Textron HDE V-WATCH PRO Instruction Manual

U.S. Patents 6,329,924 & D439,537.
Other Patents Pending.
Operating & Instruction Manual
V-WATCH
PERSONAL VOLTAGE DETECTOR
®
1475 Lakeside Drive • Waukegan, Illinois 60085 U.S.A. • 847.473.4980
fax [phone] • website: www.HDElectricCompany.com

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
POINTS TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE PROCEEDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
WARNINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
HOW IT WOR S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
HOW TO WEAR IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
WHEN AND HOW TO USE IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
A WORD ABOUT ELECTRIC FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
LIMITATIONS FOR USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
VWATCH MODELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1011
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
WARNING DISTANCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1213
ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
For the latest V-Watch information
including product updates and technical
information, visit our website at
www.hdelectriccompany.com/vwatch.htm
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V-WATCH
PERSONAL VOLTAGE DETECTOR
Operating & Instruction Manual
®

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The V-Watch Personal Voltage Detectors detect 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. The V-Watch provides an extra level of
safety for personnel trained in the use and application of V-Watch working on or near
high voltage systems.
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 V-Watch 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 and tall wet grass.
• The V-Watch 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 V-Watch
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 V-Watch front and center and do not
walk backwards.
• Do not use the V-Watch while holding it in your hand. Wrapping your fingers around
the V-Watch will block electric fields, preventing the V-Watch from working.

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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 V-Watch 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.
• 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 V-Watch 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 is not sensing electric fields when it is inside its closed carrying case.
WARNINGS
All V-Watch carrying cases are electrically shielded, therefore,
V-Watch does not work when inside its closed carrying case.
THE V-WATCH IS NOT FOR USE BELOW 2400 VOLTS AC.
The V-Watch will not detect DC voltage or stored charge such as in charged capacitors or
underground cable. When the V-Watch is inside its closed case, 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 con-
ductors. Never contact high voltage with the V-Watch. Always use proper high voltage
procedures for testing and grounding. Do not rely on the V-Watch as your sole source
of high voltage detection. Risk of electrocution is inherent in or around high voltage.
HOW IT WOR S
The V-Watch works by sensing the presence of the electric field surrounding anything that
potentially conducts high voltage electricity and sounds an alarm. The V-Watch measures
the strength of the electric field; a higher voltage or stronger field will cause the V-Watch
to alarm from a greater distance.
The V-Watch 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 tone 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 V-Watch has a self-test button to verify battery power and proper functioning of the
device. The V-Watch will also sound its alarm to warn the user of a low battery. Whenever
the V-Watch is being used, it is always on, checking for the presence of high voltage electric
fields. A standard 9-volt lithium or alkaline battery powers the unit for about one year.
For more information, refer to the A Word About Electric Fields section on page 7.

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HOW TO WEAR IT
The V-Watch should always be worn mid-torso on the front of the body and face in the
direction of movement. Because V-Watch is sensitive to electric fields in front of the user,
and to a lesser extent on either side, proper positioning is important.
The V-Watch can be worn in three different ways:
1. When using V-Watch with the C-10 Case Lanyard, fully
unzip the carrying case so that the case opens downward
and the V-Watch is now facing forward. Extend the
lanyard from the top of the case and hang it around
your neck. Adjust the lanyard so the V-Watch is located
at mid-torso and facing forward.
2. When using the V-Watch with the VW-LAN Lanyard,
remove the V-Watch from its case and securely affix it
using the metal clip on the back of the V-Watch to the
hanging loop on the front of the lanyard. Hang the
lanyard around your neck and adjust by using the Velcro
so the V-Watch is located at mid-torso and facing forward.
3. The last option is using the V-Watch with the metal
mounting clip and securing it on clothing or other
devices such as fall protection gear so it is located
at mid-torso and facing forward.
WHEN AND HOW TO USE IT
The V-Watch can be used anytime, anyplace and for any
reason. The decision of when to use V-Watch is made by
the user and by your company’s safety and work practices.
When used properly, the V-Watch 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.
The V-Watch provides an early warning of the proximity
of potentially hazardous high voltage electricity and
equipment. The V-Watch will start to beep slowly as an
electric field is first detected and will then beep faster,
increasing to a steady tone if the user continues to
approach the source of the high voltage electric field.
A steady tone indicates the need for extreme caution,
as the source of the high voltage electric field is close.
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2
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A WORD ABOUT ELECTRIC FIELDS
Electric fields surround every energized
conductor. The V-Watch 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 V-Watch can provide
a warning. This power line lying
on the ground sets up a high
voltage field surrounding the
conductor that the V-Watch
will sense and warn the user.
The V-Watch 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 V-Watch on the body and its
location relative to the voltage
source can have a large effect
on its sensitivity to electric fields.
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
V-Watch 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.
Adequate
Warning
Distance

