GB2285887A - A locking device for a circuit breaker handle - Google Patents
A locking device for a circuit breaker handle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2285887A GB2285887A GB9419928A GB9419928A GB2285887A GB 2285887 A GB2285887 A GB 2285887A GB 9419928 A GB9419928 A GB 9419928A GB 9419928 A GB9419928 A GB 9419928A GB 2285887 A GB2285887 A GB 2285887A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- locking device
- mounting
- circuit breaker
- handle
- legs
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/20—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms
- H01H9/28—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member
- H01H9/281—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member making use of a padlock
- H01H9/282—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member making use of a padlock and a separate part mounted or mountable on the switch assembly and movable between an unlocking position and a locking position where it can be secured by the padlock
- H01H9/283—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member making use of a padlock and a separate part mounted or mountable on the switch assembly and movable between an unlocking position and a locking position where it can be secured by the padlock the part being removable
Abstract
A locking device 1 for locking a handle of a circuit breaker in an off position comprises a pair of mounting legs 11, 12. The legs 11, 12 have laterally extending mounting projections 14 for engaging behind return ledges on opposed sides of a slot of the circuit breaker through which the handle moves. The leg portions 11, 12 are hinged at 15, 16 to a head piece and are biassed into a normally engaged or locked position. Fixing means for fixing the mounting legs 11, 12 in a desired locked position is provided by an extension piece 20 hinged to the head piece. The extension 20 includes extension lugs with holes 25, which are aligned in the locked position to receive the shank of a padlock. Accidental operation of the circuit breaker is thereby prevented. <IMAGE>
Description
"A Locking Device"
The invention relates to a locking device for locking the handle of a circuit breaker or the like in a required position.
It is often essential to ensure that electrical equipment cannot be operated while work is being carried out on the equipment. Electricians generally ensure that the circuit breakers associated with the equipment are in the off position. However, there is a risk that the circuit breakers may be accidentally operated while the equipment is being worked on. Various attempts are made to secure the breakers in the off position, for example by locking the housing in which the breakers are mounted, however none of these methods is entirely safe and satisfactory.
This invention is therefore directed towards providing a locking device for locking the handle of a circuit breaker or the like in a required position.
According to the invention there is provided a locking device for locking the handle of a circuit breaker or the like in a required position comprising a locking member having means to prevent operation of the handle and mounting means for mounting the locking member to the circuit breaker.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the means for preventing operation of the handle comprises a locking means for engagement by the handle in use to prevent operation thereof. Preferably the mounting means includes means for engaging a circuit breaker housing.
In a preferred embodiment the mounting means includes means for engaging a circuit breaker housing adjacent a slot in the housing through which the handle moves, on operation. Preferably the mounting means includes projections for engaging a circuit breaker housing behind a slot therein through which the handle moves, on operation. Typically the projections comprise first and second projections for engagement behind and on opposed sides of a slot in the circuit breaker housing.
Preferably the mounting means includes biassing means for urging the projections into an engagement position.
In a preferred embodiment the biassing means is integral with the mounting means. Preferably the projections are provided on respective mounting legs, the legs being biassed into an engagement position.
Typically the means to prevent operation of the handle comprises the mounting legs, a head piece extending between the legs. Preferably the locking device includes fixing means for fixing the mounting legs in a locked position. In a preferred arrangement the fixing means is integral with the head piece. Preferably the fixing means comprises an extension of the head piece which is movable from an unlocked position in which the movement of the mounting legs is not obstructed to a locked position in which movement of the mounting legs is substantially prevented.
In one embodiment of the invention the extension includes a pair of lugs for engagement with portion of the mounting legs in the locked position. Preferably the extension is hingedly mounted at a front edge of the headpiece.
In one arrangement the lugs and mounting legs include means for receiving a padlock or the like. Typically the means for receiving a padlock comprises receiving holes in the lugs and mounting legs which are aligned in the locked position to receive a padlock.
Preferably the locking device is integrally moulded from a plastics material.
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a locking device
according to the invention in an unlocked position;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the locking device
of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the locking device of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 1 in
a locked position;
Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the locking device
in the position of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the locking device in the
position of Fig. 4;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of portion of a circuit
breaker;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of portion of a circuit
breaker with a locking device according to the
invention in position;
Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of portion of a
circuit breaker with the locking device in position;
Fig. 10 is a plan view of a portion of the circuit
breaker of Fig. 8; and
Fig. 11 is a detailed view of the engagement between
the circuit breaker and locking device of the
invention.
Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a locking device according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for locking a handle 2 of a circuit breaker, portion 3 of which is illustrated in some of the drawings, in a required position, usually in an off position. The circuit breaker includes a housing 5 having a front slot 6 through which the handle 2 moves in normal operation. The housing 5 includes return ledges 8 on opposed sides of the slot 6.
