EPS Magazine September 2014

0914EPSpC1_Layout 1 9/5/14 2:27 PM Page C1

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:13 PM Page C2

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 1 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:13 PM Page 1

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 4 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp02_Layout 1 9/5/14 2:32 PM Page 2

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER

Anita Salchert ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Bart Beason bart@epsmag.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Derek Gaylard CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Pam Fulmer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Millard Schewe

14 FEATURE 6

Modern Residential Retrofit Lighting Controls

By Millard Schewe

CASE STUDY 14 Inadequate Grounding System Allows Costly Lightning Damage at Municipal Safety Center

DEPARTMENTS 30 Product Focus 40 Ad Index

ON THE COVER Inset photo provided by Simply Automated

2

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

PRESIDENT

Danny J. Salchert Executive and Advertising Offices 3591 Cahaba Beach Road Birmingham, AL 35242 toll free: 800.981.4541 phone: 205.981.4541 fax: 205.981.4544 www.epsmag.net • danny@epsmag.net

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 PRINTED IN THE USA

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:13 PM Page 3

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 5 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:13 PM Page 4

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 6 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:13 PM Page 5

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 7 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp06,08,12_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:28 PM Page 6

FEATURE • Simply Automated Incorporated

Modern Residential Retrofit Lighting Controls

By Millard Schewe

mart, networked light switches and modules offer solutions that are unique and ideal for retrofit residential lighting control projects. These solutions offer simple, cost effective and convenient controls for the homeowner, simultaneously providing reliability and flexibility for the electrician.

Simply Automated has innovative and straightforward load controls, which are unique, making the solutions highly desirable for many homeowners. Convenience is key. When a homeowner wants to change their controls for accessibility or for larger demands involved with a re-

S 6

model, they can save on the cost of running new wires. All that is desired can be added with minimal changes to wiring, whether cabinet and under-cabinet lights, recessed, or spot lights. The ease of ‘reliably’ controlling lights without getting out of bed, or turning off all the lights in a room from the doorway rather than walking to each switch is this innovation. When remodeling kitchens or rooms, additional loads are frequently added. This concept can be applied to any part of the home in addition to supplementary lighting in the garage, creating virtual 3-way, 4-way or more-way

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

flood lighting. Even setting up holiday light receptacles is simple for remote or automated control. Furthermore, automation with a scheduled timer for celestial lighting control, never needs to be reset for seasons or temporary loss of power. Just about anything is possible, even lighting control from a smart phone or tablet, which alone may be justifiable since no new wiring is needed.

Advanced, reliable power line communication technology makes this all possible, as it transmits well over a mile and has been proven in the field for more than 10 years. The Anywhere Continued on page 8

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:13 PM Page 7

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 8 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp06,08,12_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:28 PM Page 8

FEATURE • Simply Automated Incorporated

Continued from page 6

3-Way Switch Kit is a perfect example of this. It is a cost effective, professional grade solution for adding 3-way, or more way control to a property. Two high quality 900 Watt switches replace existing mechanical wall switches, utilizing same wires of existing wall switches – no traveler wires or batteries needed. They turn on/off circuits from both switches (neutral wire required). They are a simple and cost effective alternative for the professional electrician, versus running costly, new wiring or using wireless consumer DIY solutions which can be unreliable.

The Universal Power line Bus (UPB) communication technology employed is dependable, even when there are a few switches separated across a home or property. It uses powerful 40 volt pulses for communication, placed in a specific position just after the zero crossing on a home’s split phase power service. This

The Universal Power line Bus (UPB) communication technology employed is dependable, even when there are a few switches separated across a home or property. It uses powerful 40 volt pulses for communication, placed in a specific position just after the zero crossing on a home’s split phase power service. pulse-position modulation avoids areas on the power cycle where noise is common.

And because the pulses are in a specific location, they are easily recognized and isolated from powerline noise. In addition, the strong pulses are transmitted at a low frequency (4000 Hz), which gives them more energy to travel farther than other technologies. UPB was designed to replace X10 and over the last 10 years, has proven itself in tens of thousands of applications. UPB is so powerful it will transmit well over a mile on 14-2 wire circuit. In fact, in most applications the signals pass between a home’s split phases via the street transformer, without the use of a phase coupler. This is in contrast to switches, which use radio frequency (RF) communication and a mesh network, and must rely on multiple switches or repeaters to span long distances, thick floors, walls and concrete. These are not 8

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

an issue for UPB. On top of this there are several diagnostic tools within the products to quickly verify communication even if there is powerline noise or signal attenuation (low signal strength).

