The groundbreaking PDL 600 Series marks three decades of being a trusted partner for Kiwi electricians.
New Zealand in 1995. Jim Bolger was Prime Minister; Russell Coutts and the crew of Black Magic won the America’s Cup 5-0 in San Diego; and the average house price was around $125,000.
1995 also marked the arrival of a new electrical range that would prove a staple for the residential and commercial industry and become a trusted choice for Kiwi electricians for the next 30 years: PDL 600 Series.
Groundbreaking features
PDL has always prided itself on strong collaboration with electricians in the creation and design of its products and the 600 series range was no different. The PDL 600 Series was an instant success at the launch thanks to its easy installation, market-leading strength and cover plates in a range of different finishes, which at the time set a new benchmark for customisation.
“It looked good and was very functional,” says PDL’s South Island Sales Manager Home & Distribution, Dave Chapman. “600 Series had a lot of innovations and engineering features that really set it apart from other products at the time.”
Key to these were its front-loading switch mechs and full solid cover plates, which made the range incredibly robust. A few years later, square head combination screws were incorporated into the screw terminals for faster, more solid connections.
“Those screws changed in 600 Series around the year 2000 and became the norm in electrical products for us,” explains Dave. “Incorporated into both the terminal screws for better cable connection, as well as the wall plate screws for fixing the plates to the flushboxes. It sounds minor, but the innovation that it brought is something the electricians really loved.”
The reliable choice – tough, versatile and familiar
With a broad range of mechanisms and products within the range, 600 Series quickly became a popular and versatile choice for residential and commercial settings and reinforced PDL’s position as a market leader.
In fact, PDL 600 Series still remains in demand today thanks to its simplicity, longevity and reliability.
“It’s a product that’s tried and true and well-loved for its construction and design,” says Dave. “It has some design features that were brought into the New Zealand electrical industry, and they still really haven’t been exceeded. It’s still a very well engineered product in the market.”
An enduring legacy
The install base is significant, with PDL 600 Series used in schools, universities, aged care facilities, government buildings, retail, and housing across New Zealand over the past 30 years.
With such a solid history, PDL remains committed to the range, which has evolved to keep pace with industry developments and consumer desires.
The introduction of USB charging mechanisms a few years ago, and the use of the Black colour option is increasing to complement design trends in both commercial and residential, and keeping the range current to meet today’s demands.
PDL 600 – still going strong
The design and reliability that made PDL 600 Series such a breakthrough product in 1995 continues to resonate with electricians and customers today.
“The range just hits the mark for so many different use cases. I’m always hearing stories of how it’s one of the first switch and socket ranges they ever used, and still use today, says Dave.
Thirty years on, it is a product whose legacy endures. “PDL 600 Series is so well regarded. It’s celebrating 30 years and is well-stocked in wholesalers across the country, so people know they can always go and get it.
With widespread availability through Powerbase members across New Zealand and a reputation built on trust, the PDL 600 Series range continues to be a cornerstone of New Zealand’s electrical industry.
