Durable LENOX® All-in-One Screwdrivers Last Longer Than Competition

LENOX has introduced its new super-durable All-in-One Driver line of 6-in-1 and 9-in-1 screwdrivers for plumbing and HVAC professionals. LENOX All-in-One Drivers offer tremendous convenience and value for the professional user thanks to their sturdy construction, highlighted by thicker-walled shafts and high-grade steel bits. Longer lasting, strippage-resistant drivers and bits enable the user to stay on the job longer, spending less time — and money — replacing parts.

Both the 6-in-1 and 9-in-1 versions feature thicker, heat-treated shafts that are 20-25 percent thicker than competitors’ drivers, making the All-in-One highly resistant to strippage. Special flanges under the handle anchor the shaft and provide superior twist resistance, while a comfortable, cushioned rubber grip helps ensure a firm grasp and maximum torque.

The precision-machined tips included in both sets further increase performance and life thanks to super-tough S2-grade steel construction.

The 6-in-1 LENOX All-in-One Driver features the following bits:

5/16” nut driver
#1 Phillips
#2 Phillips
1/4” slotted
3/16” slotted
1/4” nut driver

The bits included with the 9-in-1 LENOX Multi-Tool are:

5/16” nut driver
1/4” nut driver
3/8” nut driver
#1 Phillips
#2 Phillips
1/4" slotted
3/16” slotted
#2 square
#3 square

Both versions are available at plumbing and HVAC supply houses and national dealers and distributors.

For more information, please visit www.lenoxsaw.com.

Electricians Workstation Package for JLG ® Scissor Lifts

The Electricians Package, part of JLG ’s Workstation in the Sky accessory line, enhances productivity on its Pro-Fit ™ electric scissor lifts. The package includes a foldout conduit rack, an electrician ’s tree (with spool holder) and a workstation with an 8-in. x 20-in. foldout workbench. The workbench includes multiple, specially sized compartments for connectors and tools. The tool holders can accommodate a drill, a reciprocating saw and a circular saw. An optional 12V plug can be added to charge cordless tools directly from the scissor batteries. On the larger Pro-Fit scissor lift models, a rail-mounted 5-in. vise is included.

The Electricians Package helps keep tools within reach and off the floor to reduce potential tripping hazards. Plus, the conduit rack and wire spool holder allow more materials to be taken to the work area without consuming valuable platform space and saving trips up and down.

For more information, please email jdford@jlg.com

Dynatech’s Core Bits Pay for Themselves

Dynatech has 4 different types of core bits: the regular dry core bits, vacuum dry core bits, handheld wet core bits, and core bits for core rigs. Both the regular dry and the vacuum dry bits are recommended for brick and block; the handheld wet and rig mount bits will drill brick and block but will also drill concrete with heavy reinforcing such as wire mesh and rebar. Depending on your application or the size of your job, most often these tools will pay for themselves on the first job or two. Dynatech’s new “How To – Drilling Video” is available FREE online at the company’s website. Most of Dynatech’s products are “same day shipped” making it very quick to receive your product if you are in a rush. Specialty size and type of core bits can also be made fast – most often within one to two day turn-around. For further information, please visit www.dynatech-diamond.com

Generac’s QT Series

Generac’s QT Series features a powerful assortment of gaseous-fueled standby generators that operate on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) vapor, with outputs ranging from 20 to 150 kilowatts. These products are available though electrical distributors, allowing contractors to profit from both selling and installing standby power systems.

Natural gas gensets offer many advantages over diesel units — reduced emissions, quieter operation, and an unlimited fuel supply with no storage, spillage or spoilage concerns. QT Series gensets are surprisingly quiet in normal operating mode and run at a reduced speed during their weekly self-exercise routine for near-silent operation. This line of products has been designed specifically for commercial applications and is offered at extremely competitive prices.

For more information, go online to mygenerac.com or call 1-888-GENERAC.

New 300 Series of Compact Multi-Function Digital Multimeters

Extech Instruments announces its new 300 Series of Digital MultiMeters featuring built-in Voltage Detection. Easy-to-operate and conveniently-sized, Extech’s 300 Series is ideal for electrical troubleshooting by combining two meters in one. Featuring a non-contact voltage detector combined with a fully featured digital multimeter the user can quickly and conveniently check for voltage prior to attaching the multimeter’s test leads to the device under test.

