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CONTENTS
PUBLISHER
Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER
Anita Salchert ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Bart Beason bart@epsmag.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Derek Gaylard CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Vincent R. Miller, Jr CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Pam Fulmer
FEATURES 36 New Standards in
NFPA 70E Protection
By Vincent R. Miller Jr, CSP
TOP PRODUCTS 6 This year’s Top Products in the Electrical Industry market
DEPARTMENTS 40 Ad Index
36 PRESIDENT
Danny J. Salchert Executive and Advertising Offices 3591 Cahaba Beach Road Birmingham, AL 35242 toll free: 800.981.4541 phone: 205.981.4541 fax: 205.981.4544 www.epsmag.net • danny@epsmag.net Electrical Products & Solutions™ is published twelve times a year on a monthly basis by ABD Communications, Inc., 3591 Cahaba Beach Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed to qualified readers in the electrical contracting industry. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABD Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 382885 Birmingham, Alabama 35238-2885
PRINTED IN THE USA
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Top Products
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
Each year we choose what we believe are Top Products in the Electrical Industry market. This year is no different. The products and services chosen are each unique, beneficial and reliable in their own right. Having the ability to choose the tools and services that best fits your job description and your work style is what it’s all about. We hope you agree with our choices.
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Top Products
Do you need to prove AC power quality before installing an expensive appliance, or piece of equipment? Do you need to keep an eye on site conditions while you are away? ACScout can provide solutions for these and many other applications. The V3 will provide monitoring, and logging of voltage and frequency variations, when you need to know what is coming from that wall socket or PDU. The V3 also measures ambient temperature and will log high/low events. The NET and NET BB units can be your helpful watchdog while you are away. These units will monitor, and log variations in voltage, frequency, and temperature and can be configured to send email, or text alerts in the case of an event. The Scout is perfect for server rooms, data centers, or remote applications. For more information, visit acscout.com
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
New 120v Step Light We are very excited to introduce our latest addition to our extensive product line. Dabmar Lighting has developed a new integrated LED 120 volt, 1.5 W, step light (DSL-LED1200) that will fit into an existing electrical box. No need to choose a cover, we provide them both with each fixture. Available in powder-coated Black, Bronze, White and Verde Green. These step lights are perfect for indoor and outdoor applications. With a bright light output, this is the right choice for your next project. For more information, visit dabmar.com
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Top Products AEMC® has New Clamp-On Ground Testers Models 6416 & 6417 The Models 6416 & 6417 measure ground rod and grid resistance and impedance without the use of auxiliary rods. They can be used on multi-grounded systems without disconnecting or de-energizing the system. The Models 6416 & 6417 simply clamp around the grounding electrode or conductor and measure the resistance to ground. By performing measurements on intact ground systems, the user also verifies the quality of the grounding connections and bonds. Ground voltage is displayed and an alarm sounds when unsafe conditions may exist. User selectable test frequency improves measurement accuracy in inductive environments and loop resistance indication alerts the user when the measurement maybe through a loop and not the earth. The Model 6417 is available with an Android™ application for easy data programming, downloading, printing and emailing test results from your mobile device in real-time or from stored data. An OLED display provides easy reading in bright sunlight or in total darkness. Measurements are from 0.1 to 1500 Ohms and current up to 40 AAC. For more information, visit www.aemc.com
The AllEarth Solar Tracker Designed and manufactured in the U.S., the AllEarth Solar tracker is a complete grid-tied solar electric system that produces up to 45% more electricity than fixed systems. The tracker uses GPS and wireless technology to follow the sun throughout the day for optimal energy production. Made in the U.S., the ground-mounted solar tracker is designed for residential and commercial scale installations. Its simple, durable design and complete system pallet simplifies costly procurement and installation time, allowing for easy shipping directly to the installer or job site. With an industryleading 10-year warranty and 120-mph wind rating, the tracker can withstand harsh winter climates with superior snow shedding. It was selected as a top-10 green product by BuildingGreen Magazine in 2012 and was listed as one of GreenBuildTV’s top 9 Green Building Products of 2013. There are now over 2,500 trackers installed throughout the U.S. For more information, visit www.allearthrenewables.com
BOLT STAR®
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
