EPS Magazine July 2018

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CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER

Anita Salchert CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Derek Gaylard CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Pam Fulmer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Wolfgang Mailaender John Olobri

PRESIDENT

Danny J. Salchert Executive and Advertising Offices 2009 Eagle Ridge Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 phone: 205.981.4541 fax: 205.981.4544 www.epsmag.net • danny@epsmag.net

16 COVER STORY 6 Major Hurricane Doesn’t Stop Lighting Progress

BY WOLFGANG MAILAENDER

FEATURES 16 The Practical Uses of Lightmeters

BY JOHN OLOBRI

DEPARTMENTS 22 Industry News 28 New Products 40 Ad Index

Electrical Products & Solutions™ is published twelve times a year on a monthly basis by ABD Communications, Inc., 3591 Cahaba Beach Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices.

Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed to qualified readers in the electrical contracting industry. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABD Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 382885 Birmingham, Alabama 35238-2885

ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of LEDVANCE

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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

PRINTED IN THE USA

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cover STORY

LEDVANCE

Major Hurricane Doesn’t Stop Lighting Progress | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | BY

WOLFGANG MAILAENDER

FOUNDED IN 1964, OFG BANCORP is one of the leading banking financial services companies in Puerto Rico. Through its main subsidiaries, Oriental Bank and Oriental Financial Services, the company is distinguished by its highly experienced and customer-focused staff, which provides an exceptional level of service to its clientele, and the bank was the first in Puerto Rico to be listed on the American Stock Exchange.

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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

In early fall 2017, Transcon Lighting System, a local Energy Service Company (ESCO), approached Oriental Bank with a recommendation on how to save money and energy and improve its light quality in its 17-story headquarters and parking garage. This would be accomplished by upgrading the traditional lighting to SYLVANIA LED lamps and Continued on page 8

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LEDVANCE

luminaires from LEDVANCE. In North America, LEDVANCE LLC offers SYLVANIA advanced LED lamps, standardized luminaires and smart lighting solutions, as well as a wide range of tra-

Continued from page 6

ditional light sources. After evaluating all of its options, including other lighting manufacturers, Oriental Bank selected Transcon and the SYLVANIA LED lighting.

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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

“We decided to partner with Transcon and install the SYLVANIA LED lighting products for several reasons. First, both Transcon and LEDVANCE have a strong local presence Continued on page 12

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LEDVANCE

here and are very responsive. That helps with peace of mind,” said Victor Rivera, Facilities Engineer at Oriental Bank. “In addition, the SYLVANIA LED lighting provided excellent energy savings and illumination, which would help us save money and create a more inviting environment for our employees and tenants.”

Then, on September 20, the world watched as Hurricane Maria pummeled Puerto Rico, plunging the island into darkness and chaos. The Category 4 storm was the strongest to make landfall in Puerto Rico in 85 years with sustained winds of 155 mph. Even with Mother Nature against them, the LEDVANCE and Transcon team worked tirelessly to get the products to the Oriental Bank headquarters. “Saving energy was always a priority,” said Fernando Sosa, VP of 12

Continued from page 8

Operations at Transcon, “but now being energy efficient is even more important.

Every watt of electricity saved can be used in other areas, such as air conditioners, and is more energy that is available for other organizations that need to use Get the job done right with SYLVANIA Luminaires and a free Milwaukee tool box! Contractors have the opportunity to receive free gifts when they submit proof-of-purchase of SYLVANIA Luminaires from June 4 until September 30, 2018 based on specific criteria. Go to www.sylvaniarewards.com and click on the “Register” link.

Complete the registration form and for the “Program ID” enter: CTR0618. Once you have registered, start submitting your proof-ofpurchase of SYLVANIA LUM products.

Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

generators.” Even with crowded shipping ports having to prioritize receiving life critical supplies like food and water, the LEDVANCE/Transcon team were still able to ensure product delivery and have been ahead of schedule with the installation.

Fluorescent parabolic troffers in the office ceilings created a “cave effect” with the illumination focused on the floor and leaving the ceiling too dark. To address this, they were replaced with SYLVANIA Volumetric Troffer LED Luminaires.

This improved the overall illumination and created a much cleaner, brighter and more modern look. They were also chosen for office ceilings because they allowed a reduction of luminaires per square foot since they offer more light volume and better energy efficiency. Oriental Bank’s previous traditional lighting consumed between 120 and 160 Watts and the new SYLVANIA LED luminaires only use between 35 to 42 Watts. In addition, they have twice the density of lighting per square foot. In other words, a space that used 10 traditional luminaires could be illuminated by six LED luminaires that consume less energy. The volumetric design also minimizes glare with a lens that extends into the frame, preventing light leaks.

Also in some of the offices, compact fluorescent PAR lamps were replaced with SYLVANIA ULTRA LED™ RT4 and RT5/6 HO Recessed Downlight Kits.

The SYLVANIA ULTRA RT Series provides excellent color rendering (up to 90 CRI) and a selection of color temperatures (2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 5000K). The products reduce energy consumption by up to 82 percent and have up to a 50,000 hour life (L70).

