2017 Product of the Year Winners

2017 Product of the Year winners

Consulting-Specifying Engineer readers have cast their votes for the 2017 Product of the Year; read about the winners.

Amanda Pelliccione, Project Manager
9/14/2017

Winners of the 13th annual Consulting-Specifying Engineer Product of the Year awards included an outdoor charging station, a scaling monitoring system, and an emergency signaling system, among other notable technologies. Each of the following winning innovations has been designed to improve quality, lengthen lifecycles, and increase efficiencies.

This year, companies submitted their new and improved products debuted in 2016 to be judged for this distinguished honor. Then readers whittled them down to 49 winners you’ll find here—including the 2017 Most Valuable Product winner, which received the most votes overall.

Download the official press release from Consulting-Specifying Engineer here.

View the full list of finalists in the 2017 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Product of the Year program.
Entries for the 2018 program will open Dec. 1, 2017.


A total of 91 products qualified as finalists for the 2017 Product of the Year award. We left the final say up to the readers. Here are the winners, starting with the Most Valuable Product and followed by the 48 individual winners for each of the 16 sub-categories.


Most Valuable Product


Medium-voltage switchgear

Premset incorporates a Shield Solid Insulation System (2SIS) to enhance robustness, protection, and flexibility of medium-voltage switchgear. The 2SIS system encases every current-carrying conductor in dielectric epoxy and shields that epoxy with a grounded conductor to offer unprecedented safety, efficiency, and ease of use. Premset minimizes the risk of internal arc flash and prevents phase-to-phase faults by ground-shielding each individual phase. The circuit breaker and isolation switch are positive-indicated and interlocked to prevent access to live compartments. Maintenance is reduced due to better environmental protection for the current-carrying portions and complete encasement of the circuit breaker and isolation switch.

Schneider Electric, www.schneider-electric.us


Air Movement, Dehumidification, Humidification


Air handling unit

V3 Series air handling units with energy-recovery wheels are available from 450 to 10,000 cfm and provide a solution to help a building exceed ASHRAE standards and acquire LEED points. V3 Series units include energy-saving, double-wall rigid polyurethane foam-injected panel construction; high-efficiency direct-drive backward-curved plenum ECM supply and exhaust fans; corrosion-resistant, double-sloped stainless steel drain pans; and serviceability features. Energy-saving options include fully modulating AMCA-certified low-leakage economizer dampers, air-source heat pump heating, and factory-provided split-system controls capable of controlling 10% to 100% variable-capacity compressors for precise capacity modulation.

AAON, www.aaon.com


Smart industrial fan

The Powerfoil X3.0 smart industrial fan produces 15% more airflow than its predecessor without compromising durability and reliability. Powerfoil X3.0 includes a SmartSense controller that provides convenience and improves efficiency by eliminating the guesswork of finding the ideal air speed when temperatures change. SmartSense features summer and winter modes as well as dual air temperature sensors. When temperatures elevate in summer, the fan speeds up to combat the heat with a cooling effect of up to 10°F. In winter, SmartSense automatically slows the fan to gently push rising heated air back down to occupants without creating a draft, easing the facility heater workload and reducing energy costs.

Big Ass Solutions, www.bigasssolutions.com


High-precision heater humidifier

The heaterSteam titanium features heating elements designed to work with extremely aggressive water, such as demineralized/deionized water with conductivity below 1 µS/cm and softened water of up to 0°fH. The reliability of the titanium heating element in combination with the overheating protection makes this solution ideal for applications where service continuity is essential (i.e., clean rooms, hospitals, and museums). By using demineralized water, this heater humidifier can meet humidity requirements with ±1% accuracy. The production-capacity modulation range from 0 to 100% in combination with the possibility of preheating the water inside the boiler means that heaterSteam is ready to respond to humidity requirements.

