Safety is of the utmost importance in industrial and electrical environments. To safeguard both personnel and machinery, the implementation of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures is essential. This significance is particularly emphasized when dealing with intricate components like electrical equipment and circuit breakers.
The reason for this is that electrical lockout tagout (LOTO) presents unique challenges due to their diverse array of electrical equipment encountered in industrial settings. Managing the energy sources associated with electrical systems requires a thorough understanding of the many components involved, from circuit breakers and switches to transformers and control panels.
This guide will help to serve as a resource to ensure you select the correct lockout device for your electrical application. In turn, this will mean a 'right first time' approach for all maintenance, start up and repair activities.
Types of Electrical Devices Which Can Be Locked Out
Circuit Breakers
These are automatic electrical switches designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current. These are common place in home, office and industrial environment for establishing a proper electrical environment
When it comes to LOTO, circuit breakers must be clearly identified and shut off to prevent accidental energizing. Special lockout devices are designed to keep the toggle in the OFF position, preventing it from being turned on while maintenance is underway. Standard circuit breakers typically have toggle switches.
Miniature Circuit Breaker Lockout - Pin Out Standard
The Pin Out Standard Lockout Device incorporates outward facing pins. This is accompanied by a push button mechanism to extend and allow for easier installation. The single hole in the center allows for easy installation of a padlock, or hasp. Made for nylon it is not only durable but electrically resistant.
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Miniature Circuit Breaker Lockout - Pin In Standard
The Pin In Standard Lockout Device incorporates inward facing pins. This is accompanied by a push button mechanism to extend and allow for easier installation. The single hole in the center allows for easy installation of a padlock, or hasp. Made for nylon it is not only durable but electrically resistant.
Miniature Circuit Breaker Lockout - Pin Wide Standard
The Pin Wide Standard Lockout Device incorporates outward facing pins, perpendicular to its nylon body. This is accompanied by a push button mechanism to extend and allow for easier installation. The single hole in the center allows for easy installation of a padlock, or hasp. Made for nylon it is not only durable but electrically resistant.
Universal Electrical Miniature Circuit Breaker
The Universal Electrical Miniature circuit breaker is used in situations where the circuit breaker is atypical. The top unscrews allowing it to be clamped on to various sized minature circuit breakers. Made for nylon it is not only durable but electrically resistant.
Clamp On Motor Circuit Breaker - Switch / Push Button
The Clamp On Motor circuit breaker is used in situations where the circuit breaker is atypical. Here the device fits over the entire circuit breaker, this makes it ideal for situations where the breaker includes a switch as pictured below, or has on/off buttons. Made for nylon it is not only durable but electrically resistant.
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Disconnect Switches
Also known as isolator switches, these are used to ensure that an electrical circuit is completely de-energized for service or maintenance. For Lockout Tagout purposes, these switches are typically locked in the Off position, with a tag indicating that work is being done. This practice is crucial for machines that have no other way of being locked out or those that can cause hazards even when turned off. Some machines have the facility built into them which allows them to be locked out with just a padlock, however some don't.
In this situations the lockout device below can offer a solution. It opens to fit around the switch. The plastic cover is then placed over the top of the switch and a padlock is then used to secure it. This is a quick, flexible and simple solution to an otherwise difficult lockout point.
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The electrical cord and plug lockout box is an important staple to have when an electrical device does not have a readily available lockout point. By isolating the cord from electrical potential energy there is no chance of unintended energisation and injury. The size of the box should be adjustable or multiple sizes offered to account for different cable and plug sizes.
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