noun · rare

dead man's switch

dead man's switch · dead man's switches

Totmannschalter, Totmanneinrichtung

A switch that ensures a fail-safe condition by automatically triggering an action if a…A switch that ensures a fail-safe condition by automatically triggering an action (for instance, to stop a machine or vehicle) if a specified input from the operator is not made or is altered.

Meaning

1 senses

A switch that ensures a fail-safe condition by automatically triggering an action (for instance, to stop a machine or vehicle) if a specified input from the operator is not made or is altered.
Holonyms: device, machine
This seat is equipped with a dead man's switch. As the theory goes, "if the driver stops sitting, the machine is quitting."
Totmannschalter, Totmanneinrichtung