Extech’s 300 Series includes three models: the EX310, EX320 and EX330, all with built-in voltage detection. This line supplements Extech’s 400 series of DMM’s which feature a built-in, non-contact, InfraRed (IR) Temperature measurement capability.

Small in size, but big in features the auto ranging EX330 leads the 300 series with a big digit 4000 count display and includes measurements for Temperature, Capacitance, Frequency and Duty Cycle. All models measure DC/AC Voltage with a 0.5 percent basic accuracy along with DC/AC Current and Resistance.

For more information, visit www.extech.com.

PATRIOT® PATCUT245 Battery Actuated Hydraulic Cutter

In 2005, FCI-BURNDY ® Products introduced the PATRIOT® PATCUT245CUAL-18V battery actuated hydraulic cutter. Compact, fast, and easy to use, the PATCUT245 incorporates the latest in battery tool technology. The ergonomic design allows safe, one hand operation, so the user has one hand free to manipulate the conductor into the proper cutting position. Also, the PATCUT245 incorporates a specialized latch-style cutting head that allows interference-free closure for mid-span cuts, and it rotates 180 degrees to allow users to more easily get into tight areas.

The PATCUT245 comes equipped with a high impact formed carrying case to hold the tool, a tool retention lanyard, a battery charger and two batteries. The tool operates on industry-standard 18-volt Ni/MH batteries that eliminate voltage depression or “memory” issues. The PATCUT245 also features the addition of a reliable mechanical ram release that helps prevent depletion of battery power.

FCI-BURNDY Products offers a limited warranty on the cutter, batteries, and charger.

HIOKI MODEL 3455: 5kV High Voltage Insulation HiTester

The Hioki 3455 offers a rugged compact design with feature rich performance. Test voltages range from 250V to 5 kV. Settings can be in increments as fine as 25V. Measurements up to 5 teraohms is possible. Features include the automatic calculation and display of PI, DAR, data memory for data and logging function, USB interface, report creation software, a backlit display featuring a logarithmic bar graph and digital readout, a safety shutter to prevent simultaneous use of other terminals, auto discharge, high-voltage warning, leak current display, temperature measurement, temperature compensation, voltage measurement function and a category IV rating (600V).

Generator InterLock Kit Editorial

The InterLock Kit by Generator InterLock Technologies (GIT) is a great new way to connect portable generators to your home. Simply mount the InterLock Kit to the existing panel and feed the generator into a new 2-pole back-feed “generator” breaker. The InterLock Kit prevents the main and generator breakers from being in the “ON” position at the same time, meeting all NEC requirements. The homeowner now can select from every circuit in his home (up to the capacity of the generator) just by turning on the circuits that he wants to run. The InterLock Kit can be installed in less than 20 minutes and with the price for all InterLock Kits under $150, the contractor saves time and material cost. The Interlock Kit offers more benefits to the homeowner and higher profits for the contractor, making it the smart choice for portable generator installation.

The Multi-Tasking Power Quality Analyzer

The AEMC PowerPad™ Model 3945 is a hand-held three-phase power quality analyzer with an easy-to-read graphical color display. Measurements are displayed along with color waveforms.

The analyzer is menu driven with direct access functions that are activated at the push of a button. All measurements and waveforms can be displayed and stored for a comprehensive power system.

The PowerPad™ has a logging function, a transient capture function, an event capture function and an optical RS-232. DataView ® software is included, which can pilot the PowerPad™ and provide comprehensive reports. www.aemc.com

Lapp USA Releases First 300 Volt Cable with Open Wiring Approval

UNITRONIC® 300 is a lead-free, rugged, multi-conductor 300 volt control and signal cable for internal and external wiring of OEM equipment for use in industrial applications. The UNITRONIC® 300 has multiple approvals, such as: UL Type PLTC, UL CMG, CSA CMG, NOM and CE. PLTC approval allows for use in overhead trays with open wiring (on 18 & 16 AWG) to eliminate the need for conduit. (22 & 20 AWG with Open Wiring is available as a special build).The UNITRONIC® 300/300 CY cables are lead free, and conform to RoHS standards.

For more information, please visit www.lappusa.com.

Tamper-Resistant Ground Fault Circuit Receptacle

Pass & Seymour/Legrand combined its industry-leading Tamper-Resistant Decorator Receptacles with a GFCI, creating a Tamper-Resistant GFCI Receptacle.

