Product category:
Safety relays, interlocks, control systems, electrical components
News Release from: IFM Electronic | Subject: Fail-safe inductive proximity switch
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 November 2004
Fail-safe proximity switches used for
safety
Fail-safe inductive proximity switches can be used in a safety application instead of a mechanical device so avoiding coded magnets, hardened steel or specially shaped actuators.
Ever wished you could use a proximity switch in a safety application instead of a mechanical device? Fed up with coded magnets and hardened steel or specially shaped actuators? Well now that dream is a reality! At last there is such a thing as a fail-safe inductive proximity switch IFM Electronic, the market leaders renowned for their constant innovation, bring you the first inductive sensor that can be used in a Category 4 (EN954-1) or SIL 3 (EN61508) situation
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 3 Jun 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Inductive proximity sensors made for metalworking
Proximity sensors from ifm electronic are designed to resist contact with metal components and have a long-lasting anti-spatter coating.
Sensor detects pump cavitation and stoppages
IFM Electronic's has developed a pump diagnostic pressure sensor that continuously monitors and detects cavitation, trapped air and blockages.
The GM504S is constructed with full redundant and diverse internal circuits, certified by the TÜV Rhineland, but otherwise has all the advantages of an inductive sensor: with no moving parts, IP67, standard M12 connector etc Now you may think an inductive sensor which needs no special target would be easy to defeat - but that would defeat the object of safety! The target may be nothing special, but its position in the right place at the right time is what counts.
When the target is present, any other piece of metal between the switch and the target will cause the output to switch off.
Setting the unit is not difficult either, because the LED helps in adjustment, while incorporating a delay to befuddle the fiddlers.
Further reading
Rotational speed monitor is programmable
Programmable speed monitor that suits a variety of industrial automation applications is designed for rotational speed applications up to 18,000 pulses/min.
Open new vistas in optical sensing
New laser photocells in high-grade stainless steel housing.
To operate, the fail-safe switch from ifm electronic is connected to an external controller with safe outputs, though it could equally be connected to a safety PLC running approved software, and IFM Electronic also offer a safety slave for AS-interface Safety at Work with the controller built in, capable of monitoring eight GM504S simultaneously.
Functional safety is assured with the ifm electronic fail-safe inductive system; coil damage, component health, cross-monitoring, short-circuit protection - all aspects are continuously checked by a test pulse from the controller or PLC.
Any fault, at any time is instantly signalled.
IFM Electronic specialises in the application of advanced electronic technology to produce innovative and effective solutions for industrial control applications.
Products include flow sensors; pressure transmitters and switches; temperature switches and transmitters; capacitive, inductive and photoelectric proximity sensors; and a full range of AS-i I/O modules and masters.
IFM Electronic is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from IFM Electronic products. Request a free brochure from IFM Electronic ...
• IFM Electronic: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
