Enclosures
What to consider when specifying and buying quarter turn locks
By Gary Miles, MD of FDB Panel Fittings S
o, you’re thinking about purchasing a quarter-turn latch and want to do the appropriate research into these locking mechanisms before you make any purchasing decisions. Quarter-turn latches are a component that can easily be overlooked by standard consumers, but the truth is they play an integral role in the performance and security of various industrial applications or products and with such a wide range of quarter-turn solutions to choose from, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right quarter-turn for your specific application(s)? There is a very wide selection of standard ex-stock products available since quarter-turn locks and latches can be used as a secure closure mechanism for numerous applications such as industrial enclosures, and similar. They are comprised of a housing, an insert, and a cam, a simple device which has become so widely used that it is relied on almost unconsciously, leading suppliers like ourselves to focus on ensuring quality and availability to the specialist panel building industry. These quarter-turns can be manufactured in a range of materials, including polyamide, stainless steel, or zinc die-cast. Additionally,
about when selecting a quarter-turn is if the application has any specific requirements, such as a specific key type or perhaps any environmental or industry standards that must be adhered to. This is very common in industries that use quarter turns to protect critical equipment, where they are relied on to ensure the equipment is only accessed by the authorised service personnel, who regularly operate, inspect, or repair said equipment. Just as common, certain applications will need to meet specific industry safety standards. These standards have a huge impact on what quarter-turns can be used, as they can determine locking, material, and dimensional requirements.
FDB locks with visual indicators for railways and commercial vehicles
they can be provided with individual components such as customised gaskets, grounding clips, and so much more. In fact, there are over 30 standard inserts for quarter-turns plus customised inserts and the possibility to assemble using screws, welding or without tools.
Our sales partners at DIRAK have put together some useful advice because quarter-
turn latches (also known as cam latches or cam locks) are not only easy to use, but they are simple to install and have a near-endless range of possible applications. Their suggestion is that there are five things you need to consider:
1. Does the application have specific requirements?
One of the first things you need to think
Compression latches delivered assembled up to IP67 - stainless steel, matched with inserts, bodies and cams, with Rocfast
2. What are the security and ergonomic requirements? Next, you must consider the physical application in which the quarter-turn is to be installed. There are three questions you should consider: ● How will the quarter-turn be operated? ● How will the panel or door that the quarter- turn is attached to move?
● I s there another handle to assist in opening the enclosure?
Quarter-turn latches can be opened with a simple twisting motion by hand, or with a custom key, depending on your preference however in secure environments, it is most common to limit enclosure access to only authorised individuals.
While a basic quarter-turn can meet basic security requirements, it can also be used in conjunction with various locking mechanisms, whether they be simple or more advanced, for additional security.
3. In what environment will the quarter-turn be used? Now that you’ve thought about security and space in the enclosure, you need to consider the physical environment that the enclosure exists in. This is a critical question when considering the general strength and construction of the quarter-turn, as it will
30 April 2023 Components in Electronics
www.cieonline.co.uk
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