HD Electric V-WATCH Operating Instructions Manual

U.S. Patent 6,329,924

Other Patents Pending

Operating & Instruction Manual

V-WATCH

®

PERSONAL VOLTAGE DETECTOR

1475 Lakeside Drive • Waukegan, Illinois 60085 U. S.A. • 847.473.4980

f a x 8 4 7 . 4 7 3 . 4 9 8 1 • w e b s i t e : w w w. H D E l e c t r i c C o m p a n y .c om

Making the Invisible Visible

®

2

GENERAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

POINTS TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE PROCEEDING . . . .5

SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

HOW IT WORKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

A WORD ABOUT ELECTRIC FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .912

LIMITATIONS FOR USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1314

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1415

HOW TO WEAR IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

WHEN AND HOW TO USE IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1618

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1920

WARNING DISTANCE CHARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2122

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY . . . . .2324

For the latest information on V-Watch Personal Voltage
Detectors including product updates and technical

information, visit our website at HDElectricCompany.com

V-WATCH

®

PERSONAL VOLTAGE DETECTOR

Operating & Instruction Manual

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The V-Watch® Personal Voltage Detector detects
the strong electric fields surrounding high voltage
conductors and power distribution equipment.
It is a small pocket size device worn on the outside
of the clothing or other protective gear by users
operating near power lines or high voltage
equipment. It provides an extra level of safety
for personnel trained in the use and application
while working on or near high voltage systems.

4

The V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector
detects electric fields. Make sure you un­derstand these points before proceeding:

• Electric fields surround every energized AC conductor.

• The closer you are to a conductor, the stronger the
field will be.

• Higher voltage means a stronger electric field and
a greater warning distance. Lower voltage means
a reduced warning distance.

• Electric fields are NOT blocked by plastics, dry wood
or clothing.

• Electric fields ARE blocked by ANY conductor such
as a metal cabinet or door, wet wood, metal fences,
green trees, a growing shrub or hedge & tall wet grass.

• The detector will not find cables buried under the
ground. The ground is a conductor and will block
electric fields.

• Insulation on a wire does not block the electric field
and does not affect warning distances.

• Underground primary cables are both insulated
AND shielded. The shield is a conductor, is grounded,
and will block the electric field.

• Molded cable terminators such as elbows are, like
the cables they are installed on, both insulated and
shielded and will block electric fields.

• Your body will block electric fields. Wear the detector
front and center and do not walk backwards.

• Do not use the detector while holding it in your hand.
Wrapping your fingers around the device will block
electric fields, preventing it from working properly.

5

SAFETY

• Always use proper high voltage procedures,
including personal protective equipment,
when working near or around high voltage
equipment or conductors.

• Do not rely on the detector as your sole source
of high voltage detection. Risk of electrocution
is inherent in or around high voltage.

• Never contact high voltage with the V-Watch
detector.

• Always use proper high voltage procedures
for testing and grounding.

• Because the human body is a good electrical
conductor, electric fields are distorted or blocked
by the body. Thus, positioning of the detector
on the body and its location relative to the
voltage source can have a large effect on its
sensitivity to electric fields.

• Grounded equipment can appear to be live in
close proximity to energized conductors.

• The V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector is not
sensing electric fields when it is closed.

6

WARNING

NOT FOR USE BELOW 2400 VOLTS AC.

OPERATIONAL IMPAIRMENT

If the detector is used in a manner not described in
this instruction manual, the protection and effective
operation of this equipment may be impaired.

The detector will not detect DC voltage or stored
charge such as in charged capacitors or underground
cable. When the detector is closed, it will not detect
or warn of nearby high voltage. Always use proper
high voltage procedures, including personal
protective equipment, when working near or
around high voltage equipment or conductors.
Never contact high voltage. Always use proper
high voltage procedures for testing and grounding.
Do not rely on the V-Watch Personal Voltage
Detector as your sole source of high voltage
detection. Risk of electrocution is inherent
in or around high voltage.

