Non Contact Testers and Arc Flash Precautions

[TVH]

1) Do Arc Flash precautions (PPE) apply when checking voltages with "non-contact" testers?
2) Are non-contact voltage testers safe for use in verifying zero energcy state after isolation and lockout? If so under what conditions?
Any technical expertiese on this subject sure would be appreicated.
Regards,
TVH

 

[don_resqcapt19]

1) Yes.
2) There are limitations on the use of non-contact testers. There are cases where they will show a false negitive...that is tell you the power is off when it isn't. Read the technical notes and instructions for the non-contact tester. You can also search this forum for other threads on the subject.

 

[eric9822]

In addition to what Don has posted.

From the 2012 NFPA 70E
Establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition

120.1(5) Use an adequately rated voltage detector to test each phase conductor or circuit part to verify they are de-energized. Test each phase conductor or circuit part both phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground. Before and after each test, determine that the voltage detector is operating satisfactorily.

A non-contact voltage detector cannot do that.

Non-Contact voltage detectors are OK for showing voltage is present but I would never trust one to prove voltage is not present. For medium voltage work we have been using neon glow sticks to check for absence of power. Based on the 2012 edition we are now procuring medium voltage volt meters.