The 25 tools, equipment and software winners of the NECA 2025 Showstopper Awards epitomized innovation. There were more than 150 entries in the Showstopper Showcase at NECA 2025 Chicago. 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.

#1 – AIDA Corp.

Aida Charging Receptacle Boxes are built tough for rugged, all-weather, heavy-duty to everyday use—perfect for appliances, RVs, electric vehicles, boats, generators, welders and more. Designed for harsh outdoor durability, the large, easy-to-open latch has a 2-mm, IP-66-rated rubber door seal, making it dustproof, weatherproof and waterproof. Constructed with 6 mm of solid, high-impact premium materials designed to withstand dry to salty environments, each charging outlet ensures a secure fit and long-lasting resistance to corrosion—far more reliable than rust-prone metal boxes. Flat design clamps ensure conductors are firmly fixed with screws, making installation simple. Whether you’re at home, on the move or powering a project, they ensure safe, dependable performance wherever you plug in.

#2 – Arlington Industries

Arlington Industries’ nonmetallic split wall plates provide a simple yet effective way to accommodate preconnectorized low-voltage cables of varying size and quantity. They also work with preexisting low-voltage cables. The versatile single- and two-gang split wall plates come with multiple grommets that effectively size and cover the hole or opening in drywall. The wall plates can be used as shipped with a 1.5-in. opening in the single-gang CESP1 and a 2-in. opening in the two-gang CESP2, or users can add one of the supplied bushings to alter the size of the opening. The single-gang CESP1 comes with three bushings for 0.312-, 0.5- and 1-in. openings. The two-gang CESP2 comes with two bushings for 0.75- and 1.25-in. openings.

#3 – Brady Corp.

The i7500 brings smart technology to 3-in. core printing, delivering elevated levels of output with zero waste. Powered by LabelSense technology, it is loaded with intuitive features that eliminate tedious tasks and complex setups. With time-saving features like 40-second changeovers, auto detection and auto setup, users are able to print significantly faster—no more messing around with calibration. Ideal for high-mix, high-volume jobs, the i7500 streamlines the entire label-creation process. It’s so easy, anyone can use it.

#4 – CAB (Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped) Solar

CAB Solar’s 3D Agrivoltaics Locking Hanger Solution was specifically designed and engineered to integrate livestock within a solar project. The solution features a patent-protected, three-dimensional locking arm that securely holds cables within a hanger while withstanding potential impacts from livestock. This creates a dual-purpose environment where livestock can graze and control the grass while landowners reduce post-installation O&M labor and costs.

#5 – Champion Fiberglass

Champion Fiberglass’ XUR solution is an expandable riser requiring no cutting or gluing, easing the installation of ground electrical cable to panel and meter boxes. The new expandable utility riser withstands extreme temperature changes, protecting against expansion and contraction from high variations and creating a safe installation environment. It is height-adjustable, operable in temperatures between –40°F and 230°F and allows for expansion and contraction due to temperature, ground settling and ground freeze/thaw cycles.

#6 – Current Tools

Current Tools’ 517 Conduit Locker is a heavy-duty conduit storage rack and conduit carrier designed for job site durability and theft prevention. Designed to handle the job site and the ride there, this heavy-duty solution offers lockable storage for all standard 10-ft. conduit lengths. Stackable, mobile and outfitted with fork pockets for easy transport, it’s built for convenience and theft prevention.

#7 – FieldPulse

FieldPulse’s Operator A.I. is a 24/7 A.I. dispatcher that ensures field service businesses never miss a call or an opportunity. It instantly answers after-hours or overloaded calls, prioritizes emergencies and books jobs directly into the FieldPulse calendar, meaning no more lost revenue to voicemail or manual entry. By capturing every call and updating the schedule automatically, it saves owners and office staff hours of work and keeps crews focused on high‑value tasks. Operator A.I. delivers a seamless experience for customers and a more efficient, profitable operation for service teams. “It is a fantastic value added to streamline service schedules,” according to one judge.

#8 – Grace Technologies

Grace Technologies’ Proxxi Band is a wearable voltage detector designed to give electrical workers real-time awareness of hidden hazards. Worn on the wrist or mounted to a helmet, it continuously monitors AC voltage from 110V to 500 kV and alerts the user with vibration, light and sound before they approach energized equipment too closely. Backed by the Proxxi Dashboard, teams can review usage trends, identify training gaps and document near-miss data to improve safety culture and compliance. It’s a simple, powerful way to keep crews safe and confident on every job. “This will help keep our electricians safe,” one judge said.

#9 – Halco Lighting Technologies

Halco’s Retrofit Commercial Downlights are a quick, easy and convenient way to reinvent commercial lighting spaces. Color temperatures and light output can be chosen before or after installation with the flip of a switch. The integral fixture driver for the CDL series can dim using either 0–10V or ELV/Triac phase cut protocols. When emergency lighting is needed, the CDLEM family offers an aesthetically pleasing integral emergency battery backup solution.

