Knowledge Builders

how does a mechanical interlock work

by Dion Emmerich DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How does a mechanical interlock work? Mechanically interlocked circuit breakers are intended to prohibit both power sources from being simultaneously connected to the load. The interlocking system disables one circuit breaker by mechanically preventing handle movement from the Off position while the other circuit breaker is in the On position.

A mechanical interlocking device is assembled at the factory between the forward and reverse contactors. This interlock locks out one contactor at the beginning of the stroke of either contactor to prevent short circuits and burnouts.

Full Answer

How long does it take to get an interlock device?

Typically, the interlock installation will only take about an hour or two. However, this depends on your vehicle’s make and model, as certain cars will take longer than others, and some will require certain customizations. You will need to make sure your provider is certified to install the interlock device on your specific vehicle.

Do you know how to seal your interlock?

Step 1: Hose down the pavers with your garden hose. Step 2: Mix the water and detergent in the bucket. Step 3: Pour the water and detergent solution over your pavers. Step 4: Look for deep stains on your pavers. Step 5: Look at the joints between each paving stone. Also asked, should you seal your interlock driveway?

Which interlock device is the best?

Things to consider when choosing an interlock provider

  • Pricing. After analyzing ignition interlock device pricing, Intoxalock had the most features for the lowest price.
  • Technology. Intoxalock devices are certified to meet even the toughest state’s regulations for technology standards.
  • Easy to use. Intoxalock’s handheld is the easiest to use of all the ones that were reviewed. ...
  • Locations. ...

How do you get oil off interlock?

  • Let the degreaser sit on the stain for approximately 1-3 minutes or for the amount of time recommended in the instructions.
  • If you have a more ingrained stain, you can leave the degreaser on for a little longer. However, do not let the liquid dry.
  • For weaker stains, you can dilute the degreaser with up to five parts water.

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How does the mechanical interlocking system work?

In mechanical interlocking plants, a locking bed is constructed, consisting of steel bars forming a grid. The levers that operate switches, derails, signals or other appliances are connected to the bars running in one direction.

How does mechanical interlock work in contactor?

Mechanical Interlock General: Type S contactors or starters can be mechanically interlocked so that only one device is energized at a time. The mechanical interlock is an interference (non-jamming) type, locking at the beginning of the stroke of any starter or contactor.

What is a mechanical interlock switch?

Walther's mechanical interlock receptacles eliminate the possibility of making or breaking the circuit under load or making a haphazard connection. A mechanism within the enclosure prevents the switch from being turned to the "ON" position until the plug is fully engaged into the receptacle.

What is the purpose of a mechanical interlock in dual contactors?

What is the mechanical interlock used for? To physically prevent both contactor armatures from being close to the same time.

What is the difference between mechanical and electrical interlock?

Mechanical interlocking involves key system and the process of changing, opening and closing the circuit is mechanical. Extra manpower is required in switching operation of the circuit. Electrical interlocking is automation in interlocking and switching operation is performed automatically and electrically.

Is interlock better than transfer switch?

Compared to a transfer switch, which is limited to a particular number of circuits, an interlock kit allows you to run power from a generator to any circuit within the electrical panel. While this is good in theory, there's a risk of overloading the generator if it's not sized according to the load.

Is an interlock switch better than a transfer switch?

Interlock switches are usually less sophisticated and therefore less expensive than automatic transfer switches. They require training and an understanding of the building's electrical system for safe use.

How do you wire a interlock switch?

0:5112:55Home Generator Interlock Kit Installation - EASY! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou you're going to have to push it upwards it's going to slide up okay and in order to do that you'MoreYou you're going to have to push it upwards it's going to slide up okay and in order to do that you're going to have to flip the main breaker off.

What is an interlock?

An interlock is a feature that makes the state of two mechanisms or functions mutually dependent. It may be used to prevent undesired states in a finite-state machine, and may consist of any electrical, electronic, or mechanical devices or systems. In most applications, an interlock is used to help prevent a machine from harming its operator or damaging itself by preventing one element from changing state due to the state of another element, and vice versa. 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, a computer containing an interlocking computer program, digital or analogue electronics, or simple switches and locks .

What is an interlock device?