Flexibility comes from the unique universal faceplate design of the switches and the fact the switches and relay/dimmer modules can be located wherever 120VAC power is available. The Universal Dimmer-Controller switch bases are both a transmitter Continued on page 12

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:14 PM Page 9

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 9 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:14 PM Page 10

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 10 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:14 PM Page 11

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 11 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp06,08,12_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:28 PM Page 12

FEATURE • Simply Automated Incorporated

and a receiver (i.e. transceiver), available with 1x900 or 2x550 Watt output circuits, and can be configured for On/Off or dimming of loads as low as 1 Watt (e.g. LED fixtures). They are unique with 13 detachable and interchangeable faceplate options, along with 6 colors. Each universal switch has 8, tiny micro-switches which can be seen when the faceplate is removed. These micro-switches are actuated by the faceplates. Any one of the single, dual, triple or quad (4) rocker faceplates can attach to the switch and enable control of 1 to 4 lighting zones (or scenes). For example, a switch with a dual rocker located at the front or back door can have one rocker control the local load (porch light) and the second rocker could control a detached garage’s light or maybe driveway or holiday lighting. No new wires are needed in most applications. Simply replace the existing switch at the door and at the garage to enable the control. In addition, button faceplates for these smart networked switches offer even more flexibility and lighting scene control capability.

There are 8 button faceplates and a mix of rocker and button faceplates to make controls easy and obvious. For example the single rocker faceplate with 4 buttons is a popular option. The halfheight rocker, above the four buttons, is usually configured for local load control; while the buttons are used to conve12

Continued from page 8

niently control lighting scenes (other switches or modules) within the room or anywhere on the properties’ power service. Of even more convenience, a plugin tabletop pedestal with rockers or up to 8-buttons can be located anywhere there is a standard electrical outlet. At the bedside night stand or on the office desk, remote control of lights in the room or anywhere on the property is easy. Even the TV remote can be used as an interface to control lighting with UPB

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

switches and modules. Automation of lights on a schedule, especially landscape and holiday lighting, is a very popular application for UPB since wireless RF solutions can rarely reach all around the property or penetrate the remote transformers enclosures where the physical load control is plugged in. Schedulertimers also have a vacation mode setting that can give a home the ’lived-in look’ for added security. With a preset random lighting time variable (e.g. +/- 15 minutes), the lights turn on and off with a different offset each day. The flexibility and convenience offered enables retrofit lighting and load controls wherever power is located.

One of the best things about UPB technology is that only a few switches are needed to get started. Pre-configured kits and the Anywhere Series can be installed and tested without any configuration required. Likewise, if more options are needed, the Simply Automated Custom Series offers one of the broadest solution sets on the market, tailoring to the customer’s needs. Consider smart, networked light switches and modules on the next retrofit, remodel or new construction job to minimize wiring costs and win the bid. ❏

Millard Schewe is the General Manager of Simply Automated Incorporated, who has led the company since 2004.

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:14 PM Page 13

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 12 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp14,16,20,24,26_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:29 PM Page 14

CASE STUDY • Copper Development Association

Inadequate Grounding System Allows Costly Lightning Damage at Municipal Safety Center

T

he Jackson Township, Ohio safety center was completed in 2004. Because its electrical grounding system was incorrectly designed and improperly installed, lightning strikes to the antenna tower (visible in the background) frequently left fire and police services without emergency dispatch capability.

There are 37 Jackson Townships in Ohio, but the Jackson under discussion is in Stark County, between Canton and Massillon. This Jackson Twp. suffered expensive and potentially life-threatening problems with lightning. The reason: an inadequate grounding system.

Jackson Township is a pleasant, suburban town with parks, shopping centers and the sort of public infrastructure you’d expect for a community of some 38,000 inhabitants. Its fire and public safety departments are well-equipped with stateof-the-art communications gear, but communications was unfortunately one of the things that lightning repeatedly struck.

Troubles began soon after the township

Figure 1. Jackson Township’s fire and police communications equipment is housed in the small remote communications building to the left of the 140-ft antenna tower. The tower has attracted many lightning strikes, and because it was poorly grounded, lightning energy was able to damage equipment in the building and elsewhere on the municipal campus.

