AU2014100036A4

AU2014100036A4 - Lock fitting for a circuit protection device

Info

Publication number: AU2014100036A4
Application number: AU2014100036A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul Barron
Original assignee: Legrand Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Legrand Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-01-03
Filing date: 2014-01-14
Publication date: 2014-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-13
Also published as: AU2014100036B4

Abstract

Abstract A lock fitting for a circuit protection device having an actuator moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the lock fitting comprising a body mountable to the actuator and 5 a locking member pivotably mounted to the body and movable between a first and a second position, wherein, when in the first position the locking member is arranged to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position and in the second position the actuator is allowed to move from the OFF to the ON position. Ax ft (A '4 -, tA tAPS '1

Description

1 LOCK FITTING FOR A CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE Technical Field The present invention generally relates to a lock fitting for locking an electrical circuit protection device, an electrical circuit protection assembly including a lock fitting, and a 5 method of locking an electrical circuit protection device. The invention has particular application to circuit protection devices in the form of circuit breakers (such as miniature circuit breakers) and switches and the like. Background Art Electrical circuit protection devices (such as circuit breakers) typically detect an electrical 0 abnormality or failure and automatically initiate removal of the problem by appropriately controlling the circuit action. Circuit protection devices may be automatically operated to switch to the OFF position to prevent damage to the circuit caused by for example, overload, overcurrent, or short circuit. Circuit protection devices may also be manually operated to set the circuit protection device to the OFF position. 5 Electrical protection is a primary control to prevent many safety risks and concerns to minimise the risk of electrocution, death or injury from electric shock, electrical burns, fires, and explosions due to gas or catastrophic failure of electrical enclosures. In some environments, such as in mining, there are strict safety requirements and an operator may be required to ensure all circuit protection devices are locked in the OFF position prior to .0 maintenance, shut down at the end of every day, or when not in use. In practice separate retaining devices, such as padlock fittings, are often fitted to the circuit protection device to lock the device in the OFF position. In the past, specialised parts have been developed to be fitted to some protection devices (such miniature circuit breakers) which otherwise would not have the ability to receive a retaining device (such as a padlock fitting). 25 Whilst such fittings are effective in providing a mounting to receive a suitable retaining device, they have in the past suffered from various problems (such as for example, limiting the functionality of the protection device, taking up too much space (particular where the protection device is arranged to be located within a distribution board), or being difficult to attach to the device). Accordingly there is an ongoing need to have an improved lock fitting 30 that at least ameliorates one or more of these problems. The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The 2 above references are also not intended to limit the application of the process and product as disclosed herein. Summary Disclosed in a first aspect is a lock fitting for a circuit protection device having an actuator 5 moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the lock fitting comprising a body mountable to the actuator; and a locking member pivotably mounted to the body and movable between a first and a second position. When in the first position the locking member is arranged to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position and in the second position the actuator is allowed to move from the OFF to the ON position. 0 In a particular form, in the first position the locking member is arranged to abut a face of the circuit protection device to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. In a particular form, the body includes a coupling for releasable attachment to the actuator. In a particular form, the body comprises an aperture configured to receive a retaining device, such as a shackle of a padlock fitting, to prevent movement of the locking member from the 5 first position, the aperture extending along an axis that is generally transverse the pivot. In a particular form the body and the locking member include apertures for receiving the retaining device and when the locking member is in the first position the apertures of the locking member and body member are aligned to receive the retaining device. Disclosed in a further aspect is a lock fitting for a circuit protection device having an actuator .0 moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the fitting comprising; a body mountable to the actuator; and a locking member mounted to the body and movable between a first and a second position wherein, when in the first position, the locking member is arranged to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. In one form, movement of the locking member from the first to the second position is 25 arranged to allow the actuator to move from the OFF position to the ON position. In a particular form, the body includes a coupling for releasable attachment to the actuator. In one embodiment the coupling includes a clamping device operable to clamp the actuator. In this way the lock fitting is able to be releasably attached to the actuator through operation of the clamping device. As such the lock fitting may be designed to be retrofitted to existing 30 control protection devices.

