Rotary circuit breaker lockout system and method

A lockout device for securing a rotary switch of a circuit breaker, the circuit breaker having a body with an upper surface and a lower surface and the lockout device comprising:

• an outer housing defining a cavity, at least the outer housing having a slot formed therein;
• an inner housing received within a portion of the cavity, the inner housing having a first set of gripping projections configured to grip the upper surface of the body of the circuit breaker and a second set of gripping projections configured to grip the lower surface of the body of the circuit breaker, wherein the first set of gripping projections and the second set of gripping projections are positioned apart from one another to receive the rotary switch of the circuit breaker therein;
• and
• a fastener with a thumbwheel having at least one projection configured to be positioned within the slot of the outer housing to hold the lockout device in a locked position.

A method of securing a rotary circuit breaker switch of a circuit breaker using a lockout device, the circuit breaker having an upper surface and a lower surface, the method comprising:

• providing an outer housing having a plurality of side walls defining a cavity, at least one of the side walls having a slot formed therein;
• positioning an inner housing within a portion of the cavity, the inner housing having a first component with a first set of gripping projections and a second component with a second set of gripping projections;
• positioning the inner housing adjacent the body of the circuit breaker;
• contacting the first set of gripping projections with an upper surface of the body of the circuit breaker;
• engaging the second set of gripping projections with a lower surface of the body of the circuit breaker;
• positioning the rotary circuit breaker switch within a switch receiving recess formed by the first component and the second component;
• translating the outer housing axially relative to the inner housing via a spring;
• and
• rotating a fastener with a thumbwheel having a projection until the projection engages the slot of the outer housing to hold the fastener and the lockout device in a locked position.