7

HOW IT WORKS

The V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector works by
sensing the presence of the electric field surrounding
anything that conducts high voltage electricity and
sounding an alarm. It measures the strength of the
electric field; a higher voltage or stronger field will
cause the detector to alarm from a greater distance.

It emits a series of loud beeps and flashing lights when
an electric field is first detected. The beeps and flashing
lights increase in frequency as the user approaches
the source of the high voltage electric field. A steady
alternating tone and flashing lights indicates very
close proximity to high voltage and the need for
extreme caution. This variable beeping rate helps the
user to determine if they are approaching the high
voltage source or moving away from it to safety.

The detector tests itself automatically each time it is
opened. A successful self test is confirmed by a series
of tones and flashing lights. A failed test is indicated
by a solid error tone and no lights. A low battery alarm
is a slow alternating tone and flashing red lights. The
unit will shut off when it is closed and this is verified
by descending tones.

For more information, refer to the A Word About
Electric Fields section on page 9.

8

A WORD ABOUT ELECTRIC FIELDS

Electric fields surround
every energized conductor.
The V-Watch Personal Voltage
Detector measures the
strength of these electric
fields to warn the user when
fields are strong enough
to indicate the presence
of nearby high voltage
conductors.

A downed power line is a typical hazardous
situation where the detector can provide
a warning. This power line lying on the
ground sets up a high voltage
field surrounding the
conductor that the
detector will sense
and warn the user.

The detector is designed to be worn on the body
and it measures the electrical fields typically found
in close proximity to the body. Because the human
body is a good electrical conductor, electric fields
are distorted or even blocked by the body. Thus,
positioning of the detector on the body and its
location relative to the voltage source can have a
large effect on its sensitivity to electric fields.

9

Adequate

Warning
Distance

When properly worn on the front of the body,
as shown, and with the user facing a waist height
energized conductor, such as a terminal on a pad
mount transformer or switch, the detector will start
to alarm about 10 feet from a 7kV conductor. If the
user were to approach
this energized terminal
by backing up to it,
the warning distance
may be reduced to
3 feet or less.

If the user bends
over from the waist
to reach towards an
energized high voltage
terminal, the warning
distance may also be
significantly reduced.
In both cases, the high
conductivity of the body
acts as a shield to conduct
the electric field
around the detector.

The V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector measures
only the strength of the electric field. It cannot directly
measure distance to the source of the electric field
such as an energized conductor. The higher the voltage,
the stronger the field and the greater the alarm

Reduced
Warning
Distance

10

distance. The reverse is also true; the detector may
alarm due to the very close proximity of low voltage
when the user walks past a typical factory machine
such as a running drill press, an office computer
terminal or a desk lamp. It may even alarm if it is
placed up against a typical 120 volt wall outlet.

Electrically conductive objects located underneath
power lines can appear to be live. A metal fence
or a growing hedge can cause a distortion of the
electric field under these lines and result in high
electric field strength near the ground. The V-Watch
Personal Voltage Detector will provide an early
warning of high electric
fields, but not all fields
are directly caused
by nearby
energized objects.
To prevent the
detector from
issuing too many
false alarms, it
should not be
used or worn
in typical office
or factory
environments where all the equipment is low
voltage and there is no danger of contacting
energized high voltage conductors.

Fence May

Appear

To Be "Live"

11

As an additional protection against false alarms from
transient voltages, the detector has a built-in time
delay and may take up to one second to emit an
alarm warning of high voltage. For this reason,
a user running towards an energized high voltage
source may find the warning distance reduced.

12

0%

3 ft.

2 ft.

1 ft.

1

/2 ft.

10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Warning Distance Reduction

Warning Distance at First Beep

LIMITATIONS FOR USE

WARNING:
Conductors lying
on the ground or
very close to it will
result in reduced
warning distances.

Conductors of different phases in close proximity
will also reduce warning distances due to field
cancellation effects.

Wearing the V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector in en­vironments such as substations or under transmission
lines may result in the detector alarming continuously.