3 In a further aspect, disclosed is a lock fitting for a circuit protection device having an actuator moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the fitting comprising a body including a coupling for releasable attachment to the actuator. In a particular form, the lock fitting is configured to receive a retaining device to prevent 5 movement of the locking member from the first position. In a particular form the lock fitting is arranged to receive a padlock fitting. The padlock fitting (or other retaining device) is arranged to interact with the fitting and/or the circuit protection device to inhibit movement of the locking member from the first position. Typically this interaction is by direct engagement between the retaining device and the fitting and/or circuit protection device. 0 In a further aspect, disclosed is a lock fitting for a circuit protection device having an actuator moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the fitting comprising a body including a coupling for releasable attachment to the actuator and being configured to receive a retaining device to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. In a further aspect a method of locking a circuit protection device is provided comprising the 5 steps: providing a lock fitting having a body and an locking member moveably mounted to the body; mounting the body of the lock fitting to an actuator of the device; and preventing movement of the locking member from a first position relative to the body to prevent movement of the actuator from an OFF to an ON position. Brief Description of the Drawings .0 Embodiments of a lock fitting for releasable attachment to an actuator of a circuit protection device will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lock fitting releasably attached to an actuator of a circuit protection device; 25 Fig. 2 is a side view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 1 with the actuator in an OFF position; Fig. 3 is a side view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 1 with the actuator in an ON position; Fig. 4 is an end view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device 30 according to Fig. 1; 4 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lock fitting releasably attached to an actuator of a circuit protection device; Fig. 6 is a side view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 6 with the actuator in an OFF position; 5 Fig. 7 is a side view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 6 with the actuator in an ON position; Fig. 8 is an end view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a side view of a third embodiment of a lock fitting attached to the actuator of the 0 circuit protection device with the actuator in an ON position; Fig. 10 is a side view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 9 with the actuator in an OFF position; Fig. 11 is a side view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 9 with the actuator in an OFF position; 5 Fig. 12 is a side view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 9 with the actuator in an OFF position; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device according to Fig. 9 with a padlock attached; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of a lock fitting of Fig. 9 showing the 20 component parts; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of a lock fitting of Fig. 9 showing the component parts; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the lock fitting; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the lock fitting; 25 Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the lock fitting; Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the lock fitting; Fig. 20 is a side view of the third embodiment of the lock fitting detached from the actuator of a circuit protection device; 5 Fig. 21 is a side view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device with the actuator in an ON position; Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device with the actuator in the ON position; 5 Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the circuit protection device with the actuator in an OFF position and with a padlock attached; Fig. 24 is a cross sectional view showing the engagement between components of the locking member; Fig. 25 shows a series of perspective views of the lock fitting attached to the actuator of the 0 circuit protection device according to Fig. 9 with the lock fitting in different configurations. Detailed Description of the Drawings In some forms, as depicted in the Figs. 1 to 25, disclosed is a lock fitting for a circuit protection device having an actuator moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the lock fitting comprising a body mountable to the actuator; and a locking member 5 mounted to the body and movable between a first and a second position, wherein, when in the first position, the locking member is arranged to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. In a particular form, the locking member is arranged to abut the face of the circuit protection device to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. In some forms, movement of the locking member from the first to the second position is .0 arranged to allow the actuator to move from the OFF position to the ON position. In some forms, the body includes a coupling for releasable attachment to the actuator. In a particular form, the coupling includes a clamping device operable to clamp the actuator. In some forms, the fitting is configured to receive a retaining device to prevent movement of the locking member from the first position. In a particular form, the locking member is 25 capable of receiving the retaining device. In one form, the locking member includes an aperture for receiving the retaining device. In some forms, the locking member extends from a proximal to a distal end, and wherein the locking member is pivotally moveable relative to the body about a pivot disposed at or adjacent the proximal end, the pivot being offset from a longitudinal axis of the locking 30 member such that, in use, force applied to the distal end effects movement of the locking member about the pivot. In a particular form, the aperture which is configured to receive the 6 retaining device extends through the locking member along an axis that is generally parallel to the pivot. In some forms, the body is capable of receiving the retaining device. In a particular form, the body includes a projection and the locking member has a recess, the projection being 5 configured to extend through the recess and wherein the projection includes an aperture for receiving the retaining device. In some forms, the locking member extends from a proximal to a distal end, the distal end includes a laterally extending tip and wherein the locking member is pivotally moveable relative to the body about the pivot disposed at or adjacent the proximal end such that force 0 applied to the laterally extending tip effects movement of the locking member about the pivot. In a particular form, the aperture extends through the locking member along an axis that is generally transverse to the pivot. In some forms, a lockable circuit protection assembly comprises a circuit protection device having an actuator, the actuator being moveable between an OFF position and an ON 5 position; and a lock fitting according in any form described above mounted to the actuator. In one form, the circuit protection device comprises a front face, and the locking member being engagable with, and movable across, the front face on movement from the first to the second position to allow the actuator to be moved between the ON and the OFF position. In some forms, the assembly further comprises a retaining device to retain the lock fitting in .0 the first position. In a particular form, the retaining device is a shackle lock such as a padlock. In other forms, the retaining device may be other forms of locking devices, such as clamping, expanding or wire locking arrangements. In some forms, as depicted in Figs. 1 to 10, disclosed is a lock fitting for a circuit protection device having an actuator moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the fitting 25 comprising a body including a coupling for releasable attachment to the actuator and being configured to receive a retaining device to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. In some forms, a method of mounting a lock fitting to a circuit protection device is disclosed that includes the step of mounting the lock fitting to the actuator. 