Circuit breakers connect the main bus bars and the circuit wires that run through your building. These are where the hot and neutral wires for all circuits are connected.
Circuit breakers are essential electrical safety devices designed to monitor the amount of electrical current that runs along the circuit. It automatically shuts down the circuit by tripping in case of an overload or short circuit.
These safety devices also provide a more secure and convenient place to shut down current to a circuit during repairs, maintenance, and/or replacements of any appliance it powers.
A single-pole circuit breaker delivers 120-volt power to circuits and comes in a wide range of amp ratings. Household installations generally use 15-, 20-, and 30- ampcircuit breakers.
Typically, double-pole breakers operate similarly to single-pole breakers. The only difference is that it has two poles instead of one and supplies 240-volt power.
A circuit breaker lockout is a lockout/tagout device that prevents unexpected electricity re-energization by keeping circuit breakers in the off position. During electrical equipment repair, the power source should be turned off and kept that way until the repair work is done.
There are different types of circuit breaker lockout devices, such as miniature circuit breaker lockout, clamp-on circuit breaker lockout, and universal multi-pole lockout.
A mini circuit breaker lockout is a safe and efficient device for locking out miniature circuit breakers. Each type of miniature circuit breaker lockout device is installed differently. Nevertheless, pin-in and pin-out devices are ideal for single-pole breakers, while the tie bar device is recommended for multi-pole breakers.
A clamp-on circuit breaker lockout is available in different sizes to accommodate a variety of circuit breakers. Here are the steps for installing a clamp-on circuit breaker lockout.
A universal multi-pole circuit breaker lockout device is designed to lock out most single and multi-pole circuit breakers. Here is how to safely install a universal multi-pole circuit breaker lockout.
In every circuit breaker lockout installation, it is crucial to try and verify the equipment’s switch or on/off button to ensure that the lockout device is installed correctly and that the circuit breaker is not allowing voltage to bleed through. It is also important to check the equipment with a meter. If the meter does not detect any voltage, then you’re now safe to begin your repairs and maintenance work. After the repairs are completed, and the machine is ready to be used again, you may remove the lockout device.