GracePESDs: The "Blinky Lights"

Posted by Nick Schiltz on February 3

It’s no secret that our Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) greatly assist with a more safer, smarter, and more Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure. But how and when each device is best suited for each step of the process may require some clarification. For starters, our GracePESDs® voltage indicators are best suited for verifying the presence of voltage. This is visually represented by flashing or non-flashing LED lights from the device that is hardwired to the load side of an electrical feeder or disconnect switch.

However, when the lights are no longer illuminated, this is not to be considered an accurate representation of the absence of voltage. In order to verify absence of voltage, a qualified person must go beyond visual verification and perform a metered test, which is where our Safe-Test Point and Voltage Test Station would come into play.

Failure to perform proper mechanical or electrical LOTO can lead to electrocution, electrical shock, arc-flash, and other hazards. In addition to huge penalties by OSHA for non-compliance, these hazards often result in lost time wages, compensation claims, permanent disability, and fatalities.

One of the highest risk factors involved in these incidents is human error. Voltage indicators from GracePESDs® aim to assist in behavior around live voltage. This is why our indicators provide a visual representation of energy presence to mitigate these risks.

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Voltage indicators are self-powered and permanently installed devices that visually represent the presence of voltage with flashing or non-flashing, redundant LED lights. Typically hardwired to the load side of an electrical feeder or a disconnect switch, voltage indicators illuminate whenever hazardous voltage is present in any individual phase.

These devices, when installed by a qualified electrician, assist task qualified personnel with enhanced productivity and reduced risk while performing mechanical LOTO tasks by verifying energy presence.

With a voltage indicator for every application, you’ll never need to compromise safety. From the standard R-3W to the CAT III/IV rated fiber optic R-3F2, we’re ready to help you improve your electrical safety program today. We even have a couple of newcomers, such as the DC application indicator, R-3W-DC, and the Flex-Mount R-3D2.

The Flex-Mount was specifically designed to be able to mount onto the top, bottom, or side of a disconnect switch, for example. It includes labels that come with the kit for directional mounting. All of the above-mentioned voltage indicators are UL Listed.

FLEX MOUNT Flyer2

The Flex-Mount is especially unique because it conveniently mounts onto any electrical equipment that features an M20 or ¾” conduit knockout. This 3-phase voltage indicator uses redundant, long-life LEDs (flashing or non-flashing options available) to provide a visual representation of energy presence with the flexibility of being mounted virtually anywhere conduit knockout (alternate mounting position labels provided).

In addition to the four-wire option, the Flex-Mount is the first voltage indicator PESD to utilize an optional five-wire configuration for use on wye power systems. The Flex-Mount comes fully potted with CAT III & CAT IV ratings that can be hardwired directly to the voltage source and is ideal for use in both AC & DC applications.

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We also have an indicator for medium voltage application with the R-1V Medium Voltage Indicator. This PESD is installed differently than the previously mentioned indicators as it mounts directly onto a medium voltage bus to alert personnel to voltage presence with flashing LEDs.

The Medium Voltage Indicator is designed to provide sufficient illumination to be easily seen through a regular or IR viewing window mounted on a medium voltage starter, transformer, switchgear, or other power distribution equipment. The R-1V is built for long life and reliability with solid-state LEDs and is coated with flame-rated material. The Medium Voltage Indicator also uses capacitively-coupled resistivity to provide high surge immunity.

r3wcatiiiiv

In an attempt to better address the international standards and the needs of our diverse customers while standardizing our offering, Grace has begun phasing out RED-YELLOW-BLUE lead wires and has replaced them with black leads denoted by stripes and marking (see Figure 1). This will affect R-3W and R-3W-SR units. In addition, we are excited to announce that alongside our R-3F2 and R-3W2, the R-3W and R-3W-SR now both carry CAT III/CAT IV ratings as well.

The UL required installation documentation that ships with the product has been accordingly updated. Until all current inventory is depleted, you may receive units with either wire color. Please install as per the installation instructions included with every unit. We have also updated our GracePESDs Voltage Indicators datasheet to reflect these changes and you can download the new version by clicking here.

ICYMI: Last week, we did a live stream with our Director of Product Marketing, Bhanu Srilla, MS, CESCP, CMRP, CRL, and TW Becker Electrical Safety Consulting's Terry Becker, P.Eng., CESCP, IEEE Senior Member. These experts, with a combined experience of decades in electrical safety experience, explain why you need a compliant Electrical Safety Program and the importance of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). For more from Bhanu and Terry, check out our next free webinar details and register by clicking below:

preview-lightbox-Feb 9 Webinar Social Media Post_2101-1

It's that time again! New changes have officially been implemented into both 2021 Editions of NFPA 70E & CSA Z462. Register today for our next FREE webinar, which will go into detail about what you need to know from these new editions.

"NFPA 70E & CSA Z462, 2021 Edition: Changes, Similarities, and Differences" will be presented by Grace Technologies Director of Product Marketing, Bhanu Srilla, MS, CESCP, CMRP, CRL, and TW Becker Electrical Safety Consulting's Terry Becker, P.Eng., CESCP, IEEE Senior Member.

Empowering-Industry-Podcast-39-2

In other news, our Chief Technology Officer, Andy Zimmerman, was recently a guest on the Empowering Pumps & Equipment podcast. Andy discusses the importance of predictive maintenance and the Industrial Internet of Things. Get to know what Andy does on a daily basis and how his background landed him in the IIoT space at Grace Technologies (interview starts at 25:10). Check it out below!

About Empowering Industry Podcast: Empowering Pumps & Equipment is the information and connection hub for pump and related equipment industries and has been for the past 9 years. Their mission is to connect, inform and educate, and we are launching a weekly podcast to compliment their existing digital and print platforms.


Stay SAFE and have a have a GREAT week!

nick schiltz humpday

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