Personal AC Voltage Detector

Product Description:

The V-Watch™ Fire is a personal AC voltage detector that provides a warning in the presence of electrical fields surrounding electrical equipment.  Designed to be worn on the outside of firefighting clothing and web gear, the V-Watch™ Fire provides an extra level of safety for firefighters working around electrical power lines and other energized AC electrical equipment. 

Features:

• Audible and visual alarms increase in frequency as you approach
• Nomex™protective carrying pouch resists flames, provides drop and water protection
• Built-in self test system checks circuit, audible beeper and visual warning light
• Warning mute button turns off beeper for 5 minutes when pressed
• Rugged, compact plastic housing
• 9V field replaceable battery
• Low battery warning indication
• Always on and checking when exposed

Benefits:

• Alerts the firefighter to the proximity of AC high voltage electrical fields
• Increases the safety of accidental contact with power lines and other electrical equipment

Specifications:

• Sensitivity: Factory set at 50/60 Hz sensing threshold
• Operating temperature: -20° F to +120°F (-29° to +49° C)
• Battery: 9V alkaline 1604A, IEC6LR61, 2-year life in storage, about 1 year in use.
• Beeper Sound Pressure Level: 80 dB
• Unit weight: 5.2 oz. (147 g) with battery, 12 oz. (315 g) with carrying case.
• Dimensions with case:

4.25″H x 4.25″W x 2.5″D  106mm x 106mm x 64mm

• Carrying Case: Electrically shielded, Nomex™ outer cover, FR Velcro closure, heavy duty 2.25 in. long clip, case is padded for shock and water protection.

V-Watch is a trademark of HD Electric Company; US Patents D439,537 and 6,329,924.  Nomex is a trademark of DuPont Corp.  Due to continuous improvement policies, we reserve the right to change product designs and specifications without notice

The V-Watch^™ Fire voltage detector comes in a specially designed carrying case to adapt it to a variety of firefighting web gear, back packs, SCBA’s and personal protective

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equipment.  The carrying case is padded with shock absorbing foam to protect the detector from abuse, wear and tear.

Warning Distances:

The typical distance at the first warning indication for the V-Watch™ Fire depends on the AC voltage level in the electrical circuit.

• Electrical fields surround every energized AC conductor. The closer you are, the stronger the field.
• Higher voltage means a stronger field and a greater V-Watch™ Fire warning distance. Lower voltage means a reduced warning distance.
• Electrical fields ARE BLOCKED by any conductor such as metal conduit, cabinet or door, metal fence, wet wood, tall wet grass, shrubs or green trees.
• Electrical fields are NOT blocked by plastics, dry wood, clothing or insulation.
• The ground is a conductor and blocks electrical fields.  Underground cables are shielded, the shield is a conductor, is grounded and will block the electrical field.  The V-Watch^Ô Fire voltage detector will not find underground cables.

Line to Ground Voltage                  1st Warning Distance*

•      120 V                                                 3 ft. (0.9 m)
•      277 V                                                 4 ft. (1.2 m)
•      480 V                                                 6 ft. (1.8 m)
•   2,400 V                                                14 ft. (4.3 m)
•   7,200 V                                                20 ft. (6.1 m)
• 14,400 V                                                28 ft. (8.5 m)
• 19,900 V                                                30 ft. (9.1 m)

*Based on proper use, see Instruction Manual.

Safety Issues:

The V-Watch™ Fire must be used only after proper training and reviewing all Instruction Manuals and product information.  Some of the key safety points in using the unit properly are:

• Your body is a good conductor and will block electrical fields. Wear the V-Watch™ Fire on the front near the center of your PPE and do not walk backwards because it can reduce the warning distance by over two-thirds.
• Wrapping your fingers and wet gloves around the unit will block electric fields and the V-Watch™ Fire voltage detector will not warn you properly.
• Always use the proper electrical safety procedures, including all personal protective equipment when working near or around electrical power lines or equipment.
• Do not rely on the V-Watch™ Fire as your sole source of voltage detection. The risk of electrocution is inherent.
• V-Watch™ Fire is not sensing electrical fields when it is inside its carrying case; it is off.

Ordering Information:

The V-Watch™ Fire personal voltage warning detector with a self-test function, beeper mute function (turns off audible warning for 5 min.), orange plastic housing, includes yellow Nomex™ electrically shielded carrying pouch and warning card, 9V alkaline battery and instruction booklet.

V-Watchtm Fire Brochure

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