Elec Question - Switch w/lockout?

[430752]

I'm wiring my workroom which i'm building in the basement. I've put four double gang wall boxes placed about every 3-4feet along one wall for one 20A circuit, 3 along another wall for a different 20A circuit. This gives me plenty of room for receptacles, me hopes.

But i got to thinking that i'd like to put some sort of mechanical lockout or gfci device first in line in order to provide some protection. The gfci is obvious, and I can just get a receptacle. but what of a lockout thing so when I'm gone little fingers can't play with my toys? I've looked at the borg/lowes and they do have a combo switch/single gfci receptacle, but its rated 15A and is only a mere switch, not a lockout.

So, anyone got any idea of some sort of lockout device or etc. to place first in line, thus shutting down power to the toys (in addition to the breaker in the panel and individual swtiches on tools)? I guess it'd have to be a commerical, industrail type thing, but must fit in a regular box.

thanks in advance,

curt j.

[WayneJ]

Curt,
The HF cat has a 20a one on the front cover. If you use a gfci as first on line all you would have to do is trip the test button and it would shut the whole string off. That way you still have lights.
Wayne

[Tom Miller]

Couple of thoughts:

1. You may want to keep some receptacles powered for things like battery chargers, etc. when you leave the shop.

2. GFCI may not play well with electric motors.

3. OK, three thoughts. Are you only putting in 2 20A ckts? You can get by with two, but put in more, if you can. DC needs it's own, as does an air compressor, and lights....

Regards,
Tom

[Tom Slick]

you could always flip the circuit breaker.

[onedash]

On NYW when Norm built that shop in a garage they used a lock to control all the outlets in the shop. I think somewhere on the site in FAQ they said they didn't know the mfr though. That may have been updated since I seen it.

[Tom Miller]

Keep searching here. Someone posting exactly what you're looking for, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I think it was available at Lowes, IIRC.

Regards,
Tom

[LCHIEN]

most circuit preaker boxes are available with locking openeing levers for the doors.... I think.

[BobSch]

How about just a regular switch mounted high enough so the kidlets can't reach it?

[crokett]

I got this from Lowes:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1NU&lpage=none

Run your 2 outlet circuits into it, then run wire to the outlets. It is fused and lockable. I know you want something to fit into a regular box but I've used these before and they are convenient.

[don_hart]

The main problem you will have is that you woll not be able to do this with one switch. You will need to do it with 2. That said the easiest way to do it is not with a locking switch but with standard 20 amp rated switches in a lockable box.

Here are some examples

http://www.petesdepot.com/562491.html
http://shop.incomsupply.com/shop/pro...02&sku=527149&

You can usually find these covers in single double and triple gang variaties and they are not too expsensive.

[Tom Miller]

quote:Originally posted by crokett

I got this from Lowes:

Thanks, David, I thought it was you that posted it, but couldn't find it in the search.

Regards,
Tom

[430752]

Thanks for the tips, will look into them. I think the smaller lock out box, posted in the last few responses, looks like the way to go.

curt j.

[lkazista]

WHat about an air conditioner service box? My central AC unit has a lockout box, you simply open it up and pull out the jumbo plastic plug and it kills all power. You can take the plug with you, and stash it in your closet or something.

[BobSch]

quote:Originally posted by lkazista

WHat about an air conditioner service box? My central AC unit has a lockout box, you simply open it up and pull out the jumbo plastic plug and it kills all power. You can take the plug with you, and stash it in your closet or something.

With the one we've got all you have to do is pull the contact block out and put it back in upside down — no problem losing it that way.

[JimZ]

As for locking out a standard wall switch

North makes one, available at Sharpe Safety. Not sure if this will fill the bill.

http://www.sharpesafety.com/catalog/...lay.php3?ID=46