SYCAMORE, Ill. – IDEAL Electrical™, a leading manufacturer of tools and supplies for electricians, is proud to announce that three of its newest products have won the prestigious 2025 Pro Tool Innovation Awards (PTIA). The SureTrace™ Pro Circuit Tracer, Guardian™ Bender, and the S-Class® Fish Tape with BlueView™ Digital Display were recognized by the judges for their groundbreaking design and exceptional performance.
“We’re honored to win the 2025 Innovation Awards,” said Kevin Yeh, Director of Product Management at IDEAL Electrical. “The recognition from an independent panel of experts affirms that we’ve done our job right. We’re designing products that truly help make electricians’ work faster and easier.”
Each year, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards (PTIA) recognizes the very best tools, equipment, and technology in the professional trade and DIY industries. The winning IDEAL products were selected from nearly 400 entries from almost 100 top-tier brands in more than a dozen categories. All entries were carefully reviewed and evaluated by a panel of experts, professionals, and industry veterans, making the competition fierce and the selection of winners a testament to the outstanding quality and innovation within the industry.
The SureTrace Pro Circuit Tracer won the best Circuit/Wire Tracer category. This circuit tracer delivers the most accurate breaker, conductor, and fault-finding solution for energized/de-energized electrical systems up to 600V AC/DC, including 3-Phase.
“The SureTrace Pro was designed with a commitment to make troubleshooting easier to master for all electricians,” said Christopher Forthaus, Senior Product Manager at IDEAL Electrical. “Receiving a Pro Tool Innovation Award is an honor and validates that we are providing an industry-leading solution for the electrical industry.”
The PTIA judges recognized the product’s standout features, including:
- Built-in continuity testing, exact voltage readings, and outlet wiring verification provide the features of multiple meters in one powerful unit
- The included Inductive Sensing Clamp delivers easy non-contact circuit tracing
- Dual 90-degree rotating high-visibility displays provide easy readings in tight spaces and at tough angles
- Integration with the BILT app delivers quick onboarding with 3D instructions
“This combination of features, performance, and user-friendly design sets the SureTrace Pro apart from competitors, delivering a tool that excels in both performance and value,” said the judges.
Guardian Conduit Bender: Accurate Angles with Set-Angle Stopper
The Guardian Bender from IDEAL Electrical won the conduit bender category. The rugged ductile iron bender head provides exceptional durability for a lifetime of use, while the built-in set angle stopper enables electricians to create accurate bends at common angles.
“With the Guardian Bender, we set out to make bending conduit less frustrating and more precise for electricians of every skill level,” said Peter Rago, Product Manager at IDEAL Electrical. “We’re thrilled that the bender was recognized for setting a new innovation standard among electrical manufacturers.”
The PTIA judges praised the convenient set-angle stopper.
“New hires are always joining the trades, and this feature ensures precise bends at common angles without the risk of over- or under-bending,” said the judges. “This innovative feature eliminates the hassle of adjustments—reducing material waste.”
The Guardian Bender also features more upgrades to improve the bending experience, including:
- Clearer, recessed markings that wrap around the backside of the head for easier angle visibility during air bends
- A dedicated bend correction hole in the head
- A high-visibility, textured blue handle that resists corrosion and enhances grip
S-Class BlueView Fish Tape: Convenient Digital Length Display
The final award winner for IDEAL Electrical was the S-Class BlueView Digital Fish Tape, which won the best Fish Rods/Tape category. Using the industry-exclusive BlueView display in the fish tape handle, electricians can determine the exact amount of tape being fed or retracted in real time. It’s programmed to round up to the nearest foot, preventing wires from being cut short and ensuring fast, accurate pulls.
“This is fantastic for eliminating guesswork when running and pulling wire,” said the judges. “IDEAL has literally redefined what a fish tape can be with this product.”
In addition to the BlueView display, S-Class Fish Tape is built with omnidirectional and durable fiberglass. Its flexible leader and durable core support a pull strength of 500 lbs.
With over 400 products submitted to the 2025 competition, the winners of this year’s PTIA truly stood out from the crowd.
"The Pro Tool Innovation Awards exist to honor the best of the best," said Clint DeBoer, General Manager for the PTIA. “We are thrilled to see the level of innovation this year, especially with so much stiff competition. This awards program continues to showcase the cutting edge of product development, and each winner truly exemplifies what the awards stand for.”
Reflecting on this year’s 13th annual Pro Tool Innovation Awards, Kenny Koehler, Editor-in-Chief for Pro Tool Reviews, added, “The competition for these awards is always fierce, and this year’s entries were no exception. We are proud to highlight the tools and products that elevate performance, enhance user experience, and redefine industry standards. Winning a Pro Tool Innovation Award is a true mark of excellence in an ever-evolving industry.”
IDEAL Electrical is proud to be recognized by the 2025 PTIA for three outstanding products: the SureTrace Pro Circuit Tracer, Guardian Bender, and S-Class BlueView Fish Tape.
Visit protoolinnovationawards.com for more about the Pro Tool Innovation Awards.
Visit idealind.com for more information on IDEAL Electrical.
IDEAL Electrical
IDEAL Electrical is a global leader in manufacturing tools and supplies for professional electricians. Trusted for its high-quality wire connectors, electrical installation products, and test and measurement equipment, IDEAL has supported the industry’s most critical work for more than 100 years—from Arctic research missions and the moon landing to iconic buildings and everyday residential and commercial construction around the world. IDEAL is dedicated to advancing the craft for electrical contractors and electricians everywhere.
About IDEAL Industries Inc.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. is a global, diversified family-owned business designing and manufacturing superior products for the electrical, lighting, and infrastructure industries. The 109-year-old company was founded in 1916 on the premise of forging ideal relationships with customers, employees, partners and communities. The company has consistently grown and expanded under five generations of family ownership.
About the Pro Tool Innovation Awards
The annual Pro Tool Innovation Awards (PTIA) began in 2013 and are judged by a panel of professional tradesmen and trade media representatives in the electrical, plumbing, MRO, and concrete fields, as well as landscaping professionals, general contractors, mechanics, and builders. The Pro Tool Innovation Awards seek to discover and recognize the most innovative tools, accessories, and products across a wide variety of industries and categories. Learn more at protoolinnovationawards.com