BOLT STAR® is a reusable bolt template designed to hold four anchor bolts in place while supporting the rebar cage during the pour of a concrete pole base. Features adjustable bolt slots and built-in bubble levels. Eliminates wood templates and radically improves the productivity of crews in the construction of light pole bases. How this Innovation Benefits Electrical Contractors: • Saves Labor — contractors report savings of at least half the time required to set up and pour a pole base, compared to the wood templates method • Reusable — eliminates wood template building, and the tool typically pays for itself on the first job • Reduces Risk — creates a standardized process that delivers consistent accuracy and quality with no measuring, cutting and drilling holes. Room to trowel finish the top of base without removing the template, lowering the risk of “leaners” and costly rework. The days of building wood templates are over! For more information, visit bolt-star.com 12
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Top Products
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
The New 9900C UPS The new 9900C provides over one megawatt (1.05 MVA) of power in a single UPS and is smaller and lighter than competitive products. With efficiencies up to 97%, it is the first true on-line double conversion UPS at this power level to deliver the highest efficiency at all load levels and substantially reduces operating costs. The 9900C is capable of providing redundancy up to 700 kw and delivers the highest power density per square foot of floor space. The 9900C achieves superior UPS performance and reliability through smarter control of the IGBT, the preferred power device for UPS systems. The three-level converter design enables an unprecedented 15 year lifetime on capacitors. The 9900C UPS features an intuitive LCD touch screen and is smart phone and tablet compatible. For more information, visit www.meppi.com
Brother PT-E550W Industrial Labeling Tool with Wireless Connectivity and Auto “half-cut” Cutter • QWERTY keyboard • Label application keys for cable wrap/flag, patch panel, punch block, faceplate, serialized and other labels • Prints extremely durable, laminated easy-peel labels, including heat-shrink tube* • Prints up to 7 lines on a label • Accepts both HGe and TZe laminated tape cassettes • Prints fast up to 30mm per second • Backlit 15 character X 2 line graphic LCD display • Prints 6 label sizes 3.5mm to 24mm • Wi-Fi® and USB interfaces • Carrying case, long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery, AC adapter/charger, USB cable included • Includes CD with label-design, data transfer manager, and printing software • 384 industrial symbols • Barcode label printing solution • 2-year limited exchange warranty For more information, visit www.edgelabeling.com
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Top Products
Labor Saving Electrical Brackets HB Brackets new innovative T-5 and T-8 fluorescent high-bay fixture brackets have been developed for all types of applications such as warehouses and large commercial retail buildings. These facilities make it difficult to install and level this type of lighting. Typically they are installed with chains or cables, which can lead to the fixtures swinging or misalignment. HB Brackets has created an innovative solution to this typical problem created from outdated installation technique. Our patent pending design ensures that lighting fixtures are level, and installation is quick and easy. Our brackets are self-leveling, which not only makes your facility more attractive with consistent lighting placement, but is also very time-effective. Installation is a simple one person process that saves time and manpower; HB Brackets are made in the USA from 18 gauge galvanized metal and provide the most long term and durable lighting bracket on the market. It is our goal to continue to design innovative products that save labor on installation. For more information, visit www.hbbrackets.com
Shoo-Pin PT-FX Flex Cable Adapters
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
The frustration is all too common, when a cable does not fit into the lug on the gear. Whether it’s oversized or highly stranded flex cable, it must be adapted to fit into the existing lug. The use of compression connectors are universally preferred for terminating high-strand flexible cables. to avoid the twisting action of a set-screw on the fine strands. Greaves PT-FX Shoo-Pin™ Flex Cable Adapter Plugs provide a Class B tip for insertion into a mechanical lug. These all-copper compression adapters also incorporate a flared-barrel opening, which greatly aids installation; the smooth inside funnel shape helps every strand slide easily into place the first time. A sizing chart is available to assist in proper barrel-size selection. The adapters are supplied with an insulating cover, and they are UL Listed and CSA Certified. For more information, visit greaves-usa.com
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Top Products
Roll-A-Reel Platform Roll-A-Reel platforms are America’s original and most efficient reel handling platforms for reel dispensing cable, wire, hose, rope or anything else on wood, plastic, or steel reels. Why ‘man handle’ heavy reels? On site payout and take-up can be handled with ease using Roll-A-Reel platforms for installation or repair jobs. Throw the platform on the back of your work truck and dispense from the truck bed. Or, take on site and load your reels right on location. Roll-A-Reel platforms are lightweight but made of durable structural steel for long lasting support of heavyweight material. Roll-A-Reel reel handlers are the quickest and safest platforms ever used for winding or unwinding anything put on a reel. It is a one-man operation saving valuable labor, effort and time. See Roll-A-Reel.Com for more info. For more information, visit Roll-A-Reel.com
