Intelligent power box slims down cable harnesses

For the past three years, special vehicles manufacturer Dieci has implemented the REDline Power Box Hybrid, from Würth Elektronik ICS, as a combined high-current fuse box, electrical distribution box and CAN bus splitter.

REDline Power Boxes are a platform concept developed for customer-specific power distribution solutions, which includes a standard box with a customer-specific circuit board with fuses and relays. They offer individually configured power distribution, signal transmission and function control in a standard housing.

The 237.5 x 205.5 x 58 mm REDline Power Box Hybrid is specified for the temperature range -40 to +85°C. The high current range of the fuses (150 to 250 A) is designed according to protection class IP20. The IP54 sealed housing part contains the circuit board, which can be equipped with all available ICS sockets such as mini, ATO and maxi fuses and all common relay sockets up to high-current relay sockets.

Two additional versions of the unit are now going into production. The first of the two new boxes contains a Nano ICCS electronic relay that allows users to set individually programmed delay times in order to control ignition-activated loads. The second box is a classic relay and fuse box, characterised by its high component density.

With the help of these boxes, Dieci was able to considerably reduce the size of the cable harnesses of its telehandlers. The main advantage for Dieci lies in the fact that the power distributor is separated from the main distribution board and can be installed close to the battery. The loads located near the battery benefit from direct switching and fuse protection.

“Thanks to Würth Elektronik ICS, we have further developed our vehicle electrics into a more innovative version. We have only benefited from this cooperation,” said Stefano Gabrini from Dieci’s Electrical Department. “The REDline Power Box Hybrid is used in all-new Dieci vehicles and not only reduces the space required for power distribution, but also contributes to cost reductions by significantly reducing installation time.”