HST-W80JS AC Catenary Voltage Detector

HASEGAWA HST-W80JS is a hot stick AC catenary voltage detector used on electrified railways to verify that the catenary is dead before maintenance. It operates from AC 20 kV – 80.5 kV at 50 Hz and 60 Hz, a range that covers the 25 kV AC catenary systems widely used on conventional and high-speed lines.

The detector is used by catenary maintenance teams, electrification contractors and the power departments of rail operators for the voltage check immediately before the earthing hook is applied. Manufactured in Japan by HASEGAWA Electric, it is supplied by HASEGAWA Türkiye, the official distributor in Türkiye.

How does a catenary voltage detector work?

The operator touches the electrode at the tip of the insulating stick against the catenary conductor. When the voltage to earth reaches approximately 5 kV ± 20% (for a bare conductor), detection starts and the warning is activated. The light indicator is specified to be noticeable at an ambient illuminance of 8000 lux, and the sound warning is at least 50 dB at a distance of 2 m. This means the result is easy to read in daylight on open track as well as on a noisy work site.

The unit has a standby indicator: the green LED that lights when the test button is pressed stays on after voltage has been detected and goes out by itself within 1–2 minutes. As long as the battery level is sufficient, the detector can still detect voltage after it has been switched off.

Typical applications:

• Checking absence of voltage before earthing during catenary maintenance and repair
• Confirming that the relevant section is dead after a planned line possession
• Commissioning and test work on electrification projects

HST-W80JS or HVC-1.5N3?

	HST-W80JS	HVC-1.5N3
Line type	AC catenary	DC 1500 V catenary
Operating voltage	AC 20 kV – 80.5 kV	DC 1500 V
Starting voltage	5 kV ± 20%	DC 750 V ± 50 V
Indication	Light (8000 lux) and sound (≥ 50 dB at 2 m)	Red LED and buzzer, 0–1999 V DC digital display
Battery	LR44 × 2	R6 or LR6 × 4
Operating temperature	−10 °C … +50 °C	0 °C … +50 °C
Weight	Approx. 1 kg	Approx. 2.3 kg

The choice is determined by the line's current type: use the HST-W80JS on AC electrification and the HVC-1.5N3 on DC 1500 V catenary. A long model for feeder lines covering the same voltage range, the HST-W80L, is also available.

Technical specifications

• Operating voltage: AC 20 kV – 80.5 kV, 50 Hz / 60 Hz
• Starting voltage: 5 kV ± 20% (to earth, bare conductor)
• Light indicator: visible at 8000 lux ambient illuminance
• Sound warning: 50 dB or more at 2 m
• Dielectric strength: insulating stick, AC 75 kV / 300 mm × 1 min (at 6 points, excluding electrode and joints)
• Leakage current: 100 µA or less per point in the withstand test
• Battery: 2 × LR44 (1.5 V), approx. 4 hours of continuous operation
• Operating temperature: −10 °C … +50 °C
• Weight: approx. 1 kg
• Variant: HST-W80JS-Y1 with Y-type contact tip

Limits of use and safety

Before every use, check with the test button that the unit is working, and use a suitable voltage detector tester for periodic verification. As battery life is approximately 4 hours of continuous operation, keeping spare LR44 cells on long shifts is good practice. Do not use the detector outside −10 °C … +50 °C or in conditions where condensation may form inside it, for example immediately after bringing it from a cold vehicle into a warm environment.

The detector only verifies absence of voltage; it is no substitute for earthing. After the check, the line must be earthed with a railway earthing hook, and insulating gloves, a safety helmet and the operator's minimum approach distance rules must be observed throughout the work. We describe field practice step by step in our article Voltage Testing and Earthing on Railway Catenary.

Why buy from HASEGAWA Türkiye?

• Matching the right model between the HST-W80JS and the HVC series for your AC and DC electrified lines
• Guidance on the standard contact tip versus the Y-type HST-W80JS-Y1 according to your catenary design
• Project-based quotations with a commercial invoice for rail operators and electrification contractors