THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY P/PM PROCEDURE

ELECTRICAL G7M-1210-00
GLOBAL 04-DEC-2007
Page 1 of 4

APPROVED VOLTAGE TESTERS FOR

“TEST BEFORE TOUCH” PURPOSES

1. Scope

1.1. The purpose of this document is to list the voltage testers approved for “Test Before
Touch” purposes, and provide guidelines for approving testers not listed in this
document.

2. Background

2.1. In the past, injuries have occurred to personnel due to use of inadequate voltage
testers and improper use of voltage testers. In order to minimize risk to personnel
the following list of approved voltage testers, and tester criteria was developed.
These voltage testers possess extra measures of safety for personnel and
equipment protection.
i
2.2. Testing for de-energization is considered energized electrical work and the
requirements of EWP-30 apply. Only Electrically Instructed or Skilled Persons may
perform energized electrical work.

3. Definitions

3.1. “Test Before Touch” - Detecting the presence and level of voltage for electrical
clearing and troubleshooting. This meter shall only be used on circuitry whose
nominal operating voltage is within the manufacturer’s rating.

3.2. “Bipolar tester” – A tester that makes measurements with two probes connected to
the circuit under test.

3.3. “Unipolar tester”- A tester that makes measurements with a single probe only

4. Voltage Testers approved for “Test Before Touch”:

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4.1. 0 –1000 V:
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4.1.1. Fluke T5-1000 Low Voltage Voltmeter. (See note below for applications in
Europe)

Note: As of April, 2006, Fluke T5-1000 should not be purchased for test
before touch applications in Europe based on revised local regulations.
Purchase of Fluke T100 series of meters in Europe is acceptable. Continued
use of existing T5-1000 in Europe is acceptable.

4.2. 1.0 –30 kV

4.2.1. Chance Phasing Tester with dual-range 5 kV and 15 kV tester kit. (AC only –
clearing procedures must address dissipating any DC charge)

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THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY P/PM PROCEDURE
ELECTRICAL G7M-1210-00
GLOBAL 04-DEC-2007
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4.2.2. Dehn High Voltage Tester, Type PHE 5 to 10 kV, unipolar

4.2.3. Dehn High Voltage Tester, Type PHE 15 to 30 kV, unipolar

4.2.4. Dehn High Voltage Tester, Type PHV 5 to 10 kV, bipolar

4.2.5. Dehn High Voltage Tester, Type PHV 15 to 30 kV, bipolar

5. Approving voltage testers not listed above

5.1. To secure approval for voltage testers that are not listed in this document, any one of
the following may be done:

5.1.1. This global document may be updated by an approved MOC.

5.1.2. Written approval to use the tester may be secured from the site Electrical
Discipline Activity Specialist (DAS), based on DAS review of the tester vs. the
criteria listed in section 6 of this document. Site DAS approval can be in the
form of a documented list of acceptable testers for the site.

5.1.3. Where approved in writing by Dow, the employer of non-Dow personnel may
approve, in writing, testers in accordance with the criteria listed in section 6 of
this document. The site DAS shall be consulted as part of the Dow approval.

5.2. Global Electrical Safety and Maintenance Network may also be consulted for
guidance.

6. Guidelines for selection of voltage testers suitable for “Test Before Touch”.

6.1. 0 - 1000V testers:

6.1.1. Must be a bipolar tester.

6.1.2. Must be sensitive to both AC and DC voltages, including DC voltages of

either polarity.

6.1.3. Must be designed for direct contact.

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6.1.4. Must be labeled as IEC 61010-1 Category 3 or 4 compliant or labeled as
IEC 61243-3 compliant.

6.1.5. Must be certified according to local standards. (CE in Europe, CSA in

Canada, UL in USA, etc).

6.2. 1kV - 30kV testers:

6.2.1. Appropriately rated single function voltmeter

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THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY P/PM PROCEDURE
ELECTRICAL G7M-1210-00
GLOBAL 04-DEC-2007
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6.2.2. Must be a unipolar tester when required by local standards. For example,
European countries (ie: Netherlands, Germany, etc) require unipolar testers
above 1kV. Contact your local DAS for guidance.

6.2.3. Must be sensitive to at least AC. Meters that lack the ability to accurately
measure DC voltage can be approved for test before touch purposes on AC
circuits where clearing procedures address the dissipation of any DC charges
left on a de-energized circuit.

6.2.4. Must be designed for direct contact.

6.2.5. Bipolar testers must be capable of accurately measuring phase to phase plus
phase to ground.

6.2.6. Voltage indication made by one of the following means:

6.2.6.1. By digital readout, or analog movement.

6.2.6.2. Positively identifiable combination of light and/or sound.

6.2.7. Analog displays should be multi-ranged to assure movement readability

throughout the capability range of the tester.

6.2.8. Must be certified according to local standards. (CE in Europe, CSA in

Canada, UL in USA, etc).
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7. Additional Information on Voltage Testers

7.1. This document is not meant to limit the use of equipment utilized in advanced trouble
shooting and other diagnostic purposes. Equipment such as oscilloscopes, storage
scopes, etc. is beyond the scope of this document. Technicians utilizing these types
of equipment are expected to understand their uses and limitations. Voltages must
be confirmed with an approved test-before-touch tester before applying diagnostic
equipment that is not rated for test-before-touch.

7.2. Non-contacting voltage-sensing or proximity test instruments shall not be permitted

for use as a primary means for verifying de-energization, ie: “Test Before Touch”
purposes. vi Note: certain usages are permitted in EMETL document G7M-0401-36.

8. References
8.1. (None at this time)

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THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY P/PM PROCEDURE
ELECTRICAL G7M-1210-00
GLOBAL 04-DEC-2007
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i
04-DEC-2007; MOC2007_05602; By: Walt Selle; Supersedes Issue Date 18-APR-
2006; Added paragraph 2.2.
ii
02-DEC-2005, MOC 2005_02980, By: Peter Willhoeft, Supercedes Issue Date 07-
JAN-2004, Para 4.2.0 Deleted sub para 4.2.2 Metrawatt, Type HIT 26 S
iii
18-APR-2006; MOC 2006_03540; By: Jochen Beyer; Supercedes Issue Date 02-
DEC-2005; Revised para 4.1.1 concerning approved ‘test before touch’ meters.
iv
02-DEC-2005, MOC 2005_02980, By: Peter Willhoeft, Supercedes Issue Date 07-
JAN-2004, Para 6.1.4 added IEC 61243-3 required compliance.
v
04-DEC-2007; MOC2007_05602; By: Walt Selle; Supersedes Issue Date 18-APR-
2006; Changed the title of paragraph 7.
vi
04-DEC-2007; MOC2007_05602; By: Walt Selle; Supersedes Issue Date 18-APR-
2006; Added Note to paragraph 7.2.

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