Safety switches with high level coding launched

The R-Type range of switches from Mechan combines 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing machine guard safety products with the latest in safety technology. “Non-contact operation makes the RSS switches easy to install and tolerant to misalignment,” says the company. “The solid state design is even more tolerant to shock and vibration, and provides single point switching, which makes for a simpler and more reliable machine guard interlock.”

Mechan’s unique coding technology allows for 4 billion possible codes. Should either part be lost or damaged, the teach-in facility allows for unlimited re-teaching, it adds.

Protection against manipulation, interference and defeat

“The additional security of the uniquely coded RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) operation offers protection against manipulation, interference and defeat, making them ideal for use in high-risk applications. These tamper-proof safety switches feature agent-resistant plastic or 316 stainless steel enclosures encapsulated with epoxy resin for a protection level of IP67/IP69K, ideal for use in wet, dusty and harsh environments.”

The RSS safety switches have up to 2 N/O contacts + 1 N/C contact; these are bi-di­rectional solid state or Relay outputs, along with built-in LED(s) for indication. When installed on a machine guard, the power is applied and the switch and actuator are brought within the speci­fied operating range, the N/O Outputs will be closed, the N/C Output will be open. When the actuator moves out of the operating range, the N/O Outputs will open, the N/C Output will close.

Highly versatile

The RSSR and RSSG can switch 2Amps at 24VDC/230VAC and work with most safety relays on the market. RDNK, RSSO and RSSK are designed to be connected to Mechan safety relays or any other safety relays on the market which has LOW inrush current.

The RSS safety switches can achieve type 4 high level coding, according to EN 14119 safety standard.

All switches and actuators are made to industry standards, as well as fixing centres, “which makes it easy for the customer to upgrade from low level coding to high level coding”.