Press Release 07/29/02

New technology makes CF 12 most reliable, easiest to use

CAMPBELL, Calif. July 29, 2002 – Zircon's new CF 12 circuit breaker finder, scheduled for release this summer, allows one person to determine which breaker controls a specific circuit, and turn off power and work on only that circuit. With the CF 12, you don't have to shut off power to the entire house, or go through trial-and-error, accidentally shutting off things you don't want to (like a computer), or things that will require re-programming (like a VCR).

Like other Zircon® electronic tools, the CF 12 offers dramatic technological improvements to the electrical contractor, coupled with no-guesswork dependability that can be used safely and effectively by practically any homeowner. The CF 12 features new, patent-pending technology that makes circuit finding simple and provides complete confidence, so users never have a question about whether they've identified the correct circuit.

The CF 12 is more reliable and much easier to use than anything currently available. Similar products on the market now are problematic at best, and totally unreliable at worst. With the CF 12, there are no intricate adjustments required or confusing displays to interpret, so the time to locate the correct circuit is reduced dramatically. Other products require fine-tuning of sensitivity dials or interpretation of LED arrays, both time consuming and difficult to do.

With the CF 12, users get one-button operation — just plug in the transmitter and turn on a switch, which lights a red LED. The CF 12 automatically calibrates and continuously adjusts sensitivity without user involvement as the breakers are scanned. There is no guesswork, because when the correct breaker is found, a single green LED comes on and an audio signal goes off. The CF 12 will never signal a false positive if a circuit is not connected to a particular breaker box. With competing products, it is possible to think that a breaker controls a circuit, even when it is not connected to that box.

The CF 12 has two parts: a transmitter that plugs into a circuit via a standard outlet and sends a signal down the wire connecting that circuit, and a receiver wand which is used to scan the circuit panel breakers. The receiver is powered by one 9-volt battery.

When not in use, the two parts of the CF 12 snap securely together, so they are easier to store and find later. Competing products are also two or more parts, but do not fit together when not in use, so parts can be easily separated and lost. The CF 12 transmitter has a foldaway AC plug so it will not snag on other items in a toolbox or drawer. The receiver includes a belt-clip.

Additional attention to industrial design has resulted in a receiver that is easy and natural to hold and use with one hand. Its LEDs, located on top of the unit, are easy to see. Some competing products require the user to hold a receiving unit in one hand, while scanning the breaker box with a hard-wired wand. Others require that their receivers be held in unnatural and uncomfortable positions.

"The CF 12 is another example of an electronic hand tool that should become an essential part of every professional's toolbox," stated Zircon President Charles Stauss. "Because it completely eliminates guesswork, it can be used easily by most homeowners too. It is another one-of-a-kind Zircon innovation that helps people get their work done fast and safely. The CF 12 extends our line of precision scanners that find studs, metal, and even hot AC behind walls, floors and ceilings."

Zircon's CF 12 has a suggested retail price of $49.95. It is backed by a one-year limited warranty and will be available this fall at leading home centers, hardware stores, and professional outlets. Or call 1-800-245-9265 for a store near you.

Silicon Valley-based Zircon is dedicated to delivering innovative, easy-to-use technology to the world's toolboxes. Founded in 1975, the company uses patented technology to design, develop, manufacture, and market one-of-a-kind hand tools that perform critical, everyday jobs, saving users time and money. Zircon's products include the StudSensor™ family, the original and best-selling line of stud and joist finders, and a full line of electronic scanning, measuring, and leveling tools for almost every job. For more information about Zircon's family of products, call 1-800-245-9265.

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Note: CENTERVISION, DEEPSCAN, DIMENSION PRO, EXTREME PRECISION, iLINE, iSENSOR, LASERVISION, METALLISCANNER, MULTISCANNER,ONESTEP, RADAR VISION, REPEATER, SPOTLITE, TRISCANNER, TRUCAL, ULTRALEVEL 6, VIDEOLEVEL, VIDEOSCANNER, WIREWARNING and ZIRCON are registered trademarks of Zircon Corporation. AUTOCAL, DIMENSIONATOR, EASYMARK, HYPERTAPE, LEAK ALERT, MAKE NO MISTAKE, PLUMB PYRAMID, QUBE, STUDSENSOR, STUDVISON and WINDOW-IN-THE-WALL are trademarks of Zircon Corporation. (041307)