KNAACK PowerCrew™

“Prior to PowerCrew, the Mid-Atlantic Division of Southland Industries tried several solutions to provide power to jobsite storage boxes, all of which involved passing an extension cord through the wall of a box via an insulated hole. These methods all failed, causing extension cords to fray due to the friction caused by rubbing against the metal wall which rendered the cords unsafe. As a company, we refuse to use unsafe tools.

As a result, Southland purchased over 100 PowerCrew units for jobsite storage boxes. PowerCrew addressed our needs for safe and reliable power sourcing that complied with OSHA standards. Since they were installed, PowerCrew has provided a reliable and OSHA-compliant power source. Since we implemented the use of PowerCrew, we have not had one single failure. It is truly a “get it and forget it” item. We believe that PowerCrew is the safest solution on the market to provide power to jobsite boxes.”

— Joe V.
Safety Manager
Southland Industries
Dulles, VA

FAQ

Q. Who is Knaack LLC?

A. Knaack L.L.C., a division of EMERSON Professional Tools, manufactures and markets a complete line of KNAACK® jobsite storage equipment, including storage chests, work stations, rolling work benches and hand tool boxes, as well as WEATHER GUARD® truck and van equipment, including drawer units, shelving and cabinets, and racks for full size and compact pickups, vans and utility vehicles. For more information, visit www.Knaack.com and www.WeatherGuard.com.

Q. Who is Emerson?

A. Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2009 were $20.9 billion. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.

Q. What does Knaack LLC manufacture?

A. Knaack LLC manufactures and markets a complete line of KNAACK® jobsite storage equipment including storage chests, field stations, piano boxes, and rolling workbenches. Knaack LLC also manufactures and markets a complete line of WEATHER GUARD® truck and van storage equipment. Knaack LLC is also the exclusive supplier of PowerCrew™ In-Box Power Supply.

Q. What is KNAACK known for?

A. KNAACK is known in the industry as “the most trusted name in jobsite security.”

Q. What awards has PowerCrew won?

A. The Knaack PowerCrew™ In-Box Power Supply received a prestigious honor when it was selected as one of the Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines’ “100 Best New Products” picks for 2009.

Q. What types of jobsite storage equipment does PowerCrew work on?

A. PowerCrew works with any brand of jobsite storage equipment and fits storage chests, work stations, rolling work benches, cabinets, and piano boxes as long as they are steel and there is enough room to mount per the instructions. If the jobsite box is a KNAACK® piano box or chest made after August 2007, it likely has the required 3” diameter knock-out already in place. If you are mounting PowerCrew in another brand box or older KNAACK box, simply create a 3” diameter hole and mount per included instructions.

Q. Where can I buy PowerCrew?

A. You can purchase PowerCrew at our selected online dealers.

Q. What are the PowerCrew specs?

A. Here are the basics:

Four GFCI-protected outlets
15-amp power for most tools and chargers
Replaceable fuse protects against current overload
Internal relay provides open neutral protection
Red LED indicates power to outlets
Works with ANY BRAND of jobsite storage equipment box
Permanent weather-resistant installation in ANY TYPE of jobsite storage box in minutes
Ship weight 3 lbs.

Q. What safety ratings does PowerCrew have?

A. PowerCrew complies with OSHA recognized test standards and is UL listed.

Q. What does the UL and OSHA rating mean?

A. PowerCrew is listed with Underwriters Laboratory which means the product has been tested and determined to meet recognized safety standards from an independent laboratory. Additionally, by receiving the UL listing, PowerCrew has demonstrated compliance with OSHA recognized test standards.

Q. What is GFCI and how does it protect me?

A. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter senses the electrical current flowing in the hot wire and compares it to the current flowing in the neutral wire (of a plugged in device); if the two currents are not the same, the GFCI “trips” and opens an internal switch stopping the flow of electrical current before it reaches you. A practical example is if you are standing in mud and plugging in a tool with wet hands: should any electricity flow through the water into your hand, the GFCI will “trip”, preventing the flow of electricity.

Q. What does the Internal Relay do?

A. The Internal Relay is a safety feature in PowerCrew that senses an open neutral conductor (broken wire) in the power supply line. If this occurs, the relay stays open preventing electricity from reaching a person who might make contact with the broken wire. An example would be if you have a tool plugged into PowerCrew left on while tracing down a “loose” connection in the power supply cord and come in contact with the broken wire, the relay will open and prevent electricity from reaching you.

Q. PowerCrew is rated at 15-amps, what does this mean?

A. 15 amps (110V) is the total current available for tools to pull continuously from PowerCrew. So while there are four outlets, the total current draw is 15 amps (NOT 4 x 15A = 60A). This is more than enough for most applications. The fuse in PowerCrew is a “slow-burn” fuse and can handle quick spikes in amperage such as when tools first start up. Note that power drops at job sites are usually protected by 15A or 20A circuit breakers as well.

Q. What does the fuse do and how do I replace it?

A. PowerCrew is rated at 15 amps, which means it can continuously support power to tools and chargers without overheating as long as the total current draw is 15 amps or less. If you exceed 15 amps of current, the fuse will “blow” and must be replaced to work again; this is a safety function that prevents permanent damage to PowerCrew from overheating. Replacement fuses are available as a Knaack service part or from electrical supply houses. To replace the fuse: simply remove the fuse holder cap by twisting counterclockwise, insert new fuse, and replace cap by twisting clockwise.

Q. What is the purpose of the Red LED on the front of PowerCrew?

A. The Red LED is a convenience and safety feature that indicates the 4 outlets have power and are ready to power-up a tool or charger. If the Red LED is not lit after proper assembly and input power is applied, follow troubleshooting instructions in the owner’s manual.

Q. Will PowerCrew work with my “Twist-Lock” plugs?

A. PowerCrew is designed to accept standard 3 prong/straight blade power cords. If you have a tool that utilizes “twistlock” plugs, you will have to insert a “twist-lock to straight plug pig-tail” between PowerCrew and the tool. This will allow the power cord to release from PowerCrew and avoid tipping of the jobsite box in the event the cord becomes caught in a moving jobsite vehicle.

Q. Why does PowerCrew use a ground wire for installation?

A. The ground wire used in PowerCrew is a safety feature that provides a path to direct stray electricity away from the end-user. Remember, electricity likes to travel the path of least resistance, and without a grounding wire, that path could be through the end-user.

Q. If I damage PowerCrew, how do I get it serviced?

A. There are no end-user serviceable components in the PowerCrew unit. If PowerCrew is not operational or damaged, it must be replaced. The standard 3-year KNAACK L.L.C. warranty applies to defects in material and workmanship only, not abuse or misuse.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A. Please call 1-800-456-7865 Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CT or visit www.Knaack.com for more information.