Traditional T8 lamps that provided Continued on page 14 cove lighting were

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LEDVANCE

replaced with long-lasting, energy-saving SYLVANIA SubstiTUBE® IPS LED T8 Lamps. With a 50,000 hour life (L70), these LED T8 lamps contain no mercury, provide instant light and a uniform light distribution. Engineered to operate on existing instant start and select programmed rapid start electronic T8 ballasts, these lamps minimize labor and recycling costs.

Because the SubstiTUBE IPS LED T8 is not affected by switching cycles, the use of occupancy or vacancy sensors can be installed with the existing instant start ballasts for optimal energy savings.

In the mechanical and electrical rooms and the stairwells, traditional 4 and 8 foot T8 lamps were replaced with SYLVANIA Vapor Tight LED Luminaires. Available in 25, 40 and 50 Watt versions and delivering up to 140 lumens per watt and 67 percent in energy savings, the luminaire is IP65 rated, ETL Sanitation certified for NSF splash zones, and offered with integrated sensor and emergency backup options.

SYLVANIA Canopy LED Luminaires replaced fixtures in the parking garage that used 8 foot T8 fluorescent lamps.

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Continued from page 12

Available in 40 and 55 Watt versions and delivering up to 117 lumens per watt and 78 percent in energy savings, the extremely durable luminaires have a slim design that is beneficial for installation in tight ceilings spaces.

“Transcon has trusted SYLVANIA lighting products for 15 years because of their superior quality,” said Sosa, “and these new LED products have helped us meet the needs of Oriental Bank.” The San Juan headquarters is now enjoying beautiful light and annual energy cost savings of $144,023, thanks to the SYLVANIA LED lighting from LEDVANCE. As a result of the LED lighting upgrade, the office building is saving approximately 578,559 kWh annually, resulting in an anticipated 647,595 pounds of CO2 emissions also reduced each year.

“Our previous lighting often needed to

be replaced, which increased our labor costs. The SYLVANIA LED technology requires little or no maintenance during its long life. We can lower our operational expenses without sacrificing light quality,” said Rivera. “You really could tell the difference the next day after the lighting had been replaced. The illumination was greatly improved,” said Rivera.

“We have several projects in place to make the building more efficient,” said Rivera, “and this lighting upgrade is a key part of our overall plan to improve the workplace as well as the energy efficiency. It is also good for Puerto Rico because it is saving energy when parts of the island are still without power because of Hurricane Maria. I’m proud we are doing our part for our building occupants and for Puerto Rico.”

About the Author: Wolfgang Mailaender is Head of Marketing for LEDVANCE’s US and Canada region. In North America, LEDVANCE LLC offers a wide range of SYLVANIA LED luminaires for various applications, intelligent lighting products for Smart Homes and Buildings, one of the largest LED lamps portfolios in the industry, and traditional light sources. The SYLVANIA brand leadership is a result of over 100 years of lighting experience and paves the way for future success. Visit www.sylvania.com for more information.

Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

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feature ARTICLE

AEMCÂŽ Instruments

The Practical Uses of Lightmeters | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | STORY

AND IMAGES BY JOHN OLOBRI

OFFICE LIGHTING HAS ATTRACTED a great deal of recent scrutiny.

Clinicians are raising questions about the effects of working in environments that are too bright, too dark, or inconsistently lit. Others are concerned that the recent trend to replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED and fluorescent lights may be increasing the risk of eye strain and related symptoms. While new lighting can significantly reduce energy costs, its long-term visual effects have prompted some to explore ways to limit worker exposure to this type of illumination.

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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

Beyond health issues, researchers have studied the psychological impact of different lighting levels. Findings indicate bright lights tend to make employees feel more alert, which helps them concentrate on the task at hand. Conversely, dimming the lights can make people more creative, especially useful for brainstorming sessions.

Therefore adjusting Continued on page 18

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feature ARTICLE

AEMC® Instruments Continued from page 16

illumination to the level appropriate for the activity may (at least in theory) promote worker performance.

This article is a quick review of some measures you can take to help minimize the effects of poor quality lighting.

When discussing lighting, it’s important to understand the distinction between the terms illuminance, luminous flux, and luminous intensity: Luminous flux is the total amount of energy emitted from a light source in all directions. Luminous flux is measured in units called lumens.

Luminous intensity is the amount of light emitted by a light source in a specific direction. This is measured in candelas.

Illuminance is the amount of incident light spread over a given area. This is measured in lux (equal to one lumen per square meter) or footcandles (one lumen per square foot).

To help visualize the relationship between these terms, it may be useful to compare a light source to a sprinkler that sprays water in all directions. Luminous flux is analogous to the total amount of water the sprinkler puts out. Luminous intensity corresponds to the amount of water that flows out of a single hole in the sprinkler head. And illuminance is analogous to the amount of water that falls on a given area of the lawn.

OSHA standard calls for minimum illumination levels for a number of different venues, including general construction ar18

eas, indoor warehouses, tunnels and other underground work areas, workrooms, first aid stations, offices, and others.

In addition to these minimum levels, it can be equally important to be mindful of the appropriate maximum illumination for environments such as workplaces, a topic we’ll address shortly.

Although research is still ongoing, evidence appears to be mounting about the potential health risks associated with LED and fluorescent lighting.

