Product category:
Machine Safety Components
News Release from: Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley Guardmaster ) | Subject: Lifeline 4 rope operated emergency stop switch
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 27 October 2000
Rope operated stop switch ideal for
conveyors
The combination of Guardmaster's Lifeline 4 rope operated emergency stop switch and universal rope tensioner system solves the problem of setting-up and maintaining protection along exposed conveyors
The unique combination of Guardmaster's Lifeline 4 rope operated emergency stop switch and universal rope tensioner system (LRTS) solves the time intensive problem of setting-up and maintaining protection along exposed conveyors, around awkward machinery, and indeed anywhere where a constant access emergency stop facility must be close at hand at distances up to 75m Employing the LRTS with the Lifeline 4 both simplifies and significantly speeds up the installation of rope operated emergency stop systems
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 17 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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No special skills nor tools are required, yet installations can be set-up and operational in as little as 3 minutes.
The effectiveness of these systems can then be maintained - even at maximum span - thanks to a rope status indicator which is integrated into the body of the Lifeline 4 emergency stop switch.
The flexibility of the LRTS universal tensioner means that it can be situated conveniently in a range of locations along the rope length.
Further reading
New safety standard has risk reduction benefits
The familiar EN954-1 "Safety of machinery: safety related parts of control systems", is the latest standard to come under the spotlight.
Ease of use is paramount in machine guarding
A safety system that is difficult to use is more liable to be removed or bypassed, and so difficult machine guarding problems require special consideration.
The tensioner has a high strength internal winding mechanism that has the capability to wind up to 300 mm of rope.
It also employs tough grippers which are designed to withstand three times the required force to tension the rope switch.
The LRTS has been subjected to extensive testing against the possibility of vibration affecting the rope actuator and causing nuisance tripping.
Moreover, when the LRTS is used with Guardmaster's Lifeline 4 emergency stop switch the user gets added protection against the problem of nuisance tripping.
This is due to the Lifeline 4's unique cam-action mechanism which ensures that switching is positive and immediate in response to a definite deflection.
This same mechanism also effects machine shutdowns and instant lockout if an operator should fall or is pushed against the wire rope The positive mode action of the Lifeline 4 is one of several major features that make it the switch the most versatile rope operated unit on the market.
In addition to its integrated rope status indicator and three sets of contacts (2 x NC for safety circuits and 1 N/O for auxiliary), the Lifeline 4 also includes a lid mounted, mushroom-headed emergency stop button which provides E-stop facility even at the extreme ends of the rope span.
The Lifeline 4 switches are designed to meet the stringent requirements of EN418 "Safety of Machinery - Emergency Stop Equipment.
They also conform to, EN292, ISO13850, EN60947-5-1 and BS5304.
Sealed against water and dust ingress to IP66, the Lifeline 4 switches are of rugged construction, being designed with a die cast alloy housing and stainless parts to withstand operation in harsh conditions.
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