Trapped key solution

As part of its continuous improvement programme, Uniq replaced the electrical safety switches on its bacon slicer with a panelmounted KSSE20 multi-key solenoid-controlled switch and four AI access interlocks. The switches had been prone to misalignment, with each incident requiring an engineer and typical downtime of half an hour. Not only have Castell's heavy-duty interlocks resolved this issue, but their stainless steel construction makes them more suited to the daily hosing down given to the machine.

When access to the bacon slicer is required, the machine must first finish its cycle so that a signal is received by the solenoid. The button is depressed, which energises the solenoid and illuminates the LED, confirming that the primary key may be removed. Removal of the primary key changes the condition of the electrical supply to the machine to a safe condition. The primary and three secondary keys can then be used to unlock the interlocks on the access doors. