Kirk Key

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e57

e57

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Got some plans with a 5 breaker (two main, two out, one paralell) - has an interlock drawn in with a K on the stringer - assummed to be "Kirk Key". Anyone know about these kirk-key systems/schemes? I assume they don't want a UPS and a transformer to connect...
 
e57 said:
Got some plans with a 5 breaker (two main, two out, one paralell) - has an interlock drawn in with a K on the stringer - assummed to be "Kirk Key". Anyone know about these kirk-key systems/schemes? I assume they don't want a UPS and a transformer to connect...
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Kirk Key is a specific manufacturer of key operated mechanical interlocks.
Their name has become the 'slang' term for all key interlock schemes. You can find them at: http://www.kirkkey.com/.

Yes key interlocks are regularly used to provide a means of preventing multiple devices from being closed at the same time or for forcing a specific operating sequence.
 
The Kirk Key I worked with had a master key on a single pole switch. When you removed the key, it opened the switch. The key that you have removed then goes into a mechanical interlock of keyholders, allowing the secondary keys to be removed from the keyholder. Until all the secondary keys are returned to the keyholder, the master key cannot be removed from the keyholder.
 
jim dungar said:
Kirk Key is a specific manufacturer of key operated mechanical interlocks.
Their name has become the 'slang' term for all key interlock schemes. You can find them at: http://www.kirkkey.com/.

Yes key interlocks are regularly used to provide a means of preventing multiple devices from being closed at the same time or for forcing a specific operating sequence.
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I was looking at their site - appears to have a few dozen "schemes" - are the schemes similar or all proprietary? Who else makes 'em?
 
e57,

Most breaker Manufacturers make a kirk-key setup with two breakers, It is an an inexpensive way to make a manual tranfer switch with a MCB & Generator breaker in an MCC line up, or your set up as you discribe with one-line. You can have two sources of power (say normal & standby generator) when you loose one switch over to the other using the kirk-key as discribed by Mr Stoltz.

- JWC
 
Common key interlock schemes are:
M-T-M, 3 breakers, 2 keys, prevent parralling 2 sources
Main-Primary switch - Across a transformer, ensures the main (Secondary) is open before operating the primary switch
Switch- fuse door - Ensures a MV switch is open before accessing the fuse door

I deal with these everyday, install them, stock them.

Do you have a sepcific question?
 
I work with kirk key all the time form procuring new keys for lost or broken keys( A small act of Congress to obtain keys), to reinstalling them on improperly installed systems, designing and installing (typically UPS systems), to as simple as removing the spare key when all keys are installed, a big NO NO.

Kirk key as noted has become a generic term, for any captive key interlock system utilized in the electrical industry.

http://www.kirkkey.com/
 
brian john said:
to as simple as removing the spare key when all keys are installed, a big NO NO.
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Good point, more often than not when a new system is installed the spare keys are left in the locks by the installer, we nearly always need to properly set these up when doing acceptancing testing and commisioning.

The spares should either be destroyed or put in a safe location and someone assigned to them.
 
e57 said:
I was looking at their site - appears to have a few dozen "schemes" - are the schemes similar or all proprietary? Who else makes 'em?
Click to expand...
As far as I know there are no proprietary schemes.

Yes there are other manufacturers. The company that is now Kirk Key has been bought and sold several times, but they continue to maintain records that go back decades. This continuity is important if you ever need to add-on to or repair your key interlock scheme.
 
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