Application of a Permanent Voltage Detection and Indication System (VDIS) for Reliable Personnel Safety and Monitoring of the Presence of Power in Switchgear Equipment; Experiences from the IEC Market for the U.S.

Ensuring personal safety and network availability are two major requirements that govern the daily work of network operators. A safe and reliable voltage-detection method, which can also be utilized to monitor power availability is therefore a key element and basic requirement for utilities to operate a safe and reliable network. Many of the existing solutions in the United States use temporary voltage-detection devices (such as hot sticks which are discussed below), but these do not allow for monitoring power availability. In addition, these approaches have several technical disadvantages that limit their use. This paper illustrates the challenges with the existing, temporary voltage-detection solutions and discusses advanced and economical voltage-detection systems for permanent and continuous voltage presence detection. It also explains the benefits and additional added value of using these systems in conjunction with cable accessories for switchgear equipment to improve safety, help monitoring power availability, and serve as a basic but fundamental component for deploying smart grids in distribution networks in a cost-effective way. This approach is already helping European utilities to take the first step toward automation and digitization of power grids by providing increased insight into the availability of power in the grid.