With the utmost consideration for child safety, the Tamper-Resistant GFCI includes a UL listed, automatic mechanical shutter system that prevents objects from being inserted into the outlet. The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates about 1,300 children suffer serious injuries every year from inserting objects into electrical outlets.

All P&S GFCIs are designed for quick and easy installation, which reduces the number of costly callbacks. And all P&S GFCIs have SafeLock protection, which disconnects power to the Receptacle if critical components are damaged and ground fault protection lost.

he American Institute of Architects has long recommended Tamper-Resistant Receptacles for all pediatric and psychiatric facilities. The 2005 NEC regulations now demand that these Receptacles be used in all pediatric locations, including areas that require GFCIs. To meet these requirements, P&S also created a Hospital Grade version of the Tamper-Resistant Receptacle.

Sammy X-Press Revolutionizes Luminaire Fittings for the Commercial Electrical Market

ITW Buildex announces the introduction of the Sammy X-Press Lite, XP 200 to the existing Sammy Super Screw product line. The XP 200 allows the electrical trade to hang 1/4 - 20 threaded rod with direct vertical attachment in metal deck or thin gauge purlin where access to the back of the installed fastener is prohibited. XP20 and XP 35 are available for 3/8-16 threaded rod.

The X-Press anchoring system features an easy-to-install anchor with expanding anchoring strips that collapse to prevent pullout after installation. UL testing was completed to meet NEC standards. The system is UL Listed as a luminaire fitting anchor with a maximum load rating of 185 pounds in 22 gauge steel and maximum 250 pounds in a minimum 16 gauge steel.

his system replaces costly trapeze applications in new and retrofit construction and eliminates the need for a retaining nut, while providing the performance values required by the electrical industry.

Megger® MMC850 Digital Clamp Meter Eliminates Unnecessary Work

The unique design of the Megger MMC850 Multi-core AC digital clamp meter eliminates the need to split cable, remove panels or open outlet boxes to access single conductors. The instrument also measures current in single conductors and makes it unnecessary to carry multiple clamp meters.

A single button switches the clamp between multi-core and single core operation to save an optimal amount of time and ensure that the instrument is both convenient and easy to use.

This dual function is possible through Megger’s patented design, which has a complex array of Planer magnetic sensor coils to calculate the current flowing in the conductors of multi-core cables with 2 or 3 cores, and in either flat or round section cable up to 100 A. The tool is also invaluable in diversification calculation verification, and confirming a faulty ring-main.

With a backlit display and a durable, lightweight clamphead, the instrument makes it easy to access awkward locations and cables. The inner jaw clamp centralizes cables to ensure the most accurate test possible.

The MMC850 is suitable for supply frequencies from 45Hz to 400Hz, has a battery life of about 180 hours, meets the requirements of IEC 1010-2-032, Cat III 600 V, and is rated as safe for connection and disconnection to live conductors.

For further information, please contact:Gary Guthrie; Email gary.guthrie@megger.com.

A Revolutionized Way to Pull Wire for Electrical Contractors

The Wire Snagger is an innovative new wire-pulling tool developed specifically for electrical contractors. It is an effective, easy-to-use alternative to wire “socks” and set screws. Tools are manufactured to exacting standards of heat-treated stainless steel and are available in several sizes and load-weight capabilities. The Wire Snagger™ can be used in sets to accommodate jobs of different sizes. Pulls are made by inserting wire into the tool to the bottom of the cap and pulling back to set teeth into insulation. After the pull is performed, wire is cut 2” below the tool, the cap is unscrewed and a short piece of wire engaged by the tool is removed.

The Wire Snagger™ is machined from solid high-temperature treated stainless steel to exacting standards. This money saving method is available in multiple models to pull all sizes of wires. To find out more, visit www.rectorseal.com and click on “Wire Snagger™”.

VOLTS – Accurate Results in Less Time

VOLTS drastically reduces design build computations, reports and drawings from days to a couple of hours or less. With VOLTS you’ll go beyond simple number crunching to automatic generation of panel, conduit and feeder schedules, one-line riser diagrams and various analysis and custom reports. Since all computations are compliant to IEEE and the 2005 NFPA National Electrical Code®, you’ll also experience more accurate results within an intuitive, very easy to use program.

