Which component is NOT normally part of a safety interlock system?

In a safety interlock system, certain components are essential for ensuring that machinery operates safely and only under specific conditions. A pneumatic actuator is typically not a standard part of such a system. Instead, the primary focus of a safety interlock system revolves around components that help monitor and control the operation of machinery to prevent accidents.

Limit switches are crucial as they serve to detect the position of moving parts, thereby ensuring that machinery cannot operate unless certain safety conditions are satisfied. A control panel is equally important, as it allows for the monitoring and management of the interlock system’s functions, providing operators with the means to control and respond to safety conditions. Additionally, a guarding mechanism is a key element that physically protects operators from unexpected movements or harmful situations.

In contrast, a pneumatic actuator functions to create and control motion usually in systems that rely on compressed air. While it may play a significant role in the operation of equipment, it does not directly contribute to the safety interlock mechanism that is primarily focused on preventing undesired equipment operation through monitoring and control features. Thus, the pneumatic actuator does not fit the definition of components typically associated with a safety interlock system.