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prads  
#1 Posted : 15 January 2011 05:20:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
prads

Can someone tell me, why dead man switch is called 'dead man' switch?

Prads
NickGray  
#2 Posted : 15 January 2011 08:20:22(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
NickGray

Go to wikipedia as this has a good explanation.
RayRapp  
#3 Posted : 15 January 2011 08:53:32(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

I suspect is for the same reason as the 'dead man's handle' on a train, otherwise known as a Traction Brake Controller. If the driver collapses (dead) the spring in the handle will release and automatically apply the emergency brakes.
Bob Shillabeer  
#4 Posted : 15 January 2011 21:21:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Bob Shillabeer

The term dead man's handle or switch is called a dead mans because when you are dear you are unable to hold something down against the spring devise that operates the switch to the off position. It is a term that has been developed over many years but check it out on wikipedia as suggested.
Bob Shillabeer  
#5 Posted : 15 January 2011 21:22:23(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Bob Shillabeer

Should have been when you are DEAD not dear, sorry.
firesafety101  
#6 Posted : 15 January 2011 22:09:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

Should it not have been called the "Alive" man's switch?
RayRapp  
#7 Posted : 16 January 2011 07:48:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

No, because it is only activated when a person lets go of it, wittingly or unwittingly - dear. :)
firesafety101  
#8 Posted : 16 January 2011 12:17:01(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

So you have to be alive to activate it.
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