14

completed the Safety Center shown in the cover photo. The center is part of a municipal campus comprised of offices, garages, $22,959. The tower, radios, telephones, maintenance shops and storage facilities, surveillance cameras, the emergency genplus emergency and dispatch communica- erator, a dictation system and computers tions service facilities for the township and took the hit. Technicians returned some several surrounding communities. Commu- essential communications to service sevnications equipment is mainly housed in a eral hours later. Complete repairs took five small transmitter building (referred to as the months. remote communications building) next to • The most expensive strike, on June 22, the main antenna tower (Figure 1).

2007, damaged the tower, the emergency Richard Heck was Jackson Township’s generator, surveillance cameras, safety fire chief at the time. His overriding con- center gate and its access controls. It also cern focused on the interruptions in emer- took out radio communications for the gency communications, which are neighboring towns of Lawrence and obviously vital in a suburban community. Brewster, plus 14 telephones, a fire alarm “The damage happened several times panel and a router that serves police cruisover four years,” he later recalled. “In one ers. It damaged equipment throughout the incident, lightning took out our regional municipal campus, including the safety communications center for several hours. center’s gate, transmitter building and That affected 43,000 area residents, not transportation maintenance offices. to mention up to 100,000 people who • Another strike one week later hit a roofvisit for business or shopping. Fortu- mounted lightning arrestor on the safety nately, we didn’t have any delayed re- center (which didn’t do its job for reasons sponses and there were no injuries, but explained below), resulting in damage to a there was a big potential for disaster.” fire station traffic light and, once again, the emergency generator. Together with Expensive Damage the earlier strike, the repair cost came to And then there was the cost. Ask Carles $102,832.

Moore, who was Jackson Township’s Central Maintenance Director when this article That last expense got the insurance comwas prepared. Communications equipment, pany’s attention. An electrical contractor including the tower, was his responsibility. had begun work during the week between He could see the tower from his office, and incidents. He repaired some damage but aphe would tell you, quite emphatically, that parently hadn’t done anything to avoid the “We’ve got a 140-foot lightning rod sitting next calamity. It was time for a second in our backyard!” Sure enough, in 2004, opinion.

2005, 2007 and 2008, Mr. Moore’s lightTim Cookson of PowerEdge Technoloning rod did exactly what lightning rods do: gies, a nationally-recognized engineering it directed thousands of amps of energy to services firm based in Canton, was called earth. But because of the tower’s inadequate in for an assessment. The company specialand improperly installed grounding system, izes in power-quality improvement — since a portion of the energy destroyed whatever lightning damage is definitely a power qualelectrical equipment it encountered along ity issue. the way: Cookson began by evaluating the safety • In August, 2004, a bolt destroyed com- center’s electrical grounding system. He munication circuit boards, a few surveil- identified 14 areas of concern, many of lance cameras and some computer which involved incorrectly positioned, imrecords. Cost to repair: $4,632.98. properly used or non-compliant lugs and • Repairs for the July 2005 strike came to connections. He also Continued on page 16

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:14 PM Page 15

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 13 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp14,16,20,24,26_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:29 PM Page 16

CASE STUDY • Copper Development Association

Continued from page 14

found serious discrepancies based on poor design or improper installation. Here are a few examples: • Two parallel grounding conductors were found connected between one painted utility meter cabinet and the main wireway in the safety building (Figure 2). Aside from the incorrect and non-compliant connection, the 100-ft-long conductors could function as antennae for induced currents or stray RF and thereby inject electrical noise into the grounding system.

Figure 2. A pair of grounding conductors (front Figure 3. An improper grounding connection between two flanges on the street side of the • At 16.9 ohms, the ground resistance of the right) improperly connected to a utility meter water line. Flanges were also missing jumpers safety center’s grounding system was cabinet. The cables ran 100 feet to the main inside the safety center, and their to provide a path to earth. somewhat high. The IEEE’s “Green wireway length invited stray current pick-up by the Book” (IEEE Std. 192) suggests a maxi- grounding system. mum of five ohms when computers and sensitive equipment are involved. More nections must be accessible for service; • Current on the grounding conductor at the service entrance measured 7.6 A. Among important, testing showed the presence of these weren’t. ground loops at all lightning system elec- • Water line connections weren’t jumpered the several likely sources was a non-comtrical conductors passing into the remote across flanges, and the termination point pliant ground-neutral bond at the emercommunications building. Further, Cook- of the grounding conductor at the water gency generator (Figure 4). The transfer son was unable to verify the presence of line was made between two flanges on the switches for the generator are three-pole, an electrode array (site drawings called for street side of the line using an improvised therefore the generator is not a separately derived source and Continued on page 20 three electrodes). Further, electrode con- connection (Figure 3).

