Electronically coded safety switches are sealed to IP67
Posted to News on 27th Mar 2008, 20:23

Electronically coded safety switches are sealed to IP67

Mechan Controls is extending its SSS range of electronically coded non-contact safety switches with the introduction of two new models - the SSR and the SSC. The new units build upon the proven track record of the original SSS switch, which protects staff by ensuring that equipment cannot be started unless the machine guards are securely closed, and by stopping the equipment if any attempt is made to open a guard while production is in progress. All products in the SSS range are tamper-resistant and can only be operated by means of an electronically coded actuator.

Electronically coded safety switches are sealed to IP67

Like the SSS (left of photo), the SSR (right of photo) is IP67 rated and is capable of switching up to 2A at 230V AC, but the new unit is now available with dual colour LED indication and up to three contacts - two safety and one auxiliary. This switching capability means the SSS can work with most safety relays and removes the need for buying a separate switch-specific safety control module. Moreover, the dual LEDs are driven by the control circuit within the switch, so there can be no false indication. As a result, the SSR achieves a Category 3 safety rating (as per EN 954-1).

A similar configuration is adopted by the SSC safety switch (centre of photo), which is capable of switching 500mA and has two contacts - one normally open and one normally closed. Like the other products in the range, it eliminates the threat of false indication and operates as a standalone tamper-proof system without the need for a specific control unit.

Fully encapsulated

Manufactured with ABS housings, the SSR and SSC both feature a 10mm switching distance and are tolerant of misalignment. The switch and actuator are fully encapsulated, so the units are highly robust and operate reliably in wet and/or dusty conditions and in environments that are regularly subjected to high-pressure wash-downs.

The SSR switch measures 92x24.5x23mm and the actuator is slightly narrower, while the SSC is a marginally smaller product, with the switch measuring 82.5x19x19mm. Both operate normally within a temperature range of -10 to +55degC and withstand vibration and shock of up to 50""100Hz/10'g'.

Designed and manufactured in the UK by Mechan Controls, the SSS range suits a wide range of applications, affording increased levels of security and the long-term reliability typically expected from electronic safety systems.

Further details about the new products and Mechan's other high-performance safety switches can be obtained by visiting the company's new website at www.mechancontrols.com.


Mechan Controls Ltd

14/16 Seddon Place
Stanley Industrial Estate
WN8 8EB
UNITED KINGDOM

+44 (0)1695 722264

Bosch Rexroth ABSSAC Ltd Mechan Controls Ltd Procter Machine Safety SICK (UK) LTD Pilz Automation Ltd Phoenix Contact Ltd Dold Industries Ltd Micro Epsilon UK Limited AutomateUK Smartscan Ltd Euchner (UK) HARTING Ltd Heidenhain (GB) Ltd Spelsberg Els UK Ltd Kawasaki Robotics (UK) Ltd Rittal Ltd PI (Physik Instrumente) Ltd STOBER Drives Ltd AutomateUK Machinesafe Compliance Ltd WEG (UK) Ltd Murrelektronik Ltd Aerotech Ltd Leuze electronic Ltd FATH Components Ltd Servo Components & Systems Ltd M Buttkereit Ltd