RepairXpert Industrial Automation

Safety Interlock — Trapped Key System Fault

SAFE-INTLK1

Trapped key interlock system fault. Key is not in the expected position, or the lock exchange mechanism has failed. Machine cannot start because the safety key sequence is incomplete.

high general conveyor packaging
safety interlock trapped key lock procedure access

Probable Causes (ranked)

Fix Steps

  1. 1 Locate all keys in the trapped key sequence — verify each key is in its correct lock position
  2. 2 If a key is missing, find the person who has it — the key represents a person's safety lockout
  3. 3 If a key is in the wrong lock, return it to the correct position following the designed key exchange sequence
  4. 4 If a lock is jammed, do NOT force it — use graphite lubricant in the cylinder
  5. 5 If a key is broken in a lock, lock out the entire system and call the trapped key system manufacturer for extraction
  6. 6 Do NOT bypass trapped key systems — they enforce a physical safety procedure sequence

Field Trick

Trapped key systems get jammed when people use the wrong key or force keys that don't quite fit. Apply a small amount of graphite (not WD-40 or oil) to every key and lock once a year. Graphite lubricates without attracting dust. Oil in a lock cylinder attracts grit and causes the lock to jam worse over time.

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