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
Megger’s 15 kV Insulation Tester Saves Time and Trouble In response to the growing recognition of the benefits of 15 kV dc insulation testing, Megger has introduced a new instrument with 15 kV testing capabilities – the MIT1525 which provides insulation resistance measurement up to 30 TΩ with 6 mA of noise rejection. This instrument can operate from internal rechargeable batteries, which charge in only 2 hours and just one half-hour charge will enable over an hour’s continuous testing. The instrument also operates from an ac supply making it an attractive and timesaving alternative to mains-powered dc hi-pot testers in applications where an ac supply is not readily available. The MIT1525 offers IR, timed IR, DAR, PI, DD, SV and ramp diagnostic tests. Despite its versatility, the new instrument is fast and simple to operate – its intuitive user interface allows all major functions to be selected with two rotary controls, and its large backlit display allows multiple results to be shown simultaneously. As with all Megger instruments, operational safety is built in. For more information, visit www.megger.com
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Top Products
Adhesive Pipe Markers More and more specifications are requiring the labeling of all electrical systems. Kolbi has the labels required to meet your needs. Manufactured in the USA, most items are in stock or ship within 48 hours. Call us at 800-499-8450. For more information visit www.kolbipipemarkers.com
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
Simply Automated’s – Anywhere Virtual 3-Way Switch Kit Simply Automated, an industry leader in home lighting automation and control, offers the Anywhere Virtual 3-Way Switch Kit with two, professional grade, virtual 3-way switches. The switches replace existing mechanical wall switches; utilize same wires of existing switches – no traveler wires or batteries needed! Turn on/off circuits from both switches. A simple cost effective alternative for the professional electrician – versus pulling costly new wiring or using wireless DIY options that do not always work. They employ Simply Automated’s advanced powerline technology – transmits over 1 mile on a 14 AWG circuit. Up to 4 sets of Anywhere Switches, controlled receptacles and relay modules can be used around the home. Simply change to a different channel (1-4), for up to four separate zones of lighting control. If 4-way control is needed, just add another Anywhere Switch. Any number of switches, receptacles and modules can be added, on any channel. For more information, visit Simply-Automated.com
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Top Products
TCP’s Elite Series LED PAR Lamps TCP’s Elite series LED PAR lamps incorporate TCP’s award winning technology and combine traditional beauty with top technology and are available in over 500 options. The Elite series LED PARs boast an energy savings of as much as 85 percent, have a rated life of 25,000 hours and include a variety of ENERGY STAR®-rated bulbs. The designer grade light quality combined with the housing design allows for these lamps to seamlessly blend into event the most demanding lighting applications. The Elite series is available in PAR38, PAR30 and PAR20 shapes, dimming and non-dimming options, and have a large variety of color temperatures ranging from 24K to 50K. For more information, visit www.tcpi.com
Connect Generators with the InterLock Kit
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
Connect portable and standby generators to home panels with the InterLock Kit. Safe and easy-to-use, the InterLock Kit is designed to provide contractors and homeowners a low cost alternative to a transfer switch. The InterLock Kit is a safe and legal device that allows users to connect their generators to existing panels for quick and convenient use of all original circuits. The InterLock Kit retrofits to any existing panel and requires no additional wall space. The InterLock Kit meets NEC article 702.6 and NFPA 70 requirements. The InterLock Kit is a much-needed product that will save your business time and increase over-all sales. Make more money today by offering your customers the InterLock Kit. Generator InterLock Technologies offers same day shipping on all 45 models. For more information, visit www.interlockkit.com
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Top Products
LVPRO Cable Tester “The LVPRO is the tool that does it all. This industry leading cable tester is the one tester you need to run a variety of cable testing procedures like, Cable Map, Ethernet Switch Port Blink, Speaker Pop, Cable Length, PoE Volts, Battery Test, Tone Generation, Phone Volts, CCTV Signal test, 10/100/1000 indication & the capability to print results. Also, with the ability of having Smart Remotes you can perform complex cable tests on 8 cables at a time. The LVPRO allows you be the PRO in any cable testing situation!” For more information, visit www.triplett.com
Hioki LR8410-20 Wireless Data Logger
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
Hioki’s Wireless Data Logging Station LR8410-20 captures data from remotely installed logging modules wirelessly. Two types of logging modules provide measurement and recording capabilities for voltage, temperature, resistance, and humidity data. Each station can control up to seven logging modules (for a total of 105 channels), and data is logged using a high-speed sampling process that scans all channels every 100 ms. Wireless technology makes it possible to log over 100 channels of data in applications where it would be difficult to use a conventional logger, such as high locations where wiring would be difficult or inside secured control panels. Since the logging modules can be placed right next to the system to be measured, long wires and connection complexities are minimized. For more information, visit www.hioki.com