Be aware of unique conditions that may be

present around three phase delta systems.
Unlike grounded Y systems, a single phase of a delta
system can become grounded without causing an

13

outage and the delta system can continue to operate
with this grounded phase. If this phase is grounded
as a result of a downed conductor or other storm
damage, it may be grounded only temporarily and
could become reenergized if moved or disturbed. The

V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector will not detect
any grounded conductor, whether it is a grounded
delta phase conductor, a guy wire or a pole ground.

WARNING: Treat all conductors as live

unless or until there is a visible break
from a live source and a ground is in place.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

NOT FOR USE BELOW 2400 VOLTS AC.

Before using, read the entire instruction manual and
review product labeling. Pull the top of the unit up to
verify a good battery and to perform a self test. The test
circuitry generates an internal voltage which the detec­tor then detects and indicates by turning on the lights
and sounding the beeper. DO NOT USE the detector if
the self test error tone is heard or if the detector fails to
activate the lights and beeper. Remove from service
and contact the factory to arrange for repair.

The detector should always be worn facing any potential
high voltage electricity. Wear the detector in the center
of the front of your body as shown on page 17 and

14

always wear in the direction of movement or work.
Do not walk backwards or sideways when wearing the
detector as it will not detect high voltage behind you
or as effectively to the sides. Wear on the outside of all
clothing. Keep it away from all other large metal objects
such as belt buckles, tool belts or electronic items such
as radios, pagers, cell phones or any other electrical
devices which may interfere with the detector.

The detector will emit a series of beeps and flashing
lights when it detects high voltage. It will beep and
flash faster as it gets closer to high voltage. Very rapid
beeping and flashing or a constant alternating tone
and lights indicates close proximity to high voltage
and requires extreme caution.

15

HOW TO WEAR IT

The V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector should always
be worn mid-torso on the front of the body and face in
the direction of movement.

Because it is sensitive to electric
fields in front of the user, and to
a lesser extent on either side,
proper positioning is important.
Adjust the lanyard so that the
detector is located at mid torso
and facing forward. The clip on
the back of the unit can provide
additional support by clipping
to a shirt front or safety vest.

WHEN AND HOW TO USE IT

The V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector can be
used anytime, anyplace and for any reason. The
decision of when to use it is made by the user
and by your company’s safety and work practices.

When used properly, the detector can provide an
additional warning to users exposed or working
around energized high voltage electricity and
equipment. Awareness of the presence of a high
voltage electric field allows the user to take
additional precautions against accidental contact
with energized equipment. The variable frequency
beeping gives the user an indication of the source
and direction of the high voltage.

16

The detector provides an early warning
of the proximity of potentially hazardous
high voltage electricity and equipment.
It will start to beep with flashing lights
slowly as an electric field is first
detected and will then beep
faster, increasing to a steady
alternating tone and
flashing lights if the
user continues to
approach the
source of the high
voltage electric
field. A steady
alternating tone
and flashing lights
indicates the need
for extreme
caution, as the
source of
the high
voltage
electric
field is
close.

17

When the V-Watch Personal Voltage Detector is in
use with a good working battery, it is always on,
always ready to warn of potentially hazardous high
voltage. The battery life is approximately six months
of continuous use or two years in storage. When the
job requiring the protection of the detector for the
user is completed, the detector should be closed
by pushing down on the top.

CAUTION: The V-Watch Personal Voltage

Detector is not sensing electric fields

when it is closed.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT
INSTRUCTIONS

A low battery is indicated by red flashing lights and
a slow alternating tone. Always replace all three AAA
batteries at the same time, either three alkaline or
three lithium types as specified below.

To access the battery compartment,
turn the V-Watch detector off by
pushing the top down. The battery
compartment is on the back of the
unit. Rotate the belt clip sideways and
then remove the battery compartment
cover. Note the battery polarity which
is also printed inside the unit.

After installing the new batteries, replace the battery
cover and turn the V-Watch detector on by pulling

18

the top up. A successful self
test is indicated by a tone
series and flashing lights.
If the self test is not
successful, do not use
the V-Watch detector
and return it to the
factory for service.

