Interlocking Principles
Compiled by: BP Johnson
Date: 28 August 2015
Introduction
Many operators experience unintended operating conditions. This document provides some insight into
the various interlocking, inter-tripping, protection and control philosophies, and how these should be
integrated with one another to prevent unintended operations.
Interlocking philosophy
Integral Interlocks
For indoor switchgear the basic integral interlocking principle is shown in figure 1.
In this figure the switchgear circuit (incomer or feeder circuit) is shown in two positions namely:a) circuit isolated and earthed and
b) circuit in service, with earth disconnected.
a) Isolated / test position
b) Service position
Figure 1. Single line diagram of typical circuit for UniGear ZS1 withdrawable switchgear.
In the isolated position the circuit breaker is racked to the test position, disconnecting if from the main
busbar. The withdrawing action of the circuit breaker acts like the isolator. Once the circuit breaker is
withdrawn (isolated), it is then possible to earth the cable circuit by closing the circuit earth switch.
Once the cable circuit earth is closed it is not possible to insert the circuit breaker due to an internal
integral interlock.
To connect the cable circuit to the main busbar, the cable earth is first opened and then the circuit
breaker can be inserted (racked in). Once racked in the circuit breaker can be closed. The integral
interlock will prevent the cable earth from being applied once the circuit breaker is racked in.
a) Isolated / test position
b) Service position
Figure 2. Single line diagram of typical circuit for switchgear using isolators.
In figure 2, the same principles are used for outdoor switchgear or for fixed pattern switchgear.
However in these cases isolation is achieved through the use of disconnectors. The earth switch is then
interlocked with the isolators.
Key Interlocks
Trapped key interlocks are used together with integral interlocks to interlock remote devices with local
devices. I.e. interlock between a remote earth switch and a local circuit breaker racking mechanism.
Trapped key interlocks are used as a backup system to guide operators and are normally optional
items. Figure 3. Shows a basic trapped key interlock system used across transformers to prevent a n
earth applied to a back-feed or an incoming circuit.
Figure 3. Basic interlocking system for switchgear
In this example the earth switches cannot be closed until the local circuit breaker and the remote
circuit breaker is withdrawn. The sequence of interlocks are shown in figure 4.
Figure 4. Sequence of operation of a typical interlocking system
In the above sequence the keys are moved from the circuit breaker to the earth switches to enable the
earth switches. While the earth switch is closed the key is trapped preventing the key from being
moved back to the circuit breaker to enable racking. Only once the earth is removed can the key be
returned to the circuit breaker which will enable the circuit breaker to be racked.
Electrical Interlocks
Similar to the key interlock it is possible to install electro mechanical interlocks instead of trapped key
interlocks. Electro-mechanical interlocks work on the principle that they block or enable operation
depending on the state of remote equipment.
This philosophy of blocking and enabling is a fail-safe philosophy that does not enable access to any
equipment until the right conditions are met. Another important attribute of a fail-safe interlock is
that it will disable access until the auxiliary voltage is present.
Figure 5. Provides an example of a fail-safe interlock system. In this system the apparatus operating
access shown in yellow is blocked when the coil is de-energised or when the auxiliary voltage is not
present.
a) Access blocked when coil de-energised
b) Access enabled when coil energised
Figure 5. Example of a fail-safe interlock
It is important to provide some examples of a fail-safe electromechanical interlocking system, and an
interlocking system that is not fail-safe.
Examples of a fail-safe system
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Enable the racking of the circuit breaker by means of energizing an electro-solenoid. If the
solenoid is not energized the racking is blocked, thereby the interlock is considered fail-safe.
Enable the operation of an earth switch by means of an electro-solenoid. If the solenoid is not
energized the closing operation is blocked, thereby the interlock is considered fail-safe.
Examples of a system that is not fail-safe, and therefore cannot be considered suitable for interlocking
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Disable the racking of the circuit breaker by means of energizing an electro-solenoid. If the
solenoid is energized the racking is blocked, thereby the interlock is not considered fail-safe.
Disable the operation of an earth switch by means of an electro-solenoid. If the solenoid is
energized the closing operation is blocked, thereby the interlock is not considered fail-safe.
Sending a trip signal to a circuit breaker if an earth switch is closed or opened. In this case it is
possible to close the earth switch under live conditions. The remote CB is expected to open and
clear the unwanted condition, however many things can go wrong, i.e. the earth switch may be
able to close before the CB opens, the CB may not open due to loss of auxiliary power, or some
due to some fault on the CB mechanism. Another possibility is that it may be possible to close
the CB onto an earth before the CB is tripped by the earth switch contact. Lastly a open CB is
not considered an isolating point. Racking the CB to the test position or an isolator should be
used as an isolating point before closing the earth switch.
Interlocking barriers
Potential interlocking barriers may exist between two circuits. These barriers are not intended but
naturally exist due to the plant configuration, design and layout. Figure 6, provides a graphical
example of how unintended barriers may exist between two apparatus connected together.
