System and method for interconnecting nodes of a redundant computer system

An interconnect system connects two drawers of a redundant computer system, wherein each drawer contains a redundant node of the computer system. A first signal source and a first signal preventer are operatively associated with a first drawer of the two drawers. A second signal source and a second signal preventer are operatively associated with a second drawer of the two drawers. Each of the two drawers has a connection interface that includes a plurality of terminals connected to a redundant node of the drawer. A redundant system may be provided by connecting the connection interfaces with a connector. The connecter is further configured to connect the first signal source to the second signal preventer, and the second signal source to the first signal preventer, thereby signaling each drawer that the computer system may be operated in a redundant mode. If the connector is disconnected, the connection between the first signal source and the second signal preventer, and between the second signal source and the first signal preventer, are also disconnected, thereby signaling each drawer that the computer system cannot be operated in a redundant mode.