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 42 ON READER SERVICE CARD

16

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 3:16 PM Page 17

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 14 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:14 PM Page 18

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 15 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:15 PM Page 19

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 16 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp14,16,20,24,26_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:29 PM Page 20

CASE STUDY • Copper Development Association

Continued from page 16

Figure 4. The neutral-ground connection (bottom center) at the emergency generator constitutes a short condition because the transfer switch is three-pole, meaning that the generator is not a separately derived source.

The improper connection can inject current into the grounding system.

Figure 5. A building steel grounding conductor and a braided lightning rod (air terminal) downconductor are shown connected to a painted steel member by an unapproved bar-tap.

Building steel connection to earth was unknown and the connection has high resistance. The air terminals should have been earthed to the grounding electrode system or ring ground outside the building.

Figure 6. A panel serving communications, phone and network equipment contains two grounding bars (at right). The lower one contains both isolated ground wires (IG, yellowgreen) and electrical equipment ground (green) conductors. This non-compliant condition negates the IG, which was also incorrectly bonded to the UPS by-pass switch downstream.

Figure 7. One of three existing earth connections at the antenna tower was made to a tower leg (upper photo). It terminated at an 8-ft grounding electrode. The mechanical connection to the tower (lower photo), was made to a galvanized and painted steel tab, which was itself bolted to the galvanized steel tower support flange. This connection method imparts high resistance and is not recommended.

Figure 8. A separate earth connection at the tower/transmitter site was made from the outdoor grounding bar seen just beneath the wall penetration. The grounding conductor (in conduit, arrow) connects with the tower ground at the opposite side of the building, forming a three-way ground loop.

Figure 9. The new grounding/earthing system at the communications site includes three new driven electrodes at the tower, an AWG 4/0 bare copper ring ground surrounding the tower and bonds to the existing system. A ground loop between two existing electrodes was eliminated, as was a separate ground conductor leading from the building to the safety center.

doesn’t require a neutral-ground connec- (IG) short at an uninterruptible power tion. With the existing bond, any current supply (UPS) by-pass switch. The IG on the neutral conductor would enter the had been run from a panel that serves grounding system, where it could affect communications, phone and network sensitive equipment. equipment, where it terminated at a • The building steel grounding connection ground bar that also contained electrical consisted of a non-compliant bar-tap and equipment grounds (Figure 6). Mixbolted to a painted steel beam (Figure 5). ing IGs with other grounds defeats the That’s an obvious high-resistance con- purpose of the IGs, which by the Code, nection. Two such connections were must terminate only at the main disconfound inside the fire station garage, yet nect ground-neutral bond. Computers, neither column was connected to earth. electronic equipment and networks Down-conductors should preferably be served by an improperly connected IG grounded to driven electrodes outside the may experience electrical noise, elevated building. Since the columns weren’t ground potentials and stray currents and earthed, lightning energy followed the may therefore not function correctly. grounding conductor back into the elec- • Additional discrepancies included excestrical system and the equipment on it. sively long grounding conductor runs to • Cookson also found an isolated ground surge protection devices in the telephone 20

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

system. Those runs shouldn’t exceed three feet, yet some were 70 feet long. In order for surge protection devices to function properly — if at all — they must be connected to a robust grounding system, using leads as short as practical. An incoming surge will otherwise find an alternative, lower-impedance path, possibly through sensitive equipment.

Serious Problems with Tower/Transmitter Grounding The sloppy installations described above probably decreased the facility’s overall power quality, but most of them likely didn’t contribute to lightning damage. That damage was caused in large part by the more serious mistakes Cookson found at the tower/transmitter.

Continued on page 24

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:15 PM Page 21

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 17 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:15 PM Page 22

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:15 PM Page 23

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 18 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp14,16,20,24,26_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:29 PM Page 24

CASE STUDY • Copper Development Association

Continued from page 20

Figure 10. A new 3-ft deep trench surrounding the tower and remote communications building contains an AWG 4/0 bare copper ring ground, three new electrodes and connections to the tower, two existing electrodes and the building’s electrical system ground.

Figure 11. An exothermic weld bonds a grounding conductor to a tower leg. Zinc galvanize was removed from the leg prior to making the weld. Protective paint covers the new joint area.

Figure 12. Exothermic welds connect new electrodes with the copper ring ground. A conductor from one of the tower legs is seen at lower left.

There, he discovered three separate connections to earth: one from a single tower leg (and it was poorly made at that, with ground resistance of 60 ohms) (Figure 7); another one, at 35.4 ohms, from the outdoor grounding bus (Figure 8) and a third one measuring 42.5 ohms from a sub-panel feeding the transmitter building (Figure 9). Conductors from the latter two sources were joined, thereby setting up a ground loop.