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Top Products
Install Peace of Mind! First there was 4 square... And now the REVOLUTIONARY 5 Square Box! You’ve struggled with 4 Square boxes for years - you know how small, cramped and time consuming they are. Finally, there is a solution that allows you the space you have always needed. The 5 Square® Boxes (5” x 5” x 2-7/8”) provide up to 88 in³ of interior volume which more than doubles that of most existing boxes on the market. Create a robust and unrivaled infrastructure for the life of your facility with the 5 Square® Products! For more information, visit www.randl-inc.com
BNT Family of Cable Supports
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
The BNT family of cable supports from Underground Devices meets power utility needs for a manhole cable support system that is nonmetallic and nonconductive. These cable supports are an ideal replacement to steel cable racks since they will not rust or corrode, eliminate the need for grounding the cable supports and make the use of insulators unnecessary. Additionally, BNT arms and stanchions have loading capacities comparable to similar heavy duty steel cable racks. Arm installation is safe and simple for the BNT family of cable supports. The arms are secured in place with nonmetallic pins, allowing for installation and removal of the arms without disturbing any cable. The BNT arms also mate with many existing steel stanchions, allowing for a gradual retrofit of existing manholes. Due to the extreme strength and rigidity of the BNT stanchions, most installations require only two bolts to secure a stanchion to the manhole wall. For more information, visit www.udevices.com
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Top Products LED-8039 - Bollard Lamp Light Efficient Design – the industry’s most complete line of LED Lamps for HID Retrofit! This 20W LED Lamp replaces 70W HID. Super compact with omni-directional LEDs for powerful 360° illumination. Perfect for jelly jar, bollards & smaller wall packs. Huge cost savings over 50,000 hour life. For more information, visit www.led-llc.com
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
FlashTrack Electricians, contractors, and other electrical workers use FlashTrack™ by Facility Results™ to catalog, document, and capture required nameplate information for arc flash analysis. This singlesource solution for data collection, label installation, and change management ensures you gather what you need the first time. Label installation is 30% faster with the FlashTrack Inventory Report, organized by location, including up to four photographs for each piece of equipment. Easily master FlashTrack’s drag-and-drop, Windows-based environment, with convenient drop-down menus, component libraries, and keyboard shortcuts. Contractors use FlashTrack to generate recurring revenue and some have increased profits by as much as 60%. Set yourself apart with FlashTrack by Facility Results for faster, more efficient arc flash analysis. For more information, visit FacilityResults.com
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Top Products
iTOOLco Cannon 6K Wire Puller The iTOOLco Cannon 6K wire puller works like two pullers in one. With the dual capstans, you can begin a pull on high speed, and then as the load gets heavier, switch to the higher torque capstan for maximum time savings. This versatile tool can pull at 4 different speeds, 8’ and 28’ per minute on low speed, and 20’ and 70’ per minute on high speed. The Cannon 6K is easy to transport, and easy to adjust for underground, overhead or side pulls. It can be used in a truck receiver hitch, and comes ready to use right out of the box. Safe, easy, and fast, this puller is designed to save time and money. For more information, visit itoolco.com
SolarAlpha Flood Light
2014 TOP PRODUCTS
SEPCO – Solar Electric Power Company’s SolarAlpha flood light provides high powered security lighting for areas where grid extension can be cost prohibitive. The system operates independently from grid power and has zero electric bills. The solar power assembly comes pre-assembled and ready to mount. The assembly mounts to a minimum 4” OD pole and consists of the solar module, brackets, wiring harness, lighting controller, and batteries. The fixture mounts below on a horn bracket which allows the fixture to tilt and rotate to aim the light and uses a direction beam for no light trespass and provides up to 5680 Lumens for high security areas. The system can be programmed to operate dusk to dawn, through a motion detector or a number of other customizable schedules. The solar provides the power to the light fixture at night through our advanced control electronics that ensure the battery life and operation meets the needs of the client. Meeting AASHTO wind load requirements, our fully integrated system ensures your lighting will provide the security you are looking to achieve for years to come. For more information, visit www.sepco-solarlighting.com
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FEATURE • Miller Safety Consultants, Ltd
New Standards in NFPA 70E Protection
By Vincent R. Miller Jr, CSP
I
