Shaky machines guarded more safely

Guardmaster's new latch release version of its heavy duty, dual-channel MT-GD2 safety interlock, is designed for use on machines suffering problems of vibration or misaligned guards.

Guardmaster's new latch release version of its heavy duty, dual-channel MT-GD2 safety interlock, is designed for use on machines suffering problems of vibration or misaligned guards.

Intended primarily for direct fitment on machine guards, it prevents unplanned machine shut downs as a result of safety gates "vibrating" open.

Alternatively, it can be supplied with a chain-retained actuator for machines where safety gates have become misaligned.

The introduction of the MT-GD2 Latch Release version widens the range of user options for the MT-GD2, a safety interlock switch that already includes heavy duty performance, dual channel levels of safety for higher risk applications, five actuator types and eight possible actuator entry points, forced guided contacts and tamper-proof operation, in its performance specification.

The Latch Release builds upon these features with a flexible design that enables users to locate the mechanism either on the side, or the end of the MT-GD2 safety interlock switch - simply by unscrewing the unit and re-positioning it.

The mechanism itself is simple but effective.

When the guard or safety gate is closed, the actuator is manually inserted into the switch and locked into place by the latch mechanism.

It then remains locked until a button, integrated into the head of the latch, is pulled to effect release.

A self-ejecting key option prevents operation of the safety switch if its key actuator is not fixed to the guard door.

This stops tampering and means that operators with a spare key cannot easily override the switch.

Users of the robust MT-GD2 can avail themselves of two versions with either 3 (e.g 2 N/C + 1N/O) or 4 sets of contacts (e.g 3 N/C+1 N/O, 2N/C + 2N/O) contacts.

Both variants have industry standard DIN mounting holes and IP67 rated housings.

They also conform to EN 1088, EN 60947-5-1, EN 60204-1, EN 292 and EN50041 and include all the necessary safety related functions, such as forced guided contacts and a tamper resistant mechanism, which allow machinery to be safeguarded in full compliance with the European Machinery Directive.

Guardmaster is a world leader in the design and manufacture of machinery interlocking and safety monitoring systems.

As a member of EJA, which is part of Rockwell Automation, Guardmaster is able to offer complete and integrated safety and control systems, including guards, safety mats and machine interlocks, all of which find application in a wide range of industries worldwide.

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