About IDEAL Electrical™

Every IDEAL® solution is designed with the quality and performance needed to power the work you take pride in. Learn more about our history and our mission.

Person wearing gray gloves holding a blue and white twisted electrical wire connector with copper wire.

Own Every Connection

IDEAL Electrical is a global leader in manufacturing electrical tools and supplies. For more than a century, electricians have counted on IDEAL® to champion the electrical trade. We’re masters of our craft, committed to pushing innovation forward with new solutions that power your work.

Own Every Connection with IDEAL.

See How We Support Electricians

How IDEAL Electrical Got Started: Our History 

In 1916, J. Walter Becker founded our family-owned company on the principle of creating “IDEAL” relationships with our customers. We have supported the industry’s most critical work for more than 100 years—from Arctic research missions and the moon landing to iconic buildings like the Burj Khalifa and everyday around the world. IDEAL is dedicated to pushing the trade forward for electrical contractors and electricians everywhere. 

1916

Company Established 

J. Walter Becker establishes the IDEAL Commutator Dresser Company of Chicago. The company would quickly transition to become IDEAL Electrical. 

Persona con traje y corbata sentada en un escritorio con un libro abierto, con el rostro borroso.

1929

First U.S. Wire Connector Patent

IDEAL Electrical patents the very first “thread-on” wire connector in the United States. In the century since, IDEAL has continued to lead the field when it comes to innovation.

Una vitrina negra abierta muestra una bandeja de espuma con diez conectores de cable de rosca en varios colores y estilos, cada uno etiquetado con pequeños números de modelo (por ejemplo, 71B, 72B, 73B, 74B, 76B, 78B, 451, 452, 455, 453). La tapa interior incluye dos ilustraciones de conectores en sección transversal y encabezados impresos que dicen “Wire‑Nut Connectors” y “Wing‑Nut Connectors”, seguidos de texto descriptivo con viñetas e “IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., Sycamore, Illinois 60178”. Los conectores van desde estilos de tapa pequeños hasta versiones más grandes con alas en negro, naranja, amarillo, rojo, gris, azul y blanco. El kit parece ser una demostración de producto o un conjunto de muestras para identificar tipos y tamaños de conectores.

1933

IDEAL in Antarctica  

Commander Richard Byrd specifically requests IDEAL products (fuse pullers) for his expedition to the South Pole in January 1933. 

Portada de libro con el título “Alone” y el nombre del autor “RICHARD E. BYRD”. Una figura con parka sostiene un documento enrollado frente a un mapa estilizado de la Antártida etiquetado con líneas de brújula y un logotipo de “ACE STAR”. Un eslogan dice: “The Greatest Antarctic Adventure Of Our Time”. En la parte inferior, pequeñas figuras y equipos aparecen en un paisaje helado. El diseño general utiliza azules fríos y blancos con un aspecto desgastado y vintage.

1957

Invention of T®-Stripper 

Invented and manufactured at our Sycamore, Illinois facility, the T-Stripper Wire stripper line is the leading brand name in the world for wire strippers. 

Pelacables siendo utilizados para quitar el aislamiento de un cable de cobre, con mangos amarillos y marcas de calibre. Usuario con guantes negros.

1950s

IDEAL Patents Fish Tapes

IDEAL Electrical begins selling wire-pulling fish tapes and patents non-conductive fish tapes. IDEAL remains an industry leader in innovative fish tapes today. 

1960s

Introduction of Conduit Benders

IDEAL Electrical begins selling conduit benders. Today, our blue-colored benders are instantly recognizable and remain electricians’ go-to for durable, quality performance.  

Pie presionando un doblador de tubos con mango azul, doblando un tubo de metal en un entorno industrial.

1962 

European Expansion 

IDEAL Electrical establishes a regional European headquarters in the United Kingdom, introducing IDEAL products to new customers across Europe. 

1963

Expansion to Canada 

We establish a business presence in Canada, bringing IDEAL even closer to the Canadian communities we serve.  

1969 

To The Moon

IDEAL Electrical contributes components used in the 1969 moon landing module. IDEAL wire strippers were specifically requested for their quality and precision. 

1985

IDEAL Industries Foundation Established

Built upon our commitment to good corporate citizenship, the IDEAL Industries Foundation was established to support educational and community initiatives. 

2002

IDEAL Patents Cushion-Grip Connectors 

IDEAL Electrical patents the SureGrip™ overmold, offering electricians a cushioned grip on every wire connector install. In 2004, the company launches its popular Twister® Pro Wire Connector with SureGrip overmolds.

Dos conectores de cable de plástico rojo y amarillo sobre una superficie reflectante.

2003

Can-Twist™ Launches in Canada

IDEAL Electrical patents the SureGrip™ overmold, offering electricians a cushioned grip on every wire connector install. In 2004, the company launches its popular Twister® Pro Wire Connector with SureGrip overmolds.

