Impact Indicator Overview – A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right SpotSee Device
This article is part of our SpotSee® Knowledge Base.
Impact indicators are simple, tamper-evident devices that show when a shipment has been dropped, mishandled, or exposed to damaging force. While they all detect impact, each one is designed for a specific application. As an authorised SpotSee partner, Good Life Innovations supports UK businesses with expert advice and precision monitoring solutions.
Why Use Indicators?
The presence of a bright SpotSee label significantly reduces mishandling by couriers. It transitions your shipment from "just another box" to a monitored asset.
Safe Transit: Window remains white.
Impact Detected: Window turns red.
1. Carton-Level Indicators
- ShockWatch Label: Always-live indicator.
- ShockWatch 2: Field-armable.
- ShockWatch RFID: UHF RFID enabled.
Case Study: Medical Logistics
For a £50,000 centrifuge, we recommend a ShockWatch 2 for courier accountability, a TiltWatch XTR for orientation, and a Clip inside for internal tracking.
Technical Selection: ShockWatch 2 Grid
Applies to both ShockWatch® 2 and ShockWatch® 2 QR — the sensitivities are identical.
| ShockWatch® 2 / 2 QR | 5–15 ft³ 0.14–0.42 m³ |
15–50 ft³ 0.42–1.42 m³ |
50–100 ft³ 1.42–2.83 m³ |
100–250 ft³ 2.83–7.08 m³ |
250–500 ft³ 7.08–14.16 m³ |
500–1,000 ft³ 14.16–28.32 m³ |
1,000+ ft³ 28.32 m³ + |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–10 lbs 0–5 kg |
75G | 75G | 50G | 37G | — | — | — |
| 10–25 lbs 5–11 kg |
75G | 50G | 50G | 37G | 25G | — | — |
| 25–50 lbs 11–23 kg |
50G | 50G | 37G | 25G | 25G | 15G | — |
| 50–100 lbs 23–45 kg |
50G | 37G | 37G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G |
| 100–250 lbs 45–113 kg |
37G | 37G | 25G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G |
| 250–1,000 lbs 113–454 kg |
37G | 25G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G | 10G |
| 1,000–2,000 lbs 454–907 kg |
25G | 25G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G | 5G |
| 2,000–5,000 lbs 907–2,268 kg |
25G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G | 10G | 5G |
| 5,000–10,000 lbs 2,268–4,536 kg |
25G | 15G | 15G | 15G | 10G | 10G | 5G |
| 10,000–15,000 lbs 4,536–6,804 kg |
— | 15G | 15G | 10G | 10G | 5G | 5G |
| 15,000–20,000 lbs 6,804–9,072 kg |
— | — | 10G | 10G | 5G | 5G | 5G |
| 20,000–30,000 lbs 9,072–13,608 kg |
— | — | — | 5G | 5G | 5G | 5G |
| 30,000+ lbs 13,608+ kg |
— | — | — | — | 5G | 5G | 5G |
Need technical assistance? Contact our expert UK team today.
Related SpotSee Guides
- Shipping Damage Protocol and Indicator Selection Guide
- ShockWatch 2 – When to Use the Field-Armable Impact Indicator
Part of our SpotSee® Knowledge Base
Explore our SpotSee® Knowledge Base for technical selection guides, product comparisons and supporting resources for impact, tilt and temperature monitoring.