SPS Machine Protection Tests and Incidents in 2007

In 2007 the SPS started up with new hardware and software interlock systems for the ring and the extraction lines. The enhanced diagnostics provided by the new systems has been used extensively for tests, day-today operation and incident diagnostics. During the SPS run three machine protection incidents have been recorded with the slow extracted fixed target beam. While two incidents had no direct consequence on accelerator equipment, the third incident resulted in damage to an electrostatic separator. This note summarizes the incidents and the follow up actions that resulted from them.