Adjustable Panelboard Guard Assembly for Universal Lockout Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing panelboards are inefficient due to the need for various breaker lockouts, obsolescence issues, high costs, and difficulty in controlling access, especially in large commercial settings with heightened security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A panelboard guard assembly featuring adjustable straps and a locking mechanism that can be applied to most panelboards, using industry-standard lockout or tag-out devices, ensuring secure access restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific breaker lockouts are maintained for different breaker designs, then lockout coverage is improved, but device complexity and inventory management complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The panelboard guard assembly is designed as a universal device that can be applied to most panelboards regardless of specific breaker designs. The adjustable strap mechanism with multiple hole positions allows the same guard assembly to accommodate different panelboard widths and configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specific lockout devices for different breaker types.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard assembly is divided into adjustable components with discrete attachment points. The straps have multiple holes at predetermined positions that allow selective positioning to match different panelboard configurations, providing adaptability through modular adjustment rather than requiring completely different devices for each breaker design.
2Reliability
If panelboards are equipped with keyed latches for access control, then security is improved, but key management complexity increases in large commercial settings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the key management requirement entirely by using a lockout hasp or padlock system that attaches to the guard assembly's D-ring. This extracts the access control function from the panelboard's built-in keyed latch system, allowing security to be maintained through simpler, more manageable locking mechanisms that don't require extensive key distribution and management.
3Reliability
If breaker lockouts are procured for obsolescent or new breaker designs, then lockout compliance is maintained, but time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The universal guard assembly design with adjustable straps accommodates most panelboard configurations without requiring custom procurement for different breaker designs. The standardized D-ring attachment point and adjustable positioning allow a single inventory of guard assemblies to serve multiple panelboard types, eliminating procurement delays associated with finding specific lockouts for obsolete or new breaker designs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user lockout hasps are used for crew scenarios, then collaborative safety is improved, but compatibility with single keyed latches is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lockout attachment function from the panelboard's built-in keyed latch and relocates it to the guard assembly's D-ring. This allows multiple user lockout hasps to be attached to the guard assembly without interfering with or requiring modification of the original keyed latch system, enabling collaborative safety while maintaining simplicity of the latch system.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a panelboard guard assembly configured to restrict access to a panelboard having a cover and a door defined therein, the cover having first and second side edges. The panelboard guard assembly includes overlapping members that are, at least in some implementations, mutually coupled to each other. The panelboard guard assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism that extends between and couples the members together, the adjustment mechanism facilitating adjustment of the distance between the outer ends of the members.