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Non-contact interlock switches for SIL 3

Fourth Quarter 2008 Other technologies

Rockwell Automation has announced the launch of a range of non-contact interlock switches. The Allen-Bradley Guardmaster SensaGuard range has been designed to address customer requirements for security, flexibility, and productivity.

The SensaGuard product family of coded non-contact interlock switches is Category 4/SIL 3 rated and is intended for machine guarding with part or full body access. It is particularly suited to machines where multiple access doors must be monitored up to safety category 4/SIL 3. Featuring the latest generation of RFID technology for coding and inductive technology for sensing, the switches have a large sensing range and wide tolerance to misalignment. They offer a cost-effective solution in a wide range of industrial safety applications.

The interlock switch can be connected to many types of standard Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays via its two safety PNP outputs and one auxiliary PNP output. Connectable devices include the Minotaur MSR126, MSR127, MSR200/300 family, SmartGuard and Safety I/O blocks. Multiple actuator sizes allow for a large sensing distance – typically 15 to 25 mm. Both plastic and stainless steel versions carry an IP69K environmental rating and have integral electronic short circuit and over voltage protection. The stainless steel version is particularly suitable for use in hygiene-conscious, harsh or high-pressure wash-down environments typically found in the food and beverage and life science industries. Other typical applications for these switches include packaging, materials handling, printing, fibre and textiles.

The SensaGuard uses standard size mountings and proximity switch brackets, making it easy to retrofit to existing installations. The range’s Cat 4 /SIL 3 rating is maintained even when multiple units are connected in series. LED indicators located on the switch body give a visual indication of door status, and extended built-in diagnostics ease troubleshooting. A wide range of other Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety devices, such as light curtains, E-Stops and interlock switches, can also be easily connected in series to create dynamic machine guarding solutions.

For more information contact Jeff Sandison, Rockwell Automation, +27 (0)11 654 9700, [email protected], www.rockwellautomation.co.za



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