Pit Locking System PowerLok® from ACO Polycrete

The PowerLok®, pit locking system

Introducing the patented PowerLok® lid, which has been designed to complement ACO's wide range of Polycrete® and plastic pits. This new innovation has enabled ACO to launch the industry's first universal cable enclosure where a choice of standard or high levels of security is available. PowerLok® lids are locked without requiring a protruding locking bar from encroaching into the pit space as is still the case with typical industry pits.

Globally, there have been documented cases where cable faults have caused pit structures or lids to become live. To prevent this occurrence, the PowerLok® lid is purpose designed to ensure metal components within the enclosure are positioned well away from cables running through the pit.

The PowerLok® lid is fastened to the pit structure through a bracket. A low level of security is achieved by simply closing the spring metal hatch and sliding the grey clip mechanism shut to engage the bracket. This is commonly suitable for general cabling applications. For a more secure locking, a bolt may be used to fasten the lid to the bracket through a metal chamber. For very sensitive areas, i.e. prisons, military bases etc., a security bolt or padlock may be used in the chamber thereby offering a higher level of security. The hatch also conceals the lifting hole so that the enclosure conforms to IP2XD- AS 60529 for a specified clearance above the cables. Company logos or other inscriptions can also be cast into metal spring hatches for easy identification.

'a choice of standard or high levels of security is available'

OH&S considerations too were incorporated in the design.

• Maintenance crews now have quick and safe access to cables without fiddling with cumbersome locking bars, fiddly bolts and other loose parts.
• Lids do not exceed 25kg and are slip rated to R10 - AS/NZS 4586
• A red marker (noticeable only if the sliding clip is unlocked) will save workers from bending over to check whether lids are locked during routine inspections.