#10 – Innisfree Tools

Innisfree Tools’ KNOCK’ER-IN Pipe and Conduit Installation Tool provides a safe and efficient alternative to the traditional 2x4 method. If the goal is increasing worker safety and productivity, KNOCK’ER-IN will get you there, 10 feet at a time. Prevent soft tissue injuries, minimize struck-by incidents and reduce sprains and strains. The patent-pending design is built for worker safety and comfort. The molded polyurethane block coupled with a fiberglass handle and rubber handgrip provides a cushion for every blow. The positioning shoe offers stabilization through the strike. It is built with a concave-arch bottom because sometimes you need to “knock’er off.” It is made in the United States.

#11 – Legrand

Legrand’s tamper-resistant receptacle device is specifically designed to work with Express Kit and Flex raceways. This innovative plug-in receptacle device secures power connections and prevents electrical hazards without the need for sliding doors. Perfect for education and healthcare settings, this device prioritizes safety without sacrificing functionality.

#12 – Litetronics

Litetronics’ Linear High Bay Pro offers wattage selectability from 78–385W (12,000–61,000 lumens), tool-free lens rotation for quick transitions between standard and aisle lighting (90x90 degrees and 45x110 degrees) and a versatile 120–480V all-in-one driver—all in a single SKU. DLC Premium listed, it delivers up to 163 lumens per watt and boasts an impressive 100,000-hour lifespan, backed by a 10-year warranty with no burn-hour limits. Available in selectable 4,000K and 5,000K CCT, with options for emergency battery backup and Bluetooth controls, it supports modern, scalable lighting needs while cutting part numbers and installation hours. It is trusted by contractors to make every job faster and easier.

#13 – Lutron

Lutron’s first-ever XactSense Humidity Sensor Switch is a state-of-the-art device that detects humidity levels to activate the exhaust fan when needed, reducing moisture, mildew and mold in any bathroom space. The device is compatible with a 3A, 1/10-HP fan. Showcasing Lutron’s commitment to quality and innovation, the sensor switch measures humidity levels and uses advanced signal processing to determine the optimal time to activate the fan. The humidity-sensing feature provides added convenience and allows consumers to adjust how long the fan will stay on once activated. This low-effort, high-impact remodel delivers a simple yet innovative solution for homeowners, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing efficiency. “Having customizable set points is great,” one judge said.

#14 – Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee Tool’s M18 Fuel branch conduit bender with Auto-Zero is the industry’s first portable, cordless conduit bender, explicitly designed for commercial and industrial branch installations. Its capacity and portability are optimized for branch installations of up to 1-in. EMT and ¾-in. RMC, enabling bends to be done at the point of installation and allowing electricians to work anywhere. The conduit bender delivers the fastest bends from start to finish. The tool’s optimal working height and the shoe and backformer orientation keep critical layout points and bend planes easily visible from a single, ergonomic working position. It takes bend consistency to another level, with Auto-Zero technology sensing zero degrees automatically on every bend, delivering unrivaled bend accuracy from pipe to pipe and over the tool’s life. These fundamental changes to the bending process revolutionize productivity for multiraceway installations, reduce rework and require up to 10 times less peak muscle effort in lower back muscles versus hand bending. The Powerstate brushless motor and M18 Redlithium batteries supply the power and runtime to bend all day, with an XC5.0 battery pack (sold separately) delivering up to 110 bends per charge on ¾-in. EMT conduit.

#15 – National Safety Apparel

National Safety Apparel’s Airlite Ascend represents the latest advancement in arc flash PPE from Enespro. With its sleek, innovative design and patent-pending fabric system, it enhances fit and performance in high-mobility areas. The suit features stretch panels that are 200% more breathable, 200% more flexible and release 75% more heat in critical areas than other premium arc flash suits. Enespro goes above and beyond with the Airlite Ascend to offer a suit that works as hard as you do in demanding work environments.

#16 – nVent CADDY

The nVent Caddy Rod Lock Strut Clip is an innovative accessory featuring push-to-install technology that allows users to quickly affix and adjust multilevel trapeze assemblies. Simply push into place to secure attachment to varying strut profile types, positions and sizes. This intuitive, tool-free solution eliminates the need for the manual insertion required with traditional conduit racks, ultimately reducing setup time and maximizing safety by reducing time spent at elevated heights for installation. Leverage the time-saving benefits of the nVent Caddy Rod Lock Strut Clip and quickly install on-site or prefabricate in advance to maintain tight project schedules. 

