Methode Network Bus Products Receives UL 746A Approval for Powder Coating

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.--April 25, 2006--Methode Network Bus Products, a business unit of Methode Electronics, Inc., has received UL 746A approval for its epoxy powder coating bus bar insulation system. UL 746A is an important insulation requirement for motor drive, UPS, switchgear and other applications. The powder coating is used to electrically insulate Methode's bus bar and power distribution products.

Methode's powder coating is a high voltage insulation material that is applied to bus bars by an electro-static spray process on an automated production line, and cured in a high temperature chamber. The coating is flame resistant and meets stringent environmental thermal and moisture requirements. It has a high dielectric strength as it withstands voltages in excess of 3,000 Volts. With the automated production line, powder coating can be applied, cost effectively, to bus bars of virtually any size or shape. Methode has fully automated power coating production lines at both of their facilities in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, USA and Shanghai, China.

Powder coating is ideal for the switchgear, UPS, and motor drive industries meeting the requirements of UL for RTI (Relative Thermal Index), HWI (Hot Wire Ignition), High-Current Arc Resistance to Ignition (HAI) and Comparative Tracking Index (CTI).

In its end use, the UL 746A approved powder coated bus bar can be positioned in closer proximity to other powder coated bus bars, saving valuable space. Also, by using a powder coated bus bar, design engineers can realize a cost savings through a reduction in materials and insulation devices.

Powder coating is a key process used for Methode's new PowerRail(TM) system. The PowerRail is an innovative, pluggable power distribution system utilizing a rail bus bar and a quick connecting power cable and interconnect (or bus bar interconnect). The powder coating allows the PowerRail to operate with a dielectric strength of 3000 VDC, a maximum continuous operating temperature of 125 degrees C, and UL94 V-0 flammability rating.

For more information on Methode Network Bus Products' powder coating, its PowerRail system, or any of its other bus bar power distribution solutions, please contact: Methode Network Bus Products, 4001 Industrial Ave., Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. Phone: 847-577-9545. Fax: 847-577-9689. Email: info@methode.com . Web: www.methode.com .

Network Bus Products manufactures miniature, midsize and large bus bars for today's full range of electronic devices and systems. These custom-engineered solutions are available in a choice of laminated, machined, and powder-coated products designed to provide better performance and simplified packaging design, compared with other technologies. Network Bus Products is ISO 9001 certified and is located in Rolling Meadows, IL, just outside of Chicago, with a new, full-capability manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China.

Methode Electronics, Inc. is a global manufacturer of electronic component and subsystem devices. Methode designs, manufactures and markets devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, sensing and optical technologies. Methode's components are found in the primary end markets of the automotive, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), military, aerospace, rail and other transportation industries; and the consumer, safety, medical, and industrial equipment markets. Further information can be found at Methode's website www.methode.com.