30 In some forms, a method of locking a circuit protection device is disclosed that includes the steps of providing a lock fitting having a body and a locking member moveably mounted to the body; mounting the body of the lock fitting to an actuator of the device; and preventing 7 movement of the locking member from a first position relative to the body to prevent movement of the actuator from an OFF to an ON position. Referring in more detail to Figs. 1 to 4, a first embodiment of a lock fitting 10 for releasable attachment to an actuator 102 of a circuit protection device 100 is shown. The lock fitting 5 generally comprises a body 12 and a locking member 14 movably attached to the body 12. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the body 12 generally includes an attachment section 16 and a shoulder 18 extending from the attachment section. The attachment section 16 and the shoulder 18 meet at a connection region 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment section has a proximal end 22 and a distal end 24. The shoulder 18 has a first portion 26 0 and a second portion 28, where the first portion 26 extends generally perpendicular to the distal end 24 of the attachment section and then the second portion 28 extends at angle from the first portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder 18 is bifurcated having two shoulder portions 30, 32 positioned side-by-side spaced apart by an elongate recess 34 through which the locking member 14 can move. The locking member 14 is receivable 5 between the shoulder portions 30, 32 in the elongate recess 34 as will be described in more detail below. The locking member 14 also has a proximal end 36 and a distal end 38. The proximal end 36 is moveably attached to the connection region 20 of the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 14 has a first segment 40 and a second segment 42 that .0 are mutually inclined and meet at a bend 44. The first segment 40 extends from the proximal end 36 to the bend 44, and the second segment 42 extends from the bend 44 to the distal end 38. A longitudinal axis L extends along the second segment 42 of the locking member 14. The locking member 14 also includes an aperture 46. The aperture 46 is positioned adjacent the bend 44 within the second segment of the locking member 14. 25 As mentioned above, the locking member 14 is moveably attached to the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 36 of the locking member 14 is pivotally attached to the connection region 20 at a pivot 48 and moves between the shoulder portions 30, 32 within the elongate recess 34. The pivot 48 may as illustrated be disposed at or adjacent the proximal end 36 of the locking member 14 such that the pivot is offset from the longitudinal 30 axis L of the locking member 14. The lock fitting 10 is mounted to the actuator 102 by releasable attachment. In the illustrated form, the body 12 includes at its proximal end a coupling 50 for releasable attachment to the actuator 102. The coupling as illustrated is in the form of a clamping device 52 operable by mechanical fastener 54. The clamping device has two jaws 56, 58 and the mechanical 8 fastener is in the form of a threaded screw 54. The threaded screw 54 is received in a bore 60 extending centrally through both jaws 56, 58. Each jaw includes a knurled internal surface to provide a gripping surface to secure the attachment when mounted to the actuator 102. To enable attachment of the clamping device to the actuator, each bore 60 includes 5 corresponding threading such that one jaw is moveable towards the other jaw along the threading of the mechanical fastener 54 when being tightened. The actuator 102 is located on a front face 104 of the electrical circuit protection device 100. The front face 104 of the circuit protection device is typically positioned between escutcheons within a distribution board, but it is to be understood that the circuit protection 0 device 100 may be positioned in any suitable manner provided the actuator and front face are accessible to the operator. When the illustrated circuit protection device is positioned in a distribution board, the front face 104 has a length greater than its width and the actuator has a span less than or equal to the width of the front face and is positioned across the width of the front face. 5 The actuator 102 is moveable between an OFF position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and an ON position shown in Fig. 3. In the illustrated form, the actuator toggles between the OFF position and the ON position. The movement of the actuator is in line with the direction of the length of the front face 104. As discussed above, the locking member 14 is able to pivot relative to the body 12 between .0 a first position (shown in Fig. 1 and 2) and a second position (shown in Fig.3). In the first position, the locking member 14 is received between the shoulder portions 30, 32 within the recess 34 and the distal end 38 abuts the front face 104 of the circuit protection device 100. In the second position (shown in Fig. 3), the locking member 14 is no longer disposed as fully within the shoulder portions 30, 32 but rather has moved out of register with the 25 shoulder with the aperture 46 of the locking member no longer on the inner side of the body, but is outward of the body at least in part as shown in Fig. 3 where the body obscures the aperture. It is to be appreciated that in at least one form, the locking member could continue to pivot from the second position as shown (in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig. 3). However, for the purposes of the disclosure further rotation is not necessary. What is 30 important is that in the second position the locking member 14 does not impede the actuator 102 being in the ON position (which is as it is shown in Fig. 3). In operation, when the actuator 102 is moved between the OFF position and the ON position, and the locking member 14 is in the first position, a force is applied to the distal end 38 of the locking member 14 as the distal end is caused to move across the front face 104 of 35 the circuit protection device 100 on movement of the actuator 102. As the pivot 48 is offset 9 from the longitudinal axis L of the locking member 14, this force is designed to induce a moment in the locking member 14 causing the member 14 to pivot towards its second position such that the locking member does not inhibit the movement of the actuator 102. In particular, the locking fitting 10 is designed so that the locking member does not jam against 5 the front face of the device during the movement of the actuator 102. Moreover, the actuator 102 is able to move from the ON position to the OFF position when the lock fitting 10 is connected to the actuator 102. When in the ON position, the locking member is in the second position, and again can easily move across the front face of the circuit protection device. In fact, the pivoting action of the locking member 14 as it moves 0 from the second position to the first position is such that it tends to move the distal end 38 away from the front face 104, thereby ensuring that it does not impede movement of the actuator from the ON position to the OFF position which is important to safe operation of the circuit protection device. To effect locking of the actuator 102 in the OFF position, the lock fitting 10 is designed to 5 receive a retaining device 200 to prevent movement of the locking member relative to the body from the first position. This retaining device 200 is typically a padlock (shown in phantom in Fig. 2) and its shackle 202 is received in the aperture 46. Any suitable retaining device may be used, such as a padlock fitting, pin, combination lock fitting, bar, etc., providing the retaining device is capable of retaining the lock fitting in the first position. In the .0 illustrated embodiment, the aperture 46 extends through the locking member along an axis that is generally parallel to the pivot 48. For example, when the retaining device 200 is in the form of a padlock fitting, the shackle of the padlock fitting is received by the aperture generally transverse the length of the front face of the circuit protection device 100. When the locking member 14 is in the first position, the aperture 46 is positioned inside the 25 shoulder of the body such that, in use, movement of the locking member from the first position is inhibited by the retaining device bearing against the shoulder 18 of the body. If the locking member 14 is prevented from pivoting, the actuator 102 cannot be moved from the OFF position as the distal end 38 of the locking member is forced into the front face of the circuit protection device. 