For example, medical researchers have found that prolonged exposure to LED lights may cause irreparable damage to

Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

the retinas of the human eye. LEDs typically produce light in the high-energy blue and violet end of the visible light spectrum. Light from this spectral region can be particularly damaging to structures within the eye. In addition, LEDs do not produce near-infrared radiation, which many medical professionals believe is necessary for overall health.

Fluorescent lighting is also being studied for its potential detrimental health effects. For instance, some fluorescent lights emit high levels of ultraviolet radiation, which has been cited as potentially damaging to vision. One study estimates that fluorescent lighting may increase UV-related eye diseases by up to 12%. And as with LEDs, fluorescent lights produce a rather limited spectrum.

As a result of these and other potential health issues, many are paying special attention to the levels of LED and fluorescent lighting in their facilities.

The typical office environment where employees spend hours on computers presents special lighting challenges. The average office illumination ranges between 75 and 150 footcandles. This is significantly higher than the recommended levels for working with computers.

The suggested illumination for working with a computer display with a dark background is 18 to 46 footcandles, while the recommendation for displays with white backgrounds is 50 to 75 footcandles. When the room is too bright for the Continued on page 20 computer, users often

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feature ARTICLE

AEMC® Instruments Continued from page 18

experience visual discomfort and related symptoms.

Perhaps even more important than brightness level is intensity evenness – in other words, maintaining an environment in which all objects in your field of view are more or less of equal brightness.

Bright LEDs can often illuminate objects unevenly, causing high contrast images that can produce eye strain.

There are a number of measures you can take to help maintain illumination at an appropriate and consistent level: For example, you can use smaller desk lamps with incandescent bulbs rather than bright overhead lights. If you install auxiliary desk lighting, use low wattage and aim the light in a direction that does not directly enter your eyes or illuminate the computer display screen.

Add blinds or drapes on windows. Adjust these throughout the day to admit the appropriate level of light.

Orient workstations to avoid direct viewing of bright lights, while minimizing screen glare and reflections.

Avoid white reflective surfaces in favor of matte desktops, furnishings, ceilings, and walls.

If bright overhead lights cannot be dimmed or eliminated, advise employees to wear a visor to shield their eyes.

When working with a computer, adjust its screen brightness and contrast to maximize character definition and resolution.

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Brightness should match the general background level of the room. If the screen appears to flicker, turn down its brightness level.

Finally, advise your employees to take regular breaks from their computer and mobile screens. Some clinicians suggest “20 – 20 – 20” breaks: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look 20 feet away.

To help measure and monitor light in

Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

your facility, AEMC offers portable, easyto-use lightmeters that incorporate optical sensors designed to match the response of the human eye. This makes them ideal for workspace analysis and planning.

Each instrument features one-hand operation with an ergonomically designed case, large 3 1/2 digit backlit LCD display, and intuitive function selection including HOLD and MAX. Other features include PEAK, MAP, and data logging.

The AEMC Lightmeter Data Logger Model can perform a variety of recording tasks with easy and intuitive setup from a computer using software, provided free with the instrument.

One unique feature is the MAP function.

This lets you plot the illumination for a 2dimensional space or surface. For example, in MAP mode you can measure the illumination at specific points within a room. You can then download the recording to a computer and display the measurements as a 2dimensional matrix, creating a “map” of the illumination within the room. This helps you quickly identify areas of dark, overly bright, and uneven lighting as indicated by the shading in the blocks. Hovering the cursor over one of the blocks will display the actual measurement.

The AEMC Lightmeter can also be set up to measure specific types of lighting sources, including LED and fluorescent. ❏

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industry NEWS

Platinum Tools® Showcases New Xpress Jack™ Termination Kit at 2018 CEDIA Expo Now Available; Kit Includes Cat5/6 Cable Jacket Stripper, Scissor-Run Electrician’s Scissors, Xpress Jack Punchdown Tool, Hanging Tool Pouch, and 10 Blue & 10 White Keystone Cat6 110 Jacks Platinum Tools®, the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation, hand termination and testing of wire and cable, is proud to announce the new Xpress Jack™ Termination Kit (p/n 90175) is now available.

Platinum Tools will feature the new Xpress Jack™ Termination Kit during CEDIA Expo 2018, held in San Diego from Sept. 6-8 at the San Diego Convention Center, booth # 4352.

“The Xpress Jack Termination Kit makes keystone jack terminations easier than ever,” explained Jason Chesla, Platinum Tools

marketing manager. “With the Cat5/6 Cable Jacket Stripper and the ScissorRun Electrician’s Scissors to prep your cable, and the Xpress Jack Punchdown tool, this kit makes terminating your Keystone Jacks an efficient and expedient process.”

With an MSRP of $189.00, the kit also includes a hanging tool pouch, and ten blue Keystone Cat6 110 Jacks and ten white Keystone Cat6 110 Jacks.

For additional pricing and more information on Platinum Tools and its complete product line, please visit www.platinumtools.com, call (800) 749-5783, or email info@platinumtools.com. ❏

Elan Lighting, Inc. to Represent Universal Lighting Technologies Universal Lighting Technologies, a global leader in commercial lighting and a member of the Panasonic family of companies, recently announced a partnership with Elan Lighting, Inc. Based in New Berlin, Wisconsin, the agency will represent Universal’s high efficiency lighting solutions, from ballast to LED, across Wisconsin and upper peninsula of Michigan.

