Extech EX623 5-in-1 Clamp Meter Wins Gold Innovation and Technology Award at Asia's Biggest Electronics Event


Tough economy plays a role in 10th Annual HKEIA Awards

Summary: Extech Instruments was awarded the Gold Industrial Electronics Innovation and Technology Award for its new EX623 5-in-1 clamp meter at Asia's biggest electronics event, the 28th annual Hong Kong Electronics Fair and electronicAsia. The competition and event were organized by the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association (HKEIA).

Waltham, MA - October 22, 2008 - Extech Instruments (www.extech.com), a subsidiary of FLIR Systems, Inc., was awarded the Gold Industrial Electronics Innovation and Technology Award for its new EX623 5-in-1 clamp meter at Asia's biggest electronics event, the 28th annual Hong Kong Electronics Fair and electronicAsia. The competition and event were organized by the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association (HKEIA). The HKEIA competition aims to recognize and reward makers of outstanding new products that demonstrate excellence in design, technology, and feature sets. Nearly 100 products were entered in the competition and award-winners in three categories-consumer electronics, portable electronics, and industrial electronics--were selected from a narrowed field of 20 finalists.

Judge Chan: "Attendees would pay more consideration on how products could be marketable in this challenging year and that's why this year, our panel put more emphasis on the market value of the entries."

Jerry Blakeley, president of Extech Instruments, spoke about the award honors, "Extech Instruments has been an exhibitor at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair for many years and we recognize the major significance of this event in the global electronics landscape. We are thrilled to receive the gold award for the EX623 5-in-1 clamp meter. I was particularly aware of many discussions with judges, buyers and other exhibitors centered on the current economic conditions. This year, it was clear that judges and buyers were looking for products that are not only built to exceed the demands of customers, but also to meet their budget requirements. By offering one meter that functions in the place of five, the EX623 delivers both high functionality and high value for customers who need to get more and spend less."

About the Winning Product

Extech's 5-in-1 clamp meter is specifically designed for HVAC/R and electrical professionals in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial settings. The EX623 accurately measures AC and DC current, voltage, and temperatures for troubleshooting both new installations and preventive/ongoing maintenance and repairs. No other clamp meter offers the convenience and versatility of 5 meters in one instrument: AC/DC clamp meter; advanced, True RMS multimeter; infrared thermometer (Extech-patented); non-contact voltage detector; and dual Type-K thermometer.

The EX623's infrared thermometer and laser pointer make temperature readings simpler and safer. And, having two Type K thermocouple inputs make superheat and sub-cooling temperature measurements easier to perform. The DC microamp function is ideal for flame rod current measurements and the EX623's generous 36mm jaw opening handles conductors up to 500MCM. To make users' everyday installation, diagnostic, and maintenance tasks simpler and easier, Extech's EX623 offers users a valuable combination of 5-in1 convenience, a rugged double-molded housing, competitive pricing, top-spec capabilities, and less toolbelt/toolbox clutter that no other brand can offer. Extech's 5-in-1 redefines expectations about clamp, multimeter, voltage detector, IR thermometer and Type-K thermometer functionality and form factor. Designed by customer feedback, users increasingly demand multi-function capabilities, one device, and no compromises.

About the Awards

The tenth annual HKEIA Innovation and Technology award-winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of distinguished representatives from academia, industry organizations, and CEOs from leading electronics companies led by Professor Philip Chan, dean of the school of engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Judges remarked that it was very difficult to choose this year's winners as scores were very close. Chief judge, Prof. Chan observed that "winners of the award exhibit an outstanding degree of sophistication." He added that attendees "would pay more consideration on how products could be marketable in this challenging year and that's why this year, our panel put more emphasis on the market value of the entries."

The award presentation ceremony was held Tuesday, October 14, 2008 and winners received a trophy from Mr. Duncan Pescod, the permanent secretary for commerce and economic development (Communications and Technology). HKEIA awards are divided into 3 categories of products: Consumer Electronics, Portable Electronics and Industrial Electronics. In addition to the Gold award, Extech also received Finalist honors for the RT30 Wireless AC Circuit Identifier, a virtual electrician's assistant. To learn more about the RT30 and the EX623 5-in-1 clamp meter, please visit www.extech.com.

Extech's extensive catalog covers sixteen product categories including airflow meters (anemometers); moisture and humidity meters (hygrometers and psychrometers); fiber optic, light and sound meters (including dosimeters); water quality meters; gas detectors; pressure meters; calibrators; thermocouple thermometers; voltmeters; and numerous other test and measurement devices. Well-known for its innovation-focused approach to product development, Extech has aggressively implemented built-in infrared technology across its product range. (Extech holds five patents incorporating infrared (IR) in measurement instruments.)

Visit www.extech.com for a complete product listing

About Extech Instruments, a FLIR Company

Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, Extech Instruments is one of the largest suppliers of test and measurement equipment worldwide. Founded in 1971, Extech is known for its depth and breadth of products and its innovation in providing instruments with unique combinations of features that make them highly useful and very convenient. All Extech meters are distributed worldwide through leading representatives, distributors and OEMs. The company is ISO 9001 2000 certified and is a wholly owned subsidiary of FLIR Systems, Inc.

Contact:

Andre Rebelo
Global PR Manager
Extech Instruments
781-434-3901
andre.rebelo@extech.com

All Topics