Printable PDF File Accessories PDF Installation Instruction Sheet
An "electrically safe work condition" is critical for electricians performing maintenance on de-energized systems. The VoltageVision™ R-3W is
a hardwired voltmeter or voltage detector connected to the main disconnect or circuit breaker, and flashes whenever hazardous voltage is present in any individual phase.
Reduces arc flash by pre-verifying electrical isolation from outside the
panel.
Voltage is the single determining factor if an electrical accident or an arc flash is possible--No voltage means: No accident, No arc flash.
After disconnecting power to an enclosure, electricians can "pre-verify" voltage while the enclosure is safely closed. The risk of arc flash will be reduced because electricians know if there is power inside the enclosure, before re-verifying isolation with a meter.
Unmatched Reliability due to dual redundant circuitry and no separate power supply. The
R-3W voltage detector is powered from the same “voltage” that it indicates.
Redundant Circuitry
40-750VAC, 30-1000VDC
Potted Construction with 6’ Leads
Phase Insensitive
30mm Size
High Surge Immunity
UL Type 4X Listed
Circuit Breaker Disconnects-Invisible blades.
High Energy Panels (NFPA 70E Category III & IV).
Frequently Accessed Panels.
Mechanical Lock-Out Tag-Out: Indicating Zero Energy.
Panels with Multiple Power Sources.
Reduces Arc Flash & Electrocution Risk
“Checks” for Voltage all the Time
Ensures “Electrically Safe Condition”
One Size-Fits-All
Enhances NFPA 70e/OSHA Compliance
Detects Stored Energy(AC or DC)
Redundant Circuit Design
Door mount kit for additional voltage protection. Includes a 30mm to adapter and 6’ of NW10 flexible conduit. (Installed depth approximately 4.5”)
Warning Nameplate (3” by 2.3”).
30mm to 11/4” NPT conduit adapter.
See voltage sources inside your panel with our DIN rail bracket.
(3.10”W X 2.34”H X 2.5”D)
Warning plate flange for 1½” NPT conduit. Die-cast AL with female threads.
(3.34”W X 3.34”H X 1.23”D)
40 to 750 VAC, 50/60/400 Hz,
(LINE-TO-LINE or LINE-TO-GND)
DC OR STORED ENERGY: 30 to 1000 VDC,
(LINE-TO-LINE or LINE-TO-GND)
MAXIMUM RATED VOLTAGE: 750VAC/1000VDC
(LINE-TO-LINE or LINE-TO-GND)
POWER CONSUMPTION: 1.2 Watts @ 750 VAC (Approximately)
TEMPERATURES: Operate: -20ºC to +55ºC
Storage: -45ºC to +85ºC
Voltage Vision Frequently Asked Questions: <TOP>
May 17 2005
1.) Is the R-3W phase sensitive? What if the GREEN lead was accidentally wired to L1, L2, or L3?
The R-3W is phase insensitive. The circuitry behind each of 4 leads (Yellow, Red, Blue, & Green) is identical. If the leads are incorrectly wired, the front phase indication would be incorrect, but the core functionality of the R-3W would stay the same.
2.) Why do I need to connect the GREEN wire to earth ground?
The R-3W flashes whenever there is a voltage differential between any two of the four leads. The NFPA 70e defines a hazardous voltage as 50 volts or more (referenced to earth ground). The R-3W needs to be referenced to the same safe potential as the personnel. Any potential other than earth ground, may set-up a potential shock hazard.
3.) Will the leakage current to ground adversely affect my power system?
With a typical 3-phase 480 system, the maximum ground leakage current is less than 0.455mA. Under nominal conditions, this current would be much lower. It takes 0.060mA to operate the R-3W flashing circuit. A leakage current this small would have negligible affect on your power system.
4.) What if one LED fails?
Redundant circuitry provides a second independently operated LED of opposite polarity for each phase, thereby leaving one LED to indicate voltage on that given phase. For DC systems, connecting the (2) leads to the DC+, (1) to DC Common, and (1) to Earth Ground provides redundancy.
5.) What if the R-3W fails?
