Panasonic Unveils New Dual Voltage Technology for Tough IP Power Tools at STAFDA

Secaucus, NJ (PRWEB) November 09, 2012

Panasonic Power Tool Division, a pioneer in cordless power tool technology, announced this week at the 2012 Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) Annual Convention and Trade Show an expansion of their line of Tough IP Li-Ion Cordless Power Tools. The Tough IP line now features products with new Dual Voltage Technology, allowing select tools to be used as both 18-volt and 14.4-volt with just a switch of the battery pack. Panasonic is currently the only power tool manufacturer to have this type of technology available, making it even easier for professionals to complete a variety of jobs using just one tool.

In order to utilize the Dual Voltage Technology, construction and maintenance professionals can easily swap out the Panasonic 4.2Ah LS Li-ion battery pack or existing 14.4-volt or 18-volt batteries to achieve the desired voltage – 18-volt for jobs that require longer runtime between charges and more power or 14.4-volt for jobs that require less runtime. Unlike manganese-based Li-ion batteries used in many cordless power tools, Panasonic’s exclusive Li-ion battery technology contains a battery overheat protection sensor that protects against excess internal heat buildup that can decrease the lifetime of the battery pack. The battery packs feature Panasonic’s Solid Solution technology, a proprietary process for dissolving and hardening cobalt and nickel and other key battery components, and a special heat-resistant ceramic coating layer separates cells and protects them from heat buildup. Together, the chemistry, battery design and manufacturing process add up to High capacity batteries that deliver long life.

“Our top priority at Panasonic is to manufacturer the most innovative cordless power tools on the market in order to better serve our customers and help them do their jobs more accurately and efficiently while on a job site,” said John Olson, Industrial Sales Manager, Panasonic Assembly Systems. “With the introduction of the Dual Voltage Technology to our Tough IP line, we are providing our customers with premium tools with multiple functions, but without adding more weight to their tool belts.”

This proprietary Dual Voltage Technology is now available on the Cordless ½-inch Drill and Driver kit, the ¼-inch Hex Quick Connect Cordless Impact Driver Kit, Cordless ½-inch Square Drive Impact Wrench and the Cordless Reciprocating Saw (tool only).

The kits come with a charger, two 4.2Ah LS Li-ion battery packs and a carrying case. Panasonic’s charger helps extend the life of the 4.2Ah LS battery pack and tool, since battery pack cells are independently monitored for even discharge while preventing over-charging and over-discharging. Sometimes professional users attempt to push their tools past design limits which can lead to irreversible battery or tool damage. An over-discharge sensor prevents the user from running the tool after it reaches the point where too-low voltage output could damage the battery or tool, and an internal temperature sensor also indicates if internal battery temperatures rise, and cuts off tool power if it reaches critical levels.

In addition to featuring superior battery technology and an IP 56 rating for effective dust and water resistance, Panasonic’s new Dual Voltage Technology tools include the following features:

New Tough IP Li-ion 18v/14.4v Dual Voltage Technology Tools
EY74A1LS2G/EY74A1X (Tool Only) Cordless ½-inch Drill and Driver kit:
This Drill and Driver kit is ideal for construction and maintenance professionals who need to switch between driving and drilling tasks throughout the day. The versatility of this product with the Dual Voltage Technology is built to help complete plumbing, carpentry and electrical installation jobs with precision and efficiency.

Additional Features:

• Variable speed and reversible with a two-speed transmission

         o    80-600 rpm low speed ideal for deep-wood drilling and driving jobs
         o    220-1.750 rpm high speed best for metal drilling jobs

• 18-stage clutch

         o    It adjusts from approximately 4.3 to 39.0 inches in two-lb. increments to match driving needs without overdriving or stripping fasteners

• Electric brake to stop the chuck instantly when the trigger is released
• Compact size (8-inches long by 9-13/32-inches tall by 2-5/16-inches wide) to easily fit into tight work spaces
• Light weight – only 4.30 lbs. including the battery
• Built-in LED light to make working in dark areas easier

EY775A1LS2G/EY75A1X (Tool Only) ¼-inch Hex Quick Connect Cordless Impact Driver Kit:
This Impact Driver Kit works hard while staying cool when used during highly repetitive fastening jobs. The tool has exceptional power and runtime to excel in heavy driving, demanding fastening or finish-assembly applications such as HVAC installation, auto repair, deck building, lag bolt and more.