Carel, www.carelusa.com


BAS, Controls, Energy Management


Intelligent pump controller

Capable of running systems with up to eight pumps, the fifth-generation Hydrovar features multimaster functionality, enabling each individual pump to take control of the system if one or more units or sensors are not active. This ensures reliable water pressure across commercial and industrial applications and can reduce energy consumption of a pump by as much as 70%.Hydrovarfeatures a modular design that enables a customized fit for any configuration of pumps. It can be efficiently retrofitted to any standard fixed-speed pump motor suitable for variable-speed operation and can accommodate both new and retrofit installations including premium efficient motor designs.

Bell & Gossett, https://bellgossett.com


Building system support service

Connected Services helps facility leaders maximize their buildings through a condition-based, proactive maintenance approach that effectively combines actionable information, expert advice, and advanced technology to keep building systems operating at peak performance. Connected Services includes new and enhanced capabilities that create a network between facility teams and Schneider Electric’s experts to deliver a range of proactive maintenance support for facilities professionals and engineers. Benefits include digital connectivity that ensures facilities are always monitored, better access to actionable information, expert advice/recommendations, increased system uptime due to faster resolution when possible, and skilled technicians equipped to focus on areas of greatest impact.

Schneider Electric, www.schneider-electric.com


Touchscreen HVAC systems controller

The AAON Touchscreen Controller is an economical HVAC unit control solution for energy-savings applications. It controls complex energy-saving operations without requiring the expense of a large building automation system. Applications include variable air volume (VAV), single-zone VAV, make-up air, and constant air-volume control. It can control air-cooled condenser systems, air-source heat pump systems, water-source heat pump systems, and chilled-water and hot-water hydronic air handling units with modulating water valves. The AAON Touchscreen Controller includes a user-friendly, high-contrast 4.3-in. touchscreen interface and can function as a stand-alone unit controller or as part of a BACnet MS/TP or Modbus RTU networked system.

AAON, www.aaon.com


Chillers


Variable-speed chiller

The AquaForce 30XV air-cooled variable-speed chiller was developed to ensure performance and efficiency that meet the cooling needs of tomorrow’s buildings, in a design that’s ready for action today. By using a tiered approach, the 30XV can be customized to fit almost any building need, anywhere. With value-adding features, such as variable-speed rotary screw compressors, quiet AeroAcoustic fan system with variable frequency drives, and microchannel condenser coil technology, this machine is made for versatility, robustness, and efficiency. User-friendly control with color touchscreen display incorporating self-optimizing control enables the 30XV to run at optimum performance at any given set of conditions.

Carrier, https://carrier.com/commercial


Air-cooled screw chiller

The YORK YVFA free-cooling, air-cooled screw chiller combines variable-speed drive (VSD) screw compressors with integrated waterside economizer “free cooling” into a simple-to-operate package that is AHRI-certified. YVFA is available in nominal sizes from150 to 450, delivering more than 2,110 kW at higher liquid temperatures. With intelligent controls, the free-cooling coils reduce the mechanical cooling load at a much higher ambient temperature, allowing the VSD compressors to reduce speed and energy use more hours of the year. YVFA combines control strategies with mechanical advances to further enhance performance at all conditions. Mechanical improvements include variable volume ratio compressors and VSDs for both the compressors and fans.

Johnson Controls, www.johnsoncontrols.com


Electrical Distribution


Solar combiner box

The Crouse-Hinds series 1,500-Vdc solar combiner box, with and without integral dc-disconnect switches, is built to minimize system costs by providing maximum flexibility. By designing the combiner box specifically for 1,500-Vdc systems, this solution helps facilitate longer strings, fewer connection points, reduced labor, and lower installation costs. The combiner box is available with up to 36 input circuits and a 15-amp fuse size to help save material costs, installation time, and labor. Additionally, the combiner box is configurable with NEMA 4X, 4, and 3R enclosures for robust environmental protection. Further customized options are available to meet specific application requirements.

Eaton, www.eaton.com


Outdoor charging station

The Outdoor Charging Station provides permanent power that allows individuals to charge mobile devices outdoors. Offered in three models and standard finishes—black, bronze, and silver—each station includes a combination of two or three gangs of power devices including USB charging, but also be used for audio/video or communications connectivity. The charging station with accent light includes a small LED locator light to enable device charging during the day and after dark. The station stands out from traditional bollards by virtue of the accent light, which clearly indicates “charging.” They are NEMA 3R-rated for use in all weather conditions.