Elan Lighting represents a comprehensive array of high quality lighting products. The agency’s broad product offering enables it to serve a transforming marketplace marked by dynamic design and construction requirements.

“Our extensive portfolio of LED lighting products continues to set the standard for new commercial installations and retrofit projects across the Wisconsin market and beyond,” said Donna Taylor, Universal’s Central Region Vice President. “Elan Lighting’s experience and knowledge will help Universal reach electrical contractors and educate them about the benefits of advanced lighting technologies, as well as support our distribu22

Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

tor network with a wide range of available inventory.”

Elan Lighting, will offer Universal Lighting Technologies full product line. For more information on Elan Lighting, Inc., visit http://www.elanlighting.com/ ❏ ABOUT UNIVERSAL LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc. a member of the Panasonic group and a subsidiary of Panasonic Lighting A mericas, Inc., engineers, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for commercial lighting across North A merica, including LED drivers, LED modules, fluorescent, HID and connected devices using wired and wireless technology. Universal’s EV ERLINE® LED retrofit continuum provides a range of solutions for upgrading fluorescent to LED. W ith over 70 years of experience, the company is recognized for its commitment to quality and customer service. Learn more about Universal at www.unvlt.com.

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industry NEWS

Stainless Steel Flexible Conduits

by Electri-Flex Wins Awards Electri-Flex Company recently launched an award-winning line of Stainless Steel Jacketed Flexible Electrical Conduits. This line of conduits won the 2018 Category Winner with EC&M Magazine - Product of the year, and also won the 2017 Top Product Award with Electrical Products & Solutions.

The benefits of utilizing a stainless steel flexible conduit is that it provides exceptional resistance to corrosive atmospheres, such as chemical processing, water treatment plants and other specialty applications where standard plated steel may not be adequate. It also provides additional high mechanical strength due to its construction.

Electri-Flex Company provides five varieties of jacketed stainless steel flexible conduits and one unjacketed conduit. These types provide a broad array of variations dedicated to specific applications, such as Food Processing, Wastewater Treatment Facilities, Oil & Gas Refineries, Ship Building, Steel Mills, Power Plants, and Defense. Specialty product features include, but are not limited to, Food Grade/NSF Certified, Industrial Grade, Halogen-Free, Low Fire Hazard, and Extreme High/Low Temperature varieties.

Type LSSFG is a Food Grade conduit solution, ideal for Food Processing and Pharmaceutical facilities. The flexible PVC jacketing is made from an FDA-approved compound and the core is a corrosion-resistant continuous strip of 316L stainless steel. LSSFG meets FDA CFR21 and NSF 51/61 requirements and is a Certified Component for NSF/ANSI 169 special purpose food equipment.

Type LTSS has a flexible PVC jacket over a corrosion-resistant continuous strip of 304L stainless steel core. LTSS is an Industrial Grade solution, designed for a variety of installations requiring motion, vibration and bending. It is both UV and oil resistant.

Type ZHSS is made from a zero-halogen polyurethane jacketing that provides low-smoke, low-fire hazard, low-toxicity and self-extinguishing characteristics.

The core is a corrosion-resistant continu24

ous strip of 316L stainless steel. ZHSS is designed for applications where safety concerns exist regarding a material’s reaction in a fire and is resistant to UV, ozone, hydrocarbons and moderate chemicals and oils.

Type ATXSS is an Extreme High/Low temperature conduit solution, providing a working temperature range of -60°C to 150°C (Intermitting to 165°C). Its flexible thermoplastic rubber jacketing provides a halogen-free, UV-stabilized, extreme high/low temperature range, with a flame rating of UL94-HB. The core is made of a corrosion-resistant continuous strip of 316L stainless steel.

Type ATSS is an All Temperature conduit, made with a flexible PVC jacketing that offers working temperatures of -55°C to 105°C (Intermitting to 120°C). The core is made from a corrosion-resistant continuous strip of 316L stainless steel. ATSS is designed for corrosive applications in high / low temperature environments.

Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

Unjacketed Type SSL stainless steel conduit is available as a corrosion-resistant continuous strip of 304L, but is also available in a 316L stainless alloy. It is designed for corrosive applications that do not require a jacket and is extra flexible for tight bend applications.

To download the Stainless Steel Sales Guide, visit https://www.electriflex.com/ resource-library/ or email marketing at mktg@electriflex.com. ❏

Electri-Flex Company, a leader in electrical conduit design and manufacture for over 60 years, produces Liquatite®, the most diverse line of liquidtight flexible electrical conduit in the industry. The company offers custom design, engineering, quality assurance and testing capabilities. For more information on Electri-Flex Company, call (630) 5292920 or (800) 323-6174; fax: (630) 5290482; e-mail: mktg@electriflex.com; visit: www.electriflex.com; or write: 222 West Central Avenue, Roselle, IL, 60172-1994.

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industry NEWS

Topaz Announces Online Rebate Finder Topaz is excited to announce the launch of their rebate finder powered by Encentivizer™ available now at www.TopazUSA.com/Rebate-Finder. This new service continues to display how Topaz is the easiest and friendliest company to do business with.

