A circuit breaker lock is a type of safety lock used on partition walls. Because it is directly related to safety levels, the quality of its materials is especially important. So, what materials are used to make a circuit breaker lock?
The main material used is plastic. Many customers may hesitate when they hear this, thinking plastic locks are fragile or easily affected by environmental conditions. However, high-quality, specially processed plastic can actually outperform metal in several ways. The plastic used in this product is not ordinary — it is refined and specially engineered, giving it excellent durability and stability.
Unlike metal locks, which can corrode or rust over time, this plastic lock offers a longer lifespan and strong resistance to environmental factors such as moisture and oxidation. Since it is made of plastic, the product is almost completely waterproof and performs consistently well under normal working conditions.
The working principle of a circuit breaker lock is to prevent faults or accidents during equipment maintenance or repair. The locking mechanism grips the breaker’s handle, preventing it from moving and keeping the circuit breaker in a fixed position.
Structure and Working Mechanism
A typical circuit breaker locking device includes:
- A base (1)
- Two clamping heads (5 and 6), which are hinged to the cover plate (2) on the base via a rotating shaft (11) to hold the handle in place
When the two clamping heads grip the circuit breaker handle, the cover plate (2) is flipped over the base (1), enclosing both the base and the clamping heads. The lock holes (3 and 4) on the base and the cover plate overlap, allowing a padlock to be inserted through them. Once locked, the cover cannot be flipped open.
Because the cover (2) completely encloses the base (1) and the clamping heads, and the base fits tightly against the breaker’s surface, the handle is physically blocked from being moved. Only when the padlock is removed can the locking mechanism be released — preventing accidental or unauthorized operation.
After unlocking and loosening the clamping heads (5 and 6), the lock can be removed, and the circuit breaker returns to normal operation.
To allow for better adjustment, the positions of the clamping heads can be moved closer together or farther apart using drive components.
Guiding and Adjustment Mechanism
- The base (1) and the clamping heads have matching guide parts that allow smooth movement.
- For example, the base has guide holes (9), and the clamping head (5) has guide blocks (10) that slide along these holes.
- Similarly, the base has second guide holes (7) for the second clamping head (6), which slides using second guide blocks (8).
The adjustment mechanism for the first clamping head (5) can be an eccentric wheel (12) located around the rotating shaft. When the eccentric wheel rotates, it pushes the clamping head forward or backward, enabling precise tightening.
The adjustment mechanism for the second clamping head (6) consists of an adjustment screw connected to a handwheel (13). Turning the handwheel rotates the screw, which moves the clamping head (6) — allowing fine adjustment along the second guide holes (7).
In summary, circuit breaker locks are highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to operate. Their refined plastic materials and mechanical design ensure safety, reliability, and long-term use in a wide range of industrial applications.