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KIRK interlocking products provide safe access to switchgear within HV substations. Trapped key access interlocks and key exchange units restrict physical entry and prevent dangerous operating conditions, ensuring that personnel operate equipment according to the correct sequence of operation.
Trapped key interlocks prevent injury to personnel, protect equipment from damage, and assure continuity of electrical supply by initially restricting any unauthorized access. This is particularly important for HV substations located in remote, unmanned sites. Secondly, they ensure that all authorized access is done in a safe manner, requiring that part of a system is isolated and correctly earthed before maintenance can be carried out on that section.
A well-designed interlocking scheme also ensures that the system is operated correctly. This can prevent a number of dangerous scenarios such as: switching two incoming feeds onto a common bus bar, the paralleling of two energy sources, or disconnecting breakers under load. This greatly reduces the risk of fire or arc flash, protecting equipment from damage, preventing injury, and avoiding supply interruption.
For HV substation applications, Kirk recommends its HD Series interlocks. The lock housing, cylinder, and inner workings are manufactured entirely of 316 stainless steel. A robust dowel pin key design resists breakage and prevents duplication. A gasketed flip cover protects the keyways from debris. The HD Series range includes mechanical and electromechanical bolt, access, transfer, and valve interlocks, along with a full range of accessories to form a comprehensive switchgear interlocking scheme for HV substations. For more information about trapped key interlocking for substation switchgear applications, go towww.kirkkey.com.
