New AVO300 Digital Multimeter Available from Megger 
Megger has introduced the AVO300 Series digital multimeters which combines ruggedness with reliability, accuracy, and ease of use for ideal general-purpose testing. The two instruments in the series, AVO300 and AVO310, offer a range of measurement modes for AC and DC applications, resistance and current measurements.
The AVO300 Multimeters are fully autoranging for immediate testing. Voltage measurements up to 1000 V are permitted without damage to the instruments. Three ranges are provided for current measurement of either AC or DC current from 0.1 µA to 10 A. Fused inputs protects both the user and the instrument in the event of excess current.
A large, clear LCD has high contrast 3-1/2-digit display. Additionally, the AVO310 has a backlit LCD for use in poor lighting conditions and a bar graph range showing the percentage of range used. A separate fuse and battery cover allows both battery and fuses to be replaced without opening the main instrument.
A built-in rear stand allows the AVO300 Series to stand upright on a bench or opened fully and used as a hanging loop. The dark rubber over-molded case offers tough protection for the instrument.
Both instruments have been designed to meet the rigorous demands of IEC1010 required for the manufacture of all electrical test instruments and are suitable for applications to CATIII 600 V.
GFCI’s Exceed New UL Safety Standards
Pass & Seymour/Legrand (P&S) introduced its fully redesigned GFCI product line recently, in response to revisions to the UL 943 Safety Standard for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. The updated GFCIs actually exceed UL’s requirements.
The UL revisions, which take effect on July 28, 2006, require a GFCI to deny power if the receptacle face is mis-wired, and to either deny power or visually or audibly indicate when ground fault protection is lost. With P&S’s SafeLock Protection, GFCIs deny power in either situation, ensuring better protection against electric shock. But, following its tradition of innovation, P&S didn’t stop there.
P&S GFCIs are also the only GFCIs that meet Federal Specification requirements, considered the quality standard for Commercial Receptacles and necessary for many government projects.
In addition to their exceptional safety features, the GFCIs are ¼” thinner than comparable products, allowing for easier installation. Each one has a shallow back body.
The P&S GFCI lineup includes: Auto-Ground, Tamper-Resistant, Illuminated, Switch/GFCI, Two Switch/GFCI and Nightlight/GFCI. Distributors can sell, and electrical contractors can install, “old-style” GFCIs until supplies run out.
For more information, visit www.passandseymour.com/ul943.
New CMT-90 Auto Function TRMS Electrical Tester 
Greenlee’s new CMT-90 is the only auto-function True RMS electrical tester in the marketplace to have AC and DC voltage, AC current and resistance measurement capabilities; continuity verification capability; and a new auto-illuminating feature. The CMT-90 auto-function True RMS electrical tester has a safety category rating of Category III 1000V and Category IV 600V. This new tester is designed for industrial, commercial and utility electrical workers
The CMT-90 auto-function True RMS electrical tester carries the tradition of Lifetime Limited Warranty, which is consistent with all of Greenlee’s electrical test and measurement products. A carrying case, test leads and battery are all included with the purchase of this product.
For more information visit www.greenlee.com.
Tamper-Resistant Decorator Receptacles Receive Commendation Award from the Home Safety Council
Pass & Seymour/Legrand (P&S) Tamper-Resistant Receptacles received the Home Safety Council's Commendation Award for Product Innovation for Consumer Safety.
Introduced in 2004, the Commendation Award recognizes manufacturers whose unique products enhance consumer safety. The Home Safety Council evaluated the Receptacles based upon information from P&S and determined that the Receptacles demonstrate an innovative use of safety features. A Technical Advisory Board of injury prevention and public health, fire and life safety experts reviewed the nominations.
According to www.homesafetycouncil.org , Commendation Award recipients must meet the following criteria:
- Actions that contribute to reducing hazards to children and other vulnerable populations
- Voluntary actions that are not mandated by government regulations, that anticipate government regulation, or that go beyond what the government requires
- Developments that affect the safety of large numbers of people
- Innovations or improvements to existing products
- Safety devices, packaging, warnings, or products that enhance consumer safety
The Tamper-Resistant Receptacles include a UL listed, automatic mechanical shutter system that prevents objects from being inserted into the receptacle.
P&S will be honored at the 2006 Salute to Home Safety Awards Dinner, June 8 in Washington, D.C. For more information about the Home Safety Council, visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.
22mm Metal Pushbuttons Without Contact Blocks 
AutomationDirect now offers certain 22mm metal pushbuttons without contact blocks. Momentary flush and extended operators are available in red, green, or black. These pushbuttons have 30mm actuators and mount in a 22mm hole. Each pushbutton includes the operator and support base only. Both pushbutton styles are CSA, IMQ (where specified), and UL approved. Normally open and normally closed contact blocks can be purchased separately in packs of either two or five. The contact blocks can be mounted up to three deep and two wide.
Custom Control Panels for Automation and Manual Applications
Custom engineered control panels that can be fully integrated and manufactured to match OEM or contractor project requirements are being introduced by METFAB Technologies, Inc. of Warwick, Rhode Island.
METFAB Control Panels are custom engineered, with human machine interfaces (HMI), the appropriate displays, enclosures, and mounting arms or devices, and all electrical and pneumatic fittings to match customer requirements. Fully integrated into the application, these control panels can be supplied “containerized” as pre-wired modules with multi-conductor cables, or can be installed and tested on site by METFAB engineers.
