Electrical Lockout Equipment

About Electrical Lockout Equipment

Electrical lockout equipment is essential safety gear designed to prevent the accidental or unauthorised energisation of electrical circuits during maintenance, repair, or servicing work. These devices form a critical part of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, which are required under HSE regulations to protect workers from electrical hazards. By physically isolating energy sources and clearly indicating that equipment is under maintenance, lockout devices help prevent potentially fatal accidents on site.

Our range of electrical lockout equipment includes circuit breaker lockouts, lockout hasps, safety padlocks, lockout tags, and comprehensive lockout stations. Available from trusted manufacturers including Master Lock, Abus, Sealey, and Draper, these products are designed to accommodate various electrical isolation points, from miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) to large industrial switchgear. Whether you need a single lockout device or a complete electricians safety lockout kit in a carry case, we stock solutions for both routine maintenance and complex multi-person lockout scenarios.

Electrical lockout equipment works alongside proper isolation procedures to create a visible, physical barrier that prevents circuits from being re-energised whilst work is in progress. Many products feature bright red colouring and clear warning labels to ensure maximum visibility, whilst durable construction materials ensure reliability in demanding industrial and commercial environments.

Jargon Buster

LOTO (Lockout/Tagout)

A safety procedure requiring that dangerous energy sources be isolated and rendered inoperative before maintenance or repair work begins. Tags provide additional warning information about why equipment is locked out.

Circuit Breaker Lockout

A device that fits over a circuit breaker switch to prevent it being turned on. Different designs accommodate various breaker sizes and styles, including pin-in and grip-tight models.

Lockout Hasp

A steel or aluminium device with multiple holes allowing several padlocks to be attached simultaneously, enabling group lockout where multiple tradespeople are working on the same system.

Group Lockout

A procedure where multiple workers each apply their own personal padlock to a lockout hasp, ensuring the circuit cannot be re-energised until every person has removed their lock and completed their work.

Danger Tags

Warning labels attached to lockout devices displaying information such as "Danger Do Not Operate," the worker's name, date, and reason for lockout, providing clear communication to all site personnel.

Lockout Station

A wall-mounted cabinet or board that stores lockout equipment in an organised, accessible location, often including space for padlocks, hasps, tags, and cables.

Who Uses Electrical Lockout Equipment?

Electrical lockout equipment is essential for various trades and industries where electrical isolation is required:

• Electricians and Electrical Contractors - Sparkies working on commercial and industrial installations use lockout devices daily to ensure safe isolation during maintenance and repair work
• Maintenance Engineers - Multi-skilled engineers in manufacturing, facilities management, and industrial settings who perform electrical and mechanical maintenance
• Health and Safety Officers - Professionals responsible for implementing and monitoring LOTO procedures across their organisations
• Factory and Plant Operators - Maintenance teams in production facilities where machinery must be safely isolated before servicing
• Facilities Managers - Those responsible for building services maintenance in commercial premises, hospitals, schools, and public buildings
• Construction Site Managers - Site personnel overseeing electrical installation and maintenance work on construction projects
• Building Services Engineers - Professionals maintaining HVAC, lighting, and power distribution systems
• Renewable Energy Technicians - Workers servicing solar panel installations and other renewable energy systems

How to Choose the Right Electrical Lockout Equipment

Selecting appropriate electrical lockout equipment depends on several factors specific to your working environment and isolation requirements:

Circuit Breaker Compatibility: Different circuit breakers require specific lockout devices. Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) typically use pin-in or universal mini lockouts, whilst larger breakers may need grip-tight devices. Measure your breaker dimensions and check compatibility before purchasing.

Single or Group Lockout: If you work alone, individual padlocks and lockout devices may suffice. For sites where multiple tradespeople work on the same circuit, invest in lockout hasps that accommodate multiple padlocks simultaneously, ensuring everyone's safety.

Complete Kits vs Individual Items: Electricians safety lockout kits in carry cases provide everything needed in one package, ideal for mobile electricians. Alternatively, build a custom solution with individual components suited to your specific requirements, or install a wall-mounted lockout station for fixed workshop locations.

Padlock Security: Choose lockout padlocks with keyed-different cylinders so each worker has a unique key. Insulated or non-conductive padlock bodies provide additional protection. Ensure padlocks meet relevant security standards and feature adequate shackle clearance for your application.