30 Accordingly the lock fitting provides a simple and effective way of enabling a circuit protection device to be locked in an OFF position. Particular benefits of the fitting include: * The lock fitting sits within the envelope of the front face of the circuit protection device so that it does not prevent a series of electrical circuit protection devices being assembled adjacent one another between escutcheons of a distribution board. The 10 lock is dimensioned such that the device is contained within a front face of the circuit protection device in use. * The lock fitting is mounted to the actuator so that it can be easily retrofitted to existing electrical circuit protection devices. 5 0 The circuit protection device can be operated normally whilst the lock fitting is in place. * The lock fitting is designed to be used with readily available retaining devices (such as padlocks). * A retaining device cannot be secured to the lock fitting when the actuator is in an ON 0 position so as to prevent the actuator from moving from the ON to the OFF position. As shown in Fig. 3 when the actuator is in its ON position, the locking member is in its second position where the aperture is at least obscured by the body or disposed outside the body. Mounting a retaining device when the aperture is outside the body will not prevent the actuator from moving to its OFF position. 5 Referring to Figs. 5 to 8, a second embodiment of a lock fitting 310 for releasable attachment to an actuator 102 of a circuit protection device 100 is shown. The lock fitting includes many of the features of the first embodiment and like features have been given like reference numerals except they have been prefaced with the numeral "3". In the second embodiment, the configuration of the body 312 and locking member 314 is .0 reversed. In this embodiment, the locking member 314 is bifurcated having two portions 370, 372 positioned side-by-side spaced apart by an elongate recess 374 through which an end portion 376 of the body 312 can move. Further, the end portion 376 of the body 312 includes the aperture 346 for receiving the retaining device. Moreover the locking member includes a lateral extending tip 378. 25 In use, the lock fitting 310 of the second embodiment operates in substantially the same as the lock fitting 10 of the first embodiment. The retaining device when fitted prevents the locking member 314 from moving from its first position. In turn, this prevents the actuator 102 from moving from the OFF position to the ON position. In the first position, the laterally extending tip 378 of the locking member 314 abuts the front 30 face 104 of the circuit protection device. The locking member is pivotable relative to the body about the pivot 348. When the actuator is moved between the OFF position and the ON position force is applied to the laterally extending tip 378 of the locking member by the front face of the circuit protection device. This force effects movement of the locking member 314 about the pivot 348 such that the locking member does not inhibit movement of 11 the actuator. The shape of the locking member having the laterally extending tip prevents the locking member from jamming against the front face of the device during movement of the actuator. Moreover, the actuator 102 is able to move from the ON position to the OFF position when 5 the lock fitting 310 is connected to the actuator. When in the ON position, the locking member 314 is in the second position, and again can easily move across the front face of the circuit protection device. In fact, the pivoting action of the locking member 314 as it moves from the second position to the first position is such that it tends to move the laterally extending tip away from the front face, thereby ensuring that it does not impede movement 0 of the actuator from the ON position to the OFF position which is important to safe operation of the circuit protection device. As mentioned above, the body 312 includes an aperture 346, and the aperture is able to receive a retaining device 200. The aperture is positioned such that, in use, movement of the locking member is inhibited by the retaining device bearing against a portion of the 5 locking member adjacent the recess. The laterally extending tip 378 of the locking member 314 is also bearing against the front face of circuit protection device. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 346 extends through the body along an axis that is generally transverse to the pivot. Referring to Fig. 5, the body also includes a groove 380 in line with the axis of the aperture 346 for accommodating the retaining device. An advantage of this .0 arrangement is that it allows a padlock to be attached to the lock fitting side on rather than front on in the earlier embodiment (because of the orientation of the respective apertures). This side on orientation of the padlock may be beneficial when the circuit protection device is installed in an array (such as in a distribution board). In a non-illustrated alternative embodiment, the locking member may be other than pivotally 25 moveable with the body. For example the movement may be relative sliding or be a more complex movement including sliding and pivoting. Referring now to Figs. 9 to 25, a third embodiment of a lock fitting 410 for releasable attachment to an actuator 102 of a circuit protection device 100 is shown. The lock fitting 410 includes many of the features of the first and second embodiment and like features have 30 been given like reference numerals except they have been prefaced with the numeral "4". When activated, the lock fitting 410 operates in a similar manner as the lock fitting 10 and 310 of the first and second embodiments respectively in preventing movement of an actuator 102 from the OFF position. The body 412 is fitted to an actuator 102 which is able to move between and ON position and OFF position. When the actuator is located in an OFF 12 position the locking member can be moved into an activated position, shown in Fig. 13, where an aperture 416 of the body and an aperture 418 of the locking member are aligned and can receive a retaining device 200. When fitted, the retaining device prevents the actuator 102 from moving from its OFF position to the ON position. 5 The body 412 comprises two portions 4121 and 4122. The portions 4121 and 4122 are configured to couple together to releasably attach to the actuator 102. The portions 4121 and 4122 both include a jaw 422 and 424 respectively to clamp onto the actuator 102. Each jaw includes a knurled internal surface to provide a gripping surface to engage the actuator to secure the body when mounted to the actuator 102 and prevent removal 412 of the body 0 from the actuator 102. The body portion 4121 includes two protruding members 430 and 432 which cooperate with two receiving holes (shown in Fig. 14) in a male-female configuration to align the body portions 4121, 4122 when coupled to the actuator 102. Each of the body portions includes a bore 432, 434. The bores are aligned when the body is 5 coupled together with the protruding members 426, 428 engaging the receiving members 430, 432. Each bore 432, 434 includes a corresponding threading such that a mechanical fastener 436 may be received and located within both bores. The threading is such that one body portion is movable towards the other body portion along the threading of the mechanical fastener 436 when being tightened. The mechanical fastener 436 is in the form .0 of a threaded screw. In further embodiments, the alignment of the bores is such that when the lock fitting 410 is in place, the mechanical fastener cannot be accessed to be tightened or untightened. Each body portion includes a channel 438, 440 which cooperate when the body is clamped onto the aperture 102 to form a retaining tube to rotatably retain hinge 442 of locking 25 member 414. Once retained, locking member 414 is hinged about body 412. Locking member 414 includes recess 420 through which the body can pass to allow rotation of the locking member 414 about the body 412 when connected. The locking member includes a proximal end 482 and a distal end 480, as shown in Fig. 11. The distal end 480 includes a shoulder portion 460 which extends generally perpendicularly 30 to the proximal end 482. In the OFF position, the locking member 414 is rotated over the body member 412 in to the activated portion and the shoulder portion of the distal end 460 contacts the face of circuit protection device 100 (as shown in Fig. 11).