Legrand, www.legrand.us


Dry-type capacitor

The LKT…Type DD603-phase dry-type capacitor is safer and stronger for solving power factor and harmonic filtering applications where high harmonics can destroy traditional capacitors. The Type DD60 ac power capacitor employs four degrees of safety plus patented design features that improve the reliability of capacitors in harsh environments. Contact to the internal windings is made by a patented, nonsoldered contact ring to eliminate winding stress due to soldering. Self-healing film quickly isolates areas of dielectric breakdown in the winding when exposed to dangerous transient voltages. The segmented film completely removes a tiny section of film to prevent catastrophic failures due to severe transient voltages.

Frako Capacitor, www.frako.com


Electrical: Cable, Wire, Components


Multilayered conduit

The PMA XR90 multilayered conduit protects a greater range of cable for robotic and automation applications with sizes up to NW 70 and Metric 80. The multilayered conduit indicates the extent of surface wear with three concentric layers of Nylon 12, each a different color. With no wear, the PMA XR90 multilayered conduit retains its black surface. As wear occurs, the center layer begins to show its yellow surface, which is an alert to prepare for maintenance. As more abrasion occurs, the inner layer shows its red surface, which indicates that maintenance is required. This visual-inspection capability makes it more efficient to monitor wear and plan maintenance.

Thomas & Betts, ABB, www.tnb.com


Duplex AC/MC strap

The Crouse-Hinds 567BXD Duplex AC/MC Strap is designed for AC/MC and FMC cable. This strap provides the capability to support and secure two individual AC, MC, or FMC cables by installing with a single screw. The duplex strap takes up less space, simplifies installation, and offers a clean and professional-looking installation. The solution is designed to be cost-effective for the most commonly used size of cable due to its much smaller volume and reduced number of clamps needed for each application.

Eaton, www.eaton.com


Splicing connector

The 221 series Lever-Nuts Splicing Connector simplifies electrical installation of solid, stranded, and fine-stranded wire in the most space-restricted applications. The transparent housing makes it possible to verify proper insertion and strip length. Two conveniently accessible test slots located in the wire-entry face and one opposite make for easy testing. Each wiring port of the 221 contains its own individually operated lever and spring, permitting the combination of varying sizes and types of wire in one secure splice. This design permits Lever-Nuts to be used and reused in any application. The 221 series is available in two-, three-, and five-wire connectors and can safely connect wires ranging from 12 to 24 AWG.

Wago Corp., https://wago.us


Electrical: Fuses, Circuit Breakers, Safety


Enclosed circuit breaker

The enclosed circuit breaker (ECB) equipped with the Arcflash Reduction Maintenance System can improve safety by providing a simple and reliable method to reduce fault-clearing time and downstream incident-energy levels. The Arcflash Reduction Maintenance System provides an accelerated instantaneous trip to reduce arc flash. The operator can preselect from five levels of protection to facilitate the maximum arc-flash reduction while avoiding nuisance tripping during planned start-up and maintenance operations, without disturbing the normal operational trip-unit settings. The Arcflash Reduction Maintenance System is designed for use only during the time a worker is exposed to the flash hazard. The system is not activated or armed continuously.

Eaton, www.eaton.com


B-frame circuit breaker

The PowerPact B-frame circuit breaker offers robust power protection in a compact size and easy installation. The 125-amp B-frame circuit breaker uses economical, thermal magnetic-sensing elements in each of the various one-, two-, three- and four-pole construction types. Designed to be flexible, it offers a unique integrated DIN rail and traditional back-pan mounting capabilities without extra adapter brackets. The PowerPact B-frame circuit breaker features EverLink creep-compensating lug technology. This patented, spring-based power-terminal system ensures a lasting connection by mitigating the loosening effects of heat cycling or vibration. The lugs are UL-listed for use directly with stranded and also fine-stranded wire up to Class K.

