2017 Top 100 Products: Mechanical, Electrical, Home Tech

To see products in the other 2017 Top 100 categories, click here. Click images to enlarge.

Thermostat / Nest 

The third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat has a big, sharp display so users can see the temperature, weather, or time from across the room. Heating and cooling settings can be adjusted using a smartphone, and the system tracks the phone’s location so it can conserve energy when the house is empty. The thermostat even tracks users’ preferences and automatically sets itself after just one week, sending alerts when temperatures are too low or too high. Units have rings that come in Copper, Stainless Steel, Black, or White.

Tubing / Gastite 

FlashShield Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) from Gastite brings natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to appliances with no additional bonding for quick and easy installation. The stainless steel tubing is made with a UV-resistant polyethylene jacket, and it is flexible enough for routing through complex building structures and designs. FlashShield CSST is lightning-resistant and meets the requirements of ASTM E84 Index for Flame and Smoke. The manufacturer says it is the only metallically shielded CSST on the market.

Smart Door Keypad / August 

The battery-operated Smart Keypad from August creates auto-generated unique entry codes for one-time or regular use by guests, without the need for a key. It connects to the August Home app, which tracks when the door is locked and unlocked. The August Doorbell Cam lets users see and speak with visitors through a 140-degree high-definition video camera with two-way audio. A motion sensor captures video of visitors even if they don’t ring the bell, and users can view a livestream of their door. The keypad and camera can be installed separately or in tandem.

Wiring Enclosures And Outlets / ICC 

ICC, a manufacturer of copper and fiber structured cabling products, such as wiring enclosures and outlets, makes midrange products designed for condos, townhomes, and single-family production-built houses. Products include wiring enclosure combos, each with eight phone ports, six video ports, eight Category 6 data ports (model K), a door or cover, and mounting hardware. 

Software / Bluebeam Software 

Bluebeams’s Revu delivers PDF creation, editing, markup, and collaboration technology for AEC professionals. The software converts Microsoft Office documents and CAD drawings into high-quality 2-D or 3-D PDFs; turns scanned images into text-searchable documents; allows team members to annotate plans and generate reports; and creates smart documents that can be shared with partners in the office and the field. Among the new features for Revu 2017 are measurement tools with more accurate and faster calculations, and the ability to section off and fill complex drawing regions for markups. 

Dryer Vent Box / In-O-Vate Technologies

The Dryerbox from In-O-Vate makes it possible to place a dryer flush to the wall without restricting airflow or crushing the exhaust hose, which saves space in the laundry room and reduces fire hazards associated with dryer venting problems. Model DB-480 has upward or downward exhaust on a pedestal or the floor and measures 23 ½ inches tall by 17 3∕8 inches wide by 5 ¹∕8 inches deep. It is UL listed and the surface is easy to paint.

Thermostat / Honeywell

T Series Thermostats from Honeywell use the same UWP mounting system and feature on-screen menus with familiar installer setup, making them simple to install and program. The collection contains the Lyric T6 Pro Wi-Fi model, where users can set a schedule or choose location-based control using geofence technology. It also integrates with connected home systems, including Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. The Lyric T6 Pro has wired indoor/outdoor sensors and offers service reminders. 

Design Software / SoftPlan

SoftPlan residential design software allows users to generate large, detailed renderings with simplified drawing commands, extensive customization tools, and advanced BIM automation. SoftPlan 2018 has several new features, including the option to generate live schedules that automatically update as users edit drawings or models; Auto Basement, which generates a basement or foundation plan without the need to create a new drawing; and Ray Tracing, which displays how light sources interact with objects in the 3-D model. The software also has an enhanced 3D Preview, more cabinetry options, and upgraded menus and icons.

Garage Door Opener / LiftMaster

The MyQ-enabled LiftMaster garage door opener sends status alerts and allows users to open and close the door from anywhere via the free MyQ app. Along with the technology, the Elite Series 8550W has a DC motor belt-drive system for quiet operation and a battery backup that keeps the door opener functioning if the power goes out. The Security+ 2.0 feature prevents accidental opening, PosiLock monitors forced opening, and Timer-to-Close automatically shuts the door after a programmed amount of time.

Security / Netatmo 

Presence, a security camera system from Netatmo, has a Smart-Sight feature that detects people, cars, and animals and sends notifications to smart devices. The camera provides a 100-degree field of view with a 65-foot detection range, and infrared night vision and a smart floodlight allow it to record HD color video, even in the dark. Presence stores video on an internal micro SD card and connects to Wi-Fi through the home’s internet. The floodlight can also be set to illuminate when motion is detected. Users can adjust the frequency of alerts and can select zones around the house or property in which to get motion alerts.

Pro Training And Products / Nest 

Nest is recruiting Nest Pros by offering training, tools, and professional pricing to those interested in selling and installing products such as the Nest Cam IQ (shown), an HD video camera that detects intruders and zooms in on their faces, and Nest Protect, a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that sends alerts to users via a soothing human voice for when they’re at home, and a message over the phone when they’re away. 

Dryer Vent / In-O-Vate Technologies

The Dryer Wall Vent from In-O-Vate Technologies is built from heavy-gauge steel that’s galvanized and powder coated and won’t chip, crack, or deteriorate. Its smooth finish and low profile don’t detract from exterior aesthetics. The Dryer Wall Vent has large, clear openings and a lighter damper, along with intrusion and flap-prevention balanced damper magnets. It measures 6 ½ by 6 ½ inches and comes in White, Tan (shown), or Brown.