A **lockout relay** is used in **High Tension (HT) voltage systems** to protect equipment and ensure safety during faults or abnormal conditions. Its main function is to prevent the re-closure of a circuit breaker until the fault has been cleared and the system is ready for normal operation again.
Hereβs how it works:
1. **Fault Detection**: When a fault (like a short circuit or overload) occurs in the HT system, a circuit breaker trips to isolate the affected part of the system.
2. **Lockout Action**: The lockout relay is connected to the circuit breaker. Once the breaker trips due to a fault, the lockout relay gets activated, which "locks" or prevents the breaker from closing again automatically. This is done to avoid repeated closing attempts, which could damage the equipment or worsen the fault condition.
3. **Manual Reset**: After the fault has been cleared and the system is safe, the lockout relay needs to be manually reset. This ensures that only after proper checks and repairs can the system be restored to normal operation.
### Key Points:
- **Prevents automatic closing** of the breaker during a fault.
- **Ensures safety** by avoiding equipment damage or further faults.
- **Requires manual intervention** to reset, making sure the system is properly checked before restoration.
In summary, the lockout relay is a critical safety feature that helps avoid further damage in HT voltage systems after a fault, ensuring safe operation.