Topaz’s rebate finder offers a way for distributors, contractors, and specifiers a way to choose products based on the rebate they receive from their utility company, both domestically and internationally. Simply enter the zip code of where the project will be located, and the local utility company will auto-populate and generate a list of products that are eligible for rebates in the area. Users also have the ability to filter results by the type of lamp or fixture they will be installing. Each item has the link to

the product specification page and ENERGY STAR® or DLC® listing to make submitting the rebate to the utility provider as simple as possible.

Bob Burns, VP of Lighting Sales said, “We know we sell quality products at a competitive price point, but what has always set Topaz apart is our commitment to service. The rebate finder is an invaluable service that we’ve added to our website.

This is a great selling tool for our distributors who can now easily stay up to date on the products that will provide the greatest financial difference to their customers.”

Products are updated on the rebate finder on a weekly basis so the selection that is pulled up is always current. Up-todate selections offer industry professionals the ability to search for current and

future projects. Since all information needed for the rebate is accessed while searching for products, users can pull the information needed for rebates to help select a lighting product or even after their projects have been installed. ❏ Topaz is a leading manufacturer of electrical fittings, traditional lighting, ballasts, LED fixtures and lamps. For more information on Topaz’s complete line of products for commercial and residential use, visit www.topaz-usa.com.

Southwire Named the 2018 Recipient of the National Electrical Contractors Association’s Industry Partner Award Georgia-based company finds success while serving community with education program The National Electrical Contractors Association has selected Southwire, a leading manufacturer of wire and cable used in the distribution and transmission of electricity, as the 2018 recipient of the NECA Industry Partner Award.

Southwire touches to millions of people around the world. One in three new homes built in the United States contains its wire, and it produces half of the cable used to transmit and distribute electricity throughout the U.S. More than half of the world’s refined copper passes through the Southwire SCR system.

“Southwire has built innovative products that make electrical contractors more productive and safe,” NECA CEO John Grau said. “It is a leader in the industry when it comes to cutting-edge solutions 26

that simplify installation while saving customers time and money.”

Southwire’s reach stretches beyond business as well. In Carroll County, Georgia, where one in three students in a firstgrade classroom will not graduate from high school, Southwire and the county’s school system created 12 FOR LIFE educational services. The program provides classroom and work-study opportunities and has been recognized for its impact on the community.

“Southwire is making a difference in the community where it counts: preparing kids for the future,” Grau said. “The company is doing phenomenal work.”

Since 1996, the NECA Industry Partner Award is presented to individuals or organizations allied with the electrical

Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

construction industry. Southwire, which is headquartered in Carrollton, Ga., has been a NECA Premier Partner since 2015 and a Platinum Training Partner of the electrical training ALLIANCE. ❏ ABOUT THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION NECA is the voice of the $160 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S. NECA ’s national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development.

Go to www.necanet.org/about-us/ awards for more information about NECA ’s national awards.

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new PRODUCTS Platinum Tools Launches New ezEX-RJ45® Shielded Connectors at ISE Expo 2018 Now Shipping, the New Connectors Feature a Unique Integrated Hi-Lo Stagger Load Bar and Allow “Big” Conductors to Pass Through the Front End of the Connector, Making it Easy to Verify the Wiring Sequence Before Terminating Platinum Tools®, the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation, hand termination and testing of wire and cable, is proud to the launch of new ezEX-RJ45® shielded connectors. The new connectors are now shipping.

Platinum Tools will feature the new ezEX-RJ45® shielded connectors during ISE Expo 2018, held in Denver from August 14-16 at the Colorado Convention Center, booth # 122.

“Our new shielded ezEX-RJ45® connectors are designed for larger cables and conductors,” explained Lee Sachs, Platinum Tools, Inc. president and general manager. “They feature a unique integrated Hi-Lo stagger load bar and allows ‘big’ conductors to pass through the front end of the connector, making it easy to verify the wiring sequence before terminating. These connectors are typically used with either CAT6 CAT6A and are terminated with EXO Crimp Frame® and EXO-EX Die™ (100061C).”

For more information, visit www.platinumtools.com

DEWALT Expands ToughSystem® Storage Family Offerings Durability and flexibility come with new additions to system DEWALT expands its ToughSystem® storage family with the addition of the ToughSystem® Cooler (DWST08404) and ToughSystem® Waterseal Drawers (DWST08290).

With extensive 27-quart storage space, 5 days of ice retention, and IP65 rating for protection against water and dust, the DEWALT® ToughSystem® Cooler keeps beverages ice-cold and refreshing. The cooler can be stacked to any other ToughSystem® module using the side latches, and is compatible with the ToughSystem® Trolley, DEWALT Van Racking, and Workshop Racking for ultimate stability and security during transit. The lid also features two cup holders and a convenient bottle opener.

The DEWALT ToughSystem® Waterseal Drawers unit is IP54 dust and water resistant, allowing for safe storage of tools in any of the deep drawers available. Ballbearing slides provide convenient opening and side latches enable connections to other ToughSystem® tool boxes. This 2-drawer unit offers quick and easy access to tools, whether they’re attached to other units, on a ToughSystem® Trolley, mounted to DEWALT Van Racking, or in a workshop.