Schneider Electric, www.schneider-electric.com/us


Line-isolation switch

The OEM Line Isolation (OLI) switch provides the ability to access the control panel without exposure to line-side voltage. The switch isolates line-side power and provides an external disconnecting means for industrial control panels, reducing the risk of arc flash hazards. The OLI switch can be mounted on a control cabinet or disconnect enclosure, providing safer access to the panel. The switch is offered as a complete package including enclosure, disconnect, handle, flex-cable operator, and all other necessary components. Features include a gasketed side wall that mounts to the OEM cabinet and a modified heavy-duty safety switch with NEMA Type 12/3R and 4/4X enclosures.

Eaton, www.eaton.com


Emergency, Onsite, Standby Power


Diesel generator set

Rated at 1,750 kW, 60 Hz for standby applications, the Cat 3512C diesel generator set features an optimally sized engine and a reduced overall footprint. The generator set provides reliable power that can deliver lower installed costs per electrical kilowatt, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions. The Cat 3512C generator set has a footprint of 151.56 sq ft, saving up to 13% of installed space and a weight of 31,240 lb, which cuts up to 6% of necessary weight-supporting installation costs. Users may select the standard 108°F ambient radiator or an optional high-ambient radiator that delivers full power with no derating at ambient temperatures up to 122°F.

Caterpillar Inc., www.cat.com/generation


Automatic transfer switch

The contactor-based, UL 1008-listed automatic transfer switch (ATS) is specifically engineered for applications up to 3,000 amps. The contactor-based ATS is simple to operate and available in a broad selection of configurations and features to meet a wide array of application types. The ATS is engineered for enhanced safety and uptime, with the front door of the switch forming an isolated compartment. Upon opening the front door, service personnel can turn the maintenance-isolation switch and electrically isolate the control compartment while the transfer switch is energized. This design enhances safety in the working environment when performing inspection or routine maintenance.

Eaton, www.eaton.com


Industrial generator

The SDC20 industrial diesel generator is designed specifically to meet the changing market needs for cell-site backup power and is available in 20-kW ac or 15-kW dc options. From internal geometry to removable access panels on the enclosure, every aspect of the SDC20 was designed to reduce shadow footprint, leading to an overall size that is up to 50% smaller than alternative generators. The design also increases consistency and reduces complexity. Integrated fork pockets and four-point lift connections are included in the standard design to provide additional flexibility during installation. The ability to service the generator from a single side reduces the time and the cost of routine maintenance.

Generac Power Systems, www.generac.com


Large-facility UPS

The Galaxy VX UPS is an easy-to-deploy power-protection solution with flexible operating modes that supports efficiency, flexibility, and reliability in large facilities, data centers, and industrial applications. The UPS offers advanced electrical features that result in excellent power conditioning, input power-factor correction, and high power efficiency. Its flexible operating modes optimize the efficiency of information technology environments. Through the highly efficient Double Conversion Mode, Galaxy VX reduces switching losses using a four-level conversion technology. The reduced switching stress offers greater reliability and a reduction in failure rates. Galaxy VX offers a traditional Eco Mode, which delivers up to 99% efficiency.

Schneider Electric, www.schneider-electric.us


Equipment-Level Sensors & Controls


Scalable monitoring system

Fluke Condition Monitoring is a system of rugged voltage, current, temperature, and power sensors that can be moved from asset to asset or left in place for continuous monitoring. The practical, scalable system delivers the continuous data and alarms that maintenance technicians need to prevent equipment downtime without costly equipment retrofits or specialized training. Fluke Condition Monitoring consists of wireless sensors and a gateway that receives signals from the sensors from up to 30 ft away. It works seamlessly with other Fluke technologies. Maintenance technicians can setup the system and begin monitoring quickly, with the sensors transmitting measurements to the cloud as frequently as one measurement per second.

