driftsläge

Driftsläge is a Swedish term commonly translated as "operating mode" or "operational state." It denotes the current functional condition of a system, machine, installation or process and describes how that entity is intended to behave under given circumstances.

The concept applies across fields such as industrial automation, information technology, energy systems, transportation and building management. Typical driftslägen include normal operation, standby, startup, shutdown, maintenance, degraded operation and emergency or safe mode. Each mode is defined by specific settings, allowed actions, performance targets and safety constraints.

In control and safety engineering, driftslägen are implemented through state machines, logic controllers and human-machine interfaces. Transitions between modes are triggered by operator commands, scheduled procedures, sensor inputs or automated diagnostics, and are often governed by interlocks and permission checks to prevent unsafe changes. Monitoring of driftsläge uses status indicators, logs and alarms to provide traceability and support fault analysis.

Effective management of driftslägen contributes to system reliability, safety, energy efficiency and regulatory compliance. Clear definitions, documented transition procedures and training reduce the risk of human error during mode changes. The term is related to concepts such as operational profile, service state and fault-tolerant operation, and is a fundamental element in the design and operation of complex technical systems.