Figure 6. Graphical representation of potential interlocking barriers
In the above example two circuits are connected together. The once circuit is a withdrawable type
circuit while the other uses disconnectors. The circuits may be separated by distance as well as by a
transformer. These common differences present potential barriers, where it becomes difficult to
interlock one system with another.
Listed below are common potential barriers that may exist between apparatus:
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Different type of apparatus (Withdrawable and fised pattern designs)
Indoor and outdoor apparatus connected together
Distance between the apparatus. If the distance is great then electrical interlocks will not
work, and if too gfreat then mechanical interlocks become impracticle.
Distance created by location such as surface mounted or underground mounted apparatus
Distance created by different access rights between different substations where the equipment
is mounted
Items connected via transformers
Network configuration, T-Offs, ring feeds, or by-pass circuits
Different procurement times of apparatus. For example items purchased at a different times
may result in interlocks not being compatible with each other or unknown to each other, or
based on different interlocking principles being applied by the engineering staff who procured
the apparatus.
Technical limitations of some apparatus where it may not be possible to accommodate fail safe
electrical or mechanical interlocks.
Safety Locks
Safety locks are locks that the operator can fit to the switchgear. Safety locks are normally the
operators own personal locks or locks dedicated for this purpose. The important thing about safety
locks is that once applied the operator can then keep or store the key in a safe place while working on
the equipment. In this regard the following points can be made about safety locks.
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Facilities for safety locks are mandatory.
No other interlocks (trapped key locks, electro-mechanical locks or integral locks should inhibit
the possibility to fit safety locks. That is to say that it should always be possible to fit safety
locks irrespective of the presence or not of other interlocks.
No other interlocks should be used as safety interlocks. In some cases it may be possible to fit a
key interlock to be used as a safety interlock, however in these cases it should still be possible
for an operator to fit his own safety lock. It is also important to mention that in these cases
some confusion may enter into the interlocking philosophy in deciding whether the lock is a
safety lock (used for safety) or a interlock (used to prevent mal-operation).
Protection and Inter-tripping philosophy
In addition to interlocking systems, protection and inter-tripping devices may be employed to trip
circuit breakers or prevent closing of circuit breakers. These systems are generally used to prevent
damage to equipment and not as safety devices, as the circuit breaker is not considered a safe isolating
mechanism.
Typical interlocking mechanisms include trip send, trip receive, master trip, and close inhibit
protection functions.
Operating philosophy
The operating philosophy of an electrical system normally includes the following elements:
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Basic understanding of electrical systems for electricians
Signage to guide the operators, including warning signs, clear identification of equipment, and
PPE requirements.
Information on how the equipment is connected to the greater system such as single line
diagrams, mimic diagrams, and/or referral to a higher level controller / control room.
Safety training and competency certification of electrical staff and operators to operate
equipment within the greater electrical system.
Isolation, earth lock out and tag procedures used within the greater electrical system.
A common practice is to certify operators frequently, (annually) to operate the system, and only use
certified operators to operate the system. A common misconception is that electrically qualified
engineers and technicians will be able to operate the system, however this is not necessarily true as
they may not be familiar with the intricacies of the system. The result is that suppliers, and engineers
may mal-operate the system. To avoid this situation companies use a certification process for
operators, where only operators with valid current certification may operate the system.
A variation of the above is where the system is so large and/or complex that operators are then
certified to operate only certain parts of the system. For example the system can be split for example
to primary plant, tertiary and secondary plant, or transmission and distribution, or by some other
logical divide.
Control philosophy
The control philosophy of an electrical system includes one or more of the following attributes:
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A overall view of the greater electrical system
An understanding of the sequence of operation of various apparatus in order to safely isolate
and earth any part of the system.
A feedback and review system that allows for identification of the root cause, and facilitates
improvements to the existing operating system.
A common practice to achieve such systems is to use a control room where all operating decisions are
reviewed and directed from a central control room. The controller will have the ability to view the
greater network and identify the sequence of operation.
Hierarchy or philosophies
For safe operation the following hierarchy of philosophies is recommended:
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Control philosophy
Operating philosophy
Interlocking philosophy
Inter-tripping and protection philosophy
In this hierarchy the control philosophy is the first line of defense in determining the correct operating
procedure. The next line of defense will be the operating philosophy. This is to say that should the
controller provide incorrect or unclear instructions the operators still follows a procedure that ensures
personal safety first and then equipment reliability.
The next line of defense is the interlocking system. This system when present aims to protect
personnel from harm. The last line of defense is the inter-locking and protection system. This system
aims to clear faults when they occur in the quickest possible time.
The hierarchy of philosophies can include additional layers to improve safety to a higher level, but
should as a minimum include the above four layers.
Recommendations
We envisage that many plants cannot solely rely on the installed interlocking to protect and guide
operators for safe operation of equipment. The reason is that interlocks may not be consistently
implemented across the whole electrical system. In addition the reliability of interlocking systems may
not be sufficient to consistently work without failure, and it may be possible to intentionally over-ride
interlocks with the use of tools. The end result is that the operator can never be 100% sure of the
current state of the interlocking system. We therefore recommend that customers review the operating
and control philosophies for safe operation of the electrical apparatus , irrespective of interlocking
systems.