An interlock device is designed to allow a generator to provide backup power in such a way that it (a) prevents main and generator power to be connected at the same time, and (b) allows circuit breakers to operate normally without interference in the event of an overload condition. Most interlock devices for electrical systems employ a mechanical device to manage the movement of circuit breakers. Some also allow for the use of padlocks to prevent someone from accidentally activating the main power system without authorization.

What is an interlock in microprocessors?

In microprocessor architecture an interlock is hardware that stalls the pipeline (inserts bubbles) when a hazard is detected until the hazard is cleared. One example of a hazard is if a software program loads data from the system bus and calls for use of that data in the following cycle in a system in which loads take multiple cycles (a load-to-use hazard).

How to lock a kiln door?

To open the kiln door, the switch is first opened, which releases the key. The key can then be used to unlock the kiln door. While the key is removed from the switch interlock, a plunger from the interlock mechanically prevents the switch from closing. Power cannot be re-applied to the kiln until the kiln door is locked, releasing the key, and the key is then returned to the disconnecting switch interlock. A similar two-part interlock system can be used anywhere it is necessary to ensure the energy supply to a machine is interrupted before the machine is entered for adjustment or maintenance.

What is interlocking in engineering?

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. An interlock is a feature that makes the state of two mechanisms or functions mutually dependent. It may be used to prevent undesired states in a finite-state machine, and may consist of any electrical, electronic, or mechanical devices or systems. In most applications, an interlock is used ...

What is an interlock in a firearm?

Interlocks may be strictly mechanical, as in one form of internal firearm safety, that blocks motion of the trigger, sear and/or firing pin unless the breech is properly closed & locked.

What is the problem with forced interlocks?

A major problem in engineering operator safety is the tendency of operators to ignore safety precautions or even outright disabling forced interlocks due to work pressure and other factors. Therefore, such safeties require and perhaps must facilitate operator cooperation.

Why do most machines use electric interlocks?

Most mod­ern machines use elec­tric­al inter­locks because the machine is fit­ted with an elec­tric­al con­trol sys­tem, but it is entirely pos­sible to inter­lock the power to the prime movers using mech­an­ic­al means. This doesn’t affect the por­tion of the hier­archy involved, but it may affect the con­trol reli­ab­il­ity ana­lys­is that you need to do.

What is interlocking machinery?

By far the major­ity of inter­locks used on machinery are elec­tric­al. Elec­tric­al inter­locks offer ease of install­a­tion, flex­ib­il­ity in selec­tion of inter­lock­ing devices, and com­plex­ity from simple to extremely com­plex. The archi­tec­tur­al cat­egor­ies cov­er any tech­no­logy, wheth­er it is mech­an­ic­al, flu­id­ic, or elec­tric­al, so let’s have a look at archi­tec­tures first.

How to select an interlocking device?

When selecting an interlocking device, start by looking at the environment in which the device will be located. Is it dry? Is it wet (i.e., with cutting fluid, oil, water, etc.)? Is it abrasive (dusty, sandy, chips, etc.)? Is it indoors or outdoors and subject to wide temperature variations?

What is a key operated switch?

Figure 6 [7, Fig. 10] shows a key-operated switch, like the Schmersal AZ15, installed with a cover that is intended to further guard against defeat. The key, sometimes called a ‘tongue’, used with the switch prevents defeat using a flat piece of metal or a knife blade. The cover prevents direct access to the interlocking device itself. Use of tamper-resistant hardware will further reduce the likelihood that someone can remove the key and insert it into the switch, bypassing the guard.

Why do you need to lock a guard?

There are a few reasons why a designer might want to lock a guard closed, but the most common one is a lack of safety distance. In some cases the guard may be locked closed to protect the process rather than the operator, or for other reasons.

What is a guard in machinery?

Guard — a part of machinery specifically used to provide protection by means of a physical barrier. Depending on its construction, a guard may be called a casing, screen, door, enclosing guard, etc.

What is a microswitch?

Photo 2 – Micro-Switch used for interlocking. Photo 2 shows a ‘microswitch’ used for inter­lock­ing a machine cov­er pan­el that is nor­mally held in place with fasten­ers, and so is a ‘fixed guard’ as long as the fasten­ers require a tool to remove. Fixed guards do not require inter­locks under most cir­cum­stances.

