Going Beyond LOTO: Proxxi’s Wearable Voltage Detection for Smarter Electrical Safety
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures form the backbone of risk prevention. Yet, time and again, real-world incidents prove that even a robust LOTO program can’t fully eliminate human error or unforeseen circumstances.
Near misses, incomplete documentation, and complacency all leave room for serious incidents. That’s where Proxxi Band, a wearable voltage detector, steps in—providing an extra layer of protection to keep workers safe when traditional measures fall short.
Why LOTO Alone Isn’t Always Enough
Despite best efforts to follow LOTO protocols, many organizations still face unreported near misses and hazardous situations. Workers might rely on outdated schematics, make incorrect assumptions about de-energized equipment, or skip critical verification steps. The result?
Gaps where LOTO fails to stop a potentially dangerous surge of voltage. Proxxi’s real-time alerts help counteract these vulnerabilities by warning employees before they even touch what they believe to be safe equipment.
Real-World Example: Tri-City Group’s Cautionary Tale
In a recent webinar, Todd Daily, Vice President of Engineered Solutions at Tri-City Group, shared how a near tragedy prompted his team to adopt the Proxxi Band. Tri-City is one of the nation’s top electrical contractors, boasting 128+ years of experience.
Yet even with a strong NFPA 70E–based safety culture, they encountered a shock injury on a solar farm project that was thought to be de-energized. Unbeknownst to them, a step-up transformer and incomplete drawings meant 15kV got backfed onto equipment, leading to an incident that could have been far worse.
“It took 120 volts and stepped it up to 15,000. If we had Proxxi at that time, it would've prevented that,” Todd recalled.
Following this event, Tri-City integrated the Proxxi Band into their standard PPE, making it mandatory for technicians whenever they don safety glasses. In another instance, a Proxxi alert discovered hidden wiring powered by a backup generator—an unseen source of voltage that their standard LOTO checks did not catch.
“Proxxi did its job. It found voltage inside that panel that was supposed to be de-energized,” Todd said. “No harm, no foul—nobody got hurt, and we actually found a problem the plant didn’t realize they had.”
How Proxxi Fills the Gaps
- Real-Time Voltage Alerts: Unlike handheld testers that rely on manual checks, a wearable device like Proxxi is always “on.” If a circuit unexpectedly re-energizes, Proxxi’s haptic, visual, and audible signals give workers critical seconds to step back.
- Adaptable Across Tasks: Tri-City Electric technicians learned firsthand how unknown wiring or backfed voltage can appear in otherwise “dead” equipment. By mounting Proxxi on their dominant hand (or hard hat), they gain continuous monitoring with no extra steps required.
- Supporting Data-Driven Safety: Proxxi’s associated dashboard can log near misses, providing teams with actionable insights into trends or recurring issues. This helps refine LOTO strategies, training programs, and on-site protocols.
- A Culture of Safety: While LOTO forms the legal and procedural base for electrical work, Proxxi fosters a safety-first mindset—reminding workers that unexpected hazards can exist even in well-known systems.
Read the Tri-City Group Case Study here.
Don’t Wait for a Shock Incident to Upgrade Your Safety
Proxxi serves as that last line of defense—a wearable safety net that catches what thorough lockout/tagout and training might miss. Whether you manage a power testing division, an industrial plant, or any environment involving high-voltage equipment, Proxxi can help close the gaps left by LOTO and human error.
By adding always-on monitoring and immediate alerts, you protect your workforce, meet compliance goals, and cement a culture of proactive safety.
Ready to Strengthen Your LOTO Program?
- Learn More About Proxxi: Discover technical details and how easy it is to implement.
- Request a Pilot or Demo: Experience real-time voltage detection firsthand in your facility.
Don’t let a near miss become a major incident—take a cue from Tri-City Group and make your LOTO procedures smarter, safer, and more resilient with Proxxi.