allan501 wrote:Interesting. Does anyone know why they would include security pins in a lockout lock. I my experience they usually aren't strong enough to be considered security they are just supposed to signal other people that the circuit is being worked on.
As for anyone removing someone else's lock that is usually dealt with informally but forcefully.
Actually, making these locks difficult to pick but not that strong physically makes perfect (well, good) sense.
The clue is in the name Safety locks.
Considering that these locks are not meant to protect valuable objects but to limit access to the control an industrial process they need not be physically strong. They mainly function as an
audit device or to stop switches or valves being
accidently activated.
If the locks are easy to pick then someone other than the key holder could open the lock and initiate or stop the protected process and no one would know.
In order to have unauthorized access to the switch or valve etc. the lock would have to be destroyed i.e. cut. It is then obvious that unauthorized access has been perpetrated (unless done by the key holder/s in order to cover up the access).
So there is no need for a physically strong lock, just one that is hard to pick or manipulate. That is probably why they dump the pins if turned too far - a trap for pickers not familiar with these locks. It is immediately apparent that the lock has been tampered with.