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2024 NECA Showstopper Winners

By Holly Sauer | Jan 15, 2025
Showstoppers Logo 2024
Sponsored by ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine, the NECA Showstopper Awards program is the longest-running event of its kind in the industry. The winners are listed alphabetically by manufacturer, and the descriptions are based on inf

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The 25 tools, equipment and software winners of the NECA 2024 Showstopper Awards epitomized innovation. There were more than 200 entries in the Showstopper Showcase at NECA 2024 San Diego. The judges, all industry professionals, had much to say on the products’ designs, safety and more.

Sponsored by ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine, the NECA Showstopper Awards program is the longest-running event of its kind in the industry. The winners are listed alphabetically by manufacturer, and the descriptions are based on information provided by those companies.

 

1ABB T&B Liquidtight Systems offers a portfolio of Type A solutions tailored for food and beverage applications. Featuring antimicrobial, nylon-reinforced Type A conduit and a choice between stainless steel and nonmetallic fittings, this system ensures reliability and safety. Available in trade sizes from ⅜ to 2 inches, the product line includes straight and 90-degree elbow fittings. With reinforced, heavy-duty nonmetallic conduits available in antimicrobial versions, the system provides excellent corrosion and ingress protection. The product is UL listed.
2AECinspire Inspired Query (IQ) revolutionizes construction management with A.I.-driven precision. It provides instant access to complex project data, eliminating manual searches through documents. With IQ, elevate your takeoffs by integrating A.I.-enhanced specification queries, seamlessly combining drawings and specs for unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. The machine learning continuously adapts, ensuring accurate, up-to-date insights. IQ empowers novices and experts, enhancing decision-making and proactively identifying risks.
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Arlington Industries’ high strength furred wall box saves time and makes challenging outlet box installation easy. These UL-listed, large-volume FSB series outlet boxes are designed for use with existing 1x2 drywall furring strips but can also be mounted on a concrete block wall between furring strips so installers can put the box/outlet where it is needed. Eliminate installation steps—there’s no need to break out concrete block, install new furring strips or seal around the block wall breakout and box. Single- and two-gang styles accommodate GFCI and USB receptacles.

