Quarter turn locks for specialist panel builders

The EMKA team described that their growing program of quarter-turn locks and latches is targeted toward specialist panel and vehicle builders where rugged high performance is needed – a good example being usage on railway panels lineside and on rolling stock, many of which are also needed to include a visual indication of open/closed status. Other industrial sectors include specialist vehicles and food/pharmaceutical processing.

Many quarter-turn cylinder locks provide shrouded keyholes, and other versions come with an extra external cover to stop the ingress of dirt and water to the lock itself e.g., for heavy water spray or washdown areas. This applies also to hygiene locks which are needed to fulfil the necessities of EHEDG and the FDA – these are special stainless steel designs with a high level of surface finish and no visible external bacteria traps. Also, they include a special blue silicone gasket to provide hygienic sealing and to demonstrate compliance clearly.

Other special locks include those for floor panels in areas of heavy footfall or areas associated with the transition of dirty foot-ware e.g., railway carriages, also horse boxes, where it is crucial to keep dirt out of the lock mechanism while maintaining the ability to protect and readily access important underfloor equipment.

Compression locks provide an extra level of sealing and vibration resistance which is particularly valued for outdoor applications on rooftops or on exposed vehicles – e.g., gensets where the clamping action supports the level of IP sealing required and the often-extensive lifetime of exposure. The team also pointed out these factors are essential for caravans, motorhomes and trailers – where recessed T handles are often selected, as are specialist compression locks such as the 'double red' dual action compression lock. This alerts its status by way of the red marking which is covered when properly clamped and closed.