Fluke Corp., www.fluke.com


Indicator light

The Series 14 Indicator Compact provides safe and reliable, high-intensity, homogeneous LED illumination in a variety of bright, distinguishable colors that are projected with 180-degree, all-around visibility due to an innovatively designed domed lens. Capitalizing on the latest LED technology, audiences will experience quick recognition from far distances and in brightly lit areas. The unit can handle an operational voltage range between 14 and 32 Vac/dc with a current consumption of less than 50 mA and features a range of customization options in addition to the varying colors, which include connectors and cables that are presented to suit the unique needs and quality expectations of an audience.

EAO, https://eao.com


Fire, Life Safety, Mass Notification


Clamped enclosure

The Crouse-Hinds series clamped EBMX explosion-proof enclosure is designed to operate in hazardous areas to help oil and gas and other industrial customers enhance safety and dramatically improve productivity. The EBMX technology is designed to help customers avoid unbolting enclosures to access internal motor control components including circuit breakers, disconnect switches, motor starters, and combined starters. The clamped-enclosure technology allows customers to open and close enclosures faster than traditional bolted solutions while reducing the risk of installation errors. The equipment also meets NFPA 70: National Electric Code (NEC) and Canadian Electrical Code requirements and is built to withstand extreme temperatures from -50 to 60°C.

Eaton, www.eaton.com


Flexible dry sprinkler

Designed for owners, engineers, contractors, and architects, the VicFlex Style VS1 Dry Sprinkler has a 2-in. UL bend radius and 100% kink-resistant annular corrugation. The Style VS1 replaces traditional dry sprinklers that are rigid and typically installed in a horizontal or vertical orientation. Bending the Style VS1 allows installers to keep the system water inside climate-controlled areas and farther from freezing conditions within the wall, eliminating freeze-ups and impaired systems. The flexible dry sprinkler enables systems to meet or exceed NFPA 13 installation requirements. Longer sprinkler barrel lengths and a tight bend radius mean pendent installations are now a reality.

Victaulic, www.victaulic.com


Emergency signaling system

The Emergency Signaling System is designed to expedite, mobilize, and improve worksite emergency-response time when an affected employee uses an emergency shower or eyewash fixture. Using the customizable Emergency Signaling System in an emergency helps all safety personnel complete the safety loop quicker to help ensure a better outcome. By installing the Emergency Signaling System along with the drench shower or eyewash, clear and immediate notification is sent to co-workers, emergency medical responders, and management that an employee is using an emergency fixture and needs help. The Emergency Signaling System is designed with customizable, reliable, and distinct audible sounds and flashing lights.

Bradley Corp., www.bradleycorp.com


HVAC


Floor-mounted indoor unit

The MFZ-KJ floor-mounted indoor unit features Multi-flow Vane Technology. This technology efficiently circulates air to quickly raise room temperature during cooler months. Multi-flow Vane Technology uses the lower portion of a multiflow vane to angle warm air into the return vent of the indoor unit, where it is re-circulated through the heat exchanger before being released into the room through the top portion of the multiflow vane. This process significantly reduces the time it takes to heat the room, ensuring superior warmth and comfort. The MFZ-KJ’s stylish, sleek panel suits a variety of aesthetics with minimal obtrusion.

Mitsubishi Electric U.S. Inc., Cooling & Heating Division, www.mehvac.com


Exhaust fan, stack assembly

The FumeJet pre-engineered exhaust fan with integral stacks is designed to safely remove and disperse fumes and odors. The FumeJet system replaces utility set fans with field-supplied intake ducts and exhaust stacks to ensure a safe roof-deck area and aid in preventing re-entrainment of contaminated air into air-intake systems. Benefits include single-source responsibility, performance data that includes stack and accessory corrections, energy savings by minimizing system effects, and features that reduce the cost of installation. The fan and stack assembly have been designed and factory-tested to withstand a force of 22 psf without the need for guy wires.

Greenheck, www.greenheck.com


ECM fan array

The software-selectable, factory-installed electronically commutated motor (ECM) fan array integrated with semi-custom air handlers accommodates up to 20 ECM fans in 40 arrangements to meet application requirements. The solution delivers space-saving cabinet design, greater efficiencies, quieter operation, and reduced maintenance; mission critical applications benefit from n+1 redundancy. Each fan’s ECM mounts directly to its impeller for compact design, eliminating nearly 3 ft of cabinet space, which makes the unit 46% narrower than direct-drive cabinets with VFDs. Air-handlers with the ECM fan array can gain 40% efficiency (3- to 5-hp range) over direct-drive or belt-driven fans, yielding significant yearly energy savings.

