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116 views

Interlocks

good

Uploaded by

sangamary90
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTERLOCKS

Control circuits frequently control more than one contactor, such as in a two-
speed motor control circuit or a control circuit for controlling the direction
(forward or reverse) on a motor. In many situations such as this, equipment
damage could result if both contactors were closed at the same time.

Interlocking is used to prevent both contactors from being energized


simultaneously or closing at the same time. This would cause a short circuit.
Two basic methods of interlocking are:

1. Mechanical interlocking
2. Electrical interlock
o Auxiliary contact interlocking
o Pushbutton interlocking

Mechanical Interlocking

Mechanical interlocks are assembled at the factory and are physically


located between the forward and reverse contactors. The interlock locks one
contactor out at the beginning of the stroke of either contactor to prevent
both from closing simultaneously.

A broken or dotted line indicates a mechanical interlock. Often, the dotted


line will be broken in the middle and angled with a solid bar at the middle
junction.

The second method employed is a mechanical interlock. To accomplish this,


the two contactors are physically mounted side-by-side in the control box. A
mechanical linkage that prevents both contactors from being closed at the
same time connects them. If one contactor was closed and something

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occurred to energize the other contactor, the coil would be energized, but
motion of the contact assembly would be physically blocked.

Electrical interlocks

Pushbutton Interlocks

This method is an electrical method of preventing both starter coils from


energizing together. When the forward pushbutton is pressed, the F coil is
energized, and the normally open F auxiliary contact closes to maintain the
circuit to operate the motor in the forward direction. Pressing the reverse
pushbutton automatically breaks the circuit in line with the F coil, dropping
the forward coil out and energizing the reverse (R) coil.

Reversing the direction of motor rotation on a repeated basis is not


recommended, since this may cause the overload relays to overheat and
disconnect the motor from the circuit.

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Auxiliary Contact Interlocking

This method is also an electrical interlock. It consists of normally closed


auxiliary contacts on the forward and reverse contactors.

In the forward direction, the normally closed contact (F) on the forward
contactor opens to prevent the reverse contactor from being energized.

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