V-WatchTM Fire
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-WatchÔ 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.
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