VOLTS deals with parallel and series circuit load analysis, efficiency and power factor computations, power factor capacitor correction, raceway, cable tray, device and junction box fills, transformer sizing, motor ampacity and startup ampacity computations, branch circuit computations and much more. Also, with VOLTS’ open database structure, you can add any item to any of its 11 integrated databases. Future releases will include CAD’s dxf exporting for all reports and drawings and short circuit and arc flash analysis.

For more information please visit www.dolphins-software.com or phone (916) 681-0513.

Amprobe ® ACD-56-HPQ

The Amprobe ACD-56-HPQ clamp-on offers convenient and compact measurement of power quality parameters including individual harmonics. This pocket size clamp-on measures AC current up to 400A, AC/DC voltage up to 600V, voltage and current harmonics (THD, DC and individual up to 25 th), power factors, active, reactive and apparent powers, energy and frequency.. The ACD-56-HPQ features phase sequence measurement with single test lead (patented), and Max/Min/Avg recording. It also offers fast PEAK function (1ms), auto range and auto power off capabilities. For more information, please visit www.amprobe.com

Tool Rolls
Cementex Products, Inc. helps linemen greatly reduce the risks of a hazardous job with double insulated safety hand tools tested to 10,000 Volts for use up to 1,000 Volts. Safety hand tool rolls are standard off the shelf items that may be customized with your respective company identity and part number to assure control.

For more information about Cementex products, please email Tools@CementexUSA.com, or call 800-654-1292.

RYCOM’s 8880 Pinpoints and Locates in One Simple Package

The underground world of buried utilities is overwhelming. From fiber networks to gas infrastructure to power distribution, buried utilities are everywhere you want to dig. Not only do these hidden utilities create a digging hazard, these utilities’ faults and problem areas are masked by dirt and concrete. For these reasons contractors turn to RYCOM Instruments, Inc.

RYCOM is a manufacturer and global supplier of utility test equipment. RYCOM’s latest product, the 8880, pinpoints faults and locates utilities all in one simple and affordable package. RYCOM manufactures the equipment utility contractors need. For more information, please visit www.rycominstruments.com.

Operating Room Service Columns

The Post Glover LifeLink Operating Room Service Column was reintroduced with improved design and versatility. The Service Column can be mounted to the floor or ceiling to keep it in close proximity to the operating table. The column can be positioned toward the head of the table and in the proper position for the anesthesiologist. There are no cords hanging across the room or on the floor.

The system features include the option for isolated or grounded power. 120 or 208 volt receptacles can be used. The connection panels are removable and can be altered for future changes. The optional connections include oxygen outlets, air outlets, other gas outlets, vacuum bottles, power outlets, ground jacks and nurse call. The complete stainless steel design adds durability and ease of cleaning.

Thomas & Betts Ty-Duct ™ Wiring Duct Features Easy Installation and Wide Continuous Use Temperature Range

Thomas & Betts has completed its line of fastening and wire management products with the Ty-Duct ™ Wiring Duct. A wire management system for controlling cables in point-to-point wiring, Ty-Duct Wiring Duct’s design enables easy installation and use in environments with temperatures ranging from minus 40 F to 140 F.

With its two-point contact design, Ty-Duct ™ Wiring Duct can be installed easily with less force than other wiring duct products. Triple restricted slots also speed installation while allowing better wire retention in the duct. Ty-Duct Wiring Duct’s universal mounting clip serves multiple purposes, including allowing either the divider to be snapped into the base or two slot sizes on the button to accommodate nylon cable ties or hook and loop fasteners. Embossed holes enable combo buttons to be installed after the duct has been riveted to the panel.

Ty-Duct Wiring Duct is UL recognized for continuous use at temperatures ranging from minus 40 C (minus 40 F) to 60 C (140 F) and has a UL 94 flammability rating of V-0. Ty-Duct Wiring Duct conforms to NFPA 79-2002, Section 14.3.1 requirement for flame-retardant material, and is CE compliant and CSA and RoHs certified.

For more information call (800) 816-7809.

Ruud Introduces Indirect Linear Fluorescent Series

In response to increasing customer demand, Ruud Lighting has introduced a line of efficient, versatile Indirect Linear Fluorescent fixtures. They offer all of the advantages of today’s fluorescent lamps with Ruud quality, ease of installation, excellent customer service and fast shipping. Ruud Linear Indirect Fluorescent fixtures have a clean contemporary style that fits a variety of interior applications.

