helping reduce risk during electrical maintenance. The system is engineered for testing three- phase circuits up to 600V. At the center of the system is the indicator module, which mounts externally in a standard 30mm knockout and provides clear visual cues with red, yellow, and green LEDs to guide workers through each phase of testing. This interface removes the need to open the cabinet during initial verification, keeping personnel safely distanced from energized conductors. Inside the enclosure, the isolation module acts as a safeguard. It ensures that hazardous voltage remains contained, and includes output contacts for integration with alarms or other safety systems. Connecting the modules is a replaceable cable assembly with right-angle connectors, which save space. The sensor leads— two per phase—can be installed on either side of the disconnect and are kept physically separated to ensure accurate connection to the circuit under test. Each AVT system is tested to NEMA 4X, IP66, and IP67 standards, offering protection against dust, water, and corrosion. Versions rated for Class I, Division 2 and Zone 2 hazardous locations are available, making VeriSafe suitable for demanding industrial applications.
The system includes a long-life industrial battery that can be accessed from the front panel and is easily replaceable without tools. Additional features include built- in overcurrent protection, which eliminates the need for external fusing and prevents failure modes common in older testing approaches. Real-world case study: grounding failure A case study involving a 480V three-phase system highlights the difference that a fail-safe device can make. In this scenario, a disconnect switch had partially failed, leaving one phase live while the other two were open. Compounding the danger, the ground leads had not been properly terminated. To a worker preparing to access the panel, the system appeared de-energized. Standard test portals and voltage indicators gave false readings, showing no voltage across any phase. Had a worker relied solely on these tools, they would have opened the enclosure while one conductor remained energized, risking shock, arc flash, or equipment damage. Panduit’s VeriSafe AVT detected that the sensor leads were not properly grounded and halted the test sequence, indicating that the
installation could not be verified. This fail-safe response prevented a potentially dangerous incident, underscoring the value of automated absence of voltage verification. Conclusion Electrical cabinet safety begins well before a door is opened. Even with power shut off, residual voltage or equipment failures can leave components energized, posing serious risks to workers who assume the system is safe. Traditional tools like voltage indicators and test portals are not equipped to verify the absence of voltage. These methods can produce false negatives, fail to detect installation errors, and do not meet the standards outlined in NFPA 70E or UL 1436. Panduit’s VeriSafe AVT addresses this gap by automating the verification process and ensuring the test itself can be trusted. By detecting faults, performing self- checks, and isolating hazardous voltage, the system eliminates many of the failure modes associated with other testing methods—and helps set a higher standard for electrical safety.
To learn more, visit VeriSafe ATV.
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