Verifying Presence of Voltage with GracePESDs

November 10, 2020

By Nick Schiltz, Grace Technologies

It’s no secret that our Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) greatly assist with a more productive and safer Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure. But how and when each device is best suited for each step of the process may require some clarification. For starters, our GracePESDs voltage indicators are best suited for verifying the presence of voltage. This is visually represented by flashing or non-flashing LED lights from the device that is hardwired to the load side of an electrical feeder or disconnect switch.

However, when the lights are no longer illuminated, this is not to be considered an accurate representation of the absence of voltage. In order to verify, absence of voltage, a qualified person must go beyond visual verification and perform a metered test, which is where our Safe-Test Point and Voltage Test Station would come into play.

Failure to perform proper mechanical or electrical LOTO can lead to electrocution, electrical shock, arc-flash, and other hazards. In addition to huge penalties by OSHA for non-compliance, these hazards often result in lost time wages, compensation claims, permanent disability, and fatalities.

VOLTAGE INDICATORS 

One of the highest risk factors involved in these incidents is human error. Voltage indicators from GracePESDs® aim to assist in behavior around live voltage. This is why our voltage indicators provide a visual representation of energy presence to mitigate these risks.

Voltage indicator PESDs are self-powered, UL listed, and permanently installed devices that visually represent the presence of voltage with flashing or non-flashing, redundant LED lights. Typically hardwired to the load side of an electrical feeder or a disconnect switch, voltage indicators illuminate whenever hazardous voltage is present in any individual phase. These devices, when installed by a qualified electrician, go beyond compliance to assist task qualified personnel with enhanced productivity and reduced risk while performing mechanical LOTO tasks by verifying energy presence.

With a voltage indicator for every application, you’ll never need to compromise safety. From the standard R-3W to the CAT III/IV rated fiber optic R-3F2, we’re ready to help you improve your electrical safety program today. We even have a couple of newcomers, such as the DC application indicator, R-3W-DC, and the Flex-Mount R-3D2. The Flex- Mount is unique because it was specifically designed to be able to mount onto the top, bottom, or side of a disconnect switch, for example. It includes labels that come with the kit for directional mounting. All of the above-mentioned voltage indicators are UL listed.

The Flex-Mount is especially unique because it conveniently mounts onto any electrical equipment that features an M20 or ¾” conduit knockout. This 3-phase voltage indicator uses redundant, long-life LEDs (flashing or non-flashing options available) to provide a visual representation of energy presence with the flexibility of being mounted virtually anywhere conduit knockout (alternate mounting position labels provided). In addition to the four-wire option, the Flex-Mount is the first voltage indicator PESD to utilize an optional five-wire configuration for use on wye power systems. The Flex-Mount comes fully potted with CAT III & CAT IV ratings that can be hardwired directly to the voltage source and is ideal for use in both AC & DC applications.

We also have an indicator for medium voltage application with the R-1V, Medium Voltage Indicator. This PESD is installed differently than the previously mentioned indicators as it mounts directly onto a medium voltage bus to alert personnel to voltage presence with flashing LEDs. The Medium Voltage Indicator is designed to provide sufficient illumination to be easily seen through a regular or IR viewing window mounted on a medium voltage starter, transformer, switchgear, or other power distribution equipment. The R-1V is built for long life and reliability with solid-state LEDs and is coated with flame-rated material. The Medium Voltage Indicator also uses capacitively-coupled resistivity to provide high surge immunity.

Registered for Automation Fair at Home? We’ll be exhibiting at the virtual event from November 16-20. Stop by and chat with one of our representatives! Also, be sure to attend our Product and Technology Session (PT38) at 2:00 PM (CST) on Monday, November 16 with Grace CTO, Andy Zimmerman, as he presents: Integration of IIoT Devices with Your Allen-Bradley PLCs over EtherNet/IP

About this session: Most facility owners are constantly challenged with this question: What should I do with my existing equipment and systems in my digital journey with smart devices? We will show you how to make the best use of your existing systems with EtherNet/IP.

https://www.graceport.com/blog/verifying-presence-of-voltage-with-gracepesds