203 Cooper Circle
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Phone: (770) 631-2100
Fax: (770) 631-2101
www.cooperwiringdevices.com
News Release
Contact:
Mike Petrasek
(412) 394-6611
michael.petrasek@bm.com
Cooper Wiring Devices Introduces the Industry’s First Line of Switches and
Wallplates Made with EPA Registered CuVerro Antimicrobial Copper Surfaces
CuVerro surfaces kill more than 99.9% of bacteria* within two hours
PEACHTREE CITY, GA, August 14, 2012 – Cooper Wiring Devices, a leading electrical wiring
device manufacturer for industrial, commercial and residential applications, has developed a gamechanger for the healthcare industry. The new Arrow Hart line of switches and wallplates feature EPA
registered CuVerro Antimicrobial Copper Surfaces. Laboratory testing has shown that, when cleaned
regularly, these surfaces deliver continuous and ongoing antibacterial* action, remaining effective in
killing greater than 99.9% of bacteria* within two hours. These alloys also offer specifiers a durable
and attractive device design.
This new line of devices helps address a disturbing trend among healthcare facilities today, Hospital
Acquired Infections (HAI’s). HAI’s are the fourth leading cause of death in America according to the
Center for Disease Control (CDC), with up to 100,000 patients dying each year. Additionally, the CDC
estimates the annual direct medical costs of HAI’s to hospitals to be as high as $45 billion. As such,
healthcare facilities are looking for valuable tools to augment current infection control practices and
help address the rising costs of infection outbreaks in their facilities.
Laboratory testing has shown that when cleaned regularly, CuVerro copper surfaces continuously
reduce bacteria* contamination, achieving 99.9% reduction within 2 hours of exposure. CuVerro
copper surfaces also help inhibit the growth of bacteria* within 2 hours of exposure between routine
cleaning and sanitizing steps.
“Our new line of devices made with CuVerro Antimicrobial Copper Surfaces provide facilities tools to
combat a very real and growing concern within their buildings,” said Laura Ulz, President Cooper
Wiring Devices. “As a company, we remain committed to the continued development of innovative
solutions to real world problems.”
The Arrow Hart line of wiring devices with new CuVerro touch surfaces material are designed
specifically for areas where cleanliness is a concern. The line includes single, 3-way and 4-way
Decorator Switches as well as specification-grade, standard size wallplates in multiple gangs and
configurations. All products have been tested and are compliant to UL Standards and include EPA
registered CuVerro Antimicrobial Copper Surfaces.
*Laboratory testing shows that, when cleaned regularly, CuVerro® antimicrobial copper surfaces kill
greater than 99.9% of the following bacteria within 2 hours of exposure: MRSA, Staphylococcus
aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli O157:H7. CuVerro®
antimicrobial copper surfaces are a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control
practices and have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but do not necessarily prevent
cross contamination; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including
those practices related to cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces. CuVerro is a registered
trademark of GBC Metals, LLC and is used with permission (CW-0012-1207).
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Cooper Wiring Devices – Page 2
For more information or to learn more about the full line of CuVerro products offered by Cooper Wiring
Devices, visit www.arrowhart.com/curverro or www.cuverro.com
About Cooper Wiring Devices
Cooper Wiring Devices, a trusted name in electrical products, features Arrow Hart commercial and
industrial solutions, CORE Lighting Controls, residential wiring devices and Cooper Interconnect
industrial, military, aerospace, and subsea connectivity solutions. Cooper Wiring Devices is committed
to providing products that increase productivity, energy efficiency, safety at work and in the home, and
provide reliable performance. Cooper Interconnect, a Cooper Wiring Devices’ business unit, is a
leading manufacturer of sophisticated interconnect solutions for demanding environments and
features well-known brands such as G&H, WPI, Burton, General Connector brands, Cam-Lok, and
Thorkom. A subsidiary of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), Cooper Wiring Devices is
headquartered in Peachtree City, GA with international manufacturing and distribution facilities. For
more information on Cooper Wiring Devices visit www.cooperwiringdevices.com.
About Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2011 revenues
of $5.4 billion. Founded in 1833 Cooper's sustained success is attributable to a constant focus on
innovation and evolving business practices, while maintaining the highest ethical standards and
meeting customer needs. The Company has seven operating divisions with leading market
positions and world-class products and brands, including Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses;
Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures;
and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products. With this broad range of products, Cooper
is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure buildout, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher
energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety. In 2011 sixty-two percent of
total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and forty percent of total sales
were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as
of 2011. For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.
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