Page 63 - OHS, October 2020

Absence of Voltage Tester (AVT)
Absence of Voltage Testers (AVT) are permanently mounted testers designed specifically to prove the absence of voltage exists. While the traditional method of using a portable voltage tester to check for an absence of voltage in a control panel, the door must be open to conduct the test.
This exposes the electrical worker to potentially lethal voltages. However, AVTs allow the worker to verify the absence of voltage prior to opening the panel which reduces the risk of an electrical incident.
To operate an AVT, a user pushes a button to initiate the test sequence. The test sequence is performed automatically and includes verifying the tester is functioning with a known voltage source, ensuring the tester is properly installed and in direct contact with the circuit at the time of testing, and testing for absence of AC and DC voltage phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground.
If all requirements in the test sequence are satisfied, a green indicator will illuminate to visually convey that the absence of voltage has been confirmed.
Requirements in UL 1436 for AVTs are very extensive and include a variety of features to ensure the absence of voltage test function is fail-safe and reliable.
Active indicators, built-in overcurrent protection, and SIL 3 reliability for all safety functions are some of the important
features. In addition, AVTs are designed to keep hazardous voltage away from the door and user interface.
Time to Take a Look at Electrical Safety
As always, it is important to monitor changes to standards but forth by federal and trade associations.
Each new version builds on the latest technology and work practices leading to opportunities to increase safety for all that might be working in an electrical field. Considering permanently mounted absence of voltage testers is one way to advance electrical safety at your facility.
Control measures that are designed-in are more effective and provide greater business value than other administrative approaches such as training or PPE alone.
Use prevention through design principals to mitigate risk at equipment or tasks that are frequently performed at your facility to take electrical safety to the next level.
Rachel Bugaris is a Senior Business Development Manager at Panduit Corp. With a background in Research and Development, she has worked with many industrial organizations to develop standards and best practices for safety technology. Rachel participates in several UL and IEEE standards working groups and is Secretary of the IEEE Electrical Safety Committee.
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