The main purpose of a safety cable lock, also known as a single-unit isolation hardware lock, is to secure equipment during maintenance. It is typically composed of a steel lock body and a polypropylene handle, made from highly wear-resistant stainless-steel plates that are durable, visible, and coated with rust-resistant finishing.
The application of safety cable locks effectively solves the problem of multiple people managing the same machinery or pipeline system. When certain equipment requires maintenance, the power supply must be disconnected, and the main power switch must be locked out to prevent accidental operation by others, which could cause harm to maintenance
personnel.
Uses of Safety Cable Locks
- When only one person is performing maintenance, a standard padlock can be used to lock the main control panel.
- When multiple people need to perform maintenance simultaneously, a safety cable lock should be used.
Each worker attaches their personal padlock to the cable lock.
When a worker completes their task, they remove their own padlock.
However, the power source remains locked out until all maintenance personnel remove their individual locks from the cable lock.
Only after the final padlock is removed can the power be restored.
Thus, the use of safety cable locks allows multiple operators to lock out a single machine or pipeline simultaneously. This ensures that equipment remains completely shut down during maintenance or adjustments, and it can only be reactivated once the last worker has removed their lock. Several padlocks can be used at the same time depending on the number of personnel involved.
Precautions for Using Safety Cable Locks
- Select the correct main cable; mixing cables is strictly prohibited.
- The self-locking device must be properly installed
It should be placed correctly on the upper roller (the protruding section). - Before installation, release the safety screw
Rotate counterclockwise according to the pawl–roller assembly.
After loading the main cable, rotate clockwise to secure it.
Then tighten the safety screw (do not overtighten). - After installing the main cable, check the flexibility of the self-locking device
If the device does not slide smoothly, adjust the tension spring appropriately.
Perform 1–3 test locks to ensure proper function.
If any abnormality is detected, stop using the device immediately.
Unauthorized modification, disassembly, or repair is strictly prohibited.
The safety cable must always be used together with a certified self-locking device.