News

Eaton Products Make the Home Better Connected and Protected with Innovations to Meet Consumer Needs (14/2/2005)

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN), long known for the ingenuity, reliability and quality of its standard residential electrical products, is making the leap to the next level of functionality and command of the home environment. Through superior technology and knowledge of consumer needs, Eaton is making the home more connected and protected. From a new, wireless home awareness system to a more advanced and efficient take on traditional residential wiring, Eaton is bolstering its position as an industry leader.

"These product offerings are transcending the traditional definition of home. No longer just an end of day destination, these enhanced homes are networked to every facet of our lives including family, work, entertainment and security," says Dave Tallman, vice-president and general manager, Residential Product Division, Eaton's electrical business.

The Cutler-Hammer brand Structured Wiring Solutions is a good example of state-of-the-art technology helping families enhance their homes for years to come. This system bundles and distributes cables throughout the house and ties them to a central panel. Internet access, telephone lines, computer networks, satellite or cable television, and sound systems are now more convenient.

As a pioneer of the Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, Eaton proved to be on the cutting edge of innovation. The Cutler-Hammer FIRE-GUARD(TM) Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a residential circuit breaker that provides protection from arcing faults, conductor damage due to thermal overloads and short circuits, as well as 5 mA ground fault protection in one integrated design. The FIRE-GUARD AFCI has an integrated processor that recognizes the unique current and voltage signatures associated with arcing faults. It interrupts the circuit to reduce the likelihood of an electrical fire and can also be equipped to protect against personal shock hazards.

Today, homes are filled with sensitive electronic equipment that can be easily damaged by common power surges. That's why surge protection is so critical. Eaton offers a full range of innovative and reliable surge protection products that help prevent the damaging effects of lightning and utility switching among other thing, like the new surge panel. The surge panel is a loadcenter that includes whole home surge protection factory installed providing protection from surges where they enter the home. Another growing trend among consumers is the need for back-up power. Eaton has responded to this need with an expanded line of automatic standby generators and transfer switches. When used together, the transfer switch and automatic generator sense when utility power is down and transfer the moment standby power is needed. Safe, environmentally friendly and efficient, the Home Standby Generator provides reliable and continuous power for the home.

As an answer to the growing trend of home awareness, Eaton will introduce a truly cutting-edge product, Home Heartbeat(TM), in 2005. The Home Heartbeat(TM) system is an "out-of-the-box" home awareness system that allows homeowners an all-in-one glimpse at the status and condition of their homes. The product is a wireless, plug-and-use system that installs in just minutes, and its keychain-sized LCD screen provides updates as it monitors for the presence or absence of water, status of home appliances, routine maintenance schedules, and notification of open (or closed) doors and windows.

These and other Eaton products are available at most electrical distributors and home improvement stores nationwide. A Home Heartbeat builder package will be released in 2005, and address water mitigation via a whole house water shut-off device.

www.eaton.com