What is an interlock in safeguarding and its function?

• A. A device that prevents operation until certain conditions are met; ensures doors/gates can't be opened while robot is energized or in motion.
• B. A device that continuously monitors robot temperature.
• C. A warning light on the control panel.
• D. A manual override that bypasses safety circuits.

Answer: (A)

Interlocks are safety features that prevents machine operation or access unless a safe condition is present. In safeguarding, they sit on access points like doors or gates and ensure the robot is not energized or moving before the door can be opened. This means a person can’t reach into the robot’s work area while it could injure them, because the interlock actively blocks operation or opening until safety criteria are met and then releases when it’s safe.

The correct choice matches this function exactly: it describes a device that stops operation until certain conditions are met and prevents doors or gates from being opened while the robot is energized or in motion.

Other options describe things that don’t actively prevent access or operation. A temperature-monitoring device is a sensor, not an interlock. A warning light signals risk but doesn’t stop the robot or block access. A manual override bypasses safety protections, which is the opposite of what an interlock does.