Overview of Mechan Controls Company background Mechan Controls is a globally recognized leader in machine safety, known for manufacturing a complete range of coded, magnetic,…
Overview of Mechan Controls
Company background
Mechan Controls is a globally recognized leader in machine safety, known for manufacturing a complete range of coded, magnetic, and non-contact safety switches. As a British designer and manufacturer of safety systems with an enviable reputation for innovation, their safety technologies have been deployed in thousands of applications across the globe.
Commitment to industrial safety
With a focus on functional safety, Mechan has developed products compliant with international safety standards such as SIL3, CAT4, PL-e, and IEC EN 61508:2010. These tamper-resistant and reliable safety systems are engineered to handle harshest environments, including oily, dusty, and wash-down areas, making them ideal for modern production environments in the food, beverage, packaging, and bulk industries.
Coded Safety Systems
Definition and importance
Coded safety systems involve switch and actuator configurations where only specific coded signals can trigger the switch—offering improved security, tamper proofing, and reliable operation. These systems support solid state safety outputs, auxiliary contact options, and fast fault diagnosis, delivering outstanding reliability in demanding environments.
Key products in the lineup
Mechan’s product range includes the F-Series safety switches, ISIS Safety switches, and solid-state coded magnetic safety switches like the HE-Series and RSS-Series. Safety control units like the CM1, SCU1, and master control unit provide advanced control logic integration and compatibility with downstream control logic systems.
Applications and benefits
Mechan Controls’ coded systems are the ideal solution for machine guard safety products, including locking machine guard applications and safety interlock systems. They offer dual colour LED status indication, volt-free contacts, pre-wired cable options, and ABS or stainless steel housings. Their quick disconnect and modular form factors also simplify installation and maintenance.
Non-Contact Safety Switches
How they work
Non-contact safety switches use magnetic or RFID technology to detect actuator presence without mechanical engagement. Mechan’s controls – contactless safety switches are resilient to gate wear and provide consistent performance across a range of switching distances and frame sizes.
Advantages over traditional switches
Advantages include increased usage rate, tamper resistance, and Fit & Forget – Safety installation. Their resin-encapsulated build and robust operating range allow operation in humid, dusty, and wet areas. They are engineered for precise operation and support quick fault identification through LED indicators.
Industry applications
These non-contact magnetically operated switches serve industries such as beverage, canning, and packaging, supporting standalone safety switches or integration into electronic safety switch systems. They’re optimized for machine safety, harsh environments, and safety applications demanding frequent access and high reliability.
RFID Safety Switches
Technology behind RFID switches
Radio frequency identification technology allows Mechan’s RFID safety switches to validate actuator identity. Standalone, non-contact RFID safety switches support individual codes or generic coding, depending on the security requirement.
RSS-Series overview
The RSS-Series, including RSSG, RSSK, and RSSR, features quick disconnect options, volt-free contact outputs, and solid-state switching capabilities. These switches support safety switch inputs, external relay monitoring circuits, and come with Grade Stainless Steel or ABS housing options.
Security and compliance standards
With diagnostics coverage and LED status indication, these RFID switches are compliant with CAT4, PL-e, and ISO 13849-1:2015 installations. They’re designed for secure safety systems, with tamper-resistant coding options and improved security for unauthorized overriding prevention.
Magnetic Safety Switches
Principles of magnetic switching
Magnetic safety switches like the Magnasafe series and ISIS magnetic switches rely on special reed switches or hall sensors to detect coded magnetic fields. This ensures a high level of safety with no mechanical contact, making them highly suitable for physical guard and machine guard applications.
Magnasafe series features
Mechan Magnasafe models such as MS21 and MS6 are available in stainless steel or ABS plastic housings, offering IP Rating IP67/IP69K, solid state outputs, and dual colour LED indicators. These switches meet requirements CAT and offer robust design for external use applications and dusty or humid environments.
Applications and usage scenarios
They are frequently used in packaging industry equipment, gate switches, and electric machines where electronic switching is preferred. Optional features like spare actuators, DIP switch configuration, and 10-metre pre-wired cable lengths provide flexibility for integrators.
Product Range Highlights
S-Type solutions
Mechan S-TYPE switches are compact magnetic safety switches that support non-contact operation and are tailored for machines with limited installation space. They include plastic housing and stainless steel variants for different risk zones.
HE-Series advantages
The HE-Series combines robust magnetic switching with solid-state contact safety switch system design. Available in 2NO + 1NC configurations, these devices are built for term reliability and usage in high-demand industrial environments.
Compatibility with safety standards
Mechan Controls products conform to a variety of safety standards including ISO 14119, ISO 13849-1, and are suitable for machine safety, machine guarding, and demanding industrial safety applications. Safety contacts, volt-free contacts, and diagnostic-ready output configurations are supported across their complete range.
Distribution and Availability
Role of partners like ExpertElectrical.co.uk
Mechan Controls partners with distributors like ExpertElectrical.co.uk to deliver safety switch systems and accessories across international markets. Through these partners, a wide variety of Product Types such as S-Type, B-Type, and F-Type coded safety switches are made easily available.
Accessibility of products globally
With an abundance of products in stock, Mechan’s range of safety sensors, controllers, and switches can be shipped globally. Whether you’re searching for a magnetic safety switch with a slim-line control unit or a modular safety controller, their global supply chain ensures rapid response.
Contacting Mechan Controls for inquiries
For installation guides, correct installation advice, quote options, or selection of safety relays and controllers, contact Mechan Controls directly or via authorized partners. Mechan also offers guidance on control module options, contact configurations, and installation formats for integration into electronic safety systems.
