Mechan introduces O-Type range of safety switches

The O-Type range from Mechan combines over 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing machine guard safety products with the latest in safety technology. The O-Type switches can be connected in series maintaining PL-e status.

With dual RGB indication and overhanging LEDs for visibility in all mounting positions, the O-Type safety switches have been designed with customers’ needs in mind. With two LEDs on each switch the O-Type is able to provide visual diagnostics for all state of the device:

• Red: Displays that there is power to the switch. No actuator present.
• Green: Displays that there is power to the switch and the status of the OSSD outputs.
• Yellow: Displays the status of the inputs. ODNK – detects the coding of the actuator. OHE1 – detects misalignment.
• Blue: Displays the status of the EDM function. Automatic or manual reset.
• Purple: Displays that the switch is in teach mode (17V DC).

The OSSG and ODNK both switch on two faces whereas the OHE1 only has one operating face. All actuators can approach the switches from left to right or right to left.

The O-Type safety switches have a feature that will show the user if the switch is not aligned correctly. All O-Type switches have a ±4mm misalignment capability.

EDM Function

The O-Type switches can be used with a feature called EDM (external device monitoring). This means you can monitor the state of contactors or safety relays in order to detect failure of the external device. The two OSSD outputs from the last sensor are used to monitor the external device, maintaining PL-e according to EN ISO 13849-1.

This solution allows the user to eliminate the need for a safety monitoring device such as a Safety Relay or PLC. If the switch is configured for monitored reset, the last switch will indicate the status of the reset circuit/external device with a blue LED. Once the system has been reset, the blue LED will turn off.