Durability and Environment: Consider where equipment will be used. Industrial environments may require heavy-duty steel hasps, whilst lighter aluminium options suit less demanding applications. Check temperature ratings and corrosion resistance for outdoor or harsh environments.

Compliance and Standards: Ensure equipment meets HSE requirements and relevant BS EN standards. Look for products from established manufacturers like Master Lock, Abus, Sealey, and Draper, whose lockout equipment is designed to meet UK safety regulations.

Organisation and Storage: For facilities managing multiple lockout points, invest in wall-mounted lockout stations or cabinets to keep equipment organised, accessible, and accounted for. Tag stations help maintain proper documentation of isolation procedures.

Popular Accessories

• Lockout Tags - Essential for documenting who locked out the circuit, when, and why; various types include "Danger Do Not Operate" and customisable tags
• Lockout Cables - Flexible cables that can secure oddly-shaped switches, valves, or multiple points with a single device
• Additional Padlocks - Extra keyed-different lockout padlocks for new employees or replacement units
• Wall-Mounted Lockout Stations - Centralised storage cabinets or boards for organising all lockout equipment
• Tag Stations - Wall-mounted holders specifically for lockout tags and documentation
• Voltage Testers and Proving Units - Essential for confirming circuits are dead before commencing work
• Personal Protective Equipment - Arc-rated gloves, safety glasses, and insulated tools for electrical work
• Warning Signs and Barriers - Additional visual warnings to prevent others approaching isolated equipment

Safety Information

Electrical lockout equipment is critical for preventing electrocution, arc flash injuries, and fatalities. The HSE reports that electrical accidents cause numerous serious injuries annually in the UK, many of which are preventable through proper lockout procedures.

Always follow proper isolation procedures: Simply switching off is not sufficient. Follow your organisation's LOTO procedures, which should include: identifying all energy sources, notifying affected personnel, shutting down equipment properly, isolating energy sources, applying lockout devices, dissipating stored energy, and testing to verify isolation with appropriate voltage testing equipment.

Never remove another person's lock: Each worker must apply their own personal padlock and only they should remove it upon completing their work. This fundamental rule prevents someone from re-energising a circuit whilst another person is still working.

Regular inspection and maintenance: Check lockout equipment regularly for damage, wear, or deterioration. Replace damaged items immediately, as compromised lockout devices may fail when needed most.

Training is essential: Ensure all personnel using lockout equipment receive proper training on your organisation's LOTO procedures, understand the equipment's correct application, and recognise the serious consequences of non-compliance. The HSE's Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires competent persons to work on or near electrical systems.

Documentation and communication: Always use lockout tags to document isolation work. Clear communication prevents confusion and ensures everyone on site understands that equipment is locked out for safety reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between lockout and tagout?

Lockout involves physically securing an isolation point with a lock to prevent operation, whilst tagout uses warning tags to indicate equipment should not be operated. UK HSE guidance emphasises that tags alone are not sufficient protection – physical lockout devices must be used as the primary safeguard, with tags providing supplementary information about who locked out the equipment and why.

Can I use a standard padlock for electrical lockout?

Whilst standard padlocks can physically work, dedicated lockout padlocks are specifically designed for LOTO procedures. They feature non-conductive bodies, are available in highly visible colours (typically red), offer keyed-different options for individual accountability, and are built to withstand industrial environments. For proper HSE compliance and maximum safety, always use purpose-designed lockout padlocks.

How many lockout devices do I need for my business?

This depends on your number of electrical isolation points, how many people may work on systems simultaneously, and whether work occurs at multiple locations. At minimum, each person who may perform electrical work needs their own personal padlock. Stock sufficient circuit breaker lockouts for your switchgear, plus lockout hasps for group lockout scenarios. Many businesses start with a comprehensive lockout kit and expand with additional components as needed.

Do I legally need lockout equipment in the UK?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that electrical systems be made dead before work begins, unless working live is absolutely necessary and appropriate precautions are taken. Whilst the regulations don't specifically mandate lockout devices, they require adequate precautions to prevent electrical danger, and lockout equipment represents industry best practice for achieving this. HSE guidance strongly recommends lockout procedures as an effective control measure.

What size circuit breaker lockout do I need?

Circuit breakers vary considerably in size and design. Measure your specific breakers or check their specifications before purchasing. Universal mini circuit breaker lockouts fit most common MCBs found in UK distribution boards, whilst larger breakers may require grip-tight or pin-in devices designed for specific breaker styles. When in doubt, comprehensive lockout kits often include multiple sizes to cover various applications.