Lockout Padlocks Explained: Keyed-Alike, Keyed-Different and Non-Conductive Options
Lockout padlocks come in two working configurations that solve different problems — keyed-alike, where one key opens every padlock in a group, and keyed-different, where each padlock has its own unique key — plus a material choice (steel or non-conductive) that matters specifically around live electrical work.
Keyed-alike vs keyed-different
The 3PTP Padlock 40mm Keyed Alike (SKU 1501-MS40KA) lets one key open every padlock in the same group — useful when one supervisor or team needs to open several isolation points without carrying a separate key for each. The 3PTP Padlock Keyed Different 40mm (SKU 1501-MS40) is the opposite: each padlock ships with 2 unique keys, so only the person who locked a specific point (or someone holding that specific key) can remove it — the correct choice when individual accountability for each isolation point matters more than convenience.
Section takeaway
- Keyed-alike suits one team working across several isolation points together; keyed-different suits a site where each isolation point needs its own accountable keyholder.
Steel shackle vs non-conductive shackle
SHL’s Steel Shackle Padlocks (SKU 1501-LQ38, 38mm; SKU 1501-LQ76, 76mm, both chrome-plated) are the general-purpose option, built from a durable, spark-proof, non-conductive ABS/Nylon PA6 body rated from -20°C to 177°C. The Non-Conductive Shackle Padlock (SKU 1501-LQNS38, 38mm) goes further, using a non-conductive plastic shackle as well as body — the specific choice for isolation points where any risk of the shackle itself conducting current needs to be designed out, not just the housing.
Cable padlock: for irregular or multiple isolation points
The Cable Padlock (SKU 1501-WSP175) uses a 175mm stainless-steel SS304 cable with clear PVC coating instead of a rigid shackle, which lets it loop through multiple lockout points or awkwardly shaped hasps that a fixed-shackle padlock can’t reach around.
Common questions
When should I use keyed-different padlocks instead of keyed-alike?
Keyed-different (SKU 1501-MS40) is the right choice when each isolation point needs an individually accountable keyholder — only the person who locked it, or someone with that specific key, can remove it. Keyed-alike (SKU 1501-MS40KA) suits a single team working across multiple points with one shared key.
What temperature range are SHL’s lockout padlocks rated for?
The ABS/Nylon PA6-bodied padlocks are rated from -20°C to 177°C per the manufacturer’s specification, and are shock, UV and chemical resistant.
Why would I need a cable padlock instead of a standard shackle padlock?
A cable padlock (SKU 1501-WSP175) uses a flexible 175mm cable rather than a rigid shackle, so it can loop through multiple lockout points or irregularly shaped hasps a standard padlock can’t close around.
Recent Comments