What is a Dead Mans Switch?
A dead man’s switch is a safety feature integrated into many machines which works to turn the machine off if the operator experiences a problem. As the name implies, a dead man’s switch will turn a machine off even if the operator dies, but such devices will also turn off the engine if the operator becomes incapacitated. In many cases, such switches can also function when the operator is harassed or disrupted, as might be the case with a train operator being harassed by passengers. There are a number of different styles of dead man’s switch, but all of them require some sort of input from the operator. When the operator stops interacting with the dead man’s switch, a signal is sent to cut the engine, thereby turning the machine off and applying the brakes, if applicable. While not an ideal fail-safe, this measure can prevent loss of life and property damage. In a classic version of the dead man’s switch, the switch is located on a lever or bar which the operator must maintain constant
A ‘dead man’s switch’ is a switch that automatically turns off or on if it’s not being manually held. For example, most lawn mowers (the push kind) that have been made recently have a small bar under the main push bar that you have to hold on to while the engine is running. If you let go of it then motor automatically shuts off. That is a dead man’s switch. On forklifts, I believe that it is installed under the seat so that when you get out of the seat, the machine will stop running (no pressure on seat causes the ‘dead man’s switch’ to turn off). I think that’s how it works, but I’m not very mechanically inclined.