Daikin, www.daikinapplied.com


Opposing-port tee

The ProPEX EP opposing-port tee was developed for PEX hydronic heating and cooling applications with back-to-back installation-spacing constraints, such as vertical riser applications, vertical hi-stack fan coils, and heat pumps. One opposing-port tee does the job of four fittings to change piping direction in a confined space, making it a time-, cost-, and labor-saving solution for engineers, installers, and building owners. The tee features the ProPEX fitting system, a method that uses the shape memory of PEX tubing to make a strong, reliable, and watertight connection with a single tool. The ProPEX tee is available in 1-, 1.25-, 1.5-, and 2-in. flow-through sizes with 0.75-in. outlets.

Uponor, https://uponor-usa.com


Lighting & Luminaires


LED weatherproof luminaire

The Crouse-Hinds series LED weatherproof luminaire combines the energy efficiency of LED technology with a sharp, sleek design for aesthetically pleasing plant outdoor applications. Available in gray, white, and bronze, these LED luminaires provide a variety of color options to help match any outdoor landscape. The LED weatherproof luminaire has approximately the same lumen output as a traditional 60-W incandescent lamp, uses approximately one-sixth of the energy to operate, and has a rated life expectancy of up to 40,000 to 50,000 hours. Designed for the most demanding outdoor applications, the luminaire is engineered with a durable die-cast housing for long life.

Eaton, www.eaton.com


Plenum troffer luminaire

The LZPT is an LED version of the Zero Plenum Troffer (ZPT) that is designed for restricted plenum spaces without impacting the required distribution of light. For installation, the patented telescoping housing requires only 3 in. above the ceiling at one end of the fixture. Once installed, a housing height of 1.5 in. keeps the fixture from intruding into the useable plenum. The LZPT features an efficacy of 119 lumens/Watt, superior color consistency to a three-step MacAdam ellipse, and 82 CRI. The soft, uniform light distribution provides superior vertical illumination free from harsh contrast.

Columbia Lighting, Hubbell Lighting, www.columbialighting.com


Linear high bay

The HL Series LED Linear High Bay is a high-output luminaire for commercial and industrial lighting applications. Measuring 14 x 24 in., the HL Series offers leading-edge efficacy (132 lumens/W) and scalability for warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Offered in 100, 150, and 200 W versions, with outputs from 12,000 lumens, the LED high bay replaces traditional fluorescent and HID fixtures of up to 600 W. The HL Series High Bay can be configured with narrow or wide lens distributions, as well as emergency controls, for optimal lumen output and energy savings.

MaxLite, www.maxlite.com


Lighting Controls


Low-voltage lighting control system

The Distributed Low Voltage Power (DLVP) system blends the benefits of both ac and dc power distribution and is designed to reduce the total installed cost of LED lighting and controls projects. Features include pre-terminated Class 2 cabling, a configured plug-and-play system independent of system wiring, and simplified energy code compliance. It leverages ac transmission and dc for connectivity and has centralized maintenance from distributed power modules. The DLVP system is designed to be a safe and easily reconfigured system without the need to rewire.

Eaton, www.eaton.com/lighting


B-BC controller

The nLight Eclypse extends the power of nLight to deliver the next level of lighting control. This BTL-listed B-BC controller leverages native BACnet/IP and WiFi to seamlessly integrate lighting control systems with building management systems, without the need for a gateway. This scalable solution enables BACnet MS/TP-to-IP routing and Modbus RTU integration to cost-effectively connect meters and other devices for a complete lighting control solution. nLight Eclypse also makes it easier to keep up with changing technology and energy codes. IP connectivity provides the speed and bandwidth needed for multiple technology integrations while the TLS/SSL and RADIUS authentication support provide reliable data protection.

