News & Events

SensaGuard RFID coded interlock switch family expands

When it comes to machine safety, Rockwell Automation knows that protection of personnel and equipment is a primary concern. At the same time, flexibility and productivity are points that must also be considered as engineers design safety systems. The new Allen-Bradley Guardmaster SensaGuard family of non-contact switches helps designers address these issues now.



With many additional features offering real application benefits, the new SensaGuard switches seem destined to increase the popularity of this family. One example offering such a benefit is the intelligent LED status indication mounted into the switch. This gives diagnostic information of each switch such as ‘operating okay’, ‘operating within tolerance but needs adjustment’ and ‘fault finding indication’ via flashing LEDs, all of which aids simple troubleshooting and assists with preventative maintenance.

Other features included are magnetic hold versions which help to reduce door chatter, and quick-connection options for quick installation or replacement. The switches also offer a feature which is sometimes overlooked: they do not need a dedicated SensaGuard safety control unit, resulting in lowered installed costs. The SensaGuard switches can be used with almost all safety controllers and can be connected in series maintaining a Category 4/SIL 3 rating of the system, even when other safety devices such as light curtains, E-stops and interlock switches are also in the series. This allows for the creation of a truly dynamic machine guarding solutions.

SensaGuard uses standard size mountings, making it easy to retrofit to existing installations and offers large ensured sensing distances - typically 15mm with the rectangular switches increasing to 25mm with barrel switches.

For more information, please e-mail us at: info_enews@ra.rockwell.com