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Compact dual-channel safety interlock switch

A Rockwell Automation - Allen-Bradley Guardmaster product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 27, 2001

Designers looking to achieve the improved safety integrity levels mandated in IEC61508 and IEC62061 now have a solution with the Trojan T15 dual-channel safety interlock switch

Designers looking to achieve the improved safety integrity levels (SIL) mandated in IEC61508 and IEC62061, but without compromises in terms of cost and space, now have the perfect solution with Guardmaster's new Trojan T15, dual-channel safety interlock switch.

The Trojan T15 is a true "designers switch", integrating two sets of safety contacts and positive mode reliability in a tough and purposeful design that is just 75mm long, yet provides ample space for wiring.

The new shorter Trojan T15 allows machinery to be safeguarded in full compliance with European standards EN 1088, EN 60947-5-1, EN 60204-1 and EN 292.

Developed to meet both the current and future requirements of the safety system designer, it provides the essential characteristics required from a small safety interlock switch, such as dual channel operation for higher levels of safety, forced guided contacts and a tamper resistant mechanism, without incurring cost or size penalties for functions that are not required.

The latest development of Guardmaster's market -leading Trojan range, the Trojan T15 is a tongue operated safety interlock switch, designed to fit at the opening edge of sliding, hinged or lift-off guards.

A 180o rotatable head, movable only by releasing the cover screws, gives the Trojan T15 four actuator entry points with only two actuator slots.

This makes the unit extremely versatile for installation purposes.

In addition, the provision of an entry plug with each switch enables the Trojan's unused slot to be sealed, preventing dirt and debris from contaminating the switch mechanism.

The Trojan T15 is encased in a tough plastic housing which is IP67 rated to allow for the high-pressure hose downs that are routinely undertaken in the food industry and in other hygienically sensitive areas.

Providing high functionality at very competitive cost, the Trojan T15 is available in two model types, with M20 and PG11 conduit entries, both of which can be conveniently sited in one of three optional positions, on the side or the end of the safety switch.

The Trojan T15 design provides additional operational safeguards to users with a "Self-Ejecting" key option that 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.

Also adding to the functionality of the new safety switch is a "Key Retain" option.

This is essential in applications where latches would otherwise be required, to prevent the unplanned machine shutdowns that occur when vibration is present and causes guard doors to open unexpectedly.

For operation in more demanding applications a GD2 version of the Trojan T15 is also available.

This unit, in common with the whole of Guardmaster's GD-2 range of products, is designed to provide extra robustness, leading to prolonged operating life.

The key features of the Trojan T15-GD2 are a stainless steel head and integrated actuator guide.

Together, these improve the mechanical alignment and mechanical life of the safety switch under arduous operating conditions.