HVC-1.5N3 DC 1500 V Catenary Voltage Detector

HASEGAWA HVC-1.5N3 is a DC catenary voltage detector developed to check whether the supply to DC 1500 V overhead catenary has really been disconnected. It is used by line maintenance teams, electrification contractors and the power teams of rail operators to see whether any voltage remains on the catenary after the feed has been switched off.

The unit does more than give a "live / dead" indication: its voltage display, covering 0–1999 V DC with 1 V resolution, lets you follow the residual voltage numerically as it decays after disconnection. When voltage is detected, the red LED and buzzer are activated; the connection of the earth lead is confirmed by a green LED. The product is manufactured in Japan by HASEGAWA Electric and supplied by HASEGAWA Türkiye, the official distributor in Türkiye.

Where is it used?

DC 1500 V is a supply level commonly used on metro and suburban lines. On these lines the HVC-1.5N3 is typically used at the following steps:

• Verifying that a section is dead before catenary maintenance and repair work
• Following, on the display, the residual voltage on the catenary as it falls to zero after the feed is disconnected
• The final check immediately before a railway earthing hook is applied
• Confirming that the relevant section is really isolated when responding to a fault

The operating (starting) voltage is DC 750 V ±50 V to earth; the unit alarms at voltages above this threshold. The buzzer can be switched between High, Medium and Low levels with a button; in noisy field conditions the high setting gives 75 dB or more at 1 m.

HVC-1.5N3 or HVC-750N3?

	HVC-1.5N3	HVC-750N3
Operating voltage	DC 1500 V	DC 600 V / 750 V / 1500 V
Starting voltage	DC 750 V ±50 V	DC 300 V ±20 V
Test output voltage	DC 1000 V ±200 V	DC 500 V ±100 V
Voltage display	0–1999 V DC	0–1999 V DC
Weight	Approx. 2.3 kg	Approx. 1.4 kg

If your line is supplied only at DC 1500 V, the HVC-1.5N3 is set specifically for that level. If the same team also needs to work on DC 600 V or 750 V third-rail systems, the HVC-750N3 with its lower alarm threshold is a better fit. For AC-fed catenary, see the HST-W80JS.

Technical specifications

• Operating voltage: DC 1500 V (negative potential is not detected)
• Starting voltage: DC 750 V ±50 V (to earth)
• Voltage display: 0–1999 V DC, 1 V resolution, accuracy ±5% ±5 V
• Warning: red LED and buzzer; earth lead check by green LED
• Buzzer: 3-level volume (at 1 m: High ≥75 dB, Medium 55–70 dB, Low ≤50 dB)
• Test output voltage: DC 1000 V ±200 V
• Dielectric strength: AC 4 kV, 1 minute; leakage current ≤1 mA
• Battery: 4 × R6 / LR6 (1.5 V)
• Operating temperature: 0 °C … +50 °C; weight approx. 2.3 kg

Limits of use and safety

According to the manufacturer's data, the HVC-1.5N3 cannot detect negative potential. The absence of an alarm on a conductor at negative polarity therefore does not mean the supply is off; the measuring point must be chosen according to the operator's instructions. Before every use, run the unit's test function, check via the green LED that the earth lead is sound, and check the batteries.

The unit is not specified for use below 0 °C. Once absence of voltage has been verified, the line must be earthed for the duration of the work with suitable equipment such as the Type R DC railway earthing hook; a detector is no substitute for earthing. Insulating gloves, PPE and approach distances must follow the operator's safety procedure. We cover the general framework in our article Voltage Testing on Railway Catenary.

Why buy from HASEGAWA Türkiye?

• Help choosing the right model in the HVC series for your DC 1500 V and DC 750 V lines
• Package quotations for line maintenance teams, covering multiple units together with earthing hooks
• Commercial invoice and technical information suitable for tender documentation on rail projects