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Ask an Expert Forum Inline Key Switch or Tamper Resistant control for mains devices?!
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Inline Key Switch or Tamper Resistant control for mains devices?!

shabaz
shabaz over 2 years ago

Hi,

For one reason or another (elderly relative), I'm looking for a way to prevent operation of a mains appliance (about 6A at 230V AC) unless, say, a key of some sort is inserted, to prevent them from using the appliance themselves. It doesn't need to be a high-security solution, it could simply be a plastic key for instance, that could be pushed in and rotated, to enable the appliance.

I don't wish to cut holes in the appliance, and really do want to do this inline with the mains wire. 

Is there any existing product that could do this? If not, is there any suggestion that I could fit into a small plastic enclosure myself? I don't have access to a 3D printer, so it ideally needs to be a solution that I could make using conventional tools (electric drill, saw, etc). 

One way I can think of, is to find some sort of enclosure where a rocker switch could be fitted recessed, and then have a small padlock such that it prevents the switch from operating. But it probably requires a custom box : ( Another way could be to have a Bluetooth controlled relay. I could design this, but I'd rather find an off-the-shelf solution. 

I'm sure I can't be the only one wanting to do such a thing, but I'm having no luck googling for this. 

Anyone come across anything that could help?

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Top Replies

  • shabaz
    shabaz over 2 years ago +6
    It arrived today, I'd say it is a 7/10 product.. it will certainly fit many plugs, but the build quality looks very average. The hinge looks fragile, although perhaps that's deceptive. I don't know. …
  • charlieo21
    charlieo21 over 2 years ago in reply to anniel747 +5 suggested
    Definitely the simplest and cheapest option, we have those in the lab, it works perfect to avoid someone use an equipment without authorization. Another option are those smart plugs that you can control…
  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 2 years ago +5 suggested
    A long shackle padlock combined with a Lego Brick sized block with a hole in it (placed between the pins) could probably fit over a 13A plug top preventing it from being plugged into a socket. I don…
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  • beacon_dave
    0 beacon_dave over 2 years ago

    A long shackle padlock combined with a Lego Brick sized block with a hole in it (placed between the pins) could probably fit over a 13A plug top preventing it from being plugged into a socket.

    image 

    I don't have the right padlock here but something like this with the padlock passing through a hole in the brick.

    image

    image

    We await the title of the next post "Outsmarted by an elderly relative"  Slight smile

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  • shabaz
    0 shabaz over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

    We await the title of the next post "Outsmarted by an elderly relative"

    LOL yes! : ) Also I'm hoping it doesn't vexate them to the extent to chop it off : )

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  • shabaz
    0 shabaz over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

    We await the title of the next post "Outsmarted by an elderly relative"

    LOL yes! : ) Also I'm hoping it doesn't vexate them to the extent to chop it off : )

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  • beacon_dave
    0 beacon_dave over 2 years ago in reply to shabaz

    An attempt with a kitchen knife/scissors on the plastic of the Martindale one would be my first expectation.

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  • shabaz
    0 shabaz over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

    Hehe yeah there's a chance they might. Still, I'm wishing the relative is suitably embarassed that they've been rumbled and that I've had to resort to this, that hopefully they won't try that! 

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  • beacon_dave
    0 beacon_dave over 2 years ago in reply to shabaz

    If the appliance is double insulated, then you could perhaps drill the tip of the earth pin to take a small padlock through it. Get your revenge for all the times you have stood on a 13A plug in your bare feet. Slight smile

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  • shabaz
    0 shabaz over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

    Hehe this is a nice option too : )

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