Switchboard Keys and Locks allows an easy access to the switchboard and used for safety purposes. How do we choose locks and keys for a switchboard? What do we consider? Let us discuss the different types of switchboard locks and keys.

1. Turnbuckle Lock

   

   A turnbuckle lock is a nut which secures the desired length of a turnbuckle. A turnbuckle is hardware used to adjust tension, which removes slack in a cable, rope, or any other tensioning system. Lock nut turnbuckles are designed to produce tension which consists of a frame or pipe with a threaded eye, jaw, or hook bolt in each end. One end has a left-hand thread and the other end with a right-hand thread so that when the bolt screws in or out the frame turns. It has a unit length reduction also with tensioning whatever it is attached to.

2. Wing Knob Lockable

   

   Wing knobs are industrially made knobs with wings for the design. Its uses can be on electrical cabinets and enclosures, switchboards:

   • Quarter Turn Wing Knob Lock: This lock comes as a two-key set and also available in chrome or black. It can be put to use with cams as well in various sizes.
   • Key Lockable Wing Knob: This is one sort of switchboard component which will be locked.
   Other aspects of wing knob locks:
   • Water resistance: Certain forms of wing knob locks also are IPX5-equivalent for water resistance.
   • Adjustability: Some wing knob locks can be adjusted for left- or right-hand use.
   • Comes with coin locks: Some wing knob locks are available with all types of coin lock.

3. Wing Knob Padlockable

   

   This knob can lock a cabinet and provide extra security. It has a maximum padlock diameter of 8 mm.

   • 1000-U429-01 with nut: This quarter turn wing knob handle locks when a padlock with a suitable shackle diameter is attached. It’s made of zinc die and has a black powder-coated surface.
   • Padlockable 1/4 Turn Wing Knob: This lock can work through a 90° angle and can be installed into panels up to 6 mm thick. It has a black die cast steel finish and a maximum grip of 26 mm.
   • Quarter Turn Wing Knob Padlockable: This lock is suitable for electrical cabinets, enclosures, switchboards, and more.
   • Padlockable Wing Knob – 265: This all-stainless steel wing knob has a maximum shackle diameter of 6 mm.
   • Padlockable Wing Knob – Mesan Lock: This lock has a stainless steel housing, knob, and cam, and a rubber gasket.
   • Quarter Turn Wing Knob Lock – Chrome CL001: Wing knobs are industrial knobs with a wing-shaped design.

4. T-Handle Lockable

   

   The T-shape handle provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip, making it easy for users to apply force or torque when turning, twisting, or pushing and pulling. A T Handle is a great choice for applications that are accessed often, which means opening and closing the panel door should be quick and hassle free.

5. L-Handle Lockable

   

   L-shaped handles are used for the purpose of manual control and working with various equipment, machines, doors, and panels for access. The L-handle is also very convenient for operation. You just turn it to activate the mechanism, and inside the handle, the cam rotates, which leads to the opening of the door or access panel.

L-handle Padlockable



Padlockable L-handles secure enclosures, sheds, and containers using a padlock for additional security.

Swing Handle Padlockable



Swing handles provide an easy latching option for doors, cabinets, toolboxes, control panels, and other surfaces. As the name would imply, they swing open. Pulling and turning a swing handle opens the surface in which it is installed.

Wing Knob – Non-lockable



A non-lockable wing knob is a wing-shaped knob that can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Windows: Wing knobs can be used as an optional latch for hinged windows and bezels.
• Electrical enclosures: Non-locking wing knobs can be used for electrical cabinets, switchboards, and enclosures.
• Doors: Non-locking wing knobs can be used for doors that don’t require privacy locks, such as interior hallways and closets.
Wing knobs are industrial knobs but are neither round nor star-type. These are available as versions which are locking as well as non-locking models. Some of the popular wing knob models that do not come with a lock:
• Quarter Turn Wing Knob Black – Non Locking: These are used on various electrical cabinets, switchboards, along with enclosures. Here comes the 25-cam. Different cam sizes available from here.
• 1/4 Turn Wing Knob 26mm Grip Non Locking: This non-locking knob can operate through a 90° angle. It features a black powder-coated steel wing knob and a maximum grip of 26mm.
• 1404 Non Locking Quarter Turn Lock Wing Knob Black: This non-locking knob is made from zinc die and comes with a panel cutout of √ò22.5. It can be fitted onto a panel thickness of between 1 – 8mm.

Dust Cap



They serve as a screen between the operator and components as well as protect these components from factors such as dust, moisture, and accidental contact.

Choose a lock type that fulfills the specific requirements of the application on the switchboard, ensures suitability in terms of security needs, operational ease, and environmental conditions. For high-security applications, padlockable designs must be given priority. Whenever there will be frequent access, ergonomic locks like the T-handle or L-handle locks should be chosen. Environmental durability and protective features such as dust caps ensure longer life and safety.