The DEWALT ToughSystem® storage system is mobile and modular, allowing users to quickly and easily change the storage combination, as needed for whatever the task. An expanding system that offers a variety of modules from toolboxes to organizers, totes and a jobsite radio, it delivers mobility, toughness, and high-impact protection.

Available in summer 2018 where DEWALT products are sold and with limited lifetime warranties, the new ToughSystem® Cooler will be available for $149.99 MSRP. Coming fall 2018 where DEWALT products are sold, the new ToughSystem® Waterseal Drawers will be available from $79.99 to $89.99 MSRP. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com 28

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new PRODUCTS Hubbell Control Solutions Enhances wiSCAPE™ with New Features and Functions Hubbell Control Solutions, the lighting controls subsidiary of Hubbell Lighting, announced it has reinvigorated wiSCAPE™, its wireless outdoor lighting control system, with new enhancements, features and functionality while providing faster return on investment.

Designed to provide a safe environment while improving operational efficiencies that ensure code compliance and maximize energy savings, wiSCAPE is a comprehensive, enterprise-level lighting management platform for parking, campus and city-wide site lighting applications. It was recently added to the DesignLights Consortium® (“DLC”) Qualified Products List (“QPL”) in the category of Networked Lighting Control (“NLC”) systems, increasing the eligibility for local utility rebates.

Originally launched in 2014, wiSCAPE has provided facility owners and operators with wireless lighting control for code compliance and energy savings capabilities. Hubbell Control Solutions gathered insights from the experiences and preferences of customers while completing various projects.

Using data from the lighting system facility, owners and operators can now manage, monitor and measure the system to address the greater focus on safety and operational savings, beyond just the initial LED and controls installation. wiSCAPE provides actionable intelligence from the wiSCAPE Express™ and wiSCAPE Enterprise™ software. For example, notifications and reports are sent when the unexpected occurs, such as “lights out” or “dayburners.” These tools, in addition to comprehensive energy reports, functional map views and extensive configuration settings, allow managers to correct any unsafe lighting condition quickly and accurately.

For more information, visit hubbelllighting.com

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new PRODUCTS Milwaukee Tool’s New Season of Heated Gear Kicks Off with Updated Jackets, Hoodies and New AXIS™ Jackets & Vests That Heat 3X Faster This fall, Milwaukee Tool will kick off its ninth season of heated gear with a refreshed line of Heated Gear products. All gear will feature faster heating technology, garment improvements, as well as overall enhancements to vastly improve the wearer’s experience. In addition, Milwaukee® will also introduce a brand new Heated Gear category with the addition of M12™ Heated AXIS™ Jackets and Vests.

Milwaukee ® M12™ Heated Gear provides the versatility, durability, utility, and comfort for use in cold conditions and all outdoor environments. M12™ REDLITHIUM™ Batteries are compatible with 90+ professional cordless solutions from Milwaukee®.

Milwaukee® Heated Gear: Powered by M12™ REDLITHIUM™ Battery Technology, Milwaukee® Heated Gear distributes heat across core body areas. Durable carbon fiber heating elements woven in between rugged exterior materials and thermal insulating liners generate and maintain heat to reduce the need for bulky layers. Three heat settings (High, Medium, Low) allow the user to select the right amount of warmth for all weather conditions. All M12™ Heated Jackets, Hoodies and Hand Warmers are fully machine washable and dryable for extended use.

For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com

Kokam Launches K-UPS — New Line of Lithium-ion High Power Uninterruptable Power Supply Battery Racks K-UPS’ Ultra High Power Lithium-ion NMC batteries deliver the performance and economics needed for high-power data center Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) Kokam Co., Ltd, the world’s premier provider of innovative battery solutions, recently announced the launch of its K-UPS series of high power Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) battery racks. Featuring Kokam’s Ultra High Power Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (UHP NMC) battery technology, the new battery racks enable UPS system providers to meet growing data center demand for lithium-ion UPS systems that can deliver high power for a short period of time at a lower cost than UPS systems using lead-acid batteries.

Growing Data Center Market for High Power, Short Duration UPS Systems Developers and operators of data centers are increasingly installing backup generators to produce power during long power outages. These long-term backup generators decrease the need for UPS systems that can provide a high level of power for a long period of time, as these facilities now require high power for only a short period of time (less than 15 minutes), until the backup generators can come online. However, most UPS systems use lead-acid batteries, and lead-acid batteries’ low power discharge rates force data center developers and operators to purchase high capacity, long duration UPS systems to address their facilities’ short-term, high power needs. This is leading data center developers and operators to seek new, more affordable UPS systems that require fewer batteries than lead-acid UPS systems to deliver the same amount of power. In addition, lead-acid UPS systems have large footprints, are heavy, require high maintenance, need significant cooling and ventilation and have to be replaced every 3-5 years.

“Though the UPS market is still dominated by lead-acid batteries, rising data center interest in more affordable, compact, long-lasting, lightweight UPS systems is growing the market for high power UPS systems using lithium-ion batteries,” said Ike Hong, vice president of Kokam’s Power Solutions Division. “Our new KUPS battery racks use our UHP NMC batteries to deliver UPS system providers the industry-leading power discharge rate they need to build high–power UPS systems with the price, size, footprint, weight, lifetime and other characteristics that data center developers and operators increasingly demand.”

