How to use
For use with 16.6 and 25 Hz AC Rail power systems (Typically 15 kV).
Detects the presence of potentially lethal voltages thus provides additional protection against injury from electric shock.
Emits a loud 70 dB alarm every ½ second as wearer approaches live equipment to warn them of the presence of high voltage.
Alarm distance is factory set and can be user specified - models available to suit every scenario.
Fully automatic - unit is always on and ready to warn of danger.
Small (120 x 65 x 22mm) clip-on design, waterproof to IP65.
Approximately a two year quiescent battery life with low warning, minimum maintenance needed.
Description
Designed and built in the EU, the Live Alarm was developed as a direct response to a specific need within the electrical power industry. The Live Alarm provides additional protection against injury from electric shock, by providing a safety warning aid for all personnel working on equipment which they believe to be dead but which may inadvertently remain or become live. The Live Alarm should be used by personnel searching for downed power lines after a storm.
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Datasheet |
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Determining product order codes:
To specify your Live Alarm select the model number in bold below and append it to "LA-" to create a correct product code. For example, a Live Alarm 5060-D is LA-5060-D.
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5060-D - 50 and 60 Hz AC Distribution power systems
(Typically 11 - 132 kV) -
5060-T - 50 and 60 Hz AC Transmission power systems
(Typically 132 - 400 kV) -
1625-R - 16.6 and 25 Hz AC Rail power systems
(Typically 15 kV)
Specification
Alarm Level (Factory):
5060-D & 1625-R - 140 V/m (3 - 5 metres from source. Distance depends on voltage level).
5060-T - 2,000 V/m (3 - 5 metres from source. Distance depends on voltage level).
Other limits may be factory set.
Frequency Response:
50 & 60 Hz models (5060-D & T): 40 - 70 Hz ±3dB
16.6 & 25 Hz model (1625-R): 10 - 34 Hz ±3dB
Dimensions & Weight:
Metric - 120x65x22mm & 235g
Imperial/English - 4.8" x 2.6" x 0.9" & 0.55lb
Environmental:
Sealing: Sealed to IP65
Operating Range: -10C to +50C or +14°F to +122°F
Case Material: ABS
Accuracy:
50 & 60 Hz models (5060-D & T): ±10%
16.6 & 25 Hz model (1625-R): ±10%
Power Supply:
Battery is primary cell, 1 x 9V MN1604 - 6LR61.
Battery Life:
Approx. 17,000 hours (2 years) (full battery)
With one circuit test per day (1 sec duration) approx. 9,000 hours (1 year).
Conformity:
Safety IEC 1010-1 (1995) EN61010-1 (1995).
Emissions EN55022:1994B, (EN50081-1:1992).
Immunity EN50082-2:1995, following the provisions of EMC directive 89/336/EEC.
All models CE certified (heavy industrial, 10V/m).
FAQ
What is the voltage detection range of the 5060-D and 5060-T?
The 5060-D is designed for distribution voltages, typically 11kV to 132kV. The 5060-T is designed for transmission voltages, typically 132kV to 400kV.
The Live Alarm detects electric field (E-field) strength (volts per metre) and at a certain level it will alarm! For 5060-D - 140 V/m and for 5060-T - 2000 V/m.
So the E-field depends on the voltage on the conductor and the distance from the conductor. The farther away from the conductor, then the lower the field strength, the closer to the conductor, then the greater the field strength will get!
So the Live Alarm will detect 110V to 400 kV and all voltages in between but it will alarm at different distances! For example for 5060-D will alarm at 30cm from 230Vac; for 200kV the alarm distance could be 15 - 20 metres!
Can you explain the difference between magnetic and electric fields?
Electric fields (E-fields) are created by voltage, the units are volts per metre (V/m). Magnetic fields (B- or H- fields) are created by the flow of current, the units are amperes per metre (A/m). If a conductor is live but has no current flowing in it will have an E-field but no B-field (or H).
Electric fields do not pass through metal! Magnetic fields do pass through (most) metals.
Can the Live Alarm detect live parts in switchgear or control panels?
If the live parts are exposed and not surrounded by metal then the answer is yes. If the parts are enclosed in a metal cubicle or are covered by metal, then no.
Can the Live Alarm be used in a substation?