#17 – Orbit Industries

Orbit Industries’ Ceiling Hanging Adjustable Brackets (CHAB) series delivers the first off-the-shelf telescoping solution for overhead electrical installations. Available in two models, CHAB-36 (21–36 in.) and CHAB-60 (33–60 in.), these brackets replace traditional strut with a faster, safer and cost-effective alternative. Each bracket supports up to 110 lbs., making them ideal for mounting enclosures, junction boxes, disconnects, cable systems and life safety equipment. Constructed from heavy-duty 12-gauge steel with a corrosion-resistant zinc finish, CHAB brackets eliminate cutting, bending or welding in the field, reducing labor time and increasing safety. One of the judges called it a “money saver.”

#18 – Pinnacle Safety Products

Pinnacle Safety Products presents the PS1 Electrical Panel Lockout Device, a USA-made solution designed to enhance workplace safety. This robust device securely attaches to electrical panel doors, effectively preventing unauthorized access and safeguarding personnel and equipment from potential hazards. This durable device easily installs with no tools and provides a reliable lockout/tagout solution for ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The self-adhesive acrylic industrial mounting adhesive withstands considerable pulling force and requires a tool for damage-free removal, if desired. It is a must-have for any contractor looking for a safer and more economical way of ensuring employees are not exposed to unintentional “breaker flipping” when panel doors and breaker handles are left unsecured.

#19 – Southwire

Southwire’s Re3 CableTechSupport Chatbot is the first A.I.-enabled, customer-facing tool in the wire and cable industry, designed to accelerate response times by 30% for general inquiries. The Re3 trademark reflects the core attributes of the products engineered and recommended by Southwire’s technical team: reinforced, resilient and reliable. This digital initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing customer support through A.I. innovation. CableTechSupport services handles more than 20,000 inquiries annually, and the chatbot is projected to reduce a team’s workload by 10%. In addition to streamlining support, it serves as a valuable resource for onboarding and training new professionals entering the electrical industry. “It’s the best in calculators. When it comes to software, Southwire kicks butt,” according to one judge.

#20 – SP Products

SP Products’ Sealtite/Liquidtite to EMT transition coupling is perfect for wiring transformers, solar power systems and pumps. It easily transitions from EMT to Liquidtite in sizes from ½- through 4-in. conduit in minutes. The fitting is made from galvanized steel and is a huge time-saver when doing a transition from Sealtite/Liquidtite to EMT set-screw.

#21 – Stakmax

Stakmax was designed by an electrician and is made in the United States. It stacks in a small footprint in a truck, shop or on the job site. It stores 500-ft. spools internally from 14–10 AWG and makes inventory management visually simple—no more searching for the right spool, just look in the crate. Multiple colors let you store by wire size or type. Stakmax protects wire from job site damage, personnel from electrical shock hazards or lifting strain, and finished surfaces from gouges associated with metal spool holders. Pull wire easily from the top or the side, in the Stak or individually. Larger spools don’t require additional equipment for pulling; the integrated V grooves allows you to support them using common conduits. “Great for the fab shop. It is simple to use and move around,” according to one judge.

#22 – Triplett Test Equipment & Tools

The Triplett HSW50 Heat Stress Stopwatch is a compact safety tool that helps workers and supervisors monitor heat conditions and reduce the risk of heat-related injuries on the job. It measures wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), ambient temperature and humidity to provide a more accurate read of heat stress risk than temperature alone. The HSW50 includes visual heat level indicators, user-set alerts and multiple timing modes for training, rest cycles and crew safety programs. Its durable, portable design makes it easy to use on rooftops, construction sites, electrical rooms and other demanding environments. One judge from South Texas said this will help with heat exhaustion, which is a big problem in his region.

#23 – Tyndale

Finding a work jean with unmatched comfort is easy with the Tyndale Versa Women’s Grace Jean. Sleek, which are designed with a touch of stretch, it offers maximum flexibility and all-day comfort. These lightweight 12.5-oz. jeans are made from FRMC denim and feature a unique waistband with elastic for a versatile fit for all body types. The relaxed midrise fit and standard five-pocket styling make it both practical and stylish. They are arc-rated 20 ATPV, CAT 2 and UL certified NFPA 2112.

#24 – Wiha Tools

Wiha Tools’ 6-Piece Insulated SlimLine PocketMax Multidriver combines precision, portability and versatility in one compact tool. Each heat-treated blade offers long-lasting durability, while the precision-machined tips ensure a secure fit and reduce the risk of fastener cam-out. With six slim, interchangeable blades stored in the handle, this space-saving driver is ideal for on-the-go use—lightweight, pocket-sized and ready to tackle a range of tasks with ease.

#25 – Winnie Industries

Winnie Industries’ permanent magnetic mount hook-and-loop cable manager stays put through oil, grease and grime using a powerful 100-lb. rare-earth magnet encased in a protective steel cup. Its dual-slot design accommodates extra-wide cable ties or hook-and-loop tape up to ½ in. wide. The contoured cradle design helps prevent pinch points and protects cable integrity. It is the only magnetic cable manager that accommodates extra-wide cable ties. “That’s a strong magnet for its size,” one judge said.