What does a 'by-passed' critical component indicate?

A 'by-passed' critical component is one that is intentionally rendered inactive or not engaged during normal operations. This designation indicates that the component, while critical to the weapon system’s overall safety and functionality, could pose a risk to the system or safety protocols if it were to be activated or manipulated inadvertently. It reflects an understanding that the potential for an unsafe condition exists with respect to that component, highlighting the importance of controlling access and ensuring that the component is not tampered with during regular operations.

In contrast, components that have been upgraded for operational efficiency or are considered non-essential to the weapon system would not typically be categorized as 'by-passed.' Similarly, a component that remains inactive but is not linked to a risk upon activation would not carry the same implications of risk, making the focus on safety paramount when discussing by-passed components.