Barrier device for an electrical connector

A barrier device for an electrical connector, the barrier device comprising:

• a first barrier element interposedly arranged between a substrate and a base assembly of the electrical connector;
• a sealant member, wherein the sealant member is sized and shaped for removable insertion into a peripheral channel formed on at least one surface of the base assembly;
• and
• a second barrier element arranged for mating engagement with an upper surface of the substrate of the electrical connector, the second barrier element comprising a plurality of openings defined by a plurality of protruding structures that are configured and arranged to accommodate electronic components mounted to the upper surface of the substrate,
• wherein at least the first barrier element and the second barrier element form a thermal protection barrier around the substrate.

A method, the method comprising:

• arranging a first barrier element on a first side of a substrate;
• arranging a second barrier element on a second side of the substrate, the second side of the substrate being opposite that of the first side of the substrate;
• aligning a plurality of connection elements and apertures arranged on or formed in the first barrier element and the second barrier element with one or more circuit components respectively arranged on the first side and second side of the substrate;
• and
• mating at least one of the first barrier element or the second barrier element with an upper surface of an electric machine.