n the March issue of Electrical Products & Solutions, I provided information regarding the Business Risks associated with electricity. Since writing the article, the National Fire Protection Association has release the latest consensus standard – NFPA 70E-2015 edition. In the new standard, there has been an emphasis on evaluating risk. Definitions have been added to the document on hazards, risk and risk assessment. The committee also created a table – 130.7(C) (15)(A)(a) - for reference on whether a potential for an arc flash would exist in common equipment that it compares properly maintained equipment verses equipment that is not maintained. Another key item has been the elimination of the “prohibited” approach boundary. We now have two boundaries within the “shock” risk assessment – Limited approach and restricted approach. The requirements for personal protective equipment were basically the same requirements. Hazard Risk Category was removed as a reference and replaced by personal protective equipment category. PPE 0 was removed within the referenced and only arc rated clothing is listed. The requirement of properly maintaining equipment was defined as the responsibility of the owner or their representatives. This further defined who’s responsibility of managing the risk belongs to. Qualified electricians must coordinate with the owners/representatives to ensure that additional risk of injury to health is reduced. A clarification was also made on the performing of arc flash surveys verses the table methods (130.7(C)(15)(A)(b) and 130.7(C)(15)(B) ) for AC and DC voltages. The tables are not to be used if the parameters defined in the tables are not met and a arc flash survey is required. The requirements for a Electrical Safety
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Program now includes “maintenance” requirements. Also, is the requirement of performing “field audits” at least once per year. Most companies do perform this task in addition to auditing their safety program. Employee training includes “performance” evaluation and documentation. Although this was included in past editions of 70E, there is more emphasis in
Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2014
the new standard. New section added requiring the employer to perform a risk assessment before cutting or drilling into equipment, floors, walls or structural elements where there is likelihood of contact with energized circuits. New maintenance requirements for test equipment. Must include Continued on page 38
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FEATURE • Miller Safety Consultants, Ltd
functional verification 110.4(A)(5);250.4 There are more areas of document clarification that provides the qualified person with the tools to evaluate their risk when required to work on or near energized equipment. The Electrical Work Permit has been defined within the definitions section to clarify the need to perform the checklist need in live electrical work. As always, de-energized
work is always the preferred method. The 2015 NFPA 70E is a definite improvement providing more clarity to perform our electrical work safely. The feedback I’ve received from qualified electrical workers, project managers and safety man-
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agers has been positive support of the new standard. There are many companies that provide on-line and classroom training for your employees that provide a “heavy” awareness of the 70E requirements and the OSHA standards. The proficiency requirements for a qualified person can be met at your facility and documented in the employee’s training records. Personal protective equipment includes insulated, rated tools and clothing. All clothing is to be “arc rated”. There are many providers of various types of arc-rated clothing. New light-weight that is arc rated has become very popular. The new light-weight 40 Calorie suites are shown on my web site – www.millersafetyltd.com. We are adding new styles in the 12 and 20 Calorie class in the next few weeks. I’m also sharing information, as I obtain it from my manufacturers in the “Helpful Resource” section. As a manufacturer representative, I believe in an educated consumer policy. ❏
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Advertiser INDEX This advertisers index is compiled as a courtesy to our readers. While every effort is made to provide a complete and accurate listing of companies, page numbers and reader service numbers, the publisher is not responsible for errors.
Company
PG#
RS#
Company
2015 BATTCON CONFERENCE ACSCOUT LLC AEMC INSTRUMENTS ALBER CORPORATION ALFRA USA, LLC ALLEARTH RENEWABLES, INC. BOLT STAR/CONSTRUCTION INNOVATIONS BROTHER MOBILE SOLUTIONS, INC. CALIFORNIA TURBO CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS CONTINENTAL CONTROL SYSTEMS, LLC DABMAR LIGHTING E-Z METER ELECDIRECT.COM LLC FACILITY RESULTS GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES GREAVES HB BRACKETS HIOKI USA ITOOLCO KRENZ & COMPANY KOLBI PIPE MARKER CO.
28 40 IFC 14 19 35 38 3 24 4 40 30 26 34 38 7 20 11 BC, 15 23 34 18
47 55 1 13 16 24 53 5 44 6 56 48 45 51 54 8 57 11 3, 14 18 52 50
LIGHT EFFICIENT DESIGN MEGGER MILLER SAFETY CONSULTANTS, LTD MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTS, INC. NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS PHASE-A-MATIC POWER & TEL POWER-ONE RANDL ROLL-A-REEL SEPCO SIMPLY AUTOMATED INC. SP PRODUCTS INC. STEELMAN INDUSTRIES STRIP-TEC SURGE SUPPRESSION INC. TCP THE HOME DEPOT THIRD COAST UNDERWRITERS TRIPLETT/BYTE BROTHERS UNDERGROUND DEVICES UTILITY METALS
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PG#
RS#
5 IBC 37 39 25 30 27 17 22 24 29 21 32 26 16 8 31 13 9 1 33 10
7 2 25 26 19 49 20 15 27 43 21 17 50 46 42 41 22 12 9 4 23 10
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