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Inline Key Switch or Tamper Resistant control for mains devices?!

shabaz

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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  • 0

    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. 

    The metal prongs of the plug are a firm fit, which makes no sense. Also, you have to lever the plastic a bit when trying to put the device into the locking position, because otherwise it hits the plug. Anyway, it's an adequate product, and it will meet my immediate requirements, so I'm happy!

    But probably anyone who wanted to 3D-design one could produce a better and more robust design perhaps.

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Reply
  • 0

    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. 

    The metal prongs of the plug are a firm fit, which makes no sense. Also, you have to lever the plastic a bit when trying to put the device into the locking position, because otherwise it hits the plug. Anyway, it's an adequate product, and it will meet my immediate requirements, so I'm happy!

    But probably anyone who wanted to 3D-design one could produce a better and more robust design perhaps.

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Children
  • 0 in reply to shabaz
    shabaz said:
    one could produce a better and more robust design perhaps.

    I don't think that robustness was a design criteria. It's about signaling that it should not be used. And forcing people to override security measures to use it anyways. And that would make them liable.

    That often works in professional settings, where you can write procedures / rules with consequences. 

    It does not look like a solution to keep people out that want to get in. But they can't do it without showing that it's hampered with.

    It's like a "top secret" stamp on a file, with a wax seal. The stamp or seal  don't physically stop you from opening the file and reading / copying / stealing the content.

  • 0 in reply to Jan Cumps

      100%.  Lockout/Tagout devices are basically a professional agreement not to kill each other.  They keep honest people honest and well meaning people from accidently killing a maintenance worker.  They are intended to prevent inadvertent re-energization of a circuit under maintenance.

    Security devices are far more robust.  And... there are those work environments where a security device or multi-layer de-energization is more appropriate.  In high voltage work, even though the line has been de-energized, the line crews earth all of the lines on both sides of the work zone.

      How aggressive is your nemesis? Relaxed

  • 0 in reply to Jan Cumps

    I was unclear, I meant robust as in not breaking in normal use (the hinge looks uneven, as if it is fatigued). I figured the manufacturer probably doesn't mind if the installer has to buy replacements eventually! 

    However some plastic hinges last for ages even when they appear white and stretched, so I can't be sure if I'm making the wrong assumption and it may last for ages.

  • 0 in reply to kmikemoo

    Not aggressive normally : ) They won't try to break it, and will give up (at least I'm hoping!). It's more to embarass them into not using the appliance.