What is an interlock kit?

A generator interlock kit is a device that allows for the safe powering of a home by a portable generator during a power outage. An interlock kit manages the power source to the electrical panel. It ensures that the generator circuit breaker and the main circuit breaker cannot be turned on at the same time. This makes it safe for anyone working on ...

What is the difference between a generator interlock and a transfer switch?

The difference between a generator interlock and a transfer switch is that transfer switches are safer to use, and they are best used in situations where the power must come on immediately. A generator interlock involved training and understanding on how to operate, as it is manual and not automatic.

How does a generator back feed circuit breaker work?

There are two sliding steel or plastic plates that are held together by bolts. When moved down, the plate block the generator back-feed circuit breaker and allow the main breaker to stay on. When it is moved up, the generator back-feed circuit breaker may be turned on, but the main circuit breaker is blocked and will stay off.

What is an automatic transfer switch?

An automatic transfer switch starts the generator without any human interaction, when the power goes out or becomes unstable, and then switches back when the power is restored. Many commercial buildings require an alternate power source to comply with the National Electric Code (NED) and other building codes.

Where is the interlock kit on a generator?

A generator interlock kit is installed on the front cover of a breaker panel. There are two sliding steel or plastic plates that are held together by bolts. When moved down, the plate block the generator back-feed circuit breaker and allow the main breaker to stay on.

Why is an automatic switch important?

It reduces the massive risks that could occur from misuse and restores power immediately with minimal gap in power loss.

Can a main breaker be back fed?

The main breaker is off which isolates the mains. The home is fed by back-feeding the panel, but the panel cannot back-feed the external mains. If the external mains is back-fed, this can potentially electrocute line-workers, start fires, and overload or damage the generator.

What is interlocking in motors?

To interconnect the motor circuit in such a way, in which the second motor will not start until the first one run likewise the third one motor will not run unless the second one run and so on. This kind of motor circuit connection is called interlocking.

When we push the ON-1 button to energies the M1 Contactor (or starts M1 Motor), then what?

When we push the ON-1 button to energies the M1 Contactor (or starts M1 Motor), then circuit complete through Fuse, Overload relay’s trip link, OFF Push -1 and ON Push 1. And motor M1 Starts to run.

What is the purpose of a control fuse and overload relay?

In each control circuit, control fuse, and overload relays are connected for short circuit and overload protection respectively.

What is the holding link in M1?

When m1 energies, the normally open (NO) link will be closed immediately, which is in parallel with ON-Push 1. This is called Holding link i.e. it holds the motor in start condition. Now, Motor will still run even we leave (disconnect to stop) the ON-Push 1.

How many speeds does a three phase induction motor have?

Three phase induction motors runs with two speeds 1 direction and two speeds two directions motor control and induction motors reverse forward operation is the types of electrical interlocking.

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Overview

Mechanical

Interlocks may be strictly mechanical, as in one form of internal firearm safety, that blocks motion of the trigger, sear and/or firing pin unless the breech is properly closed & locked.
In the operation of a device such as a press or cutter that is hand fed or the workpiece hand removed, the use of two buttons to actuate the device, one for each hand, greatly reduces the possibility of operation endangering the operator. No such system is fool-proof, and such syste…

Trapped-key interlocking

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 t…

Microprocessors

In microprocessor architecture an interlock is hardware that stalls the pipeline (inserts bubbles) when a hazard is detected until the hazard is cleared. One example of a hazard is if a software program loads data from the system bus and calls for use of that data in the following cycle in a system in which loads take multiple cycles (a load-to-use hazard).

Electrical

Many people use generators to supplement power to a home or business in the event that main (municipal) power has gone offline. In order to safely transfer the power source from a generator (and back to the main), a safety interlock is often employed. The interlock consists of one or more switches that prevent both main power and generator power from powering the dwelling simultaneously. Without this safeguard, both power sources running at once could cause an ove…

Security

In high-security buildings, access control systems are sometimes set up so that ability to open one door requires another one to be closed first. Such setups are called a mantrap (access control).