Designed to be highly flexible, Ruud Indirect Linear Fluorescent fixtures are available in 4- and 8-foot lengths with 1, 2 or 3 lamps (54W T5HO or 28W T5) included with each fixture. The bottom face of the fixture is offered in either a solid, non-perforated or perforated face that provides downlight.

The Indirect Linear Fluorescent Series can be ordered for continuous runs, featuring easy, quick-connect wiring for end-to-end mounting using Mate N Lok ® technology.

Ruud Indirect Linear Fluorescent fixtures are available in either fixed length pendant mount or field adjustable aircraft cable mounting. Die-cast aluminum end caps in “wing” and “bull nose” designs are factory installed.

For more information, please visit www.ruudlighting.com/indirect or call 800-236-7000 to request a free brochure.

Having a Cable Identity Crisis?

Don’t “BLINK” First!

“Blinking” is a term most commonly used by utility lineman working on underground distribution systems (URD). Simply put, “blinking” is the momentary interruption of electrical power to a particular customer. Since the beginning of underground distribution systems, it has always been a challenge for a utility lineman to locate the correct secondary conductor, located in a distribution transformer, which provides service to a particular customer. This task has been, and still is, being performed in a number of ways. A common approach would be to situate someone at the customer’s location who would communicate with one of his co-workers who was located at the distribution transformer. At the distribution transformer, the lineman would disconnect one secondary conductor at a time, until his colleague at the customer site would relay the message that the customer’s power had been “blinked,” thereby identifying the proper secondary conductor. The problems with this method are that you run the risk of “blinking” the wrong customer unnecessarily. While the “blinking” supposedly is for an extremely short duration, there is always the chance of generating customer complaints, questions and inconveniences such as having to reset various electrical and electronic equipment and loss of unsaved computer work, at the customer’s site. Another approach to this daunting task has been to use an ammeter on each secondary conductor at the distribution transformer and trying to locate current pulses or current flow from the appropriate customer. This also can take two people and is not much better than trial and error.

Some utilities have invested in very expensive multi function pieces of test equipment that cost anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 dollars. This type of multi function equipment is usually not available to every crew and needs to be shared with other crews on an as-needed basis. Some of these multi function testers are complex, cumbersome to use and a bit confusing when it comes to setting them up to select the one function you need which is simply to locate the proper secondary conductor.

Recently at the Transmission & Distribution World Expo, held in Indianapolis, a simple, economical, time saving product to solve this problem was introduced in a prototype form. The product is called “The SPI” and is a dedicated unit, designed to identify secondary conductors, neutral conductors and even primary conductors under certain conditions. Being able to identify the correct neutral conductor is especially important in order to maintain proper voltage. A.W. Sperry Instruments of Hauppauge, New York, a company with almost 40 years experience in electrical testing, will have the production model of “The SPI” in the market place by late 2005. The prototype unit demonstrated at the Transmission & Distribution World Expo, was received with overwhelming acceptance by everyone who had the opportunity to try it in a hands-on simulated job site situation. “The SPI” system consists of a transmitter that will operate from 90-550 VAC. The transmitter incorporates a digital read-out indicating the voltage present when connected at the meter base. Included also is an automatically calibrated receiver that will work in conjunction with the transmitter. The receiver is used to scan the conductors in the distribution transformer and will automatically identify the correct secondary and neutral conductors that are receiving the transmitter signal from the meter base. Included also will be a variety of test leads and adapters to meet most applications a lineman could be faced with. All of the above will come packaged in a sturdy carrying case rugged enough for the real world job environment. More good news is that Sperry’s target price for the entire “SPI” system will be under a thousand dollars.

Some of the many benefits of using “The SPI” system are:

No more “blinking”, eliminating customer complaints and unnecessary power outages.
Locating and identifying secondary, neutral and in some cases primary conductors, now can be a one-person job.
A utility lineman’s time is valuable; “The SPI” does the job quickly, saving time.
Being a dedicated single function unit, a lineman can learn to use “The “SPI” system within minutes.
With a cost of under a thousand dollars, “The SPI” system can now be available for every underground crew.

For further information, contact: Dennis W. Carroll, A.W. Sperry Instruments, Inc. 1-800-645-5398.

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Durable LENOX® All-in-One Screwdrivers Last Longer Than Competition

Operating Room Service Columns

Thomas & Betts Ty-Duct ™ Wiring Duct Features Easy Installation and Wide Continuous Use Temperature Range

Ruud Introduces Indirect Linear Fluorescent Series