Thomas & Betts’ New Ty-Rap ® Cable Tie Installation Tool
Reduces User Fatigue
Thomas & Betts’ Ty-Rap ® Cable Tie Installation Tool eases user fatigue with patent-pending features, including an adjustable grip span to fit any hand and an anti-recoil cut-off mechanism that reduces vibration when installing cable ties. Other patent-pending features include a high-low handle force mode, which offers the lowest required handle force to achieve the highest cable tie tension available in the market, and interchangeable tool heads, which provide flexibility for the user to have one tool that covers the 18 to 120 pound range of cable ties. The patented 360-degree rotating nose eliminates the need to twist the tool when the cable tie orientation is rotated.
The new Ty-Rap Cable Tie Installation Tool offers variable tension settings, which enable the user to install a range of cable ties to the desired application tension required. Other advantages include a flush cut when the tool severs the cable tie’s tail, eliminating sharp edges that may cut the installer or nearby objects, and a one-inch stroke length.
Constructed of a rugged high-impact polymer, the Ty-Rap ® Cable Tie Installation Tool’s other ergonomic features include a lightweight, balanced design and a soft-grip, over-molded handle with rounded edges. A wide insertion gap makes loading cable ties easier. The nose features a narrow design to reach tight spaces and stainless steel construction for increased durability. The tool head’s tension-adjusting wheel operates five times more quickly than any competitor’s tool, and the tension-locking mechanism provides constant, consistent tension, even when the tool is repeatedly picked up and set down in typical OEM applications. The handle includes an eyelet to secure the tool to a workstation and a compartment for a spare blade.
For more information, visit www.tnb.com.
Evaluate Loading and Identify Upgrades with the New Megger Distribution Profilers 
Megger is pleased to introduce a family of three Distribution Profilers ranging from a simple “current only” version to an advanced unit that offers a number of market requested features. The MDP series of distribution profilers provides power utilities with the most accurate and extensive information ever to precisely evaluate loading on feeders/overhead lines and to identify needed upgrades or replacement. Each MDP can be easily upgraded to the next model at any time.
Customers can easily and accurately record currents up to 1,000 amps, with an additional 200 amp over-range. All three units supply a wide range of data retrieval options and offer virtually unlimited data recording. The lightweight, durable, single-piece unit performs effectively in all weather conditions and accurately captures data. A sturdy battery compartment offers simple plug-in access and replacement, helping to avoid risks that can cause leaking and water ingress.
The MDP Series also incorporates powerful software, providing waveform capture and harmonic analysis up to the 32 nd order, individual harmonics, THD, frequency and imbalance charting and a selection of informative analysis reports.
LENOX® Introduces Hollow Shaft Nut Drivers 
LENOX® recently announced the introduction of a line of Hollow Shaft Nut Drivers specially designed for electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians. The new line features long tool life, a comfort grip, quick alignment guides and color coding for easy size identification.
The new nut driver line features a full hollow shaft design that allows the tool to be used on longer bolts and threaded rods. A Chrome-Vanadium (CR-V) steel shaft resists wear and corrosion, resulting in longer tool life. Compared to competitive designs, the one piece design of the LENOX nut driver shaft increases the durability of the driver, especially during severe torque application.
Another premium feature of the new line of LENOX Hollow Shaft Nut Drivers is the comfort grip which provides users with a slip resistant, ergonomic handle and delivers more torque than typical acetate handle nut drivers. Color coded handles and size information inscribed on the tool's shaft make it easy for users to identify a specific size when on the job. The unique design also provides for quick alignment between tool and nut with the "Align Guide" system that indicates hex orientation on the front of the handle.
LENOXR Hollow Shaft Nut Drivers are offered in a broad range of imperial and metric sizes, including 7-piece sets featuring the most popular sizes. The product line is available at plumbing, electrical and HVAC distributors nationwide.
For more information, visit www.LENOXsaw.com.
GC Electronics Expands Product Offering with New Line of Cable Ties 
GC Electronics has added an extensive line of cable ties and cable tie kits to its long list of product families. GC Electronics’ cable ties are intended for a range of uses in the home, office, or industrial environment, and are ideal for any temporary securing need.
Available in lengths of 4 to 11 inches, and with a minimum tensile strength ranging from 18 to 50 pounds, GC Electronics’ cable ties are among the most durable on the market.
