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Posted By: kiwi Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 07:52 AM
This situation arose at work today;

Our Client has installed a Main Switchboard on the wall next to the reception desk in the Probation Office at a corrections facility. The Main Isolator has an external rotary handle and some disgruntled punters have been switching it off and creating havoc in the probation building.

We've given this a nomination for "Most Badly Located Switchboard" award. But our client wants a solution.

I thought that the Isolator could be padlocked on as long as the Fire Service was notified and given a key. I haven't consulted the Regs ( lazy me ). The other option is to build a cabinet around the board and hide it. This isn't palatable for the customer due to the cost.

Anyone else got any ideas ?

In the meantime they've strategically placed a large pot-plant in front of the board. Thats not ideal either !
Posted By: techie Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 09:48 AM
chain an angry pit bull to the panel.
Posted By: Trumpy Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 10:57 AM
kiwi,
Section 51A(??) of the Fire Service Act says that you are not allowed to render a disconnect ineffective by a lock, even if the local Brigade has a key.
One idea would be to render that switch inoperative and switch it by remote control.
Hence making that switch a contactor and having a Fire Switch somewhere else that the Brigade knows about, but not telling anyone else apart from those that should know it's position and function.
Keys are one thing that really hold us fire crews back.
The building might be fully involved, but you can't get near it until the key-holder turns up.
Posted By: Trumpy Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 11:11 AM
BTW Kiwi,
Is this at Paparoa?.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: techie Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 12:51 PM
How about a frangible-shackle padlock.. one whack from the butt of an axe and it's history.
(they are commonly used on standpipe valves, etc..)
Posted By: Trumpy Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 01:34 PM
techie,
We can open ANY lock known to man in an instant.
I will not give that info out in this Forum, as to how, but the fact is we should not have to open locks to effect a disconnection.
Our Brigade has 2 locksmiths as members.
{Children don't have a go at this at home, if we have to get into a house to rescue people or extinguish a fire, we will take any moves necessary to effect that cause, we'd rather not break a door, contrary to what they do in the movies.}
Posted By: Texas_Ranger Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 01:40 PM
Yup... during a huge training we locked ourselves in a railway compartment and were badly disappointed the FD didn't break up the door but opened it using a leatherman instead... [Linked Image]
Posted By: djk Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 10:04 PM
Fit a large CCTV camera, even a fake one over it.

With a big THIS AREA IS MONITORED BY CCTV sign.

Might discourage it.
Posted By: RODALCO Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/14/06 11:20 PM
Locking it off in the ON position is illigal the way i look at it.

If an isolation is required in an emergency anyone should be able to turn that switch OFF at any time.
the camera suggested by djk is a good idea to try out, otherwise the contactor suggested by Mike is good too.

But for isolation, the main switch may have to be relocated to an adjacent room less visible to the public.

[This message has been edited by RODALCO (edited 11-14-2006).]
Posted By: iwire Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/15/06 01:36 AM
Here is one of the basic differences between the US and the rest.

Here we often lock on disconnect switches, not Emergency stop buttons on equipment but power disconnects yes.

As far as the fire dept they have universal keys (bolt cutters etc) and will not hesitate to use them.

They will open any door or lock without delay if they feel it is in the best interest of safety.

If a "Main Isolator" can presumably be inside a locked building what is wrong with a pad lock on them?

Just curious, not suggesting anyone break the local rules. [Linked Image]


[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 11-15-2006).]
Posted By: pauluk Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/15/06 11:06 PM
Quote
If a "Main Isolator" can presumably be inside a locked building what is wrong with a pad lock on them?

That's a thought-provoking point.

In the U.K. external neon signs have a "Fireman's Switch" (actually labeled as such) fitted on an outside wall, mounted high, with an operating dolly which can be reached with a stick to shut off the high-voltage. But there's nothing external to shut off all power -- in many cases not even an external meter or cut-out which can be pulled.

I'd go with the "Big brother is watching you and trouble-makers will be shot" approach (or something along those lines [Linked Image] ), unless the expense the contactor idea isn't going to be too high.
Posted By: OldAppy Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/16/06 02:51 AM
" thought that the Isolator could be padlocked on as long as the Fire Service was notified and given a key."

Don't do it, they are watching you know!

"Section 51A(??) of the Fire Service Act says that you are not allowed to render a disconnect ineffective by a lock, even if the local Brigade has a key."

Respect to our Fire Servie and Firefighters, Who cares what the fire service act says, we got our own rules.

FYI 90% of the SB's i have installed in commercial or industrial installations over the last few-some years or so are in a LOCKED cupboard, room or the like.
C


[This message has been edited by OldAppy (edited 11-15-2006).]
Posted By: kiwi Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/16/06 10:09 AM
The ESS suggested that the switch is padlocked on and then the key is placed adjacent in a "Break Glass In Emergency Box". That seems like a good idea to me.

Also mentioned was the fact that the Fire Service also carries the best skeleton key in the business. Bolt-cutters and big tomohawks.

Rodalco, I'm not a big fan of locking a main switch on either. But in this case, what do you do ?

Architecs should ensure that Main Switchboards are inaccesible to the public.
Posted By: techie Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/16/06 11:50 PM
Or like I suggested above, a frangible shackle padlock..

These are the padlocks used on standpipes, etc where the lock is designed to prevent easy tampering, but the shackles are designed to break easily. (ie: you hit it with the butt of an axe, hammer, valve wrench, etc.).

They can be identified by the groove around the shackle where the weak point is. Some are available where the weak point in hidden inside the lock body. http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/p...&sub_cat_id=D500BRK&template=app
Posted By: kiwi Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/27/06 07:04 AM
Frangible: (adj.) breakable or fragile. Good word Techie, I had to look that one up. Anyone else know what "Frangible" meant ? Without having to get the Dictionary out.
Posted By: kiwi Re: Locking Main Isolators On - 11/27/06 07:32 AM
Contactors & remote buttons & cameras are too expensive. The ESS said my client can get away with padlocking the Isolator on and putting the key next to it in a "Break Glass In Emergency" box.

Can anyone post a valid clause that deems this illegal ?
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