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Atkore Say goodbye to lost parts with this innovative and cost-effective solution for corrosive environments. The PVC junction box features a patented cover containment slot, captive brass screws and an integrated gasket for a tight seal. The PVC Conduit Hub is completely nonmetallic and features a versatile, ergonomic tightening mechanism. Its patented low-profile design maximizes space in the junction box. Together, the PVC junction box and conduit hub are an ideal solution for protection against moisture and dust.
5Buckingham Mfg. The Buckingham PeerCheck is a simple, inexpensive alarm system that alerts the user and crew through an audible alarm. The alarm will sound if the user’s lanyard becomes accidentally detached or the user forgets to connect it to the proper anchor point. PeerCheck helps prevent bucket ejections or catastrophic failures related to a man basket becoming detached from its crane. Think of PeerCheck as the equivalent to your car beeping when you don’t buckle your seatbelt. Adding an obstruction lanyard is recommended to ensure proper use of the device. One judge called it a safety innovation and said, “anything this easy to use and creates a safer environment is a no-brainer.”
6Disston Co. The Blu-Mol Xtreme Quickcore holesaw has a globally patented design that uses an open back in the holesaw cup, along with a universal mandrel with a three-point locking system that releases the holesaw, allowing the operator to pop the core out from the back in mere seconds. The operator then can re-engage the holesaw with the mandrel and get back to work. In addition, this system allows the operator to use a single mandrel for all holesaw diameters, from ¾ to 6 inches. A judge called it “brilliant” and a great evolution in holesaws.
7Eaton’s Arrow Hart EZ Link modular devices help installers be “fast to the finish” when installing and wiring receptacles and switches. Featuring a unique sliding, arrow-shaped design and molded guide rails for proper alignment, electricians will enjoy the product’s accuracy and repeatability. Installers can now wire a connector during rough-in and then quickly install the device at trim-out, saving time and skilled labor hours. This solution is ideal for high-rise office buildings, hotels, educational facilities and other large projects.
8FAB Electrical Products The panel barricade is an easy-to-use, whole-panel lockout device. It enables users to quickly and effectively lockout multiple breakers with just one device, preventing the panel door from being opened. It is easy to use: press the panel barricade feet onto the panel cover across the panel door, turn the dial and place the lock and tag.
9Ferret Tools The new Ferret Thermal wireless inspection camera is designed to go beyond the limitations of traditional handheld thermal imaging devices, allowing you to reaching the unreachable and see in hard-to-reach locations. With its industry-leading, high-sensitivity Flir Lepton sensor combined with a visible lens and bright white LEDs, the compact, under 2-ounce design is perfect for all general thermal inspections. The free app allows for easily saving and sharing photos and videos. It is wireless, rechargeable and built for functionality, performance and convenience.
10Greenlee The Greenlee GX10 10k cable tugger is capable of 10,000 lbs. of pulling force from its new specialized dual-speed motor. Delivering up to double the pulling speed and a higher continuous pull rating than legacy tuggers, the GX10 allows faster completion of the job, resulting in cost savings. The UL-approved motor can change speeds with a simple double-tap of the foot switch, and the LED pull-force indicator gives the operator unmatched control. GX10 is compatible with existing Greenlee adapters, boom, chain and floor mounts.
11Gripple The TecLoc rod stiffener conduit clip has been specifically designed for conduit and pipe, making it a game-changer for electrical contractors. The innovative spring-loaded mechanism is designed to support a one-person install, drastically reducing installation times and allowing for retrofit projects to be delivered more efficiently. The clip is designed to work with ⅜-, ½- and ⅝-in. rod and is compatible with 1-in. EMT or 1-in. RMC and standard schedule 40 pipe, making it the ideal stiffening solution for a variety of service specifications. One judge called this a simple concept, and it would be “easy to add after rod installations.”
12Hilti The VC 4LX-22 T8 cordless L-Class dust extractor delivers power and portability with an 8-liter tank for wet and dry job-site cleaning. Users can pair it with power tools to help remove up to 99% of dust for improved job-site safety, while attachable backpack straps, Nuron battery-powered design and optional Bluetooth auto-start feature provide added convenience. With its modular design and automatic filter cleaning, the VC 4LX-22 can efficiently extract construction dust, wood chips and concrete debris to help maintain a cleaner, safer work environment.
13iTOOLco The Cannon 1K makes quick work of installing branch circuits, data cables, fiber optic cables and large pull ropes. It has a pull speed of up to 130 feet per minute. The built-in handle enables users to maintain control of the unit, and it is adjustable for left- and right-handed users. A quick-release connector arm reduces setup time, and the included slotted pulling head has an adjustable conduit clamp, allowing the user to secure the unit directly onto the edge of the conduit or panel while pulling for added stability. A judge said it was a very compact tool that is easy to carry.
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Knipex Tools LP The Knipex ratcheting knife simplifies stripping larger diameter cable sheaths up to ¼-in. wall thickness. Its multifunctional blade allows for round and longitudinal cuts, while the guide shoe protects conductor insulation. Key features include a three-line depth gauge, a replaceable hook blade that folds for transport and a thumb rest to enhance cutting pressure. The blade adjusts to four positions: folded, straight, angled and ratcheting. Made from glass fiber reinforced plastic, it features a tether attachment and replacement parts for long-lasting durability. This tool delivers precision, versatility and reliability in a compact design for demanding cable work. A judge said this product needs a “shockingly low resistance for the physical effort” required.
15Milwaukee Tool The M18 compact 1-ton chain hoist with One-Key provides professionals with effortless installs, less downtime and improved mobility. This solution eliminates time needed to set up extension cords to power hoists on-site. The included wireless remote delivers enhanced control in each lift with a 60-ft. range. With variable speed and fine adjustment, users gain more visibility and accurate installations. Featuring a compact design and kitted Packout rolling cart, this solution gives professionals enhanced maneuverability around sites. Designed to lift in both inverted and standard orientations, the hoist provides lifting versatility while decreasing on-site strain. One judge commented that it is well-built and the compact design is helpful.