Additionally, GC Electronics’ cable ties come in a variety of colors and are available in different packaging options, including poly-bags, reusable canisters, and tackle boxes.
For more information, visit www.gcelectronics.com.
Maintain High-Speed Protection During Bypass Operations 
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) announces a new SEL protection communications solution—the SEL-2126 Fiber-Optic Transfer Switch.
For the first time in the power protection industry, line current-differential (87L) and communications assisted protection can be maintained during circuit breaker or substation bypass operations with the high speed SEL-2126. The transfer switch improves overall line protection reliability, simplifies switching operations, and enhances system flexibility in both transmission and distribution substations.
In traditional single-breaker double-bus and main/transfer-bus configurations, line current-differential protection could not be maintained during bypass operations because of parallel current paths created during the bypass process. The SEL-2126 can overcome this challenge and maintain line current differential protection during breaker-bypass operations, such as relay or circuit breaker maintenance.
Additionally, the SEL-2126 reduces installation costs by eliminating dependence on several electrical control switches. A single SEL-2126 reroutes local and remote fiber communications between six feeders and as many as two transfer relays.
Transferring relay communications is fast, reliable, and easy with SEL-2126 digital inputs because bypass operations are now performed in one of three ways: automatically, remotely through a SCADA system, or with an on-site operator. Protection and communications engineers and technicians no longer need to travel to the substation to maintain relay communications during bypass operations, saving travel and engineering time.
Complete details on the SEL-2126 and applications are available at www.selinc.com/p68.
Bosch Announces Industry’s First 7” T-Shank Jig Saw Blades 
Bosch Power Tools and Accessories announced the industry’s first 7” jig saw blades – the T718BF3 for cutting material sandwiched between metal and the T744D3 for fast wood cuts. Specially engineered to expand jig saw capabilities, the new Bosch 7” jig saw blades save time and money for professionals looking to get more out of their tools and accessories on the job.
The T718BF3 is a 7” 14 TPI bimetal T-shank jig saw blade ideal for materials sandwiched between metal, such as medium density fiberboard (MDF), structural insulated panels (SIP), and oriented strand board (OSB) up to a 4-3/4” cut depth. Even larger metal tubing or pipe may now only require one jig saw pass with a 7” blade.
The T744D3 is a 7” 6 TPI high carbon steel (HCS) T-shank jig saw blade specially designed for making fast cuts in wood. For professionals such as carpenters, roof framers and general contractors, this new 7” blade is perfect for cutting 4x4 and 4x6 lumber, engineered wood beams, and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) with a single tool and one pass. Providing up to a 5-5/16” cut depth, professionals have 75% more cutting capability over standard blades with only 3-inch cut depth.
Both blades feature Bosch standard color-coding and labeling for quick material and application identification and require a jig saw with a depth of cut rating at least 2-3/8” or greater. Bosch offers more than 70 different jig saw blades available at both industrial distributors and hardware locations across the country.
For more information, visit www.boschtools.com.
New Comprehensive Line of Electrical Testers 
Extech Instruments announces that it has expanded its product offering and increased its market presence with a new Line of Electrical Testers. Extech now offers a comprehensive range of electrical testers including Continuity Testers, Wire Identifiers, Receptacle Testers, Circuit Testers, Voltage Testers and Current Detectors, many with unique and innovative features.
At the heart of this product expansion is the launch of Extech’s CT20 Continuity Tester Pro. This extremely affordable test product features the unique capability for single person operation of wire and cable continuity checking and wire identification. These features eliminate the need for someone to be at both ends of the wire under test. The Continuity Tester Pro is an ideal tool for electricians, cable TV and audio system installers, alarm technicians, HVAC installers, auto repair technicians, handymen, and do-it-yourself homeowners.
For more information, visit www.extech.com.
Eliminate Floating Device Installations with the Shim-lock
Pass & Seymour/Legrand (P&S) recently announced its new Shim-lock, designed to mount devices flush in oversized drywall, tile and panel wall applications.
The Shim-lock fastens onto the screw in the mounting slot of an electrical wiring device or lighting control strap. Once the screw is tightened to the desired depth, the Shim-lock’s tabs lock it in place flush with the wall to eliminate a floating installation in any residential or commercial device application.
