fail-secure
English
Adjective
fail-secure (not comparable)
- Of a device: such that, if it fails, it does so in a way that will cause little or no harm to other devices and personnel.
Usage notes
The primary use of the term is with regards to security doors and motorized gates. A motor that has "fail-secure" capabilities will, in case of a power outage, be able to be opened by means of a supplied hand crank.