There was no neutral-ground bond in the panel, so a separate grounding conductor had been routed back to the safety center’s grounding system. A lightning strike to the tower would produce a huge ground potential rise (step potential) across the entire tower/transmitter footprint, creating loop currents among the two existing electrodes and three ground connections. Those currents were easily strong enough to travel

down that separate grounding conductor and damage equipment elsewhere on the facility’s grounding system.

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 43 ON READER SERVICE CARD

24

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

The Fix An electrical contractor was called in to correct discrepancies in the safety center’s electrical grounding system. Cookson verified that those corrections had been made Continued on page 26 and then personally

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 44 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:15 PM Page 25

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 19 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp14,16,20,24,26_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:29 PM Page 26

CASE STUDY • Copper Development Association addressed the situation at the tower/transmitter. An overview can be seen in Figure 9.

He began by installing an AWG 4/0 bare copper ring ground in a 3-ft deep trench around the tower (Figure 10). He drove three 10-ft copper-clad ground rods and then bonded each tower leg to an electrode, and the electrodes to the ring, using exothermic welds (Figures 11 and 12). He com-

Continued from page 24

pleted the earthing system by bonding new copper grounding conductors from the ring to the outdoor grounding bar (Figure 13) and tied the entire system to the existing ground at the small unmarked outdoor panel and to the indoor ground bar (Figure 14). He also installed a new ground bar as a collector for telephone system surge protection devices, thereby shortening the Figure 13. A new AWG 4/0 copper ground connector bonds the outdoor ground bar to the ring using an exothermic weld and an approved UL 467 compression terminal.

Figure 14. An indoor grounding bar (upper photo) connects cable-shield ground conductors from the outdoor bar plus telephone and communications-equipment grounds in the building. An approved UL compression fitting now connects the bar to the new earthing system.

ground path for those devices. All connections are either exothermic welds or UL 467-approved compression terminals.

Cookson also removed the separate grounding conductor that had been run from the outdoor panel at the remote communications building to the safety center’s electrical system. In so doing, he eliminated the possibility that a future lightning strike to the tower — which was inevitable — could feed energy to equipment in the safety center.

Did it work? Experience to date indicates that it does. The tower has been struck numerous times since Cookson completed his upgrade in 2008, yet there has not been another incidence of equipment damage, either at the tower or in the safety center. The emergency generator has energized several times, indicating interruptions in utility power, but the grounding system works as intended, and Chief Heck says he feels “a lot more comfortable.” ❏

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 45 ON READER SERVICE CARD

26

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:15 PM Page 27

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 20 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:15 PM Page 28

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 21 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:15 PM Page 29

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 22 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp30,34,36,40_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:31 PM Page 30

Product FOCUS

Platinum Tools® Debuts Maxim 6 SelfAdjusting Wire Stripper at 2014 CEDIA Expo For Use with Round, Oval, and Flat Wire Cable, the Maxim 6 is a Heavy Duty, Self-Adjusting Wire Stripping and Cutting Tool that is Designed for Both Performance and Comfort Platinum Tools®, the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation, hand termination and testing of wire and cable, is proud to announce the debut of the Maxim 6 Self Adjusting Wire Stripper 24-10 AWG (p/n 15310C) during CEDIA Expo 2014, held in Denver from Sept. 11-13 at the Colorado Convention Center, booth #500. The Maxim 6 is now shipping with an MSRP of $72.95.

“For use with round, oval and flat wire cable, the Platinum Tools Maxim 6 is a heavy duty, self-adjusting wire stripping and cutting tool with an ergonomic handle that is designed for comfort and reduces fatigue,” explained John Phillips, Platinum Tools product manager. “The autoform laminated stripping jaws form around the radius of the cable to ensure no damage to the inner conductor, while the built-in wire stop measures strip length. It has all the form and functionality the installer needs for any job.”

For more information, visit www.platinumtools.com

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 46 ON READER SERVICE CARD

30

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 47 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:16 PM Page 31

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 23 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:16 PM Page 32

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 24 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:16 PM Page 33

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 25 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp30,34,36,40_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:31 PM Page 34

Product FOCUS Milwaukee® Adds Gripped Locking Tools to new Torque Lock™ Line Milwaukee Tool continues to expand its Hand Tool offering and the recently launched line of TORQUE LOCK™ Locking Tools with the introduction of several gripped locking plier options, in both curved jaw and long nose styles that provide a durable, comfortable grip for prolonged use and increased productivity.

