Why use a car seal instead of a padlock and chain to lock a valve?

Car Seals are used to seal valves in the open or closed positions. Of course there are other simple ways of locking a valve; not least a padlock and chain.

But the whole point of the seal is that it can't be readily removed to facilitate normal valve operation. You have to cut the seal, thereby destroying it and giving evidence that the valve may have been tampered with.

A padlock and chain arrangement is a common method of valve locking which enables an authorized person to unlock the padlock, remove the chain and operate the valve.

To that end, whether to use a car seal instead of a padlock and chain is all about the valve application or service.

Some valves must not be operated under any circumstances, (or under strict operational conditions i.e. Permit to Work) for example valves on a sprinkler system which control the flow of water to the fixed fire fighting system. Another application is block valves upstream and downstream of a safety relief valve. These are sometimes designated CSO (Car Seal Open) or CSC (Car Seal Closed) Isolating a safety relief valve must only be done under controlled conditions.

Valve applications such as these may well be left sealed for very long periods of time.

Visit our website for more information on car seals and their specification.