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If the V-Watch 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 V-Watch.
The V-Watch 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 distance. The reverse is also true; the V-Watch 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. The
V-Watch 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 the V-Watch
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
will provide an early warning of high electric fields, but not all fields are directly caused by
nearby energized objects. To prevent the V-Watch 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.
As an additional protection against
false alarms from transient voltages,
the V-Watch 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.
Fence May
Appear
To Be "Live"
Reduced
Warning
Distance

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Legend
Warning Distance - feet
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Conductor
Height
8ft.
3 ft.
2 ft.
3 in.
First warning level - slow beep
Second warning level - medium beep
Third warning level - continuous beep
Each grid square is one foot.
Test data obtained using 7.2kV line to ground conductor
LIMITATIONS FOR USE
WARNING: Conductors lying
on the ground or very close
to it will result in reduced
warning distances.
0%
3 ft.
2ft.
1ft.
1
/2ft.
10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Warning Distance Reduction
V-WatchWarning Distance
at First Beep
Conductors of different phases in close proximity will also reduce warning distances due
to field cancellation effects.
Wearing the V-Watch in environments such as substations or under transmission lines may
result in the V-Watch 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 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 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.

V-WATCH MODELS
There are two models available of the V-Watch Personal
Voltage Detector. Both feature audible and visual alarms,
a low battery indicator, built-in self-test, field replaceable
9V battery, ruggedized housing, belt clip and carrying case.
The V-Watch Pro includes all of the same features as the
V-Watch, but also includes a Mute button which temporarily
silences the beeper. The Mute feature may be used when
it is necessary to work for a prolonged period in or around
high voltage electricity while wearing the V-Watch.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
THE V-WATCH IS NOT FOR USE BELOW 2400 VOLTS AC.
Before using V-Watch, read the instruction manual, review product labeling and both sides
of the instruction card located in the V-Watch case. Do not proceed if the instruction card
is missing. Make certain that the V-Watch is equipped with a 9-volt battery. Press the Test
button on the front of the V-Watch before and after each use. The test circuitry generates
an internal voltage which the V-Watch then detects by turning on the lights and sounding
the beeper. DO NOT USE the V-Watch if the Test button fails to activate the lights and
beeper. Remove from service and contact the factory to arrange for repair.
CAUTION – Press and hold the V-Watch Test button before and peri-
odically during as well as after each use to ensure proper operation.
The V-Watch should always be worn facing any potential high voltage electricity. Wear the
V-Watch in the center of the front of your body as shown in the illustration and always
wear the V-Watch in the direction of movement or work. Do
not walk backwards or sideways when wearing the V-Watch
as it will not detect high voltage behind you or as effectively
to the sides. Wear the V-Watch on the outside of all clothing.
eep 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 V-Watch.
The V-Watch 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 steady tone and lights indicates close proximity
to high voltage and requires extreme caution. For more
details, refer to V-Watch Warning Distances beginning
on page 12.
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WeAR
the
V-Watch
in this
area
Instruction Cards - Front & Back