The locking device 1 in this case is integrally moulded from a plastics material and has means for preventing operation of the handle 2 and mounting means for mounting the locking member to the housing 5 of the circuit breaker 3. In more detail, the locking device 1 comprises a head piece 10 and a pair of mounting legs 11, 12 having laterally extending mounting projections 13, 14 respectively for engaging behind the ledges 8 of the circuit breaker housing 5 in a locked position as illustrated particularly in Fig. 10. The leg portions 11, 12 are hingedly mounted to the head piece 10 by integral plastic hinges 15, 16 respectively and are biassed into the normally engaged or locked position illustrated in
Figs. 8 to 11.
Fixing means for fixing the mounting legs 11, 12 in a desired locked position is in this case provided by an extension 20 which is hingedly mounted by a plastics hinge 20a to the head piece 10. The extension 20 includes a pair of extended lugs 21, 22 respectively, the extension 20 being hinged about a hinge 20a for movement between a released position illustrated in Fig. 1 and a locked position illustrated in Fig. 4 in which the lugs 21, 22 are engaged between the legs 11, 12. It will be noted that both the legs 11, 12 and lugs 21, 22 are provided with holes 25, 26 respectively which are aligned in the locked position to receive the shank of a padlock or the like (not shown).
In use, when it is desired to lock the handle 2 of the circuit breaker 3 in a required position, with the locking device 1 in the position illustrated in Fig. 1 the legs 11, 12 are pressed together by finger pressure allowing the projections 13, 14 to be pushed into the slot 6 to engage behind the ledges 8 of the circuit breaker housing 5. Finger pressure is then released and the extension 20 is hinged inwardly in the direction of the arrow illustrated in Fig. 1 until the lugs 21, 22 are aligned with the mounting legs 11, 12. The lugs 21, 22 are arranged to substantially prevent movement of the legs 11, 12 to p-revent the projections 13, 14 being removed from behind the ledges 8 of the circuit breaker housing 5. In this position the mounting legs 11, 12 are engaged below the handle 2 preventing its operation. A padlock may be fitted through the holes 25 and 26 in the lugs 21, 22 and mounting legs 11, 12 for further security.
For ease of manufacture and minimum expense it is anticipated that the locking member will be injection moulded from a plastics material. However, it will be appreciated that the locking member may be of any suitable material of construction.
Many variations on the specific embodiment of the invention described will be readily apparent and accordingly the invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described, which may be varied in both construction and detail.
Claims (19)
1. A locking device for locking the handle of a
circuit breaker or the like in a required position
comprising a locking member having means to
prevent operation of the handle and mounting means
for mounting the locking member to the circuit
breaker.
2. A locking device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
means for preventing operation of the handle
comprises a locking means for engagement by the
handle in use to prevent operation thereof.
3. A locking device as claimed in claim 1 or 2
wherein the mounting means includes means for
engaging a circuit breaker housing.
4. A locking device as claimed in any of claims 1 to
3 wherein the mounting means includes means for
engaging a circuit breaker housing adjacent a slot
in the housing through which the handle moves, on
operation.
5. A locking device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the
mounting means includes projections for engaging
a circuit breaker housing behind a slot therein
through which the handle moves, on operation.
6. A locking device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the
projections comprise first and second projections
for engagement behind and on opposed sides of a
slot in the circuit breaker housing.
7. A locking device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the
mounting means includes biassing means for urging
the projections into an engagement position.
8. A locking device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the
biassing means is integral with the mounting
means.
9. A locking device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the
projections are provided on respective mounting
legs, the legs being biassed into an engagement
position.
10. A locking device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the
means to prevent operation of the handle comprises
the mounting legs, a head piece extending between
the mounting legs.
11. A locking device as claimed in claim 10 including
fixing means for fixing the mounting legs in a
locked position.
12. A locking device as claimed in claim 11 wherein
the fixing means is integral with the head piece.
13. A locking device as claimed in claim 11 or 12
wherein the fixing means comprises an extension of
the head piece which is movable from an unlocked
position in which the movement of the mounting
legs is not obstructed to a locked position in
which movement of the mounting legs is
substantially prevented.
14. A locking device as claimed in claim 13 wherein
the extension includes a pair of lugs for
engagement with portion of the mounting legs in
the locked position.
15. A locking device as claimed in claim 13 or 14
wherein the extension is hingedly mounted at a
front edge of the headpiece.
16. A locking device as claimed in claim 14 or 15
wherein the lugs and mounting legs include means
for receiving a padlock or the like.
17. A locking device as claimed in claim 16 wherein
the means for receiving a padlock comprises
receiving holes in the lugs and mounting legs
which are aligned in the locked position to
receive a padlock.
18. A locking device as claimed in any preceding claim
which is integrally moulded from a plastics
material.
