ECM Buyers' Guide
  

2006 Product of the Year Category Winners

  • Ballasts
    EcoSystem(TM) Fluorescent Dimming Ballast
    Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Lutron
    EcoSystem redefines fluorescent lighting control by providing daylighting, automated energy management, and personal control in a simple, cost-effective system. EcoSystem connects directly to sensors and wall stations without interfaces or power packs. Suitable for any size project, up to 64 EcoSystem ballasts can be connected on a simple two-wire control bus that is topology-free and polarity-free.

  • Boxes & Enclosures
    ONE-Box(TM) Non-Metallic Outlet Box
    Arlington Industries, Inc.

    Arlington
    One-Box non-metallic outlet box for new or old work mounts securely to a wood or steel stud with captive angled screws. In new work, is the box too far forward or back? Back out the screws, and then reposition. For old work, mount to stud; not drywall. Super-secure installation, 22.5 cu. inch capacity, and UL listed.

  • Computers & Software
    The Jobclock System
    Exaktime, Inc.

    Exactime
    The Jobclock System eliminates handwritten timecards. The Jobclock is an all-weather, battery-powered time clock that remains at each jobsite 24/7. Workers touch in and out with ID Keytabs kept on their own keyrings. Attendance is collected with a PDA and transferred to the PC where 100% accurate reports can be printed or exported to various accounting systems.

  • Conduit & Cable Fittings
    LiQuik(TM) Liquidtight Conduit Fitting
    Cooper Crouse-Hinds

    Cooper Crouse
    No disassembly required with this innovative, labor-saving liquid tight conduit fitting, so it can be installed in just two easy steps. Unique, patent-pending product. Available in 3/8" to 2" insulated and non-insulated styles. UL, cUL listed.

  • Connectors & Terminating Devices
    WeatherProof(TM) Wire Connectors
    Ideal Industries, Inc.

    Idealwp
    Ideal’s new WeatherProof Wire Connectors are the fastest, easiest, and safest way to connect wires in damp or wet locations. Pre-filled with a silicone-based sealant and UL listed to 486D, these connectors protect conductors from moisture, humidity, and other corrosive elements.

  • Construction Equipment
    PoleJack Light Pole Lifting Unit
    Maxis Corp.

    Maxis
    The Maxis PoleJack is a convenient tool to install, remove, or maintain parking lot light poles. The PoleJack easily attaches to a concrete pole base and will lift or lower poles up to 30 feet tall and weighing 300 pounds with only a portable drill.

  • Fasteners, Hangers & Accessories
    Kindorf Angler(TM) Pipe & Conduit Clamp
    Thomas & Betts

    Thomas Betts
    The one-piece Angler Pipe and Conduit Clamp is quick and easy to install. Just snap apart the two halves of the strut strap, fit to the pipe or conduit, slide the pre-threaded bolt through the innovative keyhole-shaped opening in the strap, and tighten. An extruded, tapped threadform holds it securely.

  • Lamps
    Fast Warm-Up Compact Fluorescent Lamp
    GE Consumer & Industrial

    GE Lighting
    GE introduces 4-pin plug-in Triple Biax Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) that warm up to full brightness 50% faster than our current lamps. This new product features an enhanced internal design so that their warm-up time to full brightness is reduced by approximately 50%, so they provide immediate flicker-free light.

  • Lighting Components & Systems
    CheckMate(TM) ET1 Remote Control Test Device
    The Bodine Co.

    Bodine
    CheckMate ET1 brings remote control testing to existing exit signs and emergency lighting wall packs. Users simply point-and-click to test monthly (30 seconds) and annual (90 minutes) emergency operation from up to 32 feet away. The easy-to-install CheckMate makes it easy to meet code requirements and helps ensure building occupant safety. One handheld WHRCT remote control transmitter (sold separately) is required and can be used to test any unit equipped with a CheckMate ET1. Multiple WHRCT transmitters are not needed.

  • Lighting Fixtures
    SaVi SHO LED Floodlight
    Super Vision International

    Super Vision
    The SaVi SHO is a new architectural Super High Output full spectrum (RGB) LED floodlight. It features the world's brightest RGB LED lighting system for unmatched performance. It is capable of 16 million colors and is fully controllable by DMX. Color effects include static colors, fades, and single-color rotation.

  • Motors, Drives & Motor Controls
    IT.S811 Communicating Soft Starter
    Eaton Corp.

    Eaton
    The IT.S811 Communicating Self Starter is a compact, multi-functional product designed to control motor acceleration and deceleration in 12-1000 amp. Industrial and material handling applications. Featuring simple installation and an easily programmable interface, the S811 provides an intuitive human interface with powerful configuration tools to maximize system performance.