CLEANING

To clean, wipe with a damp cloth with water.
Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SENSITIVITY: Factory set at 50/60 Hz sensing threshold
(first beep). The detector will only detect AC voltage. Do
not use below 2400 Volts.
TYPICAL WARNING DISTANCE: 7 feet (2.13m) from a
4kV AC conductor.

OPERATING FREQUENCY: 50Hz/60Hz
BATTERY: Three AAA alkaline batteries ANSI-24A,

IEC-LR03 or lithium ANSI 24-LF, IECFR03.
Life 2 years in storage, six months of continuous use.

BEEPER SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL: 100 db.
WEIGHT WITH BATTERY: 7.97 oz (226g)
DIMENSIONS:

Closed: 5.53” (14.0cm) x 3.54” (9.0cm) x 1.42” (3.6cm)
Open: 6.29” (15.9cm) x 3.54” (9.0cm) x 1.42” (3.6cm)

VOLTAGE RANGE: 2400VAC and above.
ENCLOSURE MATERIAL: ABS UL 94-HB.
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS: FR-4 UL94V-0.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

CONDITIONS: Indoor and outdoor use, IP 68
ALTITUDE: Up to 6,566 ft. (2000M)
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -20°F to +120°F

(-29°C to +49°C)

HUMIDITY: 95% to 49°C (non-condensing)
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY: II Non-contact
POLLUTION DEGREE: PD4

MANUFACTURING LOCATION

HD Electric Company • Waukegan, IL. 60085, USA

ACCESSORIES

V-Watch Personal Voltage Detectors come standard
with three AAA lithium batteries, padded carrying bag
and instruction manual.

20

V-WATCH DETECTOR WARNING DISTANCES

Test Details

All of the warning
distances are shown
on a 1 foot grid and
all distances are to scale.

The energized bar is 4 feet long and 30 inches above
the ground on insulators. It is energized from behind
and the indicated voltage is line to ground.

For this test, the V-Watch Detector was worn on the
shirt front as pictured. Warning distances will be
reduced slightly if it is worn on the belt and will be
reduced substantially if an arm is extended toward
the energized source or if the user approaches the
energized source backwards.

Nominal

warning distance

1 ft. x 1 ft. Grid

21

V-WATCH DETECTOR WARNING DISTANCES

Nominal

warning distance

1 ft. x 1 ft. Grid

Test Details

All of the warning
distances are shown
on a 1 foot grid and all
distances are to scale.

The energized bar is 4 feet long and 30 inches above
the ground on insulators. It is energized from behind
and the indicated voltage is line to ground.

For this test, the V-Watch Detector was worn on
the shirt front as pictured. Warning distances will be
reduced slightly if it is worn on the belt and will be
reduced substantially if an arm is extended toward
the energized source or if the user approaches the
energized source backwards.

22

LIMITED WARRANTY & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

This warranty applies to all products sold by HD Electric Company (the "Products"); provided,
however, that the term Products does not include any third party products purchased through
HD Electric Company, for which no warranties are made (the "Third Party Products"). Third Party
Products may be subject to a separate manufacturer's warranty; [should you have
any question regarding whether a separate warranty applies, please contact HD Electric
Company].

NOTICE: READ THIS LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY BEFORE BUYING OR USING THE
PRODUCTS CONTAINED HEREIN.

It is impossible to eliminate all risks associated with the use of the Products. Risks of serious
injury or death, including risks associated with electrocution, arcing and thermal burns, are
inherent in work in and around energized electrical systems. Such risks arise from the wide
variety of electrical systems and equipment to which Products may be applied, the manner of
use or application, weather and environmental conditions or other unknown factors, all of
which are beyond the control of HD Electric Company.

HD Electric Company does not agree to be an insurer of these risks, and shall have no liability
for any claims arising from such risks.

WHEN YOU BUY OR USE THESE PRODUCTS, YOU AGREE TO ACCEPT THESE RISKS.