13 In the activated position, lock engaging member 419 is rotated so retaining device retaining aperture 418 is aligned with aperture 416 on the body 412. Once aligned, retaining device 200 can be installed through the apertures as shown in Fig. 13. Movement of the actuator is prevented since the retaining device 200 restricts any rotation of the locking member 414 5 with respect to the body 412. Any attempt to rotate actuator 102 from the OFF to ON position will produce a force between the face of circuit protection device 100 and locking member 414 driving the locking member away from the face of circuit protection device and over the body 412. Retaining device 200 restricts this movement and so prevents movement of the actuator from the OFF to ON position. 0 In the embodiment shown in Figs. 9 to 25, lock engaging member 419 is rotatably attached to locking member 414. Locking member 414 has a receiving aperture 446. Lock engaging member is generally cylindrical and has a proximal end 454 and a distal end 444. The distal end configured to be received by the receiving aperture 446. Proximal end has a shoulder 452 to abut locking member 414 and limit further movement through the locking member. 5 Distal end has an engagement portion 460 between two shoulders 462, 464. Fig. 24 shows a cross sectional view through the engagement portion 460 and shows the two generally parallel sides 466 and 468. When positioned within the aperture 446, a retaining member 448 engages the engagement portion 460. Retaining member is generally 'U' shaped having arms 4481, 4482 joined by base portion 4483. The arms are configured to engage .0 the sides 466, 468 of engagement portion by slotting the retaining member over the engagement portion such that rotation of lock engagement member 419 produces rotation of retaining member in a spanner-nut type configuration. The base portion 4483 is elongated and abuts the shoulder of locking member 414 to restrict rotation of the lock engaging member 454 to 180 degrees, as shown in Fig. 17. 25 The shape of the lock engaging member 454 and the body 412 are complementary to allow easy application of the retaining device. As discussed above, in the activated position, and when the retaining device 200 is installed, movement of the actuator 102 is prevented by the lock fitting since any movement of the actuator from the OFF position towards the ON position is restricted by the shoulder of the 30 locking member 414 being forced into the front face of the circuit protection device. When the device is in the non-activated position, in particular when the locking member 414 is not positioned over the body 412,a s shown in Fig. 10, the actuator is free to move between the OFF to ON position.