For more information, visit www.kokam.com 32

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new PRODUCTS Klein Tools’® Folding Jab Saw Enables Safer Storage and Faster Cutting Klein Tools, for professionals since 1857, introduces the Folding Jab Saw, which folds smartly into its comfort-grip handle, enabling safer storage and eliminating puncture holes in tool bags. Additional features include triple ground teeth to cut on both the push and pull strokes as well as a lockback mechanism to secure the blade fully open at 180 degrees or 125 degrees for work in confined areas.

Folding Jab Saw (Cat. No. 31737) • Durable, carbon steel blade with triple ground teeth cuts on both the push and pull strokes • Lockback mechanism secures blade fully open at 180 degrees or at 125 degrees for work in hard to reach spaces • Secure folding mechanism is as sturdy as a fixed blade jab saw • Folding saw tucks away safely into handle to eliminate piercing through tool pouches and bags • Cushioned handle-end provides easier palming of the saw • Non-slip grip handle for all-day comfort • Lanyard hole for tethering • Designed to cut through drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic and other construction materials “On jobsites, we observed many torn and punctured tool bags as well struggles with storing fixed blade jab saws,” says Laura Ranieri, senior product manager at Klein Tools. “The blade on Klein’s new Folding Jab Saw can be tucked away into the tool’s handle for easy-storage, helping to prevent damage to other tools or the bag itself.”

For more information, visit www.kleintools.com

Amerlux’s New Retrofit Coach Style Lantern Delivers ‘More, Better, Faster’ New Light-Weight Pedestrian Light Makes Installation a Breeze Amerlux, an award-winning design-and-manufacture lighting company, announced recently it has launched a gamechanging pedestrian light that delivers light more efficiently and turns post-top mounting into a one-person effort.

The innovative Coach Style Lantern—made from die-cast aluminum as opposed to stamped steel—weighs only 16 pounds, which is much less than typical pedestrian light fixtures that tip the scale at 30-50 pounds.

“An installer can carry the Coach Style Lantern (CSL) with one hand, while connecting the power with the other,” said Amerlux CEO and President Chuck Campagna. “From its outstanding lifespan to its superior optical performance, CSL replaces installation headaches with a ‘more, better, faster’ experience that delivers a greater ROI.” More Installations, Less Time CSL’s design makes installation and maintenance practically effortless. The LED modules and drivers are installed in the top of the lantern that hinges open, which is secured with a tool-less fastener. As a result, workers can easily manipulate the fasteners while wearing gloves, which saves valuable time. In addition, a conveniently located wiring terminal block also makes new installations or replacing/retrofitting fixtures extremely simple and quick.

Better Lighting Technology The modular construction of CSL’s LED boards make its light distribution easily customizable.

Instead of a single large LED panel made up of multiple die throwing light in all directions with harsh glare, the CSL uses LED modules that are much more efficient and easy to maintain. Optics are fitted directly to the LED modules that allow for total control of where the light is distributed. In addition, individual modules are field replaceable.

For more information, visit Amerlux.com

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new PRODUCTS Crimping Pliers with Rotating Die Crimpfox DUO 10 Simplifies Wire Crimping at Any Angle The new Crimpfox DUO 10 crimping pliers from Phoenix Contact are perfect when diverse workspaces demand flexibility. The Crimpfox’s unique, rotating die permits frontal or lateral insertion of ferrules.

Engaging the color-contrasted release button enables the user to easily rotate the die to the necessary insertion direction, and the Crimpfox’s locking mechanism keeps the die securely in position. The pliers’ self-adjusting mechanism allows them to not only accommodate single ferrules but also reliably accommodate twin ferrules.

These crimping pliers cover a large cross section range from 26-8 AWG single wires or 2x20 to 2x12 AWG twin ferrules. Its perfectly balanced, ergonomic design creates an ideal fit for the user’s hand. Its carefully engineered design makes it the lightest and most compact tool on the market. No intense force is required to operate the tool, allowing the user to work longer without fatigue all while producing high-quality results.

For more information, visit www.phoenixcontact.com/handtools

Milwaukee® Expands PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System with Low-Profile Organizers & Tool Bags Milwaukee® is adding Low-Profile Organizers and Tool Bags to our hugely popular PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System in July and August!

The new PACKOUT™ Low-Profile Organizer and Compact Low-Profile Organizer are half the height of the current PACKOUT™ Organizers with the same impact resistant body. Each Organizer has removeable bin dividers and no-travel bin seals to keep products from shifting around. In addition, the Organizers are IP65 rated to keep water and jobsite debris out.

The new 15” and 20” PACKOUT™ Tool Bags un-zip to reveal large open space for tools, and have cushioned shoulder straps, top handles, and side handles for flexible carry. Each is constructed of tear resistant 1680D ballistic material and have an impact resistant polymer base are up to 5X more durable than other bases, protecting contents from water, abrasion and impact.

Just like all PACKOUT™ tool boxes, organizers, and totes, these new additions feature an intuitive and quick attachment mechanism which gives users the freedom to stack and lock them in different configurations to best suit their needs.

