What Is a Key Lock Switch?
A key lock switch is a switch that controls the on-off state through the insertion and removal of a key.
There are many retrofitted versions that are soldered in place, and typically, the on-state is achieved by inserting the key. There are both mechanical types, where pins or gears move to create the on-state when the key is inserted, and electrical types, where an electrical current flows to create the on-state. In the electrical category, there are variations that utilize energizing a solenoid or send electrical signals through the combination of multiple keys.
Key lock switches are primarily used for security and access control in industrial machinery. They may also be used for simple activation control or, in the case of large machinery, installed to prevent accidental startup for safety purposes.