Mechanical safety interlock switches couple a moveable guard door with the power source of the hazard. When the guard door is opened, the power is isolated, ensuring that the machine does not pose a hazard while an operator requires access. Mechanical safety interlock switches use several types of contacts. Positive-break contacts are normally closed (NC) electrical contacts which, upon actuation, are forced open by a non-resilient, mechanical drive mechanism. In the event of a mechanical failure such as the breakage of a spring or weld, the contact point remains in an activated position. True spring-actuated safety interlock switches are not considered to be positive-break devices. Mechanical safety interlock switches with normally open (NO) contact pairs and pairs of changeover contacts are also available. Typically, changeover contacts are used in single-pole double-throw (SPDT) devices.
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Products & Services Related to Mechanical Safety Interlock Switches
Emergency Stop Switches
Emergency stop switches are devices that users manipulate to initiate the complete shutdown of a machine, system, or process.
Intrinsic Safety Barriers
Intrinsic safety (IS) barriers are devices that limit the current, voltage, and total energy delivered to a sensor in a hazardous area or flammable environment in order to prevent an explosion.
Light Curtains
Light curtains are photoelectric transmitters that project an array of synchronized,parallel infrared light beams to a receiver unit. When an opaque object interrupts one or more beams, the light curtain controller sends a stop signal to the guarded machine. Light curtains are used as personal safety devices around hazardous machinery or for permiter guarding.
Noncontact Safety Interlock Switches
Noncontact safety interlock switches couple a moveable guard door with the power source of the hazard. For noncontact actuating interlock switches, the guard door is linked to the control circuit contacts via a magnetic or electronic field.
Safety Mats
Safety mats are presence-sensing devices used to guard a floor area around a machine or robot.
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