2007-08-15 13:33:21 · 4 answers · asked by Tony 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
It is a circuit that whenever it has a problem always goes to its safest position.
An example could be a spring closing fuel valve which is opened electrically to let fuel flow into a burner after a flame is proven there. If the flame were to fail the electricity would be shut off and the spring force would shut the valve safely stopping the flow of fuel.
A circuit that is truly fail safe needs a design that considers every failure mode to ensure that any of the possible failures goes to a safe position. It does not mean the circuit will never break just that when it does the result is always safe.
2007-08-15 16:00:13 · answer #1 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a circuit that will always default to the safest mode. For instance, air brakes on large trucks and railroads are applied when air pressure is released. This means that a damaged brake air line will cause the brakes to be applied. An example of an electrical circuit is the ground loop circuit used in mines. It is important in that wet environment for the ground to be effective. The ground loop circuit monitors a low voltage passing through the ground. If there is a break in the ground wire, the monitor drops out the contactor supplying electrical power to the mine.
2007-08-15 14:07:32 · answer #2 · answered by mechnginear 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally it refers to what happens if the circuit fails. Circuits can be designed so that a failure mode does not cause unintended damage, like a fire, or taking out more expensive parts in the circuit.
It is good engineering practice to design circuits to be failsafe, especially to avoid risk of fire.
2007-08-15 13:49:52 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a circuit that no matter what, is always live
2007-08-15 13:41:02 · answer #4 · answered by duster 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