# Voltage presence indicating system

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/voltage-presence-indicator
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: VPIS
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer

Capacitively coupled indicator on MV switchgear that shows whether each phase of a cable or busbar is energised.

## In plain English

### What does Voltage presence indicating system mean?

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.

### A simple 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.

### What the drawings help you do

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.

### This particular reference

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.

### Terms

- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Phase: One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Secondary-distribution switchgear and ring main units](https://new.abb.com/medium-voltage/switchgear/secondary-distribution)
- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)


## What it represents

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.

## How to read it

- Check one indicator per phase is shown.
- Do not treat a dark indicator as proof of isolation.

## Information to show or reference

- Show coupling point per phase
- Reference test sockets
- State applicable switchgear panel

## Important distinction

A VPIS indicates presence of voltage; a voltmeter measures its value.

## Facts

- Coupling: Capacitive divider in bushing or insulator
- Location: MV switchgear and ring main units
- Preview: Functional illustration of the device role; not a product footprint or certified standard graphic

## Public references

- [Secondary-distribution switchgear and ring main units](https://new.abb.com/medium-voltage/switchgear/secondary-distribution) — ABB. Public secondary-distribution switchgear context where voltage presence indication is fitted.
- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.