14 The benefits of the embodiment of Figs. 9-25 are consistent with those mentioned above in relation to the other embodiments. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the rotation of the lock engaging member is optional. In further embodiments of the lock engaging member is integral with the locking 5 member. In an embodiment a lock fitting for a circuit protection device has an actuator moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the lock fitting comprising a body mountable to the actuator and a locking member mounted to the body and movable between a first and a second position, wherein, when in the first position, the locking member is arranged to 0 prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. Preferably, movement of the locking member from the first to the second position is arranged to allow the actuator to move from the OFF position to the ON position. Preferably, the body includes a coupling for releasable attachment to the actuator. Preferably the coupling includes a clamping device operable to clamp the actuator. 5 Preferably, the lock fitting is configured to receive a retaining device to prevent movement of the locking member from the first position. Preferably, the locking member is capable of receiving the retaining device. Preferably, the locking member includes an aperture for receiving the retaining device. Preferably, the locking member extends from a proximal to a distal end, and the locking .0 member is pivotally moveable relative to the body about a pivot disposed at or adjacent the proximal end, the pivot being offset from a longitudinal axis of the locking member such that, in use, force applied to the distal end effects movement of the locking member about the pivot. Preferably the aperture extends through the locking member along an axis that is generally parallel to the pivot. 25 Preferably the body is capable of receiving the retaining device. Preferably the body includes a projection and the locking member has a recess, the projection being configured to extend through the recess and wherein the projection includes an aperture for receiving the retaining device. Preferably the locking member extends from a proximal to a distal end, the distal end includes a laterally extending tip and wherein the locking member is pivotally 30 moveable relative to the body about the pivot disposed at or adjacent the proximal end such that force applied to the laterally extending tip effects movement of the locking member about the pivot. In certain embodiments the aperture extends through the locking member along an axis that is generally transverse to the pivot.