At the heart of most METFAB Control Panels is a PLC, with all graphics, data acquisition, analysis, and networking capabilities customized to meet user performance and budget requirements. According to the firm, they design and build control panels that enhance equipment reliability, are easy to operate and maintain, and meet UL508A and CE specifications.
For more information contact, visit www.metfabtech.com
FIRE-LITE INTRODUCES LITE-SPECS™ 2.0 SOFTWARE FOR 
CUSTOM FIRE ALARM SPECIFICATIONS
Lite-Specs 2.0 offers significant improvements over the original Lite-Specs software program, such as RTF (rich text format) formatting for specification text files so that the user can use bold, underline, italics and color for more convenient editing. Equipped with a data sheet viewer and data sheet list builder, Lite-Specs 2.0 allows users to view product data sheets within the program, and to add and delete data sheets referenced in the specification. In addition, the software’s new File Explorer window permits users to view the layout of all text files in the specification. Specific job information and contacts can be stored in a database for use in future specifications.
Lite-Specs 2.0provides basic categories which can include both small and large conventional systems as well as small and large addressable systems. Each of the four categories has a corresponding Fire-Lite control panel, enabling users to select the most appropriate system for the specification to be developed.
By analyzing user selections within the program, Lite-Specs 2.0 builds a text file composed of pre-authored National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 72 text fragments.
The resultant specification can be further modified or revised in any Microsoft Windows-based word processing program, and can be modified to reflect specific local codes and system requirements.
In addition to “building” the specification, Lite-Specs 2.0 alsocompiles a list of Fire-Lite data sheets that correspond with the specific equipment referenced in the custom specification. The data sheets are provided in PDF format, which can be viewed and printed from within the program. For more information, visit www.firelite.com.
Fire-Lite is part of Honeywell (NYSE:HON) Life Safety Group, an industry leader in providing commercial fire alarms, advanced detection and notification products, and home patient remote tracking.
Contractors Who Do Building Systems Get Help with Estimating & More
With 27 years of electrical construction estimating experience under its belt, McCormick Systems has introduced its ABS (automated building systems) line of software. “Our ABS software will make life easier for those doing ABS work,” says President Todd McCormick.
McCormick offers contractors four ABS software options, including the simplest version (ABS3000) up to our networkable alternative (ABS12000).
More information: www.mccormicksys.com or 800-444-4890.
AutomationDirect Launches DirectSOFT5 
AutomationDirect announces the launch of DirectSOFT5 PLC programming software. DirectSOFT5, the 32-bit Windows certified programming software for the entire DirectLOGIC line of PLCs, contains many new features that make ladder logic programming faster and easier.
The most important programming improvement is the addition of “IBoxes”, modularized instructions that perform simple to complex ladder logic. Common tasks such as configuring analog cards, programming equations, configuring CTRIO high-speed counters, or programming an ON/OFF delay timer can require multiple lines of ladder code. Using the IBox reduces these processes to a simple programming block with fill-in-the-blank parameters. Over 60 IBox instructions are available in categories such as memory, discrete and analog helpers, math, communications, and CTRIO high speed counters. The IBox instruction feature is compatible with DirectLOGIC DL05, DL06, D2-250-1, D2-260, and D4-450 CPUs with supporting firmware.
With DirectSOFT5, documentation can be exported to C-more touch panels to use as tag names in the panel project. User Interface Themes allow operators to create a unique look and feel for specific projects. The dockable window feature allows relocation of Cross Reference and Data views. The ability to auto-hide or even tear away views and place them outside the DirectSOFT5 work space optimizes full ladder viewing.
The “Tip of the Day” feature offers simple suggestions on how to learn new features of DirectSOFT5, as well as how to take advantage of short cuts. By default, this feature shows a new tip each time the programming software is opened.
Other new features include customizable point and click editing from the control toolbar, DRUM timers for sequential operations, and automatic backup of the four most recently saved project changes. And, with a properly configured SMTP mail server, PLCs using an Hx-ECOM100 communications card can be enabled by DirectSOFT5 to send emails.
Direct Soft5 is priced at $395 and one package supports the entire line of DirectLOGIC CPUs, eliminating the need for different packages for multiple PLCS. A free version of DirectSOFT5 is available for download at www.automationdirect.com. The free version allows programming and downloading projects of up to 100 words.
RD2000 High Performance, Application Specific Cable Avoidance
Radiodetection introduces a new high performance range of cable avoidance tools. The RD2000 range offers three world class, application specific locators, coupled with a new general purpose transmitter. Applying the latest digital technology, the RD2000 and T1 transmitter has been developed to accurately and effectively pinpoint buried utilities. The RD2000 delivers a high performance solution to mapping and avoiding buried utilities.
Call 877-247-3797 today for a product brochure or visit us at www.radiodetection.com
Halo H3 Downlight Series 
Halo has introduced a new 3” aperture downlight family that is ideal for soffits, casework and niche areas, as well as for general illumination. Offering a minimal impact on the ceiling, the petite size of the new H3 Series compliments with existing trim selections from Halo’s family of 4”, 5” and 6” trims for a cohesive appearance.
Available in ten trim styles (Adjustable Pinholes, Baffles, Shower Lights, Slots, Cross Blades, Gimbals, and Super Adjustable trims) and multiple designer finishes includingSatin Nickel (Brush), Antique Copper (Brush) and Tuscan Bronze, as well as Matte White and Black.
The H3 housings are available in both IC/Air-Tite™ and Non-IC/Air-Tite™ for the latest code compliances and energy savings. Trims are dual listed for MR-16 low voltage and GU-10 line voltage reflector lamps.
