When machinery does not stop immediately

A fail-safe timer and/or motion sensing locking key unit is designed to provide operator safeguarding on plant and process machinery that does not stop immediately.

Guardmaster Prosafe has increased the range of operations for its Prosafe trapped key interlock systems, with the introduction of a new electronic timed-delay unit.

The new unit is a fail-safe timer and/or motion sensing locking key unit, which is designed to provide operator safeguarding on plant and process machinery that does not stop immediately.

Many operations in manufacturing and processing require an elapsed time before entry to an enclosure can be allowed, or before parts can be removed.

The Guardmaster Prosafe electronic timed-delay unit ensures that the correct safety and operating procedures are adhered to in these instances, by trapping up to two interlocked keys for a preset time after a stop signal has been made.

When the set time has elapsed, the previously trapped key, or keys, can be withdrawn and used in the next sequence of operations.

If the machine has a variable run down time the timed-delay unit can be used as a zero speed or stop motion detector.

By the simple installation of optional sensors to detect metal moving parts, the release signal to the integral solenoid lock is delayed until all motion has ceased.

The operation is as per the failsafe timer, but upon isolation of mains power the sensors are activated and if motion is detected the unit does not commence its timing sequence.

When all motion ceases the timing sequence commences.

This is user selectable and can be from 1 second to 41 minutes.

The electronic timed-delay units have a direct drive mechanism to give the positive operation described in the "Safety of Machinery" standard BS EN 292.

They are available in both single key-out and two key-out configurations, both of which conform to standards EN292, EN1088 and EN 60947-5-1 and GSET-19.

The delay units are supplied in either panel mounted or IP65 enclosure versions and have weatherproof stainless steel dust caps to protect the operating mechanism when the key, or keys, are removed.

In common with all Guardmaster Prosafe key interlocks, the timed-delay units are supplied with easy-to-clean replaceable code barrels.

This means that new keys can be introduced into the system quickly, should the original ones be lost, and there is no need to keep a complete set of spare keys.

Typical applications where the timed-delay unit can provide enhanced safeguarding include CNC controlled machine tools, mechanical handling and conveyor equipment, food process machinery and bakery equipment, rubber and plastic process machinery and chemical and refining plant.

Guardmaster's Prosafe range is fully inclusive, satisfying the bulk of mechanical interlocking requirements with a series of complementary products, including isolators, key exchange units, integral valve interlocks and lock out/tag out devices, all of which employ the same dependable key principle and are tested to 100,000 operations (equivalent to 27 years service at 10 operations per day.) Further details of the new Guardmaster Prosafe range are contained within a new catalogue, which is also available on mini-CD for maximum convenience.

Copies of both the catalogue and CD can be obtained by phoning EJA's marketing department on: 01942 255166.

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