Acuity Brands, www.acuitybrands.com


Dimming wall-switch occupancy sensor

The DW-311 is a passive infrared and ultrasonic dual-technology 0- to 10-V dimming wall-switch occupancy sensor designed to work in a variety of small- and medium-sized applications—including rooms with partitions, such as restrooms, large offices, conference rooms with cubical walls, and classrooms. The sensor is designed to reduce the number of devices required in a space with full-function multiway control from one to four control locations. It has dual in-line package switches, which allow users to adjust settings to meet their needs, such as power-loss-mode settings, optional smart light-level settings, and an optional presentation mode.

Wattstopper, Legrand, www.legrand.us/wattstopper


Plumbing & Water Management


Energy-saving Y-strainer

The LPD Y-Strainer has the same face-to-face size as a standard Y-strainer design and can be retrofitted into existing piping systems. It is designed to save energy and features a screen that is 30% larger and has significantly more holes, so it takes longer for debris to collect and impede flow. The internal geometry has eliminated obstructions; the body casting does not block the screen opening and there is a smooth, open flow from intake to discharge. The LPD Y-strainer has opened up the interior of the strainer so flow is straighter and smoother through the strainer.

The Metraflex Co., www.metraflex.com


Integrated commercial faucet

The NextGen Selectronic integrated commercial faucet features exclusive SmarTherm technology that incorporates an ASSE 1070-certified thermostatic hot-water temperature limiter directly into the faucet, keeping all controls above deck for easy installation and maintenance. This exclusive SmarTherm safety shut-off eliminates the need for a separate thermostatic mixing valve to ensure ASSE 1070 protection. The integrated design incorporates the electronics—including the sensor, battery, and solenoid valve—in the spout, eliminating the need for a control box below the deck. This shortens the installation time because only the water connections are made under the sink.

American Standard, www.americanstandard.com


Tankless rack system

The commercial Tankless Rack System can deliver up to 1,592,000 Btus and link as many as 20 high-efficiency 199,000-Btu condensing tankless heaters, providing wall-mount, free-standing, and back-to-back installation options. This system simplifies commercial installations by providing prefabricated gas and water lines that link units together. Once bolted in place, the commercial rack ensures a continuous, reliable supply of hot water. Even during heater maintenance, each unit can be easily isolated while other heaters continue with normal operation. The rack is built on a durable, lightweight anodized aluminum frame and connects to schedule 40 PVC pipe for intake and exhaust.

A. O. Smith, www.hotwater.com


Pumps, Pump Controls


Vertical pump retrofit

The Design Envelope Vertical In-Line Retrofit pump is designed to allow building owners to replace the moving parts of an installed constant-speed pump while retaining the existing pump casing, insulation, and piping. Design Envelope solutions don’t require differential pressure sensors, wall-mounted drives, or additional wiring. There’s no need for a pressure test after the installation because it reuses the existing casing. It allows engineers to help their customers upgrade HVAC installations from constant-speed solutions that waste energy to variable-speed installations that align with industry requirements for energy savings at part load.

Armstrong Fluid Technology, www.armstrongfluidtechnology.com


Pump controller, VFD

The Technologic intelligent pump controller/variable frequency drive (VFD) is designed to provide users with two advanced controller functions—the Start-Up Genie and an electronically controlled bypass—to reduce onsite setup and configuration time by more than 50%. These advanced controller functions help reduce operating costs, optimize building systems, and ensure ease of service. The Technologic can also provide more efficient operation for applications with varying flow ranges by altering hydraulic performance to maintain constant system pressure. The drive provides constant-speed lag control and has the ability to control one variable-speed pump with up to two fixed-speed lag pumps.

Bell & Gossett, https://bellgossett.com


Horizontal heat pump

The WH Series horizontal-configuration, small-packaged water-source heat pump is available from ½ to 15 tons in replacement-ready sizes to match with conventional water-source heat pump products. WH Series units are designed with standard efficiencies that exceed ASHRAE standards. WH Series standard construction consists of an all-aluminum cabinet with closed-cell neoprene foam rubber insulation, induction-brazed copper piping, and stainless steel condensate drain pan. Toolless service panels provide access to the controls, compressor, and fan. A bottom service-access panel provides access to the expansion valve, reversing valve, filter drier, supply fan, and air filters.

