A method for selectively restricting movement of an appliance position switch from a closed position to an open position includes positioning the pin within a channel of a body portion of a switch retention device and moving the body of the switch retention device in a first direction into an opening in a face of the appliance within which the pin is moveable from the open position to the closed position. Such movement is carried out to cause movement of the pin in the first direction toward the closed position. The method further includes continuing to move the switch retention device in the first direction such that a cap thereof contacts the face, and a tab extending outwardly from the body engages with the opening to retain the switch retention device in the opening and the pin in the closed position.

A device for limiting movement of an operator of at least one switch of a light fixture can include a body. The device can also include at least one fixture coupling feature disposed on the body, where the at least one fixture coupling feature is configured to couple to at least one device coupling feature of the light fixture. The body, when coupled to the light fixture, can be configured to limit the movement of a first operator of a first switch of the at least one switch.

Lockout tagout assemblies, systems, and methods are disclosed. Exemplary lockout tagout assemblies include a base, an arm moveable with respect to the base, and a member extending at an angle from the arm. The member can engage with a circuit breaker in an off position to retain the circuit breaker in the off position.

An interlocking structure of a power conversion system is provided. A first power circuit group is connected to a first power source and includes a first and a fourth switch. A second power circuit group is connected to a second power source and includes a second and a fifth switch. A limiting mechanism includes a first limiting portion, a second limiting portion, a fourth limiting portion, a fifth limiting portion, a first accommodating portion, and a second accommodating portion. The first switch is switched off to disconnect the first power source. Then, a limiting structure is moved to connect the second power source. Accordingly, the first power source is disconnected, and the second power source is connected, allowing repair or maintenance of the first power source to be performed without interrupting the supply of power from the power conversion system.

A method for selectively restricting movement of an appliance position switch from a closed position to an open position includes positioning the pin within a channel of a body portion of a switch retention device and moving the body of the switch retention device in a first direction into an opening in a face of the appliance within which the pin is moveable from the open position to the closed position. Such movement is carried out to cause movement of the pin in the first direction toward the closed position. The method further includes continuing to move the switch retention device in the first direction such that a cap thereof contacts the face, and a tab extending outwardly from the body engages with the opening to retain the switch retention device in the opening and the pin in the closed position.

Systems and methods for using light switches to control lighting and other functions are disclosed. Each switch may be a manual switch that is mounted to a wall. A biasing device may be positioned proximate each switch. When a user moves the switch out of a first position and into a second position or toward a second position, the delivery of household power to one or more light units may be interrupted. However, when the user releases the switch, the biasing device may provide an immediate automatic return of the manual switch to the first position. The resulting short interruption in household power may be used as a signal for controlling operation of the one or more light units and/or other electronic devices installed at one or more lighting sites corresponding to the switch.

A position switch retention device for use with an appliance including a body defining a first end, a cap extending outwardly from a second end of the body opposite the first end, and a first tab extending from a side of the body. The first tab defines a ramp extending away from the body to an edge directed toward and spaced from the cap.

An interlocking structure of a power conversion system is provided. A first power circuit group is connected to a first power source and includes a first and a fourth switch. A second power circuit group is connected to a second power source and includes a second and a fifth switch. A limiting mechanism includes a first limiting portion, a second limiting portion, a fourth limiting portion, a fifth limiting portion, a first accommodating portion, and a second accommodating portion. The first switch is switched off to disconnect the first power source. Then, a limiting structure is moved to connect the second power source. Accordingly, the first power source is disconnected, and the second power source is connected, allowing repair or maintenance of the first power source to be performed without interrupting the supply of power from the power conversion system.

A position switch retention device for use with an appliance including a body defining a first end, a cap extending outwardly from a second end of the body opposite the first end, and a first tab extending from a side of the body. The first tab defines a ramp extending away from the body to an edge directed toward and spaced from the cap.

A manually operated disconnect maintains a machine/process in a de-energized state. The disconnect employs a sensor that automatically detects, via wireless communication, a lock affixed to the disconnect that locks the disconnect in an open state. Processing circuitry coupled to the sensor determines lockout tagout data, such as identification of a user associated with the lock, a time of application of the lock, and data identifying and/or locating the disconnect or a machine/process to which the disconnect provides power when in a closed state. Memory circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry stores the lockout tagout data, and holds it available for user review, transmission, analysis, reporting, and so forth.