Circuit Breaker Lockouts & Electrical Lockouts

The purpose of Circuit Breaker Lockouts is to provide a physical barrier that stops the circuit breaker's toggle from being turned on or off. They are used commonly during maintenance, repair or inspection to prevent accidental operation or unauthorised use that could lead to electric hazards or equipment damage. This also ensures electrical circuits remain de-energised until the lockout device is removed.

By integrating it with lockout/tagout procedures, it ensures compliance with safety regulations. It also reduces the risk of injuries caused by unexpected energisation or equipment startups. With Tuffa’s Circuit Breaker Lockouts, you can promote a safe working environment for your workforce across industries.

Types of Circuit Breaker Lockouts

Circuit Breaker Lockouts are available in varied sizes and colours that suit different purposes and safety needs. The common types include:

• Universal Circuit Breaker Lockouts: These lockout devices are designed to be adjustable to fit a varied range of single-pole or multi-pole circuit breaker types, sizes and handle configurations.
• Clamp-On Circuit Breaker Lockouts: They use a clamp mechanism that can be securely fastened to the circuit breaker handle of any size. A padlock then secures the clamp from being turned on or off.
• Tie-Bar Circuit Breaker Lockouts: Suitable for circuit breakers with external operating handles, these lockout devices block the movement of the tie-bar connecting multiple breakers. This ensures they remain in the off position.

How to Choose the Right Circuit Breaker Lockout

By following these 5 five steps, it makes selecting the right circuit breaker lockout device easier.

Step 1: Assess Circuit Breaker Types and Sizes

Tuffa Products specialises in designing and manufacturing workplace safety and lockout tagout products that benefit industries like mining, oil and gas, construction and renewable energy. Some of the major benefits of using Tuffa Products’ Circuit Breaker Lockouts include:

• Premium Quality Materials: Made from non-conductive or reinforced nylon, these durable lockout devices can withstand harsh environments.
• Enhanced Safety for Workers and Equipment: As a safe method of locking out electrical equipment, all Tuffa’s products are compliant with safety standards and regulations.
• Personnel Protection: These lockout devices allow only authorised people to access the devices. This minimises the chance of human error and safeguards workers from shocks, burns, flashes or accidental reenergisation.

Circuit Breaker Lockouts Products Offered by Tuffa Products

Tuffa offers a wide range of Circuit Breaker Lockouts. They are available in a variety of sizes, designs, colours and types, with a unique solution for different electrical setups.

• Miniature Circuit Breaker Lockout: This lockout device secures comfortably over the miniature circuit breaker toggle switches to prevent potential hazards. Available in a variety of colours, their small size makes them ideal for use in tight spaces found in residential, commercial and industrial electrical panels.
• Circuit Breaker Lockout with Twister Screw: Using a twister screw mechanism, they ensure a tight grip on the circuit breaker handle. These lockout devices consist of a base that fits over a circuit breaker toggle switch.
• Pin In / Pin Out Circuit Breaker Lockouts: The specialised devices include a hole at the top for a padlock. They come with a push button that latches on to the breaker handle, ensuring easy installation  
• Slider Type Circuit Breaker Lockouts: In this type of lockout device, the circuit breaker lockout has a sliding mechanism. The upper part of the CBL is pulled back to release the pins and pushed back for locking purposes.
• Universal Circuit Breaker Lockouts: These unique lockout devices are compatible with various kinds of circuit breaker types and sizes, reducing the need for different lockout devices. They include adjustable components to use on toggle, push-button or rocker switches.
• Grip Tight Circuit Breaker Lockouts: This lockout device fits large or irregularly shaped circuit breaker handles. With an adjustable clamp, it grips the handles fit to ensure a secure lockout.

Applications of Circuit Breaker Lockouts

Used in both small and large-scale industries, Circuit Breaker Lockouts have many applications across industries that use electrical equipment.

• Industrial and Manufacturing Environments: During maintenance, repair or equipment upgrades, circuit breaker lockouts help isolate specific circuits and provide an added layer of safety.
• Construction Sites and Maintenance Services: As most sites have temporary electrical installations, the lockout devices help to control power sources.
• Commercial and Office Spaces: These lockout devices are crucial for protecting equipment and workers while preventing disruptions during electrical maintenance, renovations, or repairs.
• Energy and Utility Companies: Plants like nuclear, coal, gas or renewable energy need circuit breaker lockout devices to maintain safe working environments for their employees or during troubleshooting of electrical systems.
• Customised Solutions for Specialised Needs: They are popularly used in healthcare and telecommunication facilities to ensure uninterrupted power supply to equipment for critical areas. In oil and gas industries, it enhances safety during maintenance, repair, and shutdown of refineries, pipelines, and offshore platforms.

Where to Buy Circuit Breaker Lockouts?