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Electrocution Prevention - Do you carry one of these? If you don't, why not?
Pocket Voltage Detectors:
This is an inexpensive tool that could save your life – literally. Before explaining
anything, this off the shelf item can clip to your turnout jacket and both make noise or
flash when approaching a charged energy field. I have been electrocuted and
survived. One of my firefighter brothers from my department moved a log and was
seriously burned. It could have been prevented if he had one of these.
Voltage detectors are pocket-sized devices that sense electrical voltage, and then
alert you to the electricity’s presence with sounds and blinking lights.
Firefighters may not know they are coming close to a charged electrical line / energy
field. On the practical side, before checking power cords for faults, rewiring light and
fan fixtures, or changing out wall plates and outlets, you should take the precaution of
checking for electricity before touching anything having to do with electricity.
Even if you think you’ve shut the correct breaker off, it’s always better to do a quick
check with a voltage detector and know for sure.
Sniff-It AC Voltage Detector
Engine Company Voltage Detectors:
Without question the TacStick is the way to go as far as having a commercial grade
detector that is designed to warn you of overhead wires or other electrical hazards.
"Failure to prepare is preparing for failure... Be prepared!" CBz
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Roy Walker on
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Captain Bz you are right about how valuble the units are. The only problem I have is that they won't stand up to water and extreme cold . Did you have any tricks to keeping them dry?
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Permalink Reply by ashfire on
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There is another device that I found through a add in a utility industry magazine.
V-Watch is used by power companies to protect employees from stepping on downed lines or tangled in trees.
www.HDElectricCompany.com/Vwatch.htm
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Permalink Reply by Darren Wiebe on
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Thanks for posting that. I'm going to go and pick up a few to try out.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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I should qualify here that I am not endorsing any particular AC current detectors, with the exception of the TAC Stick, only because I justified my department purchasing them after seeing the Fort Worth FD (TX) demo the unit for me when I was traveling cross country years back. If you have a telescoping lighting unit or have to raise ladders in the dark, especially in areas where there are overhead wires...
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I have not tested this, but seems to me that electricity can still be detected through a plastic zip lock bag?
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If you go out and buy one today... let us know if you can detect AC current if the detector is placed into a plastic ziplock bag. Roy brought up an excellent question regarding water resistive features... Thanx!
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Amazing product that every engine company should possess.
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I wasn't trying to disaprove any of these devices either. I will put a few of these in some plastic bags and see if they last a little longer. I think most importantly is the fact that you can't rely completly on any device UNTIL A POWER COMPANY REP COMFIRMS THE POWER IS OFF IT IS WISE TO TREAT ALL WIRES AS LIVE. Good article Mike thanks for making us think.
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Permalink Reply by Derek R. on
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Just wanted to add, that I have 2 of the pocket detectors from different manufacturers. They do work when inside a plastic zip lock bag. There is no change in detection abilities. However, just wanted to clarify,just in case there are some folks who are not familiar with these tools, that they only have about a one inch detection radius. And one other point to add, is that you can detect, and fallow the routing of live wires within walls.
I have used these a lot and have not found a level of cold that it could not detect voltage,so far.
Hope this helps.
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Just to correct/edit my response. My last sentence didn't look right to me and I wanted to clarify something:
"I have used these a lot in my day job and have not found a level of cold that it could not detect voltage,so far."
Just looked as though I had "so much experience" using these in the fire service, which is not at all the case. Didn't want to come off as one of those 4/20 (or whatever) types.
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I find it hard to believe that the power company said that these devices can't be relied upon. The ones I've used are pretty straight forward and make alert you if there from a fairly good distance that there is an energy source. I find it troubling that the TAC Stick would be something unreliable.
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