The Rise of Smart PPE
In today’s industrial environments, the definition of personal protective equipment (PPE) is rapidly evolving. Beyond gloves, glasses, and hard hats, organizations are now adopting smart PPE: wearable technology that goes beyond protection to provide real-time data, alerts, and insights. These devices are helping bridge the gap between safety protocols and actual on-the-ground behavior.
Smart PPE isn’t just a trend; it’s a response to persistent risks and human error that traditional methods can’t fully eliminate. With OSHA still ranking electrical hazards among the top causes of workplace injury, it’s no surprise that safety leaders are exploring solutions like wearable voltage sensors to protect their teams.
Wearable Voltage Detection: A New Layer of Awareness
One standout in the smart PPE space is the Proxxi Band, a wearable voltage detector that alerts workers before they unknowingly approach energized AC equipment. Designed to be worn on the wrist or mounted on a helmet, Proxxi Band detects voltage from 110V to 500kV and alerts users through vibration, sound, and light.
Unlike handheld testers or fixed sensors, Proxxi Band is always on and always with the worker. It acts as a continuous last line of defense, especially valuable in unfamiliar environments, during fast-paced troubleshooting, or when drawings don’t reflect reality. With optional dashboard analytics, safety teams gain visibility into near misses, enabling them to turn real-time alerts into long-term improvements.
Key Use Cases Across Industries
- Contractors working on service calls or busy retrofits benefit from quick alerts when site documentation is outdated or equipment is mislabeled.
- OEM field teams commissioning new systems in customer facilities gain peace of mind during first energization and testing.
- In-plant maintenance crews get early warnings when working near energized gear during inspections, repairs, or shutdowns.
- Utilities and energy operators use wearables as part of layered protection programs, especially during outages and turnarounds.
What to Consider When Choosing Smart PPE
When evaluating smart PPE like Proxxi Band, consider:
✓ Compatibility with existing workflows:
Does it integrate seamlessly with current safety protocols without slowing down the job?
✓ Ease of training and use:
Can it be deployed with minimal disruption and understood quickly by new users?
✓ Data and analytics:
Does it offer visibility into safety trends, behaviors, and areas for training improvement?
✓ Environmental durability:
Is it built for your working conditions: wet, dusty, high-voltage, or confined spaces?
✓ Wearability and form factor:
Can it be worn comfortably under PPE or mounted onto a hard hat?
Is Proxxi Right for Your Team?
If you’re still relying on workers to manually verify every voltage hazard in real-time, or if you’ve experienced near misses due to miscommunication or assumptions, smart PPE like Proxxi Band may be the bridge between safety policy and practical protection.
It’s not just about reacting to danger—it’s about preventing it, with tech that adapts to the way real jobsites work.
Talk to a Proxxi expert today and learn how wearable voltage detection fits into your safety strategy!
Stay SAFE, and have a GREAT week!