The Live Alarm is designed to be used where the wearer does not expect any equipment to be live. In a substation much equipment is normally live, thus the Live Alarm would alarm constantly. The Live Alarm should only be used in a substation where the wearer would not expect any equipment to be live, for example a newly constructed substation.
What is the minimum distance the Live Alarm will alarm from a voltage source ?
The recommended alarm distance is less 2-3 metres from the voltage source. We do not recommend an alarm distance of less than 2-3 metres, because:
(a) this would have implications for the accuracy of the Live Alarm
(b) if an employee who is wearing the Live Alarm stumbles, testing has shown that they will regain their balance within 2-3 metres.
(c) The Live Alarm is designed to be worn clipped to a pocket or belt - with an alarm distance of more than 2-3 metres, the wearer will not be able to reach out and touch the live equipment
Can the Live Alarm detect live cables?
If the conductors are exposed or are not surrounded by metal then there will be an escaping electric field and this could be detected by the Live Alarm. If the cable has a metal sheath or steel wire armour, that is, if the live conductors are surrounded by metal, then the answer is no.
Can the Live Alarm detect buried live cables?
If the cable has no earth sheath or steel wire armour, then there will be an escaping electric field and this could possibly be detected by the Live Alarm - it will depend on the depth of the cables, conductivity of the soil and voltage on the conductor. If the cable has a metal sheath or steel wire armour, that is, if the live conductors are surrounded by metal, then the answer is no.
Can the Live Alarm detect cables which are shielded?
The Live Alarm detects electric fields, (as opposed to magnetic fields; E-fields are created by the presence of voltage, while magnetic fields are created by current). There is a major difference between e-fields and magnetic fields - magnetic fields will pass through metal BUT e-fields will not pass through metal. So, if a cable has a voltage on it and is shielded with metal, the e-field will not pass through it, so the Live Alarm can't detect the e-field level.
We never work on live equipment, why do we need a Live Alarm?
The Live Alarm is to protect you for the rare occasions where procedures breakdown or when that one chance in a million occurs and the equipment which is ‘supposed’ to be dead is LIVE - this does happen, it happens quite a lot! The Live Alarm is a ‘safety net’ - it will catch those occasions where the most unlikely occurrence happens.
I want to use the Live Alarm to detect a low voltage (430V) line but the LV line is near a HV (11kV) line, will it work in this situation?
It is likely that the field from the HV line will dominate, that is, the Live Alarm will detect it instead of the 430V line and continue to alarm. It is better to use the Live Alarm in situations where the equipment being worked on (the LV line) is not near something else which is live (e.g. the HV Line).
What is the ideal scenario of use for the Live Alarm?
The Live Alarm works best in environments where there are normally few items of live equipment in the vicinity and where the wearer does not normally come close to live items of equipment (whether live due to a normal or abnormal condition). The Live Alarm will detect all the live items in the vicinity - as a result the calibration may have to be set such that it alarms only in the hazardous condition. As the alarm distance of each unit can be user specified and factory set, we recommend that a sample Live Alarm be tested in the various scenarios before ordering large quantities, to ensure correct calibration and complete customer satisfaction.
Can the Live Alarm be clipped to a hard hat?
Yes, but we need to know the manufacturers name and model number for the hat.
Can the Live Alarm be used with Arab dress?
The Live Alarm can be pinned (using a safety pin) to Arab clothing.
Can the Live Alarm be supplied with a flashing light?
Yes - a small light (LED) can be fitted to the top of the unit, so when the Live Alarm beeps, the LED will flash too.
My Live Alarm does not alarm in the presence of HV?
Press both circuit test buttons and check the battery. You could also try bringing the front of the unit close to an insulated mains (110/230Vac) ‘power lead’, the Live Alarm should alarm. If it does not, contact your local distributor.
I have a Live Alarm and when I go near HV it alarms constantly, what’s wrong?
You are using the wrong type, probably using a 5060-D (distribution voltage 11 - 132 kV) model in the presence of transmission (132 - 400kV) voltages. The Live Alarm can be calibrated to your needs - contact your local representative.
How do I know when the battery is low?
The Live Alarm has a low battery warning, it will sound a single beep every 30 seconds (like a domestic smoke alarm) - when this occurs, you must replace the battery. When in the low battery state the Live Alarm can still detect and alarm for a certain period of time.
The alarm on the Live Alarm is not loud enough?