15 In further embodiments, a lock fitting for a circuit protection device has an actuator moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the fitting comprising a body including a coupling for releasable attachment to the actuator and being configured to receive a retaining device to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. 5 In a further embodiment a lockable circuit protection assembly comprises a circuit protection device having an actuator, the actuator being moveable between an OFF position and an ON position and a lock fitting mounted to the actuator. Preferably, the circuit protection device comprises a front face and the locking member being engagable with, and movable across, the front face on movement from the first to the 0 second position to allow the actuator to be moved between the ON and the OFF position. Preferably the assembly further comprises a retaining device to retain the lock fitting in the first position. In a further embodiment a lockable circuit protection assembly comprises a circuit protection device having an actuator, the actuator being moveable between an OFF position and an 5 ON position and a lock fitting mounted to the actuator. Preferably the assembly further comprises a retaining device to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position. In a further embodiment, a method of mounting a lock fitting to a circuit protection device comprises the step of mounting the lock fitting to the actuator. Further embodiments .0 comprise the step of providing a lock fitting having a body and a locking member moveably mounted to the body; mounting the body of the lock fitting to an actuator of the device; and preventing movement of the locking member from a first position relative to the body to prevent movement of the actuator from an OFF to an ON position. In further embodiments the body portion includes an aperture for receiving the retaining 25 device and, when the locking member is in the first position the apertures of the locking member and body member are aligned to receive the retaining device. Preferably, the aperture of the locking member is rotatable with respect to the locking member. Preferably, the rotation of the aperture of the locking member is restricted. In certain embodiments the coupling is activated using a fastening means. Preferably, the 30 fastening means is not accessible when the locking member is positioned in the first position and has received the retaining device.

16 Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated within the scope hereof as defined in the accompanying claims. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure 5 have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context 0 requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence of addition of further features in various embodiments of the process and product. 5

Claims

1. A lock fitting for a circuit protection device having an actuator moveable between an OFF position and an ON position, the lock fitting comprising a body mountable to the actuator; and 5 a locking member pivotably mounted to the body and movable between a first and a second position, wherein, when in the first position the locking member is arranged to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position and in the second position the actuator is allowed to move from the OFF to the ON position. 0

2. A lock fitting according to claim 1 wherein in the first position, the locking member is arranged to abut a face of the circuit protection device to prevent movement of the actuator from the OFF position.

3. A lock fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the body includes a coupling 5 for releasable attachment to the actuator.

4. A lock fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises an aperture configured to receive a retaining device, such as a shackle of a padlock fitting, to prevent movement of the locking member from the first position, the .0 aperture extending along an axis that is generally transverse the pivot.

5. The lock fitting according to claim 4 wherein the body and the locking member include apertures for receiving the retaining device and when the locking member is in the first position the apertures of the locking member and body are aligned to 25 receive the retaining device.