Introduction to Safety Switches Overview of Industrial Safety Solutions Euchner’s safety switches and modules form a crucial line of defense in modern industrial applications, offering…
Introduction to Safety Switches
Overview of Industrial Safety Solutions
Euchner’s safety switches and modules form a crucial line of defense in modern industrial applications, offering a wide range of solutions from electromechanical to non-contact and transponder-coded safety switches. These components enforce safety functions across automated systems, safeguarding personnel and equipment in industries such as packaging, material handling, and robotics. Designed for durability and compliance, Euchner devices feature auxiliary release, safety outputs, monitoring output, insulation voltage protection, and quick mounting options. Their flexibility supports connection types including cable glands, cable end sleeves, and plug connectors.
Importance of Safety Switches in Industrial Environments
Safety switches help prevent access to hazardous zones during machine operation. With guard lock monitoring, safe outputs (FO1A), and support for direct connection to higher-level control systems, these devices enable real-time safety assurance. Complying with EN ISO 13849-1 and EN IEC 62061, Euchner switches are engineered for quick module replacement, mechanical life of millions of cycles, and operation in applications requiring risk time optimization and discrepancy time detection.
Types of Safety Switches
Transponder-coded Safety Switches
CES and CKS series transponder-coded safety switches offer non-contact actuation, RFID authentication, and tamper resistance. Built for Category 4 / PL e systems, they enable output type flexibility, auxiliary release, and compatibility with submodules such as MSM-1-K and MSM-C. Their design supports closed-circuit current principle operation and safe integration into multifunctional systems.
Magnetically Coded Safety Switches
Magnetic proximity switches offer a hygienic, compact solution with protection against manipulation. These magnetic non-contact safety interlock switches are well-suited to food and beverage settings. They support output voltage monitoring, reverse polarity protection, and easy integration using plug connector M8, cable with plug connector, and cable lengths tailored for rail mounting and tight installation spaces.
Electromechanical Safety Switches
Euchner’s electromechanical safety switches with guard locking provide robust mechanical interlock with solenoid operating voltage. They feature mechanical actuation, switch with guardlocking functionality, and compatibility with safety relay ESM-BA. Common in conveyor systems and industrial doors, these devices meet stringent safety level and switching current standards while supporting auxiliary contacts and safety door protection devices.
Advanced Features of Euchner Switches
Multifunctional Gate Box MGB2 Modular Systems
The MGB2-L1 safety door protection device includes enabling switches, illuminated pushbuttons, key-operated rotary switches, and mushroom pushbuttons. It supports quick module replacement, expansion for modules, and integration with safety controllers. With guard lock monitoring, safety inputs and outputs, and automatic lockout mechanisms, the MGB2 enhances operational safety. Submodule options include MSM-1-P, MSM-1-N, and MSM-C for rapid configuration.
Technical Specifications
Electrical Connection Values
Euchner switches support DC-13 24 V 150 mA, various power supply types, insulation voltage requirements, and switching frequency control. Connection cables use plug connector formats with cable entry and exit compatibility. Reverse polarity protection, pulse duration, and cable gland configuration ensure safety across a wide range of connection types.
Mechanical and Functional Data
Engineered for extended mechanical life and high switching capability, Euchner switches operate reliably in demanding environments. With IP-rated degree of protection, rail mounting, and plate for evaluation modules, they meet IEC 60947-5-3 and DC-13 utilization category. Safety outputs and monitoring outputs ensure accurate status updates, even under high operational loads.
Safety Standards and Compliance
Adherence to EN ISO 13849-1
All Euchner safety switches support Category 4 / PL e safety level, ensuring safe outputs and reliable functional redundancy. They are tested for use in industrial applications where quick mounting and closed-circuit current principle operation are critical.
Compliance with EN IEC 62061
Compliant with IEC 62061 and EN ISO 14119, Euchner products are documented through declarations of conformity and Betriebsanleitung Sicherheitssysteme MGB2-L1 manuals. Support for output type classification, pulse interval control, and monitoring output integration meets the requirements of modern safety regulations.
Integration in Industrial Systems
Series Connection Solutions
Series connection using passive distribution modules and submodules enables simplified wiring and modular expansion. With auxiliary release, connection cross support, and protection against manipulation, these devices maintain a high safety level and operate under principle closed logic.
Compatibility with Control Systems
Euchner switches are suitable for integration into Siemens ET 200SPDoc systems and other PLC architectures. Using module plug connectors, cable with plug connector, and direct connection logic, they support easy system expansion and feature slide-in label slots for clear identification.
Enhancing Machine Safety
Preventing Uncontrolled Interventions
With automatic lockout bar, auxiliary release, AE-K-A1-DULK1-84177 locking options, and release for safety switch integration, Euchner systems prevent tampering. Pulse interval monitoring and output voltage diagnostics further enhance safety functions.
Ensuring Reliable Interlocking of Safety Gates
Switches with guard locking and magnetic safety switch variants ensure secure interlocking in devices such as the MGB2-BR. Controlled release monitoring and hold force status provide feedback to the higher-level control system, ensuring safe gate operation.
Application Examples and Accessories
Use Cases in Industrial Environments
Euchner safety switches are deployed in industrial applications such as robotic arms, automated production lines, and packaging machines. Application examples include securing safety guards, controlling machine restarts, and managing emergency stop circuits. Their flexible output types and safe outputs support diverse safety controller configurations.
Mounting and Labeling Accessories
Euchner provides adhesive labels, slide-in labels, and mounting plates for evaluation modules. These enhance modular flexibility, ease of identification, and quick module replacement. Additional accessories like key-operated rotary switches and holders for rod lock ensure precise alignment and customization.
Environmental Durability and Operating Performance
These switches are designed for harsh industrial applications with features like automatic lockout mechanisms, reverse polarity protection, and rail mounting. High degree of protection ensures resistance against dust, moisture, and debris. Devices operate reliably with a long mechanical life and high switching frequency.
