{"schemaVersion":1,"slug":"voltage-presence-indicator","name":"Voltage presence indicating system","kind":"symbol","abbreviation":"VPIS","aliases":["VPIS","capacitive voltage indicator","voltage detecting system"],"category":"measurement-protection","drawingTypes":["SLD","Schematic"],"referenceFamilies":["IEC","Manufacturer"],"summary":"Capacitively coupled indicator on MV switchgear that shows whether each phase of a cable or busbar is energised.","description":["Voltage presence indicating systems are built into medium-voltage switchgear and ring main units. A capacitive divider in the bushing or insulator feeds a low-voltage indicator for each phase, and test sockets allow phase comparison before connecting cables or closing onto another source.","An indicator showing no voltage is not proof that the circuit is dead. Safe isolation still requires the approved test method and earthing procedure, and the symbol does not show the indicator's thresholds or whether it is self-testing."],"readingNotes":["Check one indicator per phase is shown.","Do not treat a dark indicator as proof of isolation."],"drawingChecklist":["Show coupling point per phase","Reference test sockets","State applicable switchgear panel"],"distinction":"A VPIS indicates presence of voltage; a voltmeter measures its value.","facts":[{"label":"Coupling","value":"Capacitive divider in bushing or insulator"},{"label":"Location","value":"MV switchgear and ring main units"},{"label":"Preview","value":"Functional illustration of the device role; not a product footprint or certified standard graphic"}],"references":[{"sourceId":"abb-switchgear","relevance":"Public secondary-distribution switchgear context where voltage presence indication is fitted."},{"sourceId":"iec-diagrams","relevance":"IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced."}],"related":["ring-main-unit","capacitor-voltage-transformer","voltmeter"],"artwork":"s28-voltage-presence-indicator","publishedOn":"2026-10-28","updatedOn":"2026-10-28","provenance":"independent-public-research","plainEnglish":{"title":"What does Voltage presence indicating system mean?","introduction":"Voltage presence indicating systems are built into medium-voltage switchgear and ring main units. A capacitive divider in the bushing or insulator feeds a low-voltage indicator for each phase, and test sockets allow phase comparison before connecting cables or closing onto another source.","example":"An indicator showing no voltage is not proof that the circuit is dead. Safe isolation still requires the approved test method and earthing procedure, and the symbol does not show the indicator's thresholds or whether it is self-testing.","drawings":"Check one indicator per phase is shown. Do not treat a dark indicator as proof of isolation. A VPIS indicates presence of voltage; a voltmeter measures its value.","terms":[{"name":"Normally open / normally closed","meaning":"The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing."},{"name":"Phase","meaning":"One of the related AC waveforms in a power system."},{"name":"Rating","meaning":"A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified."}],"diagram":"flow","steps":["Identify the device and form","Read the connections and state","Check the equipment reference"],"caption":"A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.","sources":[{"label":"Secondary-distribution switchgear and ring main units","url":"https://new.abb.com/medium-voltage/switchgear/secondary-distribution"},{"label":"IEC graphical symbols for diagrams","url":"https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/"}],"detail":"Capacitively coupled indicator on MV switchgear that shows whether each phase of a cable or busbar is supplied with operating power. A VPIS indicates presence of voltage; a voltmeter measures its value.","profileId":"reviewed-symbol-20261028"},"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/voltage-presence-indicator","illustration":{"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/tools/electrical-library/illustrations/voltage-presence-indicator.svg","scope":"Original educational concept; not an official standard graphic or product footprint","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"sources":[{"id":"abb-switchgear","title":"Secondary-distribution switchgear and ring main units","publisher":"ABB","url":"https://new.abb.com/medium-voltage/switchgear/secondary-distribution","type":"manufacturer","scope":"Public equipment families for secondary distribution. Footprints and ratings must come from the chosen model.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Public secondary-distribution switchgear context where voltage presence indication is fitted."},{"id":"iec-diagrams","title":"IEC graphical symbols for diagrams","publisher":"IEC","url":"https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/","type":"standard","scope":"IEC 60617 and related symbol-design publications. Full database access requires a subscription.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced."}]}