Featuring the patent pending Torque Lock™ adjustment system, the new Milwaukee® Locking Pliers deliver an innovative solution for adjusting the size of the gripping jaws while secured to material. Inspired by a common user modification, the thumb screw features a more convenient geometry for generating hand force and a unique screwdriver through-hole design to produce maximum locking force with a much faster and controlled set up.

In addition, the new gripped models will feature a control release design for a fast and easy onehanded release. Each tool also features hardened jaws for more gripping power on jobsite material, and is made from chrome plated forged alloy steel for maximum durability and rust protection.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the new products confirm Milwaukee’s commitment to best-in-class durability and their relentless commitment to provide innovative productivity enhancing solutions to the end user.

For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 48 ON READER SERVICE CARD

34

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 49 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:16 PM Page 35

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 26 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp30,34,36,40_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:31 PM Page 36

Product FOCUS Legrand® Introduces New Metallic-Finish Devices and Wall Plates New devices are smart, robust and safe for all rooms Legrand, a leading provider of electrical wiring devices and home systems, today announced the availability of its new Pass & Seymour® Metallic-Finish Devices and Wall Plates (Metallic-Finish Devices) featuring Antique Brass, Dark Bronze, and Nickel finishes.

The new devices are available in switches and dimmers, and GFCI, tamper-resistant and USB charging receptacles. All have matching screwless wall plates.

Metallic-Finish Devices make it easy for homeowners to coordinate with other modern design elements in their new or remodeled homes, including appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware. Their solid construction and premium finish allows them to stand up to the continuous usage of busy households while their smooth, sleek metallic finish helps retain their good looks.

“The new devices are versatile and enhance the look and feel of almost any room,” said Bill Timmons, residential marketing manager at Legrand Electrical Wiring Systems. “They can match or accent any modern kitchen and bathroom giving the homeowner a significant amount of decorative options coupled with functionality and durability.”

Metallic-Finish receptacles also feature a Tamper-Resistant shutter system that prevents young children from inserting foreign objects. The devices are all 15A rated with 120V, 125V, and 120/277V options available - depending on the device functionality. Wall plates are available in one, two, three and four gang configurations. The new devices are Fed Spec, FSUL and cULus compliant. They are available in three colors - antique brass, dark bronze and nickel.

For more information, visit www.legrand.us/passandseymour/metallic-finish-devices

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 50 ON READER SERVICE CARD

36

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 51 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:16 PM Page 37

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 27 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:16 PM Page 38

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 28 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:16 PM Page 39

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 29 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSp30,34,36,40_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:57 PM Page 40

Advertiser INDEX 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.

Company

PG#

RS#

40 IBC 25 32 26 5 4 1 27 29 24 30 7 11 24 15 19 30 36 IFC 34

52 2 19 24 45 7 6 4 20 22 43 47 8 11 44 13 16 46 50 1 49

ACSCOUT LLC AEMC INSTRUMENTS AMERICAN CONNECTORS AMERICAN PIPE & PLASTICS, INC. AMERICAN TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS, INC. BROTHER MOBILE SOLUTIONS, INC. CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS CONTINENTAL INDUSTRIES COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION DABMAR LIGHTING E-Z METER FACILITY RESULTS GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES HB BRACKETS HERCULES INDUSTRIES, INC. HIOKI USA ITOOLCO KOLBI PIPE MARKER CO. KRENZ & COMPANY MEGGER MH RHODES / CRAMER COMPANY

Company

PG#

RS#

MILLER SAFETY CONSULTANTS, LTD MINUTEMAN UPS MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTS MP GLOBAL PRODUCTS LLC NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS PHASE-A-MATIC POWER & TEL POWER-ONE POWER-ONE POWER-ONE RANDL INDUSTRIES SIMPLY AUTOMATED INC. SMALLPC.COM STEELMAN INDUSTRIES STRIP-TEC SYLVANIA TCP THE HOME DEPOT UNDERGROUND DEVICES UTILITY METALS

3 39 38 22, 23 37 36 31 17 21 BC 28 9 34 40 16 18 33 13 35 10

5 29 28 18 27 51 23 14 17 3 21 9 48 53 42 15 25 12 26 10

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 52 ON READER SERVICE CARD

40

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2014

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 53 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:16 PM Page C3

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 2 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0914EPSpFullPages_Company Spotlight 9/5/14 2:17 PM Page C4

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 3 ON READER SERVICE CARD