HD Electric Company warrants to the original purchaser that the Products (excluding any third
party products purchased through HD Electric Company, for which no warranties are made)
will be free from defects in material and workmanship, under normal use and regular service,
and preventative maintenance for a period of one (1) year (ten (10) years for HDE
Capacitor Controls) from the date of shipment (the “Warranty Period”). Should any failure to
conform with this warranty be found during the Warranty Period, you must notify HD Electric
Company of your claim within thirty (30) days of discovery, and within the Warranty Period.
Your failure to give notice of claims of breach of warranty within the Warranty Period shall
be deemed an absolute and unconditional waiver of claims for such defects. HD Electric
Company will have no responsibility to honor claims received after the date the applicable
Warranty Period expires.

Upon notice of your claim, HD Electric Company will provide a return authorization number,
and further instructions on how to return the product for service. You must follow HD Electric
Company’s instruction. You are responsible for all Product removal, handling, re-installation,
and shipping (both to and from HD Electric Company). Products returned for repair, as well as
repaired or replacement Products shall be sent postage / freight prepaid. After receipt of a
product which HD Electric Company determines is defective, HD Electric will, at its option, either
(1) repair (or authorize the repair of) the Product or (2) replace the Product, subject to the
following: The Products are made using parts sourced from a variety of manufacturers. Due to
the rapidly changing technology environment, parts may become obsolete / unavailable over
time (end of life). In the event that a Product cannot be repaired or replaced due to unavailability
of parts, HD Electric Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain substitute
parts or conduct work around design, but cannot guarantee its ability to do so.

23

Items not found defective will be returned at your expense, or failing receipt of instruction from
you on return of such items within five (5) business days of our notice to you that the product
is not defective, HD Electric may dispose of the product at its discretion and with no liability
to you. HD Electric Company’s determination of defects is final. Products repaired or replaced
during the Warranty Period shall be covered by the foregoing warranties for the remainder
of the original Warranty Period or ninety (90) days from the date of delivery of the repaired or
replaced Products, whichever is longer.

LIMITATIONS:

This warranty is void in the event of misuse, alteration, faulty installation, or misapplication of
the product.

This warranty does not cover failure of product or components due to any ACT OF NATURE;
lightning, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes or any other such catastrophic events.

HD Electric Company does not warrant any third party products or associated hardware or their
performance or suitability for use and application. Such items are provided “as-is”.

All repairs must be authorized by HD Electric Company. Unauthorized repairs will not be
reimbursed under any circumstances.

HD Electric Company is not required to make replacement or loaner equipment available while
Products are being repaired or replaced, or to compensate you for any in/out labor charges or
expenses associated with removal, handling or re-installation of the Products.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THIS WARRANTY AND THE REMEDIES
SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, REMEDIES AND
CONDITIONS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. HD ELECTRIC EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
MERCHANTABILITY AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

IN NO EVENT SHALL HD ELECTRIC COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OR HANDLING OF THESE
PRODUCTS. THIS SHALL INCLUDE BUT, NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS OR REVENUE, LOSS OF USE
OF THE PRODUCTS, COST OF SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS, FACILITIES OR SERVICES, OR DOWNTIME.

IN NO EVENT SHALL HD ELECTRIC COMPANY HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY THIRD PARTY
PRODUCTS OR ASSOCIATED HARDWARE, OR CUSTOMER-OWNED SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT OR
SOFTWARE.

HD Electric Company must have prompt notice of any claim so that an immediate product
inspection and investigation can be made. Buyer and all users shall promptly notify HD Electric
Company of any claims, whether based on contract, negligence, strict liability, or other tort or
otherwise be barred from any remedy.

HD Electric Company is committed to ongoing review and improvement

of its product lines, and thus reserves the right to modify product design

and specifications without notice.

HD Electric Company® products are available through

HDE® sales representatives worldwide.

Printed in U.S.A. © HD Electric Company 2018 • Bulletin No. VWS-IM-100d