Timeline (US)

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 construction around the world. IDEAL is dedicated to pushing the trade forward for electrical contractors and electricians everywhere.

How IDEAL Electrical Got Started: Our History

IDEAL Electrical's Early Innovations: The Inventor of the Wire-Nut®

IDEAL Grows Internationally & Supports the Moon Landing

IDEAL Modernizes and Innovates for Electrician's Efficiency

1957: Invention of T®-Stripper

1933: IDEAL in Antarctica

1950s: IDEAL Patents Fish Tapes

1960s: Introduction of Conduit Benders

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

1916: Company Established

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

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.

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

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

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

1963: Expansion to Canada

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

1969: To The Moon

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

1985: IDEAL Industries Foundation Established

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

1992: European Expansion

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.

2025: IDEAL Connections Established

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 Products Win Awards

Black and white image of J. Walter Becker.

Three IDEAL fish tapes on display in front of a blue background.

A group of hands stacked together in a teamwork huddle.

Europe as seen from space, speckled with lights from large cities.

A historical image of the IDEAL Industries, Inc. headquarters.

An IDEAL conduit bender in the process of bending conduit on the ground, with a boot applying pressure for leverage

A pair of IDEAL T-Strippers being used to bend a wire.

An illustration of Commander Richard Byrd from a book about his Antarctic adventures.

A woman in an IDEAL Connections t-shirt putting connectors on wires.

An astronaut next to an American flag on the surface of the Moon.

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.

1929: First U.S. Wire Connector Patent

An display featuring a range of old models of IDEAL wire connectors.

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

1933: IDEAL in Antarctica

An illustration of Richard Byrd from a book about his Antarctic adventures.

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.

1957: Invention of T®-Stripper

IDEAL T-Strippers being used to bend wire.

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.

2019-2024: Twister® ProFLEX™ Family Introduced

2025: IDEAL Products Win Awards

The IDEAL Circuit Tracer Pro on display next to the 2025 Pro Tool Innovation Award

Canada's #1 selling wire connector–the Can-Twist–is launched. Our Canadian facility located in Ajax, Ontario remains the manufacturing home of this wire connector.

2001: Can-Twist™ Launches in Canada

Two Can-Twist connectors attached to wires

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.

2002: IDEAL Patents Cushion-Grip Connectors

An IDEAL Twister Pro in use on an electrical wire.

2019-2024: Twister® ProFLEX™ Family Introduced

A variety of Twister ProFLEX connectors on a black background

2002: IDEAL Patents Cushion-Grip Connectors