SwitChek is an automatic, isolation switch / circuit breaker / disconnect testing device. SwitChek tests switches that are "off" to confirm that they provide effective electrical isolation. SwitChek aims to provide non-electrical people with a simple and safe method of verifying field based, electrical isolations before conducting mechanical maintenance. See DeadEasy for switchboard isolation verification.
Testing can be performed on a switch or circuit breaker, thats line side, is either alive or dead, energised or deenergised.
It is simple and fast to use. No licenses are necessary. Anyone can operate SwitChek.
SwitChek tests the isolating switch or circuit breaker by injecting 500VDC on the supply side of the switch and monitoring for current leakage on the load side of the switch. In essence, SwitChek performs an insulation resistance check across all three phases of an isolation switch.
SwitChek is implemented in a fixed mode, that is one SwitChek dedicated to one switch or circuit breaker. It is ideally suited to installation on large switches and circuit breakers or for frequently isolated equipment.
To operate SwitChek, press the ?Test? button. The switch is tested in 10 seconds. A green light indicates an isolating switch pass and a red light indicates isolating switch failure.
SwitChek Operation Videos - Requires Sound
Turn your sound up and click on the links below to view a short video of SwitChek in action ...
This first video illustrates the SwitChek result achieved when a healthy isolation switch / circuit breaker is tested...
This second video illustrates the SwitChek result achieved when a faulty isolation switch / circuit breaker is tested.
This third video illustrates that SwitChek can be configured to automatically initite a test of isolation switch / circuit breaker when the device is isolated.
This fourth video illustrates that SwitChek can be configured to remotely report the result of a healthy isolation switch / circuit breaker test.
If the above videos do not work you can download them from the following links. Requires Windows Media player 9+.
Allows non-electricians to stress test an isolation switch.
Is simple to use.
Provides a clear result in dirty and dark environments.
Automatically tests the switch the moment the switch is turned off.
Provides remote, test result indication so that a control room operator can verify that the correct switch has been isolated. In addition, remote, test result indication provides, if logged, an audit trail to demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Is a whole current, confirmation of isolation method.
When housed in an Ex d enclosure, it is suitable for use in hazardous areas.
What is Isolation Confirmation?
Electrical Isolation Procedures / Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Procedures often require that electrical switches be tested so as to confirm that the switch is "electrically off" once the equipment has been isolated. Confirmation or verification is often performed on the following isolating equipment:
Isolation Confirmation / Isolation Verification Test Device SwitCheck Fixed Test Device Kit comprising One SwitChek Fixed unit and 2 SwitChek33i interface modules.
Isolation Confirmation / Isolation Verification Test Device SwitCheck Portable Test Device Kit comprising Two Interface Modules, One Panel Mount Interface Connector, One Battery Charger and One Portable Test Device.
Both units installed relatively easily per the instructions. Both worked correctly with no problems.
I suspect that demand for these devices will increase as Lockout Tagout programs evolve in industry. For us, we have found a few instances when the breaker or disconnect did not open even though the outside handle was showing in the disconnect position. This led to a policy change where an electrician must come behind the operator to “meter check” that the breaker or switch did actually open. That extra step can add a lot of time to otherwise routine maintenance jobs. The DeadEasy removes the need for an electrician and the associated delay.
We will probably be purchasing more in the future.
Jamie Laine - Dominion Generation, Clover Power Station, Virginia, USA
