Live Line Indicator | Safety Alert & Network Rail Approved Live Line Indicators
Published 04 May 2021
Safety Advice
Live Line Indicator
Action Required Following a Serious Incident
Withdrawal of the Metrohm HVD03/2D live line indicator from use by Network Rail staff.
- Issued to: All Network Rail line managers, safety professionals and accredited contractors
- Ref: NRA20-10
- Date of issue: 14/08/2020
- Location: National
- Contact: Linda Penfold, Professional Head Contact Systems (AC/DC) or Felix Langley, Professional Head of Power Distribution HV/LV
Live Line Indicator Safety Advice
Overview
The Metrohm HVD03/2D (PADs Number 094/007055) live line indicator shall be withdrawn from use by all Network Rail staff from the 14th August. Contractors and third parties are still permitted to use the HVD03/2D after the 14th August 2020 until a future date. Although where alternate live line indicators are available, they shall be used in preference to the HVD03/2D.
Until the HVD03/2D live line indicator have been completely withdrawn, the 3-metre rule will remain in place as in the Safety Advice NRA20-05. For devices that do not have a proving unit, a weekly check on a known live 25kV supply must be carried out as stated in the briefs.
Staff should only use the following live line indicators:
- PBwel Westminster D3 resistive
- Cotec C31 resistive
- Pfisterer KP-Test 5HL Capacitive live line tester
- Arthur Flury AG 25kV Capacitive live line indicator
- High voltage indicators and live line testers – LLT 33kV – HVI
- London Midland type resistive
- Eastern Region type resistive
- HVD03/2B – HS1 only
The lifesaving rules and associated guidance for Test Before Earth and Test Before Touch on 25kV OLE must still be followed as in the Safety Advice NRA18-12.
Immediate action required
HVD03/2D live line indicators must be quarantined and not used by Network Rail staff after the 14th August 2020. Staff should only use live line indicators that they have been briefed to use. Always use live line indicators as instructed.
If at any point staff feel unsafe with any aspect of working on or about the 25kV OLE infrastructure and associated electrical safety risks they should discuss their concern with their supervisor.
Further Reading
Joints & Terminations for Network Rail 25kV Electrification Projects | PADS Approved
Cubis Systems Network Rail PADS Approved Access Chambers & Cable Protection
Network Rail Full Acceptance for Nexans Tee Connectors & Bushings for 25kV Power Transformers
Cable Troughs supplied to Network Rail and London Underground to support insulated electric cables used for power distribution and communication
