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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.
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 an
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circuit breaker is withdrawn.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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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:
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
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.