HXW-6W Wrist Voltage Proximity Alarm

HASEGAWA HXW-6W is the wrist-worn voltage detection and proximity alarm of the HXW-6 series dedicated to medium-voltage switchgear and panel (cubicle) work. Worn on the wrist, the device senses the electric field when approaching a live part in the AC 1 kV – 42 kV range and gives an audible warning of at least 65 dB at 60 cm. Its upper limit of 42 kV also covers the 33 kV and 35 kV switchgear common in European distribution networks.

The HXW-6W is manufactured in Japan by Hasegawa Electric and used in substations, by DSO MV maintenance crews, for switchgear maintenance at industrial sites and in commissioning work. It is supplied as a genuine HASEGAWA product by HASEGAWA Türkiye, the official distributor in Türkiye.

Why a wrist alarm in MV switchgear?

During maintenance and switching with the cubicle door open, a live busbar or neighbouring panel may sit right next to the de-energised feeder. Errors arising from assumptions and misjudgements, such as opening the wrong cubicle or believing a section is dead, are among the most serious risks on site. The HXW-6W warns the moment a hand unknowingly approaches these sections, adding an extra layer of protection against such human error. For the complete work sequence in MV switchgear, see our guide Safe Working in Medium Voltage Switchgear.

Alarm distance by voltage (theoretical values)

Nominal voltage	Theoretical alarm distance
6.6 kV	0.6 m
11 kV	0.8 m
22 kV	1.1 m
33 kV	1.3 m

According to the manufacturer's theoretical curve, the alarm distance increases from approximately 0.2 m at 1 kV to approximately 1.5 m at 42 kV. The voltage–distance values are also printed on the device body, so field staff can quickly recall them before starting work.

These values are theoretical references given for standard conditions. Earthed structures and the internal layout of the switchgear can shorten the distance; the values must not be used as safe approach distances.

Detection direction and correct fitting

The sensitivity of the HXW-6W is directional. Detection is easier towards the fingertips and the sides; towards the palm, the detection distance is shorter than towards the top. Since the hand usually leads with the fingertips inside a cubicle, the warning comes from the point closest to the hazard. Wear the device on the wrist of the working hand and adjust the strap so it does not slip during work.

HXW-6W or HXW-6WL?

	HXW-6W	HXW-6WL
Operating voltage	AC 1 kV – 42 kV	AC 400 V – 22 kV
Standard alarm distance	Approx. 60 cm at 6.6 kV	Approx. 25 cm at 400 V
Theoretical distance at 11 kV	0.8 m	1.3 m
33 kV / 35 kV switchgear	Covered	Not covered
Design purpose	MV switchgear work only	Broad use from LV to MV

If you also need warnings at low-voltage boards, choose the HXW-6WL; the operating range of the HXW-6W starts at 1 kV. Conversely, because the HXW-6WL may alarm at unnecessarily long distances on MV sites, the HXW-6W gives a more balanced warning for intensive switchgear work.

Technical specifications

• Operating voltage: AC 1 kV – 42 kV, 50/60 Hz
• Alarm start distance: approx. 60 cm at 6.6 kV (3.8 kV phase-to-earth), standard conditions
• Sound level: at least 65 dB at 60 cm
• Battery: 1 × CR1620 (3 V)
• Battery life (new battery): approx. 15 hours in continuous operation, approx. 10 months when not in use
• Operating temperature: −10 °C … +40 °C
• Catalogue markings: CE, RoHS and "Waterproof"

Limits of use and safety

• The HXW-6W is an auxiliary warning device; do not start work in a cubicle until the absence of voltage has been verified with a suitable medium voltage detector.
• Battery life in continuous operation is approximately 15 hours. Check the device at the start of each shift using the method in the instruction manual and keep a spare battery.
• In sections with an earthed screen, such as cable terminations, the electric field is shielded; the alarm may not respond at these points.
• For overhead line and pole-top work, arm or helmet-mounted proximity alarms are designed instead of wrist units.
• It does not replace locking/tagging, earthing or personal protective equipment.

How this product fits into a field-crew kit with the HXW-6W wrist alarm, the HXA helmet alarm and our voltage detectors is explained in Voltage Safety Kit for Field Crews.

Why buy from HASEGAWA Türkiye?

• Help choosing between the HXW-6W, HXW-6WL and arm-mounted HXA models according to your network voltage levels
• Quantity-based quotations for bulk purchases for shift-based maintenance crews
• Genuine HASEGAWA products from the official distributor in Türkiye, commercial invoice and same-day quotation on business days