19. A locking device substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE940052A IE940052A1 (en) | 1994-01-21 | 1994-01-21 | A locking device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9419928D0 GB9419928D0 (en) | 1994-11-16 |
| GB2285887A true GB2285887A (en) | 1995-07-26 |
Family
ID=11040264
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9419928A Withdrawn GB2285887A (en) | 1994-01-21 | 1994-10-04 | A locking device for a circuit breaker handle |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2285887A (en) |
| IE (1) | IE940052A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19917859A1 (en) * | 1999-04-20 | 2000-10-26 | Siemens Ag | Switch or control-gear blocking device |
| WO2001071744A2 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2001-09-27 | General Electric Company | Convertible locking arrangement on breakers |
| EP1371009A2 (en) * | 2001-03-21 | 2003-12-17 | Brady Worldwide, Inc. | Circuit breaker lock-out assembly |
| CZ300100B6 (en) * | 2002-09-23 | 2009-02-11 | Oez S.R.O. | Locking adapter intended particularly for electric apparatus operating levers |
| GB2475144A (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2011-05-11 | Schneider Electric Ltd | Safety Device for Electrical Distribution Board |
| US7977590B2 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2011-07-12 | Master Lock Company Llc | Switch lockout device |
| US9208964B2 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2015-12-08 | Master Lock Company Llc | Lockout device |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB765724A (en) * | 1954-03-19 | 1957-01-09 | Westinghouse Electric Int Co | Improvements in or relating to electric circuit breakers or switches |
| GB1451954A (en) * | 1973-02-03 | 1976-10-06 | Crabtree & Co Ltd J A | Locking devices for the operating members of electric circuit breakers or switches |
| GB2152286A (en) * | 1983-12-23 | 1985-07-31 | Midland Electric Mfg Co Ltd | Switch locking device |
| EP0172771A1 (en) * | 1984-08-08 | 1986-02-26 | Merlin Gerin | Locking device with a padlock for a miniature circuit breaker |
| GB2208454A (en) * | 1987-08-05 | 1989-03-30 | Bicc Plc | Electric switch locking device |
| US5148910A (en) * | 1991-03-19 | 1992-09-22 | Houston Industries Incorporated | Circuit breaker tagging/lockout apparatus |
-
1994
- 1994-01-21 IE IE940052A patent/IE940052A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-10-04 GB GB9419928A patent/GB2285887A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB765724A (en) * | 1954-03-19 | 1957-01-09 | Westinghouse Electric Int Co | Improvements in or relating to electric circuit breakers or switches |
| GB1451954A (en) * | 1973-02-03 | 1976-10-06 | Crabtree & Co Ltd J A | Locking devices for the operating members of electric circuit breakers or switches |
| GB2152286A (en) * | 1983-12-23 | 1985-07-31 | Midland Electric Mfg Co Ltd | Switch locking device |
| EP0172771A1 (en) * | 1984-08-08 | 1986-02-26 | Merlin Gerin | Locking device with a padlock for a miniature circuit breaker |
| GB2208454A (en) * | 1987-08-05 | 1989-03-30 | Bicc Plc | Electric switch locking device |
| US5148910A (en) * | 1991-03-19 | 1992-09-22 | Houston Industries Incorporated | Circuit breaker tagging/lockout apparatus |
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19917859A1 (en) * | 1999-04-20 | 2000-10-26 | Siemens Ag | Switch or control-gear blocking device |
| US6649851B1 (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2003-11-18 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Blocking device for switch mechanism |
| WO2001071744A2 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2001-09-27 | General Electric Company | Convertible locking arrangement on breakers |
| WO2001071744A3 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2002-01-31 | Gen Electric | Convertible locking arrangement on breakers |
| US6476698B1 (en) | 2000-03-17 | 2002-11-05 | General Electric Company | Convertible locking arrangement on breakers |
| EP1371009A4 (en) * | 2001-03-21 | 2007-04-04 | Brady Worldwide Inc | Circuit breaker lock-out assembly |
| EP1371009A2 (en) * | 2001-03-21 | 2003-12-17 | Brady Worldwide, Inc. | Circuit breaker lock-out assembly |
| CZ300100B6 (en) * | 2002-09-23 | 2009-02-11 | Oez S.R.O. | Locking adapter intended particularly for electric apparatus operating levers |
| US7977590B2 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2011-07-12 | Master Lock Company Llc | Switch lockout device |
| GB2475144A (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2011-05-11 | Schneider Electric Ltd | Safety Device for Electrical Distribution Board |
| GB2475144B (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2015-09-16 | Schneider Electric Ltd | Safety device for electrical distribution boards |
| AU2010236024B2 (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2016-03-10 | Schneider Electric Limited | Safety device for electrical distribution board |
| US9208964B2 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2015-12-08 | Master Lock Company Llc | Lockout device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IE940052A1 (en) | 1995-07-26 |
| GB9419928D0 (en) | 1994-11-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |