Product Spotlight: Camlocks for Data Centre Switchgear Applications

In modern data centres, electrical switching operations are critical to maintaining power availability while supporting inspection, testing and maintenance activities. 

Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs) are commonly used within low-voltage switchgear assemblies, where they control and distribute power to critical loads. These systems often incorporate multiple incomers, feeders and bus couplers that must operate together in a controlled manner. 

When switching sequences are not followed correctly, operators can face challenges such as unintended equipment operation, incomplete isolation or increased risks during maintenance activities. 
 

This is where trapped key interlocking plays an important role. 

Our Castell camlocks are designed to integrate directly into leading OEM switchgear and air circuit breakers, using safety interlocking to provide a robust and reliable method of mechanically enforcing predefined operating sequences. 

Designed for integration with leading OEM Switchgear 

One of the most prominent advantages of our switchgear power isolation camlocks is their ability to integrate directly into leading OEM equipment. 

Many leading switchgear manufacturers provide dedicated mounting provisions within their equipment, enabling camlocks to be incorporated directly into breaker mechanisms using leading OEM-approved mounting accessories. 

This allows designers and operators to implement trapped key interlocking without extensive modification to the original equipment. 

Castell camlocks can be integrated into a wide range of applications, including: 

• Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs) 

• Switchboards 

• Distribution panels 

• Incomer and feeder arrangements 

• Bus coupler schemes 

• Generator and standby power systems 
   

Available in multiple sizes, mounting configurations and rotational arrangements, switchgear camlocks can be specified to suit a broad range of platforms and operational requirements. 

Benefits of OEM integration

Enforcing the correct switching sequence 

Trapped key interlocking uses a simple but effective mechanical principle: A key remains trapped until equipment reaches a predefined operating condition. Once released, that key becomes necessary to enable the next action in the sequence. And at the Sentric Safety Group, this is what we specialise in.  

For example, in a data centre redundant power application: 

• Incomer A is supplying the load and retains a trapped key. 

• Opening Incomer A releases the key. 

• The released key is used to enable the next step in the sequence. 

• Maintenance activities can only proceed once the required interlocked operating state has been achieved. 
   

This approach helps support consistent operating procedures and provides operators with a clear, visible method of controlling switching activities. 

Engineered for Demanding Industrial Environments 

Electrical infrastructure within data centres operates in environments where reliability and durability are essential. Our camlocks are designed as industrial-grade products suitable for demanding applications where equipment may be subjected to frequent operation over many years of service. 

Key features include: 

• Robust metal construction 

• Durable mechanical operation 

• Designed for repeated industrial use 

• Suitable for critical power applications 

• Long service life with minimal maintenance requirements 
   

Secure Coding Systems Designed for Enhanced Protection 

Not all trapped key interlock systems are created equal. A key differentiator of our camlocks is the use of high-security key coding systems designed to support the integrity of the interlocking scheme. 

Each safety interlock system can be configured using unique key coding arrangements that significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised key duplication and help prevent keys being incorrectly exchanged between equipment. 

This provides important operational advantages: 

• Reduces the likelihood of bypassing the system 

• Helps prevent keys being transferred between unrelated systems 

• Supports the integrity of the interlocking sequence 

• Helps minimise opportunities for override or circumvention 

• Provides greater confidence in the security of the interlocking scheme 

For critical applications such as data centres, where switching activities form part of wider operational and maintenance procedures, maintaining the integrity of the key system is an important consideration. 

Why data centre operators choose Castell camlocks 

Data centre operators require more than a simple locking device.

They need a solution that integrates seamlessly into critical infrastructure, supports established operating procedures and performs reliably throughout the life of the installation. 

Our camlocks provide: 

• Leading OEM equipment integration. Designed to integrate directly into switchgear and breaker mechanisms using leading OEM mounting provisions. 

• Mechanical enforcement of operating sequences. Supports controlled switching and isolation procedures through trapped key interlocking. 

• Industrial reliability. Robust construction designed for demanding operational environments. 

• High-security key systems. Advanced key coding technology that helps protect the integrity of the interlocking scheme. 

• Flexible application. Available in a range of sizes, configurations and mounting arrangements to suit a wide variety of switchgear applications. 

Talk to our experts 

In complex power systems, the effectiveness of a trapped key interlocking scheme depends on the quality, security and integration of its components. 

As a trusted trapped key interlock and safety solutions supplier, Castell combines proven mechanical interlocking principles with leading OEM equipment integration, industrial-grade durability and high-security key coding technology across its range of camlocks. 

The result is a versatile interlocking solution that helps operators maintain control of critical switching and isolation activities while supporting the safe and efficient operation of electrical infrastructure.