  • Portable Test & Measurement Equipment
    SureTest® Circuit Tracers
    Ideal Industries, Inc.

    Ideal
    The SureTest Circuit Tracer provides unparalleled levels of precision and performance. The innovative, super-bright, SwivelDisplay(TM) rotates the reading for the user. The exclusive displayed numeric value (0-99) and variable tone/pitch audible maximizes the ease-of-use when identifying breakers and tracing wires and when finding opens/shorts.

  • Power Conditioning Equipment
    CoolAir DC Energy Storage System
    Active Power

    Active Power
    CoolAir DC is the world's first and only energy storage system to offer an environmentally safe, minute-for-minute alternative to batteries. Using patented thermal and compressed-air storage technology, CoolAir DC delivers an innovative backup power solution for mission-critical UPS applications while generating cool air to combat dangerous temperature fluctuations.

  • Power Distribution Equipment
    Auxiliary Power Heavy-Duty Safety Switch
    Eaton Corp.

    Eaton2
    Electrical and HVAC contractors now have a better way to comply with a new NEC power source requirement. The Auxiliary Power Heavy-Duty Safety Switch delivers a rooftop power source for servicing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, saving contractors from running a separate 120V circuit to the roof.

  • Power Sources
    Power Sentry® Battery Pack
    Lithonia Lighting

    Lithonia
    The Power Sentry emergency battery packs from Lithonia Lighting feature a reduced-profile design to fit in the tightest of applications, such as low-profile lensed troffers and 3-inch louvered parabolic fixtures. An innovative Quick-Disconnect wiring harness makes field maintenance and upgrades quick and easy. Optional self-diagnostics; damp and wet location are also available.

  • Protective Devices
    Surge-Trap(TM) TVSS
    Ferraz Shawmut, Inc.

    Shawmut
    The Surge-Trap TVSS features a patented, thermally protected MOV that eliminates the need for additional overcurrent protection and provides a 100kA short circuit interrupting rating for superior point-of-use overvoltage protection. DIN rail and direct mounting options, built-in visual indication, and remote indication features are available.

  • Raceway & Wireway
    Metal Raceway Systems
    Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems

    Hubbell
    Hubbell’s Metal Raceway gives you a choice of steel or aluminum and single- or multi-channel raceways in addition to a quality line of color-matching power and datacom devices. Hubbell’s Metal Raceway features innovative technologies like the Hubbell Handi-Screw for easy box mounting and more data capacity with the 750 and 4000 series raceways.

  • Racks & Cabinets
    XDF Plug-and-Play Enclosure System
    Liebert Corp.

    Liebert
    The Liebert XDF extends the “mini-computer room” concept pioneered by Liebert to the requirements of high-density server and communications equipment. It uses an air-, water-, or glycol-cooling system, fully integrated into a Liebert Foundation enclosure, to create a safe working environment for sensitive electronics.

  • Security Equipment & Systems
    SITELOCK(TM) Wireless Alarm System
    Dewalt Power Tools

    Dewalt
    SITELOCK is a portable, wireless alarm system designed specifically for the construction industry using patented wireless technology to monitor simultaneously numerous pieces of equipment or areas. SITELOCK helps decrease the amount of theft occurring on jobsites by alerting the owner if a sensor is disturbed.

  • Specialty Products
    LV Switchgear Remote Racker
    GE Consumer & Industrial

    GE2
    Now you can rack drawout breakers in low-voltage switchgear remotely, from up to 30 feet away, for greater safety. GE’s electric remote racking device connects to WavePro or Entelliguard breakers in Entellisys and AKD-10 low-voltage switchgear, delivering security that’s been available in medium voltage gear for years.

  • Tools (Hand)
    BURNDY® PATCUT 18V Cutting Tool
    FCI-Burndy

    FCI Burndy
    The PAT81KFT-18V is a battery-powered tool that provides 6 tons of crimping force. The ergonomic design allows for one-hand operation and features a dieless latch head with 360° head rotation. The PAT81KFT-18V range-taking capabilities are UL and CSA listed for copper (code, compact, and flex) and aluminum (code and compact) conductors when used with BURNDY terminals and splices.

  • VDV Equipment
    Duraport Industrial Connectivity Products
    Leviton Manufacturing Co.

    Leviton1
    DuraPort Industrial Connectivity products extend the widely used Ethernet protocol from the office to the harsh industrial environment. IP67-class protection safeguards critical networks against dirt, contaminants, and liquids, including immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Materials are resistant to common industrial chemicals and operate consistently in a broad range of temperatures.

