Anixter Introduces Grounding Device To Prevent Electrostatic Discharge in New Cabling Installations.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

SKOKIE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2001

Anixter, the world's leading distributor of data communication products, has helped to develop a grounding device that eliminates potentially damaging electrostatic discharges (ESD) from newly installed telecommunications backbone and horizontal cabling. Anixter introduced the LAN Static Discharge Unit at the cabling industry's BICSI conference being held in Orlando this week.

Ungrounded indoor telecommunications cabling can act as a capacitor capable of storing an electrical charge that can cause malfunction or damage to electronic equipment and semiconductor devices. Cable that is stored or installed adjacent to equipment that produces an electrical field--such as large motors, transformers, copy machines and fluorescent lighting--can absorb a charge by induction.

Anixter began evaluating potential ESD problems in cabling in the spring of 2000, soon after one network equipment manufacturer suggested that some of its microelectronic cards at a customer's site were failing after being plugged into the cabling plant after the installation of new UTP cabling. Working with instrumentation and equipment manufacturers, Anixter helped to produce several prototypes of grounding devices for use with RJ-45 patch panels.

The small LAN Static Discharge Unit, developed in partnership with ITWLinx, includes a grounding wire lug. The lug is bonded to a grounded rack or cabinet that is connected to a building's grounding and bonding busbar network. Prior to connecting horizontal or backbone cables from the patch panel to active electronics, a patch cord from the panel is inserted into the LAN Static Discharge Unit. Electrostatic charges are drained to the ground, and there is no further build-up of electrostatic charges after the cable is connected to active equipment.

"This device is a simple and economical solution to potentially costly problems caused by electrostatic discharge," said Pete Lockhart, Anixter's Vice President of Technology.

Anixter will soon be adding the new device to its inventory. For more information contact your local Anixter sales representative or call 1-800-ANIXTER.

Anixter Inc. is the world's leading distributor of data communication products and electrical wire and cable (NYSE:AXE). Founded in 1957, the company now employs more than 5,000 people in 180 cities throughout the world. Anixter customers benefit from the company's technical expertise and market specialization and have access to best-in-class products through Anixter's partnerships with the world's leading manufacturers.

ITWLinx is a division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (NYSE:ITW). ITW is a $9.3 billion diversified manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems. The company consists of more than 500 decentralized operations in 40 countries and employs approximately 52,800 people.