Sofamel VBD-3/36, 1 to 36kV Two Pole Voltage Detector

Sofamel VBD 336 Bipolar MV Voltage Detector

The Sofamel VBD 336 is a bipolar (two-pole) voltage detector designed for verifying the absence of voltage on MV systems from 1 kV up to 36 kV. Powerpoint Engineering supplies the VBD 336 to Irish utilities, electrical contractors, and industrial substation operators who need a compact, certified MV voltage detector for the prove-test-prove step that underpins every safe HV switching task.

For LV work, a basic voltage tester is enough. For MV work, the standard is a bipolar voltage detector tested and certified to IEC 61243-3, with the safety rating, the periodic test record, and the prove-before-and-after workflow that the safe system of work demands.

What the Sofamel VBD 336 does

• Bipolar voltage detection on MV systems: contact the device's two probes to two phases, the detector indicates whether voltage is present.
• 1 kV to 36 kV operating range: covers the typical Irish MV switchgear voltages from 6.6 kV through 11 kV and 22 kV up to 36 kV.
• OLED digital display: clear, readable indication of voltage presence, with high contrast for use in poorly-lit substation environments.
• Audible buzzer: redundant audio confirmation alongside the visual indication.
• Self-test function: the detector should be proved against a known voltage proving unit before and after each circuit test.
• Compact form factor: bipolar two-pole arrangement sized for typical MV switchgear test points.

Standards and compliance

An MV voltage detector lives or dies by its standards compliance. For European MV use, the relevant standard is IEC 61243-3 / EN 61243-3 covering bipolar voltage detectors for live-working applications. Look for:

• IEC 61243-3 / EN 61243-3: the test standard for two-pole MV voltage detectors.
• Voltage rating: 1 kV to 36 kV nominal, matched to the systems on which the detector will be used.
• Test certificate: supplied with the detector and refreshed at the periodic dielectric test interval defined by the asset owner.
• Manufacturer documentation: declaration of conformity, user instructions, and inspection / care guidance.

Compliance is more than the box. The detector, the proving unit, the operator's training, and the periodic test schedule together form the certified protection level the safe-system-of-work relies on.

Specifications: what to confirm before you order

Target users and applications

• Utility and DNO authorised persons carrying out MV switching on the distribution network
• Substation operators verifying absence of voltage before applying earths or working on switchgear
• Electrical contractors carrying out MV maintenance, refurbishment, and outage work
• Industrial maintenance teams operating private MV networks in pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and data centre estates
• Renewable site engineers operating BESS, inverter, and collector switchgear at MV class

Typical applications include verifying isolation before applying earths on MV switchgear, confirming a circuit is dead before touching joint or termination work, and proving that a feeder has been correctly isolated before authorisation to work. The VBD 336 must be used inside a prove-test-prove workflow, paired with a high voltage proving unit, to give the operator confidence that the detector itself is functioning.

Powerpoint Engineering supplies the Sofamel VBD 336 alongside matched voltage proving units and the wider substation safety equipment range, including insulating gloves, mats, earthing kits, and rescue boards. We also support customers with periodic dielectric testing and recertification.

FAQs

Why do I need to prove the VBD 336 before and after every test?

The detector itself can fail silently. A worn cable, a damaged probe, or a dead battery can leave you with a detector that reads "no voltage" on a live circuit. Proving against a known voltage proving unit immediately before and after every circuit test is what removes that risk and is mandated by every credible safe system of work for MV.

Is the VBD 336 certified for use up to 36 kV?

Yes, the device is rated for use on MV systems from 1 kV up to 36 kV. Verify the rating against your highest system voltage and against the manufacturer's documentation supplied with the detector.

How often should the VBD 336 be retested?

Periodic dielectric testing of MV voltage detectors is typically carried out annually, with visual inspection before each shift's switching work. Powerpoint Engineering can arrange dielectric retest and recertification through our service workshop.

To match the right Sofamel voltage detector and proving unit pair to your MV systems, request a quote or speak to our team for compatibility advice.