Question 29 QMED02 - Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer
What is the functional name of an electrical device which prevents performing two or more actions which will result in a dangerous condition?
The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (electrical interlock device):** An **electrical interlock device** (or system) is specifically designed to ensure that certain operations or actions can only occur if other conditions are met, or, critically, to prevent two or more incompatible or dangerous actions from happening simultaneously. Its primary function is safety by preventing sequences of operations that could lead to a hazardous state, often by breaking a control circuit if a safety condition is violated (e.g., preventing a machine from starting unless a safety guard is closed). The definition provided in the question—"prevents performing two or more actions which will result in a dangerous condition"—perfectly describes the function of an electrical interlock. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) mechanical limit device:** A mechanical limit device (like a mechanical limit switch or stop) physically restricts movement or signals that a maximum/minimum position has been reached. While it can be part of a safety system, its function is primarily position sensing or restriction, not complex conditional prevention of multiple dangerous actions. * **C) monitoring device:** A monitoring device observes and reports the status or condition of a system (e.g., temperature, pressure, current draw). While essential for diagnostics and safety, it reports conditions rather than actively preventing actions. * **D) modulating device:** A modulating device adjusts a process variable smoothly and continuously in response to a control signal (e.g., a variable speed drive or a modulating valve). It is used for process control, not for absolute prevention of dangerous simultaneous operations.
Pass Your Coast Guard Licensing Exams!
Study offline, track your progress, and simulate real exams with the Coast Guard Exams app