Made of steel with a heat-treated finish and clear zinc chromate plating, the Shim-lock is .310″ in length with a #6 screw opening. One Shim-lock provides device adjustment depth range from 1/8″ to ¾.″
Previous methods of solving floating installation problems included: wrapping wire around the screw, using a piece of sheetrock to shore the device or placing washers on the mounting screws.
For more information about the Shim-lock, visit www.passandseymour.com .
Jefferson Rubber Works Announces Electrical Wire Ties and
Connectors
Jefferson Rubber Works, Inc. (JRW) announces their state-of-the-art electrical connectors and wire ties for a variety of electrical applications. Jefferson’s quality design and production of its connectors allows for the joining of two electrical circuits and can be formulated to any specific size, shape, or application that includes computer design, radio frequency, and microwave.
Made in the U.S., JRW’s electrical connectors are environmentally friendly and available for both overhead and underground use. These highly durable connectors can be manufactured in both conductive and non-conductive elastomers.
Having served industry giants in the electrical market, JRW has maintained a stellar reputation by meeting time and quantity requirements while conforming to government specifications.
For more information, visit www.jeffersonrubber.com.
Leviton Expands miniZ™ Offering with Dual Room MiniZ™ System
Leviton has expanded its miniZ Intelligent Daylight Management System offering to include a new Dual Room miniZ™. The Dual Room miniZ combines occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting and flexible lighting control functionality in a single, compact package that provides control functionality for two individual rooms.
The Dual Room miniZ offers the same performance features as Leviton’s miniZ system and provides easy installation. As a self-contained, self-configuring system, it is designed to meet a wide variety of commercial lighting needs.
Leviton miniZ and Dual Room MiniZ offer automated setup functions which ease the process of harvesting natural daylight, while taking into account changing environmental conditions. Both systems provide a simple, cost-effective solution for meeting energy-code mandates for balancing artificial and natural light sources to maximize energy-efficiency.
Leviton’s miniZ systems provide an exclusive AutoCal™ feature that automates photocell calibration. This establishes maximum light output levels and calculates light loss factors, resulting in consistently accurate lumen output. When used with Leviton’s LV200 or LV240 Low-Voltage Wall Stations, the miniZ systems offer a Ladderless Commissioning™ feature: users simply set up the system and adjust it from the wall-mounted LV200 or LV240 Wall Station, rather than having to climb a ladder to fine-tune adjustments as natural light levels vary.
Both systems additionally afford users a simple and cost-effective way to comply with code requirements: Users can individually control fixture circuits near windows to optimally respond to daylight levels. By combining Leviton photocells and low-voltage occupancy sensors, contractors, specifiers, facility managers and end-users can achieve a complete energy management solution for virtually any application environment to take advantage of natural daylight. miniZ can be wired as easily as a traditional power pack.
For more information, visit www.leviton.com.
Thomas & Betts’ Blackburn ® Power Distribution Blocks Offer Quick and Safe Termination 
Thomas & Betts’ Blackburn ® Power Distribution Blocks, which include terminal and tapping blocks, offer insulated housing and factory-controlled dielectric strength for quick, clean and safe termination of aluminum and copper conductors. Power Distribution Blocks also feature position-locked DIN rail mounting or screw mounting to the back plate, offering flexibility in installation. Additional features include halogen-free polyamide body construction for IEC 529-compliant, IP-20 grade finger-safe protection.
Terminal blocks are available in both single and three-pole applications, and include both traditional and tapping terminal blocks in a modular system that enables the addition and combination of poles to meet a variety of requirements. Traditional three-pole terminal blocks also are available for three-phase systems. Tapping blocks offer one pole with four identical terminals.
Blackburn ® Power Distribution Blocks’ aluminum contact surfaces are tin plated for corrosion resistance, and are grooved for better penetration of conductor oxides. Terminals are pre-lubricated with an anti-oxidation compound that offers the best corrosion resistance.
Blackburn ® Power Distribution Blocks have a maximum voltage of 600V, maximum temperature of 80 C (276 F) and a flammability rating of V-2 (UL94). They also are compliant with UL 1059, Category XCFR2, File Number E66436.
For more information, visit www.tnb.com.
























