Electrical Lockout Devices for Isolating Power Sources

1. Electrical Lockout Devices for Isolating Power Sources Managing a factory, facility or unit requires you to make sure all safety measures are in place for the well-being of the employees and workforce. The need for repair and maintenance can arise at any given point. Having the electrical lockout devicesensures all the electrical systems are shut down properly. This prevents electrical accidents and mishappening at the workplace for low voltage and high voltage applications. There are several types of electrical lockout devices available in the market. Listed below are the three primary devices. Electrical Plug Lockout Device – This type of device features dielectric thermoplastic, lightweight and tough bodies that enclose the electrical plug therefore protecting against accidental reconnection. Pendant Lockout Device– This type of lockout devices are used for locking out odd large and odd size hoist controls and electrical connectors. They include a durable and flexible rip-stop nylon bag that is secured with various hasps or padlocks. They are utilized for covering control panels like the ones used on cranes and over plug sockets. MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)/ Circuit Breaker Lockout Device – This type of lockout device uses a slider mechanism for allowing the lockout device to fit on to the MCB and thus preventing the circuit breaker toggle from being turned on. Then, it is fitted with a proper padlock for preventing unauthorized removal. Since it is more than possible that you have to isolate electrical power at one or more points for properly shutting down any equipment or machinery, these types of lockout devices are a must for ensuring your lockout tagout process is followed. When dealing with equipment or machinery in need of maintenance, service, or repair, the first that you have to make sure of is the isolation of power sources that run the

2. equipment. These are not only the primary source of power but any point on the machine where power can be introduced again into the system for re-engaging it. Once you have created the lockout process, the next thing you have to do is obtain all the physical lockout mechanisms you will require, to follow the lockout procedure. These should include power isolation from various sources. You should be aware of the different types of isolation procedures. For example, there might be equipment that can be deactivated by just flipping the circuit breaker switch. This would effectively provide the equipment unable to be activated. But, just like the case is with most industrial equipment, there remains a residual charge that means through accidental pushing on the controls, the equipment can move through its cycle injuring and hurting the workforce working on it. Because of this reason, you should always make sure that all other activation switches on the equipment are lockout and tagged out. Usually, a combination of valve, mechanical and electrical lockout devices is needed to make sure that a machine or equipment is ready for repair or maintenance work. With the right planning and preparation, the process will not take a lot of time. You need to understand the significance of a lockout process is to completely isolate energies, and it is paramount to save lives. The best way to cover all of your requirements at once is by checking out the lockout kits. Choose the right combination to make sure your employees are safe.