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MiniTrencher The SiBore drill is the newest product line from MiniTrencher. This patented, portable horizontal auger is designed to dig under hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways. In contrast to most horizontal drilling equipment, which uses water to soften the soil, the SiBore drill presents a waterless and efficient alternative with minimal cleanup. It has two power source options: a Honda multiposition, 4-cycle engine and a Makita 40V Max XGT battery-powered motor. The SiBore drill digs 1-in. diameter with its MicroBore model up to a traditional, standard auger with 2-, 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-in. digging diameter, accommodating various project specifications. One judge said it is a labor savor for small projects.
17Miro Industries The Versa Strut is lightweight, versatile and easy-to-use in place of metal strut options. Its lightweight design brings durability and strength. It is offered in several different sizes and features a typical 1⅝-in. strut profile to accommodate all regular metal strut accessories. Its integrated screw guide helps streamline installation in a variety of applications. It can be used to install and anchor conduit on a wall, ceiling or floor.
18nVent ERICO The nVent ERICO Cadweld One Shot 3D cable to rebar is a custom, single-use mold using advanced 3D printing technology to create a high-quality permanent exothermic connections. This mold has been designed specifically for cable-to-rebar connections, and its compact size allows connections to be made in narrow or hard-to-reach places. The mold is can be quickly installed, making it ideal for ufer ground connections.
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OpenSpace BIM+ is a set of powerful 3D tools that brings building information modeling (BIM) directly to construction sites, making it simple for field teams to access and navigate their models. The tools in OpenSpace BIM+ provide an intuitive way to compare real-world site conditions with design intent. Users can overlay BIM elements from their digital models onto 360-degree images from OpenSpace Capture, conveniently pull up a saved visibility state of a model, access the BIM Viewer offline and more. With OpenSpace BIM+, construction teams can verify installations, spot discrepancies and ensure projects are executed according to design, all with greater accuracy and efficiency.
20Orbit’s Made-in-USA box and conduit hanger support plate mounts up to 8-in. x 8-in. junction boxes or multiple smaller boxes vertically and overhead. A single BCHS-8S can support several boxes and incoming conduit suspended from just one threaded rod. The BCHS-8S features offsets for using one-hole straps, stamped markings for box placement and several pin holes and slots for attaching two-hole straps and pipe hangers. It is UL-listed and patented.
21Rack-A-Tiers The Wire Waffle is an NM cable connector that installs in 2½-in. panel knockouts and allows users to feed up to 16 different cables through a single hole. This is the first and only code-compliant NM wire connector that allows for more than six cables in a single knockout. It fits 14/2 through 10/3 cables, with break-off tabs for 8/2 through 6/3 cables. It will reduce wear and tear on tools, clean up panels, make panel upgrades significantly easier, reduce damage to walls and satisfy code. A judge called this simple but effective.
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Schneider Electric ASCO SourcePacT interconnect isolation switch is a groundbreaking device that enables battery energy storage systems (BESS) to supply emergency power. It’s the first standardized source isolation device designed to UL 3008, simplifying the design, deployment and use of inverter-based power sources. Developed by Schneider Electric, SourcePacT addresses the growing global energy demand and need for resilient, off-grid solutions. It ensures safety by preventing back-feeding into BESS and facilitates a streamlined transition from grid dependency to independent operation during power outages, promoting a sustainable and reliable energy future.
23Southwire SIMpull MC Cable is designed with a re-engineered aluminum-interlocked armor sheath that prevents the armor from jamming during pulling, reducing labor and boosting efficiency. It is less likely for this armor to split or break apart, which minimizes material scrap on the job site. The cable’s profile is more compact, potentially saving costs on shipping, transportation and installation time.
24SP Products GRC Transition Couplings thru slabs are used when metal thru slab is needed. Users cut PVC stub-up flush with slab, ream out the PVC stub-up and self-taper. GRC transition coupling information reamed out a portion of stub-up inside slab. Apply Locktite (Henkel) glue (suitable to glue PVC with metal) into a tapered portion of coupling prior to threading coupling into the reamed-out stub-up. After the coupling has been fully threaded, only GRC coupling will be above slab, ready to join GRC conduit into completing the transition. Concrete could also be used to cover the GRC coupling. “Finally something that doesn’t require chipping out concrete,” said one judge. Another said it was a creative idea.
25Triplett Test Equipment & Tools The WS230 wall scanner is a budget-friendly scanning technology with full-color detect-and-display capabilities for common in-wall components such as wood or steel studs, steel and copper pipes, conduits, cables (whether they’re energized or not), ductwork and more. It helps electrical contractors equip more of the workforce with wall scanners, avoiding delays and mistakes while improving efficiency. The fast, high-accuracy scanner finds and shows what’s behind walls to save valuable time and eliminate false starts, unnecessary cuts and repairs. One judge mentioned it was small and easy enough to have on every service vehicle.

About The Author

A woman, Holly Sauer, smiles in front of a gray background.

Holly Sauer

Senior Associate Editor

Holly Sauer has worked for Electrical Contractor magazine since 2019 and is the senior associate editor. She went to Washington & Jefferson College and studied English and art history. At Electrical Contractor magazine, she creates the newsletters and the new and featured products sections. She also edits articles for the three publications and occasionally writes on tools and industry news. She is fueled by the desire to read every book ever written. And coffee. Reach her on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

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