A safety chain or loop is configured in which arrangement?

• A. Parallel
• B. Mesh
• C. Series
• D. Star

Answer: (C)

A safety chain or loop is designed to fail safe by interrupting the circuit if any part of the chain fails. That’s why it’s arranged in series: the same current or signal must pass through every element in the loop. In a series setup, all components must be closed and functioning for the safety path to stay intact. If any link opens or a device trips, the entire chain is broken, immediately placing the system in a safe state. This fail-safe behavior is crucial for safety interlocks, because a single fault cannot leave the safety path partially operating. Other configurations would allow the path to continue even if one element fails, which is not acceptable for safety reasons.