Safety block added to 800kW drive

Safety option uses redundant signals to remove power from the output IGBT power transistors, disabling the motor and hence the driven machine's ability to move, until it is deemed safe to do so.

Rockwell Automation has extended its range of Safe-off drives by offering the Driveguard safety product as an option on the Powerflex 700S AC Drive; it was already available as an option on the Allen-Bradley Powerflex 70 general-purpose AC drive.

Compliant with EN954-1 category three, the Safe-off feature of Driveguard disables the motor and hence the driven machine's ability to move, until it is deemed safe to do so.

Driveguard uses redundant signals to remove power from the output IGBT power transistors.

This is achieved by a hardwired enable signal and a positive-guided relay.

The relay provides feedback to the safety system regarding the status of the drive.

This ensures a high integrity means of removing power from a motor, and preventing it from restarting until the Safe-off option is satisfied.

It is particularly relevant in applications that are classified as medium to high risk.

It replaces the traditional two-contactor safety system, with all the associated wiring, cost and complexity that this entails.

With Driveguard available on 700S, OEMs and end users can benefit from a high powered drive with advanced safety features built-in.

The drive is rated from 0.75 to 800kW at 400 to 690V and is suitable for applications that require accurate open-loop speed regulation.

This is part of an ongoing effort at Rockwell to harmonise standards and make it easier for users world-wide to build functional safety features into their machines by zoning.

Zoning creates a safe area to allow a portion of the production line to slow or stop while the rest of the line remains active.

The safety hazard, whether a minor malfunction of line equipment or an obstruction, can be removed or corrected without taking the entire line down.

This eliminates lengthy production shut downs and worker downtime.

When the hazard is cleared, the line can quickly return to normal operation.

The 700S Driveguard meets worldwide power ratings, packaging requirements and electromagnetic compatibility criteria, and is CSA/cUL certified, UL listed, and CE marked.

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