Fuse Lockout

What is a fuse lockout device used for?

A fuse is a glass container with a piece of wire that is calibrated to allow only a certain level of current to pass through. If too much current passes through, the wire will melt and break the circuit. Fuses serve the same purpose as circuit breakers.

A fuse lockout device isolates the fuse so that the circuit controlled by the fuse is isolated from the source of electricity.

Depending on the job, only a selection of single fuses may need to be locked out OR the entire fuse box may need to be shut down and locked out.

A few common issues with locking out single fuses:

• Padlocks can be so heavy that they pull the lockout device off the fuse. Add a hasp and more padlocks and the risk increases.
• The electrical panel door might not close with the padlocks and hasps attached inside.
• Space can be tight if many fuses next to each other need locked out with a padlock each.

One solution is to use a cable lockout device. Thread the cable through all the lockout devices, pull the slack tight, and lock the cable out. Minimizes the number of padlocks used, cutting down the weight and bulk.