What is the primary purpose of interlocking appliances with the mechanical air supply system?

Interlocking appliances with the mechanical air supply system primarily serves to prevent the production of carbon monoxide. This safety feature ensures that an adequate supply of air is available for combustion, which is crucial in any appliance that burns fuel. Without sufficient air, combustion can become incomplete, leading to the buildup of carbon monoxide – a dangerous and potentially lethal gas.

By interlocking the air supply with the appliance, the system can monitor and control the airflow, ensuring that the appliance operates safely and efficiently. This mechanism helps maintain healthy air quality in the environment where the appliance is used and protects against hazardous situations that could arise from poor combustion.

While energy efficiency, proper ventilation, and enabling main burner operation are important aspects of mechanical systems, they are secondary to the critical need for safety and prevention of carbon monoxide production which the interlocking design primarily addresses.