What does "interlocked" refer to in electrical switches?

The term "interlocked" in the context of electrical switches refers to a configuration where the operation of one switch directly influences the state of another switch. Specifically, when one switch is activated, it prevents the other from being turned on, and vice versa. This mechanism is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing conflicting operations in electrical systems.

The interlock feature is particularly important in systems where the simultaneous operation of switches could lead to dangerous conditions, such as in control panels or machinery that has multiple operational modes. By utilizing this feature, the design guarantees that certain functions can only occur under specific conditions, thus protecting machinery and operators.

In contrast, simultaneous operation of switches would allow them to function together without restrictions, while sequential operation governs the order in which switches are activated, which does not inherently involve the restriction aspect of interlocking. Automatic reset of switches pertains to the functionality of switching back to the default state after operation, which is unrelated to the interlocking concept.