ShockWatch 2 – When to Use the Field‑Armable Impact Indicator
This article is part of our SpotSee® Knowledge Base.
ShockWatch 2 – When to Use the Field-Armable Impact Indicator
ShockWatch® 2 is one of SpotSee's most trusted impact indicators, designed to provide clear, irreversible evidence of mishandling during transit or storage. Unlike always-live indicators, ShockWatch 2 is field-armable, meaning it only activates once you're ready to ship. This prevents accidental activation during packing or staging and makes it ideal for higher-value or more fragile goods.
As an authorised SpotSee partner, Good Life Innovations helps businesses choose the right ShockWatch 2 sensitivity and integrate impact monitoring into their supply chain processes.
What Is ShockWatch 2?
ShockWatch 2 is a single-use, tamperproof impact indicator that turns bright red when an impact above the selected G-level occurs. It is available in seven sensitivities — 5G, 10G, 15G, 25G, 37G, 50G, and 75G — making it suitable for a wide range of product fragility levels.
The device is mechanically activated and requires no batteries, electronics, or maintenance. Its field-armable design ensures the indicator is only active when you choose, reducing false activations and improving reliability.
How ShockWatch 2 Works
ShockWatch 2 contains a precision-engineered glass tube filled with reactive liquid. When the shipment experiences an impact above the selected threshold, the liquid travels into the activation chamber and permanently turns red.
Key behaviours include:
- Field-armable – activate only when ready to ship
- Irreversible activation – once red, it cannot be reset
- Highly visible – deters mishandling
- Available in seven sensitivities – 5G to 75G
- Tamperproof and serialized – prevents switching
When to Use ShockWatch 2
ShockWatch 2 is ideal for shipments where accuracy, reliability, and controlled activation are essential. It's best suited for:
1. Fragile or high-value products
- Medical devices
- Laboratory equipment
- Optical systems
- Precision electronics
2. Products sensitive to drops or impacts
- Industrial machinery
- Calibration-critical instruments
- Glass or ceramic components
3. Shipments requiring controlled activation
Field-armability ensures the indicator is only active once the shipment is ready, reducing false triggers during packing.
4. Supply chains needing clear accountability
The bright red activation window provides indisputable evidence of mishandling.
ShockWatch 2 vs ShockWatch Label
Both devices detect impact, but ShockWatch 2 offers greater precision and control:
| Feature | ShockWatch Label | ShockWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activation Method | Always live | Field-armable |
| Sensitivity Range | 25G–100G | 5G–75G |
| False Activation Protection | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | High-volume, cost-sensitive shipments | Fragile or high-value goods |
Installation Best Practices
To ensure accurate performance:
- Mount in the lower third of the package
- Place near a rigid edge for best sensitivity
- Use companion labels for visibility
- Arm the device only when the shipment is ready
Benefits of Using ShockWatch 2
- Reduces mishandling through visibility
- Provides clear evidence of impact
- Improves accountability across the supply chain
- Supports damage claims
- Offers more precise sensitivity options
- Prevents false activations during packing
Is ShockWatch 2 Right for Your Shipment?
Choose ShockWatch 2 if you need a reliable, field-armable impact indicator for fragile or high-value goods. Its precision and controlled activation make it a strong choice for sensitive shipments.
For enhanced traceability and digital chain-of-custody documentation, consider ShockWatch 2 QR, which adds unique QR codes to each indicator for improved accountability and event logging.
As a SpotSee partner, Good Life Innovations can help you select the right sensitivity and integrate ShockWatch 2 into your packaging workflow.
Shop ShockWatch 2 field-armable indicators available in sensitivities from 5G to 75G.
Good Life Innovations Ltd is an Approved SpotSee Partner, supplying genuine ShockWatch® and TiltWatch® indicators across the UK.
Related SpotSee Guides
- ShockWatch Label – When to Use the Adhesive Impact Indicator
- ShockWatch 2 QR – When to Use the Connected Impact Indicator
- ShockWatch Label vs ShockWatch 2 vs ShockWatch 2 QR – Complete Comparison Guide
Part of our SpotSee® Knowledge Base
Explore our SpotSee® Knowledge Base for product guides, comparison articles and supporting technical resources for impact, tilt and temperature monitoring.