
5
SAFETY
• Always use proper high voltage procedures, including personal protective equipment,
when working near or around high voltage equipment or conductors.
• Do not rely on the V-Watch as your sole source of high voltage detection. Risk of
electrocution is inherent in or around high voltage.
• Never contact high voltage with the V-Watch.
• Always use proper high voltage procedures for testing and grounding.
• Because the human body is a good electrical conductor, electric fields are distorted or
blocked by the body. Thus, positioning of the V-Watch on the body and its location
relative to the voltage source can have a large effect on its sensitivity to electric fields.
• Grounded equipment can appear to be live in close proximity to energized conductors.
• The V-Watch is not sensing electric fields when it is inside its closed carrying case.
WARNINGS
All V-Watch carrying cases are electrically shielded, therefore,
V-Watch does not work when inside its closed carrying case.
THE V-WATCH IS NOT FOR USE BELOW 2400 VOLTS AC.
The V-Watch will not detect DC voltage or stored charge such as in charged capacitors or
underground cable. When the V-Watch is inside its closed case, it will not detect or warn
of nearby high voltage. Always use proper high voltage procedures, including personal
protective equipment, when working near or around high voltage equipment or con-
ductors. Never contact high voltage with the V-Watch. Always use proper high voltage
procedures for testing and grounding. Do not rely on the V-Watch as your sole source
of high voltage detection. Risk of electrocution is inherent in or around high voltage.
HOW IT WOR S
The V-Watch works by sensing the presence of the electric field surrounding anything that
potentially conducts high voltage electricity and sounds an alarm. The V-Watch measures
the strength of the electric field; a higher voltage or stronger field will cause the V-Watch
to alarm from a greater distance.
The V-Watch emits a series of loud beeps and flashing lights when an electric field is
first detected. The beeps and flashing lights increase in frequency as the user approaches
the source of the high voltage electric field. A steady tone indicates very close proximity
to high voltage and the need for extreme caution. This variable beeping rate helps the
user to determine if they are approaching the high voltage source or moving away
from it to safety.
The V-Watch has a self-test button to verify battery power and proper functioning of the
device. The V-Watch will also sound its alarm to warn the user of a low battery. Whenever
the V-Watch is being used, it is always on, checking for the presence of high voltage electric
fields. A standard 9-volt lithium or alkaline battery powers the unit for about one year.
For more information, refer to the A Word About Electric Fields section on page 7.