2019-2024

Twister® ProFLEX™ Family Introduced

Over the course of six years, IDEAL launches the Twister ProFLEX, Twister ProFLEX Mini, Twister ProFLEX Plus, and Twister ProFLEX Max. The popular new wire connector family features a flexible skirt to protect the conductors within.

2025

IDEAL Products Win Awards

New IDEAL products — including the Guardian™ Bender, SureTrace™ Circuit Tracers, and BlueView™ Fish Tape — are recognized in the 2025 Pro Tool Innovation Awards. The wins demonstrate our commitment to innovation.

2025

IDEAL Connections Established 

IDEAL establishes the IDEAL Connections program. Through product donations, grants, and industry events, we continue to give back and foster stronger connections with electricians and local communities. 

Meet Our Latest Award-Winners

Our SureTrace™ Pro Circuit Tracer, S-Class® BlueView™ Digital Fish Tape, and Guardian™ Bender were awarded top honors in the 2025 Pro Tool Innovation Awards. Our SureTrace Pro™ also won the “Portable Test & Measurement Equipment” category in the EC&M 2026 Product of the Year Awards.

Three SureTrace Circuit Tracer devices from IDEAL Electrical with a PTIA 2025 award plaque in front of a black carrying case.

SureTrace Pro

Experience a total troubleshooting solution with exact voltage measurements, continuity testing, and outlet wiring verification. 

Person using fish tape to pull wire through electrical box on concrete wall.

S-Class BlueView Digital Fish Tape

No more guessing games. With our BlueView technology, you’ll easily read your total tape length on a convenient display.

Conduit bender with blue handle and award plaque for PTIA 2025 Pro Tool Innovation Award, presented to IDEAL Electrical for Guardian Bender.

Guardian Bender

Create fast, accurate conduit bends using the Guardian Bender’s built-in set angle stopper.

Products Built for the Job

We pride ourselves on a rigorous research and development process that leads to meaningful solutions. By working directly with electricians in the field, our engineering and product teams create innovations that solve real-world challenges.

In a conference room, three people sit at a table while one person demonstrates a handheld device. A blue foam tube with a label lies across the table, and whiteboards are in the background.

“I really enjoy leading our innovation and engineering teams. The people are wonderful. Knowing that our products end up at my house, my neighbor’s house, and houses around the world — and that they’re very safe and reliable products — brings a lot of joy to me.”

Alan Zantout, Director of Innovation and Technical Services

“During my 26 years as a professional electrician, I really came to trust and rely upon IDEAL products. Now as an official member of the team, I’m proud to bring an electrician’s perspective into our product development process. We’re creating new solutions that I’m genuinely excited about and know will make a real difference for my electrician friends.”

Greg Anliker, End User Experience Manager

Two people at a trade show, one demonstrating electrical testing equipment at an electrical panel, with various tools displayed nearby.

“Electricians are at the heart of our product development. When we designed our award-winning SureTrace Circuit Tracer line, we built in features that reflect real jobsite challenges. From pinpointing faults to quick troubleshooting, every improvement was grounded in jobsite observation and hands-on feedback from electricians. Our goal was to help electricians work safer and get to the next call sooner.”

Chris Forthaus, Senior Product Manager, Test & Measurement

Connecting with the Community

We’re committed to creating a positive workplace, giving back to our local communities, and fostering the next generation of electricians. The work we do through IDEAL Connections is just one more way we are building an IDEAL world.

Volunteers spreading mulch in a playground, wearing shirts labeled 'VOLUNTEER,' with a blue tire swing and mural in the background.

Fostering Community Connections

Founded in 2025, the IDEAL Connections program strives to foster meaningful relationships with our customers and community through volunteer events and donations.

Explore Our Impact
Group of people in 'IDEAL CONNECTIONS' t-shirts in a room, one holding papers, possibly in a meeting or training session.

Training Electrical Students

IDEAL is committed to supporting the next generation of electricians. We’re impacting thousands of trade school students through apprentice competitions, product donations, and learning events.

Get Involved
Person installing or repairing an electrical outlet on a blue wall, wearing gloves and a shirt with a logo. A colorful bear painting is visible on the wall.

Living Our Values

As a division of IDEAL Industries, Inc., we strive to embed community engagement into our workplace values. We offer each employee two paid volunteer days and have established a yearly “Month of Kindness” initiative to encourage giving back.

View Our Values
Two Saf-D-grid connectors on a blue background, one on a transparent cylindrical stand.

Supporting a Sustainable Future

We embed sustainability into our business practices. Our corporate IDEAL Industries, Inc. responsibility report showcases how we’re taking steps toward a more sustainable future.

Read the Report

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