  • Wiring Devices
    Acenti® Triplex Receptacle
    Leviton Manufacturing Co.

    Leviton2
    Accommodates three plugs simultaneously, including two transformer-style plugs, eliminating the need for a power strip or adapter. Top and bottom outlets are reversed so that transformer-style plugs can be plugged in without blocking the third outlet. The three outlets are integrated using an innovative internal buss design. Precision components ensure perfect alignment. 100% compatible with standard electrical boxes and requires no special tools for installation.

  • Wiring Systems
    Linkosity(TM) Wiring Systems
    Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems

    Hubbell2
    LINKOSITY power system is a modular plug-and-play wiring method that enables fast installation and high performance for 20A and 30A circuits up to 600V. LINKOSITY components are re-configurable, factory-defined assemblies that are a cost-effective alternative to conventional wiring. Re-usability and simplified installation greatly reduces the long-term cost of ownership.


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    2011 Winner

    The 2011 platinum award winner, comes from the portable measurement equipment category and proves that improved flexibility and safety can be combined in one product. The Fluke 381 clamp meter is the first with an iFlex flexible current probe and a detachable, remote display for easier, faster, safer remote measurements. Both the clamp meter and probe are rated for hazard 1,000V CAT III and 600V CAT IV environments.

    2011 Gold Award: The first runner-up in this year's Product of the Year competition comes from the tools (accessory items) category. Greenlee, a Textron Co.'s Nail Eater R/T features a replaceable tip that cuts more than 175 holes in wood with nails, which the company says is nine times the life of a traditional auger bit. The product's cutting edge is made from high-quality tool steel for enhanced performance. The replacement kit includes the new tip, a set screw, and a hex wrench.

    2011 Silver Award: From the wire and cable category, this year's second runner-up, Southwire's SIMpull Stack, allows users to combine multiple pulls on one single reel. According to the company, one reel can hold up to five phases, for up to four pulls, depending on the size of the cable and length of the pull. For multiple runs in a pull, users just remove the shrink wrap, pull the first run, then pull the second, third, etc., without having to set up additional reels.

    More 2011 category winners

    2010 Winner

    The 2010 platinum award winner, comes from the conduit fittings category and proves that a simple device can prevail in a high-tech world. The Electrical Bypass is a patented, disposable device designed to provide electrical and communications contractors with an easier way to install conductors with multiple junction boxes when using conventional snake/wiring methods. In addition, the product also allows users to use a mouse and string setup to blow or vacuum a line from beginning to end of the conduit.

    2010 Gold Award: The first runner-up in this year's Product of the Year competition comes from the computers and software category. Simutech Multimedia, Inc.'s Troubleshooting Skills Series V4 software is a simulation-based troubleshooting training system that helps users develop skills for troubleshooting a variety of electrical circuits and equipment.

    2010 Silver Award: The second runner-up in this year's competition is Eaton Corp.'s Arc-Resistant Low-Voltage Switchgear. This ANSI Type 2 arc-resistant, low-voltage switchgear protects operating and maintenance personnel from dangerous arcing faults by redirecting or channeling the arc energy out the top of the switchgear, regardless of the origination location of the arc.

    More 2010 category winners

    2009 Winner

    The 2009 platinum award winner, confirms the adage that sometimes two are better than one. The Tamper-resistant nightlight/GFCI combination device from Syracuse, N.Y.-based Pass Seymour/Legrand (P&S) aimed at residential homeowners, the product incorporates an LED nightlight into a tamper-resistant duplex ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), meeting 2008 NEC standards for child electrical safety in newly constructed single- and multi-family dwellings.

    2009 Gold Award: The first runner-up in this year's Product of the Year competition came from the luminaires (indoor/LED) category and went to Juno Lighting for its LED downlight. This recessed LED downlight features 5-in. and 6-in. LED housings available in new construction and remodel styles.

    2009 Silver Award: The second runner-up in this year's competition was Ideal Industries' TKO hole cutters in the tools (hand/accessory) category. TKO carbide tipped hole cutters are designed to cut sheet metal and stainless steel.

    More 2009 category winners

    2008 Winner

    2008 platinum award winner: People say change is hard, but EC&M's 2008 Product of the Year winner is helping to dispel this common notion. EverLED TR from Randolph, Vt.-based LEDdynamics is a direct "drop-in" replacement for standard fluorescent tubes that uses the existing fluorescent ballast of a luminaire. According to the company, the product is compatible with most standard ballast-equipped fluorescent light fixtures, including lenses, reactive and electronic ballasts, and programmed/instant/rapid/trigger start.

