanical connections. (Reference ABYC E-9.15.8)

METCO bus bars are properly designed to supportthe electrical needs of recreational vessels

The mechanical and electrical connections areseparate functions, and it is important to insurethat corrosion and galvanic action do not destroythe integrity of the electrical circuit. Care must betaken to prevent current from flowing throughthe fasteners. The pad of the terminal must be indirect contact (4) with the bus bar. The stainless

steel fasteners used formechanical connectionsto the bus bar are verypoor conductors.

Other important designconsiderations include:

• The cross section (Wx H) of the bus barmust conduct the entirecurrent of the circuitand be appropriate forthe size of the fastenersand conductorsconnected to it (seebelow). A good rule ofthumb is that, with all

the circuits energized, the bar must remain atambient temperature.

• The bus bar, fasteners and the base must beadequately sized to support the cablesattached to it.

• The terminals should be appropriately sized forthe conductors. In general,– #16 to #14 AWG wire should be secured

with 8-32 screws having captive externalstar washers and the metal of the bus barshould be at least .093” thick.

– #12 to #8 AWG wire should be secured with10-24 screws having captive external starwashers 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.

1

4

3

2

2 Catalog #5Data and prices are subject to change without notice Printed in the U.S.A

Distribution Bus Bars

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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.

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 cableterminals 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 factoryfor pricing.

• White Metal Continuity. Nickel-plated copper bus bar for highconductivity when used with tin-plated connectors. Stainless steelstuds and split washers for a robust mechanical connection that isseparate from the electrical connection.

• Rating. All products designed for under 50V use.

Part 40438 shown




40238

40338

40438

40638

40838

40856

50412

60838

5.000

4.000

9.750

10.750

10.500

11.500

10.500

11.500

11.890

0.750

1.5000.75010.500

METCO Division of Acorn Technology Corporation


Collection Bus Bars

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Design Features:• White Metal Continuity. Nickel-plated copper or brass bus bar for

high conductivity when used with tin-plated connectors. Stainless steelstuds and split washers for a robust mechanical connection that isseparate from the electrical connection.

• Direct Power Transmission. Power is transmitted from cable terminalsdirectly to the surface of the bus bar, not through the studs.

• Ease of Connection. Large, robust studs for connection to largeconductors. Screws include captive external star washers.


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


Part M14 shown



4.500

3.500

0.500

M4

M10

M14

M28

M80

SR521

10.250

11.000


Junction Blocks

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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 beingjoined. Stainless steel fasteners are used throughout for superiorcorrosion resistance.

• Robust Base. Large cable can exert high forces on terminations. Largeinsulator bases designed for high cable loads are used to manage thesestresses.

• Isolated Metal. All electrical metal parts of the bus assembly areelectrically isolated from the mounting surface.

• Flexibility. Available with 1, 2, or 4 posts. (For other post configurations,please consult the factory.)


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


Part JB38-2 shown


JB56-1

JB56-2

JB38-1

JB38-2

JB38-4

JB12-1

JB12-4

3.000 1.250

2.0000.500

5.000

1.2503.625

0.625

9.250

1.2508.250

0.625

0.500

3.750 1.500

2.500.625

9.000

1.500

0.750

0.6257.750



Combination Bus Bars

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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 largeconductors.

• Isolated Metal. All electrical metal parts of the bus assembly are electrically isolatedfrom the mounting surface.

• Direct Power Transmission. Power is transmitted from cable terminals directly tothe surface of the bus bar, not through the screws or 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 whenused with tin-plated connectors. Stainless steel studs and split washers for a robustmechanical connection that is separate from the electrical connection.


Part Qty. of Stud Qty. of Screw Bus Bar Current Bus Bar Overall Approx.Number Studs Size Screws Size Material (Amps) Dimensions Dimensions Weight


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


Part 40638WS2 shown


0.375 8.500

9.500

14.750

0.625

16.000

13.000

8.625

0.625 3.250 2.1253.250

1.250

40438WS

40638WS

40638WS2

SR520



Fuse Holders

Battery Links

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Design Features:• Designed for Marine Applications. Stainless

steel hardware, dead back with moisture-resistant base.

• Versatility. Will accommodate Bussman® ANL& ANN fuses, 35-600 Amps, on the same fuseholder.

• Secure Termination. The use of two nuts anda split washer insures a secure termination.

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

Design Features:• Provides a compact, robust connection for a

series-parallel battery bank

• Includes connections for two starter motors(unfused) and one house load (fused), onehouse load (unfused)

• Negative connections for four leads.

• Robust Base. Large cable can exert high forceson terminations. Large insulator basesdesigned for high cable loads are used tomanage these stresses.

• Special Applications. Also available in 2”centers for Littlefuse® fuses. Please consult thefactory for pricing.

• Rating. All products designed for under 50Vuse.

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


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.

All dimensions shown in inches.*Fuses not included.


ANL-1

ANL-1S

BL-6N

BL-6S

2.500

2.750

1.000

3.500



Custom Configurations

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METCO marine power distribution products are solddirectly to boat builders. We maintain inventories ofcatalog items and promptly ship confirmed orders toestablished customers. Because you communicatedirectly with the factory, you receive accurate, knowl-edgeable answers to your application questions.

Our components are warranted to be free from defectsin workmanship and materials for 12 months of serviceor for 18 months from date of manufacture.

Specifications and list prices are subject to changewithout notice.

To order, or for more information, contact

METCODIVISION OF ACORN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION23103 Miles RoadCleveland, OH 44128Ph: 216-663-1244Fax: 216-663-1005www.acorntechnology.com

In addition to standard METCO catalog items, we willwork with you to design and develop custom powerdistribution components. Our electrical engineeringexpertise allows us to properly size and configure busbars, junction blocks and other components to meetABYC 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 fabricatevirtually any power distribution component utilizingthese materials.

Whether you have an existing component that isn’tperforming up to your standards or a new applicationwhere no components exist, we can help you.

How To Buy


Typical Recreational Vessel Wiring Diagram

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Horn

Wiper

Blower

FloatSwitch

BilgePump

Engine

Parallel Switchor Solenoid

BatterySwitch

Engine

MainFeed

OvercurrentProtection

HouseBattery

BatterySwitch

Windlass

Distribution Panel

Battery

AC Grounding Bus

Metal Objects

Main LightningDown Conductor

Seacock

Strainer

Chain PlatesElectronics

Ground Plate Zinc

Immersed Ground Plateor Strip

FuelTank

Battery EngineNegativeTerminal

NegativeDC Bus

PositiveDistribution

Bus

DC MainNegative Bus

GroundingBus

AuxiliaryGround

Bus

AccessoryNegative

Bus

METCODIVISION OF ACORN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

23103 Miles RoadCleveland, OH 44128

Ph: 216-663-1244Fax: 216-663-1005

www.acorntechnology.com

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9.000

1.5007.750

Documents

AM IR NE L E T C RICAL TECHNOLOGY METCO MARINE … · METCO MARINE ELECTRICAL BUS BARS ... METCO Bus Bar Design ... Part Qty. of Stud Size Bus Bar Current Bus Bar Overall Approx