Volt-free, standalone RFID safety switches for machine guards

Mechan recognised the limited range of housings available on the market for RFID safety switches and decided to create five different styles with the same footprint as safety switches based on other technologies; this makes installing the new RFID switches on existing machines hassle-free.

However, this was only half the battle. Unlike other RFID switches on the market that use OSSD outputs, Mechan has made the RSS range standalone by using volt-free contacts. This means the switches can be connected to most safety relays on the market, not just those that work only with OSSD outputs.

Going one step further, Mechan has designed the RSSG and RSSR output contacts to switch 3A at 24V DC and 230V AC, meaning that customers are not restricted in terms of where they can enhance the protection of machine guards.

The RSS-Series switches are capable of being programmed with up to 4 billion unique codes; this makes having two actuators with the same code almost impossible. If either part is broken, a device can be purchased that allows the user to "re-code' the new actuator with the switch and vice versa.

Each safety switch incorporates two safety contacts and one auxiliary contact, as well as a dual-colour LED for guard switch status indication. The LED is fully encapsulated within the switch and does not affect the integrity of the IP67 and IP69K rating.

Mechan's new RFID switches meet the strict hygiene and cleaning requirements necessary for applications in the food and packaging industry. The tamper-proof technology complies with EN ISO 14119 to type 4 high-level code, making them suitable for areas where extra security is essential. The RSS-Series switches have been independently tested and approved by TUV and UL to Category 4, SIL3 and PLe.

Follow the link to find out more about the RSS-Series RFID safety switches; for other products from Mechan Controls go to www.mechancontrols.com. Alternatively, contact the company by email at [email protected] or telephone +44 (0)1695 722 264 (please mention MachineBuilding.net). Site visits can also be arranged with live demonstrations of working products.