Better safeguarding from non-contact unit

A Rockwell Automation - Allen-Bradley Guardmaster product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 1, 2001

The introduction of Guardmaster's new Sipha 6 control unit means that its unique Sipha safety switch system can now offer machine builders and users even greater levels of operator safeguarding

The introduction of Guardmaster's new Sipha 6 control unit means that its unique Sipha safety switch system can now offer machine builders and users even greater levels of operator safeguarding, improved guard monitoring and easier machine integration, particularly on larger and/or more complicated machines where multiple guard interlock functions and higher, dual channel levels of safety, may be required.

The Sipha 6 improves upon the unique functionality of the magnetically coded Sipha system to deliver unmatched levels of non-contact reliability, protection against defeat by tampering and fail safe operation.

The unit achieves this by enabling the individual monitoring of up to six safety interlocks, each with its own status indication, from a single control unit.

For the OEM machine builder, this facility is extremely convenient; it simplifies installation and is extremely cost effective.

More importantly, it enables the Sipha system to maintain a Category 3 rating (i.e a single fault in any of its parts does not lead to the loss of safety function) under the harmonised European Standard EN945-1 "Safety of Machinery - Safety Related Parts of Control Systems".

The Sipha 6 control unit builds upon the ability of the Sipha system to accept misalignment of its actuator and sensor.

The latter feature is extremely important as it means that the safety switch can make allowances for guards, which become out-of-line as a result of wear.

Now, with the addition of a time delay output, the Sipha 6 can achieve even more.

Manually adjustable between 0-15 seconds, the time delay function expands the capabilities of the Sipha system by providing an additional output signal that can be used for emergency stopping, under control, and for interfacing with PLCs and industrial PC controllers.

As well as providing added functionality, the Sipha 6 control unit offers the customer considerable flexibility in machine safety circuit design.

In addition to the three types of Sipha sensors, the control unit also allows mechanical interlock switches and emergency stop push buttons to be connected.

This high level of functionality is further complemented by the provision of the six inputs.

These enable the Sipha to function in true dual channel safety systems, providing added levels of operator safeguarding, and the ability to replace a safety relay if the customer requires.

Both the standard Sipha, and its more robust sister product for arduous environments, the Sipha GD2, offer performance that is equivalent to, or better than, most mechanical safety interlocks.

They are the ideal safety switches for use in hygienic orientated industries (food, pharmaceuticals, semi-conductors) and harsh environments where electro-mechanical switches can give problems.

Sipha's encapsulated, IP67 and IP68 (GD2) sensors and actuators are designed to cope with the high pressure hose downs which are common in the food industry, and with operating environments which are extremely dusty.

Both the standard and the heavier duty Sipha GD2 safety switches are independently third party certified by TUV and UL.

They conform to CE requirements and comply with EN 1088, EC/FDIS 60947-5-3, EN954 and VDE0660 (part 209).