One of the most critical elements ensuring the proper operation of locomotives are devices that detect and eliminate slipping, especially during the start-up of the locomotive in difficult operating conditions. Various types of slip control systems and methods are used on traction vehicles, depending on the design of a given locomotive and the assumptions made related to the functionality of a given solution. This article describes the PVP-20 type slip detection device used in many older electric locomotives. A proprietary measuring system was developed, enabling it to be connected to the locomotive circuit, to perform measurements in conditions of large disturbances and high voltages prevailing on the electric locomotive. Using this measuring system, the PVP-20 device was tested under operating conditions for the ability to detect slips. It has been shown that the described device is highly insensitive. Hence, we propose our concept for solving this problem.