Loadcenters feature in-board neutral capabilities.

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Eaton Introduces Contractor and Home Builder Cost Saving Enhancements to Premium Loadcenter Solutions

PITTSBURGH ... Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced its latest development in residential electrical solutions. These developments include time saving enhancements to the circuit protective devices and loadcenter designs resulting in lower installation costs for the electrical contractor. The new patent-pending Cutler-Hammer® plug-on neutral arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) reduces installation time by eliminating the extra step of wiring the neutral of the breaker to the neutral bar. This is accomplished by the addition of a metal stab on the breaker that clips on to an inboard neutral bar of the loadcenter. This new loadcenter system design, with in-board neutral, is optional in Eaton's Premium CH loadcenter solutions. The new loadcenter is also designed to accept all standard CH circuit breakers as well. Proven to prevent electrical fires, arc fault circuit interrupters have been required by the National Electrical Code® since 2002 for bedroom circuits only. Realizing that arcs can happen on any circuit, the National Electrical Code is considering implementing a whole-house AFCI requirement in the 2008 code. "Eaton has designed this new plug-on line of solutions to help contractors save time and money during residential loadcenter installations," said Matt Lorenz, residential business unit manager for Eaton's electrical business. "This plug-on neutral AFCI provides a timesaving solution for contractors and provides unsurpassed safety for the homeowner. It will help bring these life and property saving products into more circuits and more homes by making their installation easier." In timed installations, contractors saved as much as 45 minutes on the installation compared to a standard loadcenter using "pig-tailed" AFCI breakers. Eaton is committed to electrical safety solutions and this time saving innovation will help make the installation of these types of products more cost effective and expanded their usage in residential applications. In the electrical industry, Eaton is a global leader in electrical control, power distribution, and industrial automation products and services. Through advanced product development, world class manufacturing methods and global engineering services and support, Eaton provides customer-driven solutions under brand names such as Cutler-Hammer®, Powerware®, Durant®, Heinemann®, Holec(TM), and MEM®, which globally serve the changing needs of the industrial, utility, light commercial, residential, and OEM markets. For more information, visit www.eatonelectrical.com. Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2005 sales of $11.1 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 59,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.