AAON, www.aaon.com


Software: Design, Modeling, Analysis


Arcing current calculator

The Bussmann series Arcing Current Calculator is designed to enable users to quickly calculate the minimum and maximum arcing currents of electrical systems, based on IEEE 1584. This tool takes a given available short-circuit current and key system attribute inputs and provides the calculation of arcing currents per the IEEE 1584 equations and standard. Users can then output calculations for later reference or the creation of labels. Additionally, the tool provides quick access to Eaton application engineers for further assistance, if needed, and provides an interactive experience whether it’s on a desktop or mobile device.

Eaton, www.eaton.com/bussmannseries


BIM plug-in for Autodesk Revit

LayoutFAST is an intelligent plug-in for Autodesk Revit that makes it easier and faster to configure and insert products into projects. LayoutFAST supplies BIM managers, design engineers, and contractors with everything they need to design and specify complete electrical systems. LayoutFAST allows users to select and place products into designs from within Revit and configure them to meet project requirements. It also provides a library of electrical products updated in real time from the cloud to ensure current information is used in the design process. LayoutFAST enables users to share files and models, helping to drive collaboration and speed the development process.

Schneider Electric, www.schneider-electric.com


Monitoring, control system app

iCOM CMS is an Internet of Things (IoT) mobile app designed to provide information technology (IT) managers and service providers with advanced thermal monitoring and control for remote, mission critical locations and edge-computing sites. Operating as a mobile app, it provides IT managers and authorized service providers with visibility into temperature, humidity, and cooling-unit operating parameters. It also allows managers to forward alarms to technicians or service providers. All parties can view each step of the troubleshooting process. iCOM CMS is designed for simple, cost-effective connectivity to building management systems through BACnet, Modbus, and other protocols.

Vertiv, www.vertivco.com


Test Instruments, Meters, Data Loggers


Embedded micrometer

The Siemens Embedded Micro Metering Module (SEM3) integrates advanced electrical metering into a modular micrometer designed to be integrated into electrical equipment or provided loose for retrofit. The enhanced flexible design allows for low-, medium-, and high-density metering requirements to be met efficiently and economically using only a few standardized components that may be integrated into panelboard, switchboard, PDU, RPP, and bus-plug products. The SEM3 system has a wide range of applications and is used in building design, power distribution, and critical-load applications. SEM3 is available in solid and split-core CTs for retrofit applications and has an optional remote display for remote monitoring.

Siemens, https://usa.siemens.com


Branch circuit monitor

The Power Xpert Branch Circuit Monitor (PXBCM) is an advanced remote power-monitoring solution designed to provide visibility of energy usage and enhanced control response to energy loads and circuits all the way down to the plug level. The electrical monitoring solution is designed to help support improved power management and power-usage efficiency in high-density industrial sites or across an entire enterprise. The PXBCM helps users cost-effectively monitor, integrate, and protect mission critical electrical equipment and data systems. By combining advanced sensing, monitoring, and reporting capabilities down to the plug level, the PXBCM provides remote access to live, circuit-level energy-usage data for entire facilities.

Eaton, www.eaton.com


HVAC clamp meter

The Fluke 902 FC True-rms HVAC clamp meter is a wireless Fluke Connect-enabled meter designed to improve the productivity of HVAC technicians in the field. With the Fluke 902 FC, technicians can document measurements, email results to customers, and collaborate with colleagues in real time directly from the jobsite. The rugged CAT III 600V/CAT IV 300V-rated meter performs the essential measurements of HVAC systems, such as microamps for testing pilot light sensors, resistance up to 60 kilohms, ac current, ac/dc voltage, capacitance, and contact temperature. The clamp meter also decreases the frequency at which technicians will need to wear personal protective equipment when working on high-voltage/current panels.

Fluke Corp., www.fluke.com