A History of Innovation Since 1922

Since its founding in 1922, Tripp Lite has responded to changing technology by developing innovative products to meet the needs of its customers. It all started with the Trippe "Speed Light" that become a successful automotive accessory, improving visibility on all types of vehicles, including fine touring cars and U.S. Army tanks during World War II. Pictured is a 1929 Packard featuring original Trippe Speedlights. The car was lovingly restored and sits in the companies front auditorium to greet visitors from all over the world to our HQ in Chicago everyday. Below is a synopsis of the many innovations at Tripp Light since 1922

2010s: Rapid Evolution

The rapid evolution of the data center centralizes the IT function and creates a booming market for hosted and managed networks.

• Tripp Lite develops a "solution sales" structure and expands product lines to offer comprehensive data center solutions.
• New DCIM-ready platform is introduced, including products for network power management, SNMP and environmental monitoring.
• In 2016, Tripp Lite obtains a patent for an automatic transfer switch (ATS) for 3-phase applications. The new 3-phase rack-mount ATS models provide a breakthrough solution for redundancy above 5kW.
• UPS innovations include 3-phase modular UPS systems designed for true scalability in a compact form factor.
• PDU innovations include 3-phase models and the introduction of LCD touchscreens.
• Tripp Lite begins to offer Gigabit Ethernet switches, including models with PoE+ (Power over Ethernet). Innovative 1U models with a built-in PDU are also introduced.
• Cooling innovations include the first EIA-compliant rack-mounted air conditioning unit specifically designed to cool IT equipment. A cooling unit for wall-mount rack enclosures is also introduced.
• New product lines include modular network patch panels, charging stations, charging carts, reversible USB cables, TAA-approved power products, WorkWise™ standing desk solutions and medical-grade power strips with antimicrobial coating.

2000s: Specialized Solutions

• The need develops for specialized power solutions for the healthcare market.
• Tripp Lite's healthcare segment grows with the development of products for use in patient care vicinities, including a medical-grade power strip with a patented protection circuit. The company also provides patient cart OEMs with mobile Tripp Lite power and becomes the market leader.
• UPS innovations include digital models with LCD screens, hot-swap modular models and 3-phase models.
• New product lines include KVM switches and award-winning cooling solutions.

1990s: 100% Availability

• The transition from mainframes to multiple servers running specialized applications creates the need for 100% server availability. Growing reliance on the Internet heightens the need for uninterrupted operation.
• Tripp Lite adds more comprehensive protection features to its UPS product line, including unattended shutdown software.
• New product lines include rack enclosures, cables, connectivity solutions and power distribution units (PDUs).

1980s: Desktop Solutions

• The advent of the personal computer creates a need for high-quality power protection.
• In 1980, Tripp Lite becomes the first company to manufacture a UPS system specifically designed for desktop PCs.
• In 1982, Tripp Lite introduces the Isobar® premium surge protector to provide top-of-the line surge suppression for home and office electronics.

1950s, '60s & '70s: New Markets

• As sealed-beam headlights become standard equipment, Tripp Lite widens its product offering.
• In the 1950s, Tripp Lite begins to produce rotating warning lights for the police, fire and ambulance markets.
• Later, the need develops for on-board AC power in ambulances and recreational vehicles. Tripp Lite develops a line of DC-to-AC inverters and becomes the best-known manufacturer of portable inverters in the world.

1920s, '30s & '40s: A Bright Idea

• Tripp Lite has its bright beginning in 1922.
•  In 1922, Graham Trippe, a Chicago-area inventor, obtains a patent for a new precision-focused automobile headlight. Trippe's headlight design wins the gold medal at the Paris Exposition of Innovation in 1928 and 1929.
• The Trippe "Speed Light" becomes a successful automotive accessory, improving visibility on all types of vehicles, including fine touring cars and U.S. Army tanks during World War II.