With the addition of the new Low-Profile Organizers and Tool Bags, Milwaukee’s PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System now has 12 different pieces for users to choose from to build out their custom storage solution!

For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com

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new PRODUCTS Klein Tools’® New Aviation Snips Integrate Wire Cutter for Convenient Versatility Klein Tools, for professionals since 1857, introduces the Aviation Snips with Wire Cutter, which save time and extend tools’ lives with the convenience of cutting sheet metal as well as duct, suspension or ceiling extension wires without damaging the snip blades. Available in three unique styles – left-, right- and straight-cutting – Klein’s new Aviation Snips integrate a wire cutter on the outside of the blade to optimize versatility.

Aviation Snips with Wire Cutter (Cat. Nos. 1200L, 1201R and 1202S) • Serrated, forged steel blades provide superior strength and durability • Unique integrated wire cutter on outside of blade for use on duct and ceiling suspension wire • Cuts up to 18 gauge cold rolled steel and 22 gauge stainless steel • Spring-loaded lock allows easy, one-handed self-opening action • Color-coded, comfortable contoured grips make tool identification easier • Convenient hang-hole for easy storage and convenience • Meets or exceeds ASME B107.16M performance standards • Three models available – Left- (Cat. No. 1200L), Right- (Cat. No. 1201R) and Straight-Cutting (Cat. No. 1202S) For more information, visit www.kleintools.com/new-products

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FLIR Announces DM66 True-RMS Multimeter with VFD Mode FLIR announced recently the FLIR DM66 electrical and field-service true-root mean square (True-RMS) multimeter. The DM66 is ideal for commercial electricians, automation field service, and electronics technicians installing and maintaining electrical and electronic systems. Equipped with variable frequency drive (VFD) mode and an unmatched feature set, the DM66 is easy to use, durable, and offers long-term stability and quality for extended field use.

The compact, ergonomic DM66 offers intuitive on-screen menu navigation and accessible buttons that allow for one-handed operation. The flashing backlight and audible indication simplifies the task of checking wiring connections and switching operation in noisy work environments.

With broad DMM test functions, including low-impedance (LoZ) mode, temperature (Type-K thermocouple), and extended voltage measurement range up to 600 Volts, the DM66 has all the features you need in one tool. It can measure AC/DC voltage, current (A, mA, A), frequency, resistance and continuity, diode, capacitance, and temperature.

For non-contact voltage detection, the DM66 features a visual indicator and audible beep tones proportional to the field strength. Technicians can use attachable test leads for contact voltage detection, allowing for a more precise indication of live wires.

The DM66 is CAT IV-300V and CAT III-600V safety category rated, IP40 ingress protection rated and 2 meter (6.6 feet) droptest rated. Equipped with extensive standard equipment, the unit comes with high-quality silicone test leads, alligator clips, integral test lead storage/holder, AAA batteries, and a soft carrying case.

For more information, visit www.flir.com/products/dm66

Legrand’s Universal Mounting Plate Kit Confidently mount security cameras, wireless access points and electrical boxes with Legrand’s Universal Mounting Plate Kit. Too often, items have to be jerry-rigged to wire mesh trays with zip ties or other makeshift materials. This RoHS-compliant kit, which twists or snaps into wire mesh tray without any hardware required, accommodates all major brands of routers, security cameras and electrical boxes.

Each kit includes: • Universal Mounting Bracket (1) • 8-32x3/8” Phillips Pan Head Screws (4) • 8-32x5/8” Phillips Pan Head Screws (2) • 8-32 Hex Nuts (4) • #8 External Star Washers (4) • 1/4” Tall Spacer (2) (use with various security cameras) Additionally, the Universal Mounting Plate Kit pairs perfectly with Legrand’s Cablofil wire mesh tray series. These products seamlessly combine in your data center to ensure reliable, safe and efficient connectivity.

For more information, visit www.legrand.us

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advertiser INDEX

JULY 2018

This advertisers index is compiled as a courtesy to our readers. While every effort is made to provide a complete and accurate listing of companies, page numbers and reader service numbers, the publisher is not responsible for errors.

PG#

RS#

PG#

RS#

AEMC INSTRUMENTS

IFC

1

IPEX USA

27

19

AUTAC INC

33

22

KRALOY FITTINGS

11

11

BARRON LIGHTING

7

8

KRENZ & COMPANY

30

44

COLONY CUSTOM METALS LLC

37

24

MILLER SAFETY CONSULTANTS LTD

3

5

CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS

4

6

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

1

4

COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

9

9

POWER & TEL

15

13

DABMAR LIGHTING

30

45

RANDL INDUSTRIES

23

17

DOVE NET TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

25

18

ROCKET RACK

38

46

EAGLE TOOL US

19

15

ROLL-A-REEL

40

48

EZ BOX ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS LLC

5

7

SP PRODUCTS INC.

17

14

GEAR ARC SAFETY

35

23

THE HOME DEPOT

13

12

GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES

31

21

TIMCO INSTRUMENTS

21

16

GREAVES USA

8

40

UEI TEST INSTRUMENTS

BC

3

HERCULES INDUSTRIES, INC

40

49

USA LED SOLUTIONS

29

20

HIOKI USA

IBC

2

UTILITY METALS

10

10

Company

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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2018

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