our certified machinery safety expert - martin illston

The trapped key system works on the principle of releasing heavy duty coded mechanical keys in a pre-determined sequence to ensure machine power has been isolated before any access can be made into areas where hazards or dangerous machinery is present. <ul><li>All available in die cast or stainless steel <li>Up to 48 standard key codes available <li>Other custom key codes available on request <li>Sequential or non-sequential release</li></ul>

A Solenoid Interlock Switch is a safety device used to control the operation of machinery or equipment by preventing certain actions unless specific conditions are met. They integrate a solenoid, which is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field when energized, and a mechanical switch or lock that engages or disengages based on the solenoid's state. These switches are commonly used in industrial applications for ensuring safety, preventing unauthorised access, or protecting machinery from unsafe operations. Applications: Industrial Automation: Solenoid interlock switches are frequently used in manufacturing and automation systems where safety and precise control are critical. Safety in Hazardous Environments: These devices are found in machines or areas where access to dangerous equipment (such as presses, conveyors, or robotic arms) must be tightly controlled. Access Control: They can be used in doors or gates of control rooms, machinery areas, or data centers to ensure authorized personnel can only enter when it is safe to do so.

Non contact safety switches designed for door interlocking and monitoring on hinged, sliding and removable doors offering good tolerance to misalignment and able to withstand water, dirt and vibration making them more effective than traditional safety switches.

If you need both visible and acoustic signals, you don't need to buy two separate products. Auer have designed special devices which combine both requirements: Auer's audible-visual alarms.

Safety light curtains are a type of sensor used in industrial and automated environments to protect workers and machinery. They are designed to detect the presence of objects (like a human body or hand) in a hazardous area and stop or prevent machine operation if necessary, helping to avoid accidents or injuries. Here’s how they work and why they’re important: Functionality: Infrared Light Beams: Safety light curtains consist of two components: an emitter and a receiver. The emitter sends a series of infrared light beams across a designated area, and the receiver detects whether these beams are interrupted. When an object (such as a person or body part) crosses the beams, it triggers a signal that activates a safety response. Safety Response: The machine or equipment connected to the safety light curtain is typically programmed to stop, slow down, or enter a safe state when an interruption is detected. This prevents accidents by ensuring workers don't enter dangerous areas while the machine is in operation. No Physical Contact: Unlike traditional safety devices like guards or fences, safety light curtains don’t require physical barriers. This allows for greater flexibility in machine design and easier access to areas without compromising safety. Types: Type 2 Light Curtains: Provide basic safety for non-hazardous areas. Type 4 Light Curtains: Offer the highest level of safety and are often used in more hazardous environments or for more dangerous machines. Applications: Manufacturing: Protect workers from moving machinery, such as robotic arms or conveyor systems. Packaging Lines: Prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas of packaging machines. Automated Systems: Common in automated production lines, ensuring the safety of workers around automated machines and robots. Key Benefits: Prevent Injuries: Protects workers from being caught or harmed by moving parts of machines. Flexibility: Safety light curtains can be adapted to different types of machinery and layouts without the need for bulky physical barriers. Non-intrusive: They do not obstruct the workflow, allowing machines to continue operation smoothly, while still providing safety.

The sensing strip is made of conductive rubber, if the safety edge is pressed together there is a short-circuit and the control unit opens its safety outputs. Several sensing strips can be easily connected in series. OEM can supply parts only or a complete safety edge assembled to customer specifications. <ul><li>No mechanical components <li>Easy installation <li>Up to safety category 3 <li>IP67</li></ul>

An emergency stop switch (often abbreviated as E-stop) is a safety device used to immediately halt the operation of machinery, equipment, or systems in emergency situations. It is a crucial component in ensuring the safety of workers, operators, and the surrounding environment in industrial, commercial, and hazardous settings. Emergency stop switches are designed to stop a machine or system in a controlled and immediate manner to prevent accidents, damage, or injury.

Designed to be mounted on machines and sections of conveyors which cannot be protected by guards. In contrast to traditional mushroom head type emergency stop buttons, grab wire safety rope switches can initiate the emergency command from any point along the installed rope length and provide robust emergency stop rope pull protection for exposed conveyors or machines. <ul><li>Stainless steel or die cast metal <li>Patented tensioner/gripper accessory for ease of installation <li>IP67, IP69K <li>Optional dual colour LED for status indication from distance</li></ul>

Comprehensive range of safety relays for a wide variety of applications: safety switches and interlocks, light curtains, emergency stop buttons, etc. Wide voltage versions for mobile applications are also available. <ul><li>24Vac/dc, 230Vac, 8-36Vdc, and 12Vdc options <li>Standstill monitors <li>Two hand control relays <li>Safety Cat.3 (PLd) and Safety Cat.4 (PLe) versions available</li></ul>

Load break switches from Katko from 16-1600A. Multiple mounting options, and enclosed variants available.