Multi-pole handle lock for circuit breakers
AssigneeSiemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
InventorsBrian Timothy McCoy, John D. Stephenson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-pole handle lock having a base plate and movable locking plate assembly that is adapted to mount on to at least two circuit breakers. A handle restrictor plate is mounted on the base plate for translational movement while maintaining the circuit breaker handles in the same position as each other. The handle restrictor plate allows each handle to independently move to the tripped position, while allowing the restricted circuit breakers to operate as a logical group. The low profile of the plates, allows visual inspection of the handle ends to determine their tie status.
Claims20
A multi pole handle lock for securing at least two adjacent circuit breaker handles in the same position comprising:
- a base plate and a movable locking plate assembly that can be selectively disposed in a locked position, wherein the assembly is adapted to mount on at least two circuit breakers and restrict the circuit breaker handles from moving between an on and off position;
- and
- a handle restrictor plate mounted for translational movement on said base plate and having at least two same position handle receiving windows.
A multi pole handle lock in combination with at least two adjacent circuit breakers having sides, a pivot end and an opposed handle end comprising:
- at least two adjacent circuit breakers sitting side-by-side in an electrical panel having a cover;
- a base plate and a movable locking plate assembly that can be selectively disposed in a locked position, wherein the assembly mounts on the at least two circuit breakers and restrict the circuit breaker handles from moving between an on and off position;
- and
- a handle restrictor plate mounted for translational movement on said base plate and having at least two same position handle receiving windows.
A method of controlling the handles of at least two independent circuit breakers comprising the steps of:
- identifying at least two side-by-side independent circuit breakers that are to be operated as a logical group;
- mounting a base plate onto said at least two adjacent circuit breakers, wherein the base plate carries a handle restrictor plate that requires the handles to be set in the same position;
- and
- allowing each handle adequate leeway in the handle restrictor plate to independently move from the on position to the tripped position;
- wherein the handle restrictor plate is spaced from the free end of the handles to permit handle locking and to permit visual inspection of the handle tie status.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.