Additional Features:

•     High/Hard setting is for heavy driving jobs such as setting lag bolts, tightening large bolts and nuts or driving long screws

o    This setting delivers 0-2,500 no-load rpm, 1,370 inches-lbs. of torque and 0-3,000 impacts per minute (ipm)

•     Medium setting is suited for driving self-tapping screws and conduit clip fasteners

o    This setting delivers 0-1,400 no-load rpm, 1,150 inches-lbs. of torque and 0-2,800 ipm

•     Low/Soft setting is great for delicate fastening jobs that require controlled power such as the installation of cabinet hinges and fastening wall plates to electrical boxes

o    This setting delivers 0-1,000 rpm, 230 inches-lbs. of torque and 0-2,000 ipm

•     Electric brake to stop the ¼ Hex Quick-Connect Bit instantly in all modes
•     Brushless motor, durable switch and sealed control circuits in the tool body and battery pack to deliver top power, speed, runtime and long tool life
•     Compact size (2-13/32-inches wide by 9-17/32-inches tall by 6-5/8-inches long) to easily fit into tight work spaces
•     Light weight – only 3.50 lbs. including the battery
•     Built-in LED light to make working in dark areas easier

EY75A2X (Tool Only – No Kit) Cordless ½-inch Square Drive Impact Wrench:
This Impact Wrench is a perfect choice for high-capacity, heavy-duty fastening jobs. Professional tradesmen who do repetitive bolt/nut fastening, scaffold assembly and disassembly and repetitive lag bolt driving, understand the need for a compact tool that provides the power to drive fasteners quickly. This ½-inch Square Drive Impact Wrench can deliver 1,815 inches-Ibs. of variable speed power in forward or reverse.

Additional Features:

•     High/Hard setting is for heavy driving jobs such as setting lag bolts, tightening large bolts and nuts or driving long screws

o    This setting delivers 0-2,300 no-load rpm, 1,815 inches-lbs. of torque and 0-3,500 impacts ipm

•     Medium setting is suited for driving self-tapping screws and conduit clip fasteners

o    This setting delivers 0-1,400 no-load rpm, 1,240 inches-lbs. of torque and 0-2,800 ipm

•     Low/Soft setting is great for delicate fastening jobs that require controlled power such as the installation of cabinet hinges and fastening wall plates to electrical boxes

o    This setting delivers 0-1,000 rpm, 440 inches-lbs. of torque and 0-2,000 ipm

•     Electric brake to stop the ½ Square Chuck instantly in all modes
•     Brushless motor, durable switch and sealed control circuits in the tool body and battery pack to deliver top power, speed, runtime and long tool life
•     Compact size (2-13/32-inches wide by 9-17/32-inches tall by 6-1/8-inches long) to easily fit into tight work spaces
•     Light weight – only 3.75 lbs. including the battery
•     Built-in LED light to make working in dark areas easier

EY45A1LS1G/EY45A1X (Tool Only) Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit:
This Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit delivers faster cutting and demolition performance to carpentry, plumbing and electrical installation professionals.

Additional Features:

•     High-torque motor makes cutting all wood and steel a breeze.

o    with a 1-1/8-inch long-stroke length running at 0-2,800 strokes per minute, this saw is fast is efficient.

•     Compact size (18-1/8-inches long by 8-1/4-inches tall by 3-7/16-inches wide) to easily fit into tight work spaces
•     Light weight – only 7.50 lbs. including the battery and an ergonomic design to help keep the user’s wrist in the neutral position, preventing fatigue and increasing control

Rated Tough by IEC:
Each of Panasonic Tough IP Cordless Power Tools were awarded a rating of IP56 by the IEC (according to IEC60529) classifying them “Dust-protected” and “Protected against powerful water jets.” The two numbers in the rating are for dust resistance and water resistance respectively.

The higher the IP rating, the stronger the tool is to resist dust and water. For more information on IEC IP Ratings, please visit http://www.iec.ch.

For more information on the new Dual Voltage Technology products or the complete line of Panasonic Tough IP Cordless Power Tools and Panasonic Tough IP dealers, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/cordlesstools or call 1-800-338-0552.

About Panasonic Eco Solutions North America
Panasonic Eco Solutions North America is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC). The company develops and provides customized and integrated technology-based energy solutions for customers in both the public and private sector.

Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect; additional company information for media is available at http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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Editorial Contacts:
Jackie Franzese (Gibbs & Soell Inc.)
212-697-2600 jfranzese (at) gibbs-soell (dot) com

Beth Crisafi (Gibbs & Soell Inc.)        
212-697-2600    bcrisafi (at) gibbs-soell (dot) com

Chris De Maria (Panasonic)
201-348-7182    Christopher.Demaria (at) us (dot) panasonic (dot) com

Yessica Castillo (Panasonic)     
201-392-4193    Yessica.Castillo (at) us (dot) panasonic (dot) com