📄 GRIT Emergency Lock

Emergency Lock

Category: Safety Features / GRIT Lock

Summary

Emergency Lock is a safety feature that prevents a tool from unexpectedly powering on when it is unlocked. If a tool's power switch was left in the "ON" position while locked, GRIT cuts power within 1/60th of a second of the unlock command and re-locks the Trigger.

Core Safety Principle

GRIT will never cut power to a tool that is actively running. If the Hub goes offline, a system update is initiated, or a tool is still running past the Hub's scheduled lock time, power to that tool remains on. Emergency Lock only applies to tools that are not yet running at the moment they receive an unlock command.

How Emergency Lock Works

Emergency Lock protects against a specific scenario: a tool's power switch is left in the "ON" position while the Trigger is locked.

Here's what happens step by step:

  1. The shop is locked. Someone flips a tool's power switch to "ON," but because the Trigger is locked, the tool doesn't start.
  2. That person walks away, leaving the switch in the "ON" position.
  3. Later, an authorized user unlocks the shop (or that individual Trigger).
  4. The Trigger receives the unlock command and switches on power to the tool.
  5. GRIT immediately checks current flow. If it reads above the tool's configured activation current level, it cuts power within 1/60th of a second (one AC cycle).
  6. The Trigger re-locks itself and logs an Emergency Lock event.

Identifying an Emergency Lock

The Trigger's LED indicator will flash red when an Emergency Lock has occurred.

Clearing an Emergency Lock

  1. Turn off the tool's power switch.
  2. Press the unlock button for the Trigger (or unlock via the dashboard).
  3. Confirm the LED changes from flashing red to solid green — the tool is now unlocked and ready for use.

Why Trigger Configuration Matters

Emergency Lock relies on accurate current measurement to distinguish between a tool that is off and one that is drawing power. Every tool has a unique power profile — different current draw at idle versus under load, varying startup ramp times, and fluctuating draw during operation. Properly configuring each Trigger's power profile ensures reliable Emergency Lock detection and optimal response time.

For setup instructions, see: [Trigger Configuration →]

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