Faster and Safer Voltage Verifications for Electrical Work

FMP is seeking a technological solution to simplify the performance of Initial Voltage Verifications (IVVs) or Absence of Voltage Checks (AVCs) inside Navy shipboard electrical cabinets. Background: At shipyards, the current process for IVVs or AVCs performed at the beginning of each shift can be complex and time consuming, and they introduce personnel safety risk when performed. To mitigate the risk for personnel safety, workers don appropriate levels of electrical safety equipment, physically access panels to be worked, and use handheld instruments to verify the absence of AC and DC voltage inside the panel. These checks validate equipment is electrically safe prior to starting work every shift. The 2018 NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace) allows for permanently installed Absence of Voltage Testers which meet safety requirements. Panduit Verisafe has developed a tester (VS2-AVT-1PB-08) that can be used with simple isolation on panels that are <1000 Vac/dc. Once installed on an electrical cabinet, voltage verification is accomplished using a push button outside the cabinet. These units test phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground. Although the units themselves are inexpensive, installation would represent a major ship alteration and expense. In addition, units would require further development for panels with complex electrical isolation, multiple power supplies, or risk of residual voltage from other sources. FMP is interested in solutions with the potential to address several goals: - Reduce the inherent risk and time required for personnel to perform IVVs or AVCs - Minimize or avoid alteration of existing equipment - Have the capability to deal with complex electrical isolation, multiple power supplies, or risk of residual voltage from other sources