Safety procedures still apply. Personnel must still verify isolation with a meter before performing maintenance. If you chose to use the R-3W as part of your safety procedure for lock-out/tag-out, then you must have personnel verify that the R-3W is flashing properly every time the isolator is operated. This is the same procedure an electrician uses to insure that his meter is functioning.
6.) The R-3W needs a ‘TEST’ function?
Most safety alerts (i.e. smoke detectors) operate in a normally safe state (houses don’t burn everyday) and require external, yet fallible, power sources (i.e. batteries or 120VAC), and the TEST button typically activates only part of the circuit (the horn). The only true test is creating enough smoke to activate the smoke alarm. Conversely, the R-3W operates in a normally hazardous state (electrical systems are energized), is powered from the very hazard it indicates (no separate power supply to fail), and its TEST function is seeing it flash properly when the isolator is closed.
7.) The GRD indicator doesn’t flash or flashes dimly on a 3-phase system?
The ground indicator will flash if there is an unbalance of more that 1% between the 3 phases.
RULE OF THUMB: The unbalance is calculated dividing largest phase voltage difference by the average of L1, L2, & L3 (see example below). The ground indicator will begin to flash dimly at 1% unbalance and will increase to maximum intensity at approximately 15%. Note: If there was a phase failure, then the GRD indicator would flash.
Each phase circuit of the R-3W requires 0.060mA to engage its flashing circuitry, so residual ground currents may induce enough current to turn on the LED's.
Example: L1=240V, L2=300V, L3=240V
Average: (240+300+240) / 3 = 260
% Unbalance: ( 300 - 260 ) / 260 = 15.4%
The R-3W is typically wired to the load side of the incoming main disconnect. As long as the R-3W is in the same enclosure and within 3m (10 feet) of the main, then no fuses are required as per the NEC tap rule [Section 240.21(B)(1)]. In addition, the R-3W is UL listed for this type of installation.
The R-3W is a UL LISTED product. It has been tested by UL as a complete product that can be connected directly to the power source. The following is from the UL WEB site that describes what a UL listed product is: A UL Listing Mark on a product is always composed of four elements: the "UL in a circle Mark, the word "LISTED in capital letters, an alpha-numeric control number, and the product name, (e.g., "toaster and "portable lamp). Sometimes the UL file number is used as company identification.
The UL Listing Mark on a product is the manufacturer's representation that samples of that complete product have been tested by UL to nationally recognized Safety Standards and found to be free from reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, electric shock and related hazards and that the product was manufactured under UL's Follow-Up Services program.
The R-3W has a C-UL-US Listing (
UL & Fusing with door mounted R-3W’s in MCC’s
Since the R-3W is "self-protected", there is concerns about the R-3W lead wires on the door. We recommend heat shrinking all four wires together for additional protection and grounding kits for the doors. Also, the R-3W design keeps the line voltage away from the door. The four input wires enter the rear of the R-3W directly into input resistors, which drop the voltage to a low internal voltage within 3/4" from the rear of the unit.
The UL 508 feeder (430.28) tap rules allows for unfused conductors needed to terminate to a branch-circuit devices. However, virtually all branch circuit devices are not "self protected", so they inherently require more protection than the R-3W. Also note that the following National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) Article 110.10, which provides additional insight:
110.10 Circuit Impedance and Other Characteristics.
"The over-current protective devices, the total impedance, the component short-circuit current ratings, and other characteristics of the circuit to be protected shall be selected and coordinated to permit the circuit-protective devices used to clear a fault to do so without extensive damage to the electrical components of the circuit. This fault shall be assumed to be either between two or more of the circuit conductors or between any circuit conductor and the grounding conductor or enclosing metal raceway. Listed products applied in accordance with their listing shall be considered to meet the requirements of this section."
9.) What about High Resistance Ground Systems?
High Resistance Ground Systems (HRG) are excellent application for an R-3W's as long as the R-3W (typically the GREEN lead) is referenced to earth ground or equipment ground (A safe reference for the electrician) AND the high resistance side of the ground leg is not terminated into the same panel as the R-3W. Under a ground fault condition, this HR ground leg can see a potentially hazardous voltage (up to 200V?) Since a single point ground is critical for HRG systems, most customers 'home run' all the HRG conductor's into a common termination point close the HR resistor panel and not into the individual MCC bucket or panel.