RACO Shield-IT MC-PCS Connector Wins Category in Product of The Year Awards
South Bend, Indiana April 21, 2020 - RACO is pleased to announce that the Shield-IT line has won a Product of the Year award from EC&M magazine, in the Connector category. These revolutionary push-in connectors simplify splicing the double jacketed control/signal pairs of MC-PCS cable inside electrical boxes. RACO, part of Hubbell's Commercial Construction brands, provides innovative electrical products to commercial and residential markets.
Winning first place in the Connector Category of EC&M's Product of the Year Awards demonstrates how Shield-IT connectors help advance the commercial building industry. The MC-PCS cable type is growing with the use of advanced lighting controls in smart building applications. It offers to reduce material and installation costs. Proper installation, however, is vital for protecting electrical installers as well as building owners and occupants.
MC-PCS contains conductors for both power-and-lighting circuits and Class 2 (signal and control) circuits in the same armored cable. This is allowed by 2017 NEC article 725.136 because of additional insulation sheathing around the Class 2 conductors along the entire length of the cable. In the 2020 NEC, this is now covered in article 330.104.
RACO's code-compliant design provides proper splicing for the 16AWG solid copper control conductors while maintaining necessary insulation between them and the power conductors inside the same electrical box or enclosure. The products were developed with input from electrical inspectors. Two-pair, three-pair and four-pair Shield-IT models are available.
Contractors save significant wiring time with this unique connector, up to 4x faster than alternate methods. No need to add a second box or create a barrier between power and Class 2 conductors. No twisting, crimping or taping wires is required. Simply strip the Class 2 wires, push them in and click to close the shields. Shield-IT connectors make installation quick, safe and secure-the very first code-compliant splicing method for MC-PCS.
The Shield-IT design features color coded ports that ensure proper alignment. Polycarbonate construction with brass contacts and nylon shields provides durable yet easy service. Connectors are rated for 600V max voltage and 105ºC temperature. The clear housing makes visual inspection easy.
UL and CSA Listed, Shield-IT connectors are perfect for dimming control for LED or fluorescent lights, low voltage lighting and other smart building applications.
RACO's Shield-IT connectors are widely available across the United States. Find more information at www.hubbell.com.
About Hubbell Commercial Construction
Hubbell's Commercial Construction business includes a suite of five brands that manufacture innovative, high-quality and cost-effective electrical products for a broad range of applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, OEM and MRO. RACO produces electrical boxes and fittings. TayMac creates "while in use" covers for outdoor electrical. Bell is the name contractors know for weatherproof boxes and covers. Wiegmann offers a complete line of electrical enclosures. Acme Electric manufactures power conversion and conditioning equipment.
Hubbell Incorporated is an international electrical and electronics manufacturer. The company's history of electrical innovation extends back to 1888. Founder Harvey Hubbell invented the pull chain light switch and the duplex receptacle. Corporate headquarters are located in Shelton, Connecticut.
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