    2008 Gold Award: Adjustable Mud Ring. The first runner-up in this year's Product of the Year competition came from the boxes category and went to Thomas & Betts for its Steel City adjustable mud ring. The product ensures that stud-mounted outlet boxes fit flush with any thickness of finished drywall, plaster, or ceramic tile, according to the company.

    2008 Silver Award: LED Linear Lighting. The second runner-up in this year's competition was Juno Lighting Group's Trac 12 LED in the lighting fixture category. Juno Trac 12 TL201LED low-power LED's consume less than 15% of the power of conventional 5W low-voltage xenon lamps, according to the company.

    More 2008 category winners

    2007 Winner

    2007 platinum award winner, comes from the KO Stamp from Deviser won EC&M's 2007 contest by a knockout. This marking device for conduits helps electricians find the center points and conduit sizes to be installed in an electrical enclosure. According to the company, the device cuts layout time by 98%. To use, place the stamps into the electrical conduits, ink the tops of them, and then place the box on top of the stamps to accurately imprint center point and conduit size.

    2007 Gold Award: The first runner-up in this year's Product of the Year went to Carlon/Lamsom & Sessions for its Metal Adjust-A -Box. This product allows the installer to adjust the box to any wall thickness with the turn of a screw. Clip onto the stud, and then turn the screw to adjust the box in or out to make it flush with the finished wall.

    2007 Silver Award: The second runner-up in this year's competition was Fluke's 117 Digital Multimeter in the portable test & measurement equipment category. This device includes integrated VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection, which quickly senses the presence of AC voltage and provides a visual indicator to determine proper grounding.

    More 2007 category winners

    2006 Winner

    2006 platinum award winner: Short on features, but long on practicality, the One-Box non-metallic outlet box from Arlington Industries garnered the most votes from EC&M readers, securing the Platinum Award in the magazine's 2006 Product of the Year competition. The One-Box is designed for new construction or retrofits and mounts securely to a wood or steel stud via its captive angled screws. If the box is set too far forward or too far back, you can easily back out the screws and reposition them for new work. In old work applications, the box mounts to the stud — not the drywall (as do boxes designed with wing brackets) — which enhances the structural integrity of the overall unit upon final installation. Read more about the top three products.

    More 2006 category winners

    2005 Winner

    2005 platinum award winner: Proving the age-old adage that good things come in small packages, the Space Saver EMT Set Screw and Compression Connector from Cooper Crouse-Hinds garnered the most votes from EC&M readers to secure the Platinum Award in the magazine's 2005 Product of the Year competition.

    2005 Gold Award: The first runner-up was the 700 series of 600A and 1,000A industrial clamp meters with TightSight display from Ideal Industries.

    2005 Silver Award: The second runner-up was Southwire Co.'s Romex SIMpull tear-resistant, reduced friction nonmetallic Type NM-B cable.

    More 2005 category winners

    2004 Winner

    2004 platinum award winner: EC&M awarded Pass and Seymour/Legrand the 2004 Product of the Year Platinum Award for its Trademaster Decorator Combination Devices.

    2004 Gold Award: The second and third place runners-up are MGE UPS Systems' Evolution Nexa RM Fuel Cell UPS and 2004 Silver Award: KO Instruments' CBA1000 Circuit Breaker Analyzer.

    More 2004 category winners

    2003 Winner

    2003 platinum award winner: Drill-spotting tool helps electricians take the guesswork out of drilling EC&M readers select the First Edition Products DrillSpotter as the 2003 Product of the Year. Learn about the 20 finalists.

    More 2003 category award winners

    2002 Winner

    2002 platinum award winner: Encore's Color-Coded Cable. Encore Wire Ltd., McKinney, Texas, expanded its line of color-coded wire and cable to NM-B, THHN and XHHW-2 building wire. Each wire size now comes in a different color. Encore Wire introduced its colored wire and cable for the commercial market in 1999 to help contractors with installation and inspection, simplify inventory management and provide a safer, more efficient work environment.

    More 2002 category award winners

    2001 Winner

    2001 platinum award winner: Generac's Power Player. Powered by natural gas and offering remote control and monitoring, the DG 50 generator offers small retail and commercial users a one-two punch -- 50kW of backup power during blackouts or power interruptions and an on-site power source that can help them slash their electrical bills by managing their power consumption and feeding excess power to the utility grid.

    More 2001 category award winners

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