Interlock (engineering)
An interlock is a feature that makes the state of two mechanisms or functions mutually dependent. It may consist of any electrical or mechanical devices, or systems. In most applications, an interlock is used to help prevent any damage to the machine or to the operator handling the machine. For example, elevators are equipped with an interlock that prevents the moving elevator from opening its doors and prevents the stationary elevator (with open doors) from moving.
Interlocks may include sophisticated elements such as curtains of infrared beams, photodetectors, simple switches, and locks. It can also be a computer containing an interlocking computer program with digital or analogue electronics.
Trapped-key interlocking is a method of ensuring safety in industrial environments by forcing the operator through a predetermined sequence using a defined selection of keys, locks and switches.
It is called trapped key as it works by releasing and trapping keys in a predetermined sequence. After the control or power has been isolated, a key is released that can be used to grant access to individual or multiple doors. Below is an example of what a trapped key interlock transfer block would look like. This is a part of a trapped key interlocking system.