See also

• Fail-safe
• Railway interlocking
• Breath alcohol ignition interlock device
• Safety instrumented system

The Hierarchy of Controls

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This article assumes that a risk assessment has been done as part of the design process. If you haven’t done a risk assessment first, start there, and then come back to this point in the process. You can find more information on risk assessment methods in this post from 31-Jan-11. ISO 12100 can also be used fo…
See more on machinerysafety101.com

Electrical vs. Mechanical Interlocks

  • Most modern machines use electrical interlocks because the machine is fitted with an electrical control system, but it is entirely possible to interlock the power to the prime movers using mechanical means. This doesn’t affect the portion of the hierarchy involved, but it may affect the control reliability analysis that you need to do.
See more on machinerysafety101.com

Interlocking Devices

  • Interlocking devices are the components that are used to create the interlock between the safeguarding device and the machine’s power and control systems. Interlocking systems can be purely mechanical, purely electrical or a combination of these. Most machinery has an electrical/electronic control system, and these systems are the most common way t...
See more on machinerysafety101.com

Guard Locking

  • Interlocking devices are often used in conjunction with guard locking. There are a few reasons why a designer might want to lock a guard closed, but the most common one is a lack of safety distance. In some cases the guard may be locked closed to protect the process rather than the operator, or for other reasons. Safety distance is the distance between the opening covered by t…
See more on machinerysafety101.com

Environment, Failure Modes and Fault Exclusion

  • Every device has failure modes. The correct selection of the device starts with understanding the physical environment to which the device will be exposed. This means understanding the temperature, humidity, dust/abrasives exposure, chemical exposures, and mechanical shock and vibration exposures in the application. Selecting a delicate reed switch for use in a high-vibration…
See more on machinerysafety101.com

Defeat Resistance

  • The North American standards require that the devices chosen for safety-related interlocks be defeat-resistant, meaning they cannot be easily fooled with a cable-tie, a scrap of metal or a piece of tape. Figure 6 [7, Fig. 10] shows a key-operated switch, like the Schmersal AZ15, installed with a cover that is intended to further guard against defeat. The key, sometimes called a ‘tongue’, use…
See more on machinerysafety101.com

How to Select The Right Device

  • When selecting an interlocking device, start by looking at the environment in which the device will be located. Is it dry? Is it wet (i.e., with cutting fluid, oil, water, etc.)? Is it abrasive (dusty, sandy, chips, etc.)? Is it indoors or outdoors and subject to wide temperature variations? Is there a product standard that defines the type of interlock you are designing? An example of this is the i…
See more on machinerysafety101.com

References

  • 5% Discount on ISO and IEC Standards with code: CC2012 Safety of machinery – General principles for design – Risk assessment and risk reduction, ISO Standard 12100, Edition 1, 2010 Safeguarding of Machinery, CSA Standard Z432, 2004 (R2009) Buy CSA Standards Industrial Robots and Robot Systems – General Safety Requirements, CSA Standard Z434, 2003 (R2008) S…
See more on machinerysafety101.com

1.How does a mechanical interlock work? - AskingLot.com

Url:https://askinglot.com/how-does-a-mechanical-interlock-work

31 hours ago  · How does a mechanical interlock work? Mechanically interlocked circuit breakers are intended to prohibit both power sources from being simultaneously connected to the load. The interlocking system disables one circuit breaker by mechanically preventing handle movement from the Off position while the other circuit breaker is in the On position.

2.Mechanical Interlocking Theory - an overview

Url:https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/mechanical-interlocking-theory

8 hours ago In the pavement field, the mechanical interlocking theory is used to explain the existence of a bond between the bitumen and aggregate because of the interlocking that occurs when the hot bitumen enters the pores and air voids and coats the irregularities of the aggregate surface; after cooling, the mechanical forces are established and formed. This theory explains simply the …

3.Interlock (engineering) - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interlock_(engineering)

34 hours ago An interlock kit manages the power source to the electrical panel. It ensures that the generator circuit breaker and the main circuit breaker cannot be turned on at the same time. This makes it safe for anyone working on the electrical lines and for preventing dangerous feedback.

4.Interlocking Devices: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Url:https://machinerysafety101.com/2012/06/01/interlocking-devices-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

9 hours ago To interconnect the motor circuit in such a way, in which the second motor will not start until the first one run likewise the third one motor will not run unless the second one run and so on. This kind of motor circuit connection is called interlocking.

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