The Live Alarm is sealed to IP65 and the sounder is around 80 dBA (at 1 metre); try to clip the Live Alarm on a breast pocket if possible. If you can, make sure that wherever the Live Alarm is placed on your body, it will alarm in the hazardous situation.
When should the 5060-T be used instead of the 5060-D?
When you deal with transmission voltages (132 - 400kV) or when you need to work closely (in close proximity) to or with distribution voltages. You must ensure that the model will alarm in the hazardous situation.
Can the Live Alarm detect DC voltages?
The Live Alarm will only detect AC at 50 and 60 Hz. The 1625-R is designed for 16.6 and 25 Hz (used in rail traction systems). There is presently no Live Alarm for DC systems - DC is particularly difficult to detect due to the effect of meteorological conditions.
Where is the best place to wear the Live Alarm?
On the body, where it will detect the hazardous situation and you can hear it.
What is the typical delivery time of the Live Alarm?
Around 8 to 12 weeks. Larger quantities may require additional time - please enquire for details.
To which standards does the Live Alarm conform?
Safety IEC1010-1 (1995), EN61010-1 (1995), CE certified - (heavy industrial use, 10V/m)
Emissions EN55022:1994B, (EN50081-1:1992)
Immunity EN50082-2:1995, following the provisions of EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
How does the Live Alarm work?
The Live Alarm is a clip-on device for detecting the user’s proximity to live equipment (especially at high voltage HV), by detecting the electric field (E-field) around that equipment. Originally designed for the electrical power industry, the Live Alarm finds applications in most heavy industries.
The E-field pick-up transducer is inside the front face (under the graphics) of the unit. As the unit is brought closer to, for example, the mains lead of normal office or household equipment, it will alarm at around 20 cm. This alarm distance is adjustable at the time of manufacture.
How can I demonstrate the Live Alarm?
The unit may be demonstrated clipped on the body. You will require an insulated lead of about 3 metres length, this insulated lead should be connected into the live of a standard mains plug (no neutral or earth lead should be connected). The insulated lead should then be suspended at waist height.
The Live Alarm should be clipped on the front of the body, at waist height, e.g. on a belt or a pocket; if you walk slowly towards the conductor the unit will alarm, again at about 20 cm. With a more sensitive calibration this distance can be increased to about 1 metre. Remember, the Live Alarm is designed for HV, so if the mains lead were live at several thousand volts, the Live Alarm would alarm at several meters, thus giving plenty of warning!
How is the Live Alarm calibrated?
The calibration of the Live Alarm is checked and set placing individual units in a known E-field. The 5060-D is set to alarm at 140 V/m +/-10% and the 5060-T is set to alarm at 2000 V/m +/- 10%.
Can it be re-calibrated?
Yes, contact us or your local distributor, there may be a charge for this.
Where can the Live Alarm be serviced?
Contact your local distributor, or Acksen.
How do I know that the Live Alarm is working?
Simply hold the front Live Alarm against an insulated mains power lead, which is energised, e.g. the type used on a PC - the alarm should sound. Also, to test the integrity of the alarm circuit, press both ‘Check’ buttons together.
The sensitivity seems to be wrong, it alarms too soon in some situations and too late in others?
The Live Alarm works best in environments where there are normally few items of live equipment in the vicinity and where the wearer does not normally come close to live items of equipment (whether live due to a normal or abnormal condition).
The Live Alarm will detect all the live items in the vicinity - as a result the calibration may have to be set such that it alarms only in the hazardous condition. As the alarm distance of each unit can be user specified and factory set, we recommend that a sample Live Alarm be tested in the various scenarios before ordering large quantities, to ensure correct calibration and complete customer satisfaction.
Will the Live Alarm allow me to work in places where it would otherwise be dangerous?
NO! You must not change your working practices because of the Live Alarm. The Live Alarm is only a safety-net, to help reduce the risk of electrocution. Most problems occur because personnel do not follow their working practices.
Can I now do things that were not possible or allow before?
NO! Most problems occur because personnel do not follow their working practices.
Can I use the Live Alarm to detect live busbars?
Yes, providing the busbars are exposed and not enclosed or surrounded by metal - remember, if electric fields will not pass through metal, even a ‘chain-link’ fence will ‘absorb’ an electric field. You must not use the Live Alarm to locate live objects.