Posted to News on 21st Feb 2007, 12:25
Emergency stop switch connects to ASiSafe
Idec Electronics is introducing an emergency stop switch that can be connected to the AS-Interface Safety at Work network (ASiSafe). This contains the standard safety slave functions that can be monitored by any ASi Safety at Work Master unit.
The ASi Estop employs the XA (16mm hole fixing) and XW (22mm hole fixing) types that have improved safety features over conventional emergency stops: if the contact block is removed from the operator, the main NC contact will be forced to open. Also, on a conventional emergency stop when at the locked position, because of the internal spring pressure it can tend to move to the normal position if subject to excessive force or shock. With the XA/XW it works the other way; the energy tends towards the safe off position. If the contacts happen to be welded, the force applied to the button will always directly open the contact.
Idec can supply the ASi Estops in black/yellow control boxes that are the AS-Interface cable-piercing type or the M12 connector type.
These units comply with IEC 61508 SIL3 (Functional safety of electrical/electronic programmable electronic safety related systems) and EN 954-1 safety category 4 (Safety of machinery – Safety related parts of control systems).
