Tongue Solenoid Interlock Switches for Safety Engineering
What Are Tongue Solenoid Interlock Switches? Definition and Purpose Tongue Solenoid Interlock Switches are tamper-resistant safety components designed for leading edge industrial applications requiring robust…
What Are Tongue Solenoid Interlock Switches?
Definition and Purpose
Tongue Solenoid Interlock Switches are tamper-resistant safety components designed for leading edge industrial applications requiring robust position interlock detection. These devices use a mechanical tongue and a solenoid locking mechanism to enforce controlled access to hazardous zones. Common across automation systems, machine safety products, and simple machines, these safety interlock switches are ideal for machinery with sliding, hinged, or lift-off guards.
Each interlock switch contains safety contacts that activate or deactivate based on actuator entry positions. With options for dual entry slots and various actuator entry options, they support flexibility on switch operation and enhance the safety of personnel around movable guards. These are critical for risk assessment in high-performance safety applications.
Key Applications in Industry
From packaging machinery and injection molding machines to electricity metering systems and petrochemical industries, these interlock switches offer safe operation in hazardous environments. Their suitability for both domestic machinery and heavy machinery makes them a top choice across diverse industry applications. They are also ideal for machine guard doors, providing protection in automation cells and industrial motion control applications.
Key Features and Benefits
Solenoid Locking Mechanism
Solenoid Controlled Safety Interlock Switches provide electric locking via internal solenoids. These switches offer dual-channel safety monitoring and connect easily to channel safety monitoring relays. Real-time lock status feedback, solenoid status indicators, and auxiliary contacts are built-in. Options include models with dual actuator entry positions, conduit entry ports, and various power supply inputs.
With features like short, constant run-down times and protection against moisture ingress, their cam mechanism and positive mode thumbwheel operation deliver precise actuator detection and high mechanical reliability. Some versions include flat actuators, HF Actuators, or die-cast housings for increased durability.
Key/Tongue Actuation
These interlock switches use tongue- or key-operated safety interlock mechanisms with key entry slots. The actuator profile can be selected based on actuator entry options or head switch rotation needs. Tamper-resistant models prevent unauthorized access while offering a wide range of actuator entry positions. Safety interlocks with dual tongue entry points and switch entry apertures are available for enhanced mechanical protection.
Industry-Standard Mounting Options
Interlock switches come in a variety of housing styles such as compact housings, slim bodies, or plastic body enclosures. Their rotatable heads and adjustable head models support installation on left- or right-handed doors, and mounting to both hinged machine guards and lift-off guards. Housing material options include red polyester, stainless steel, and die-cast metal, each offering specific levels of enclosure protection.
Material and Construction Options
Red Polyester for General Use
High-specification red polyester options provide compact safety interlocks suitable for general use. These switches are lightweight yet durable, with IP-class protection and resistance to dust and fluids. Ideal for commercial safety applications or domestic environments.
316 Stainless Steel for Heavy-Duty Applications
Stainless Steel models—such as those in the K-SS Series—offer superior corrosion resistance and are designed for harsh environments. Their protection against moisture ingress and enclosure rating meets NEMA 6 and IP67 standards. Perfect for heavy-duty, rigorous applications such as beverage processing equipment and high-pressure chemical cleaning environments.
Electrical Configurations
2NC Safety Contacts
Configured with 2NC or 1NC safety contacts per unit, these interlock switches comply with contacts to IEC60947 and offer reliable feedback via pole contact blocks. Positive opening contacts enhance fault detection. Dual-channel safety monitoring relays ensure safety circuit redundancy, and auxiliary contacts assist in diagnostics.
Advanced RFID Technologies
Solenoid Controlled RFID Safety Interlock Switches feature flexible actuators and coded key systems. Options include Solenoid Controlled Safety Interlock Switches with real-time position interlock detection, resistant actuator mechanisms, and diagnostic protocols like Self-monitoring series-wiring or IO-Link Safety. Used in interlocks with guard locking and PLe ISO13849-1 or SIL3 EN62061-compliant systems.
Safety Output Features
Safety outputs allow communication with control boxes, PLCs, and safety timers. These switches include release functionality, LED diagnostics, choice of contact blocks, and wiring options via conduit openings or M20 conduit entries. Some models also offer overload protection, high-specification housing material, and various actuator entry designs.
Compliance with Safety Standards
Meeting Global Safety Regulations
Designed to meet EN62061 UL508 Safety Classification and applicable safety requirements, these switches ensure safety compliance across international safety codes. Standards include PLe and SIL3, making them suitable for high-risk and high-specification industrial environments.
Integrating Safety Certifications
All switches distributed by Venus Automation meet EN60947-5-1 standards, with product ranges verified for levels of protection, mechanical life, and enclosure ratings. Products are supported by consulting services for complete responsibility in selection and integration.
Various Models and Series
Allen-Bradley 440K Series Overview
Allen-Bradley’s 440K family includes the Centurion, Elf Miniature, and MT-GD2 models, each tailored for specific interlock safety switch applications. The Elf Miniature offers miniature housing design, while the Centurion series includes robust stainless steel bodies with tamper-resistant features. MT-GD2 features a T15-GD2 Tongue and adjustable heads for actuator entry flexibility.
Centurion, Elf Miniature, MT-GD2, and Trojan Models
These models support actuator entry via switch head or dual entry slots. The Trojan and MT-GD2 lines allow flexibility in actuator profiles and head versions. With options for switch entry apertures, rotatable heads, and actuator profile customisation, these switches adapt to any industrial environment.
Installation and Maintenance
Considerations for Installation
Installation includes aligning actuator entry positions, configuring contact configurations, and setting switch head orientations. Options for conduit entry and cover screws support customized mounting in automation systems. Compact housings and modular designs suit even the most sized spaces or awkward machine guard configurations.
Routine Maintenance Guidelines
Maintenance routines include checking tamper-resistant features, actuator alignment, and conduit openings. Mechanical reliability checks for key mechanism wear and switch entry cleanliness ensure continuous protection for operators. Consulting services from Venus Automation are available for individual application support and technical documentation.
Available Accessories
Electrical Accessories
Venus Automation provides a complete product range of accessories including auxiliary contacts, solenoid locking modules, pre-wired cables, and LED indicators. Additional options include control boxes for industrial electricity metering and Conduit Entry fittings.
Mechanical and Mounting Aids
Accessories include actuator guides, ergonomic actuators, dual actuator entry kits, and switch rotation adapters. These support various actuator entry options, including flat actuator or HFH actuator models, and provide robustness for machine guard locking configurations.
Enhancements for Specific Industries
Customizable Options for Versatile Use
Venus Automation offers interlock switches with a wide range of actuator profiles, enclosure ratings, and actuator entry flexibility. Options include adjustable heads, anti-tamper designs, plastic head or SS head configurations, and pole contact blocks. These choices accommodate applications from machine safety to electricity metering systems.
Adapting to Specialized Industrial Needs
Our Solenoid Controlled Safety Interlock Switches are adapted for everything from domestic machinery to industrial automation. We serve clients in chemical industries, packaging equipment manufacturing, and explosion-proof areas. With flexible actuator entry, switch operation modes, and reliable components, we help you maintain a safe working environment with complete flexibility.
