Posted to News on 4th Sep 2008, 11:40
High-integrity safety switch incorporates diagnostics
Allen-Bradley's SensaGuard family of RFID-coded, non-contact switches from Rockwell Automation offer flexibility and promote productivity, while also maintaining the safety of plant and personnel.
Richard Galera, marketing manager for Safety Components at Rockwell Automation, says: "Thanks to its industry-leading innovative technology, including a high safety rating, flexible design, extended diagnostics and RFID coding, SensaGuard improves safety and helps reduce troubleshooting time and machine wiring costs."
SensaGuard non-contact safety switches are Category 4 (EN 954-1)/SIL 3-rated, and TV functional safety approved to IEC 61508. Unlike lower-rated switches, the SensaGuard will shut down a machine if a failure occurs before there is a demand on the safety device - which improves machine operator safety. SensaGuard is suitable for machines where multiple access doors must be monitored up to a Safety Category 4 or SIL 3.
In addition, SensaGuard does not need a dedicated controller, enabling system designers to use one relay to support the entire safety system including light curtains, emergency stops and non-contact switches. Switches can be connected to a standard safety relay, such as the MSR126, MSR127, MSR200/300 family, SmartGuard and safety I/O blocks. This helps reduce machine wiring costs.
Diagnostics
SensaGuard also contains built-in diagnostic capabilities. Green LED lights let operators know a machine is running safely. If a failure occurs, the unit LED blinks red, alerting operators directly to the problem switch and helping to reduce troubleshooting and maintenance time.
Featuring RFID technology for coding and inductive technology for sensing, SensaGuard offers a large sensing range and tolerance to misalignment. It also features a variety of package styles (including tubular) and can be mounted with a standard bracket, which offers convenience and flexibility.
SensaGuard is suitable for a wide range of industrial safety applications in all manufacturing markets, including those that utilise high-pressure washdown, such as automotive, food, beverage, packaging and material handling industries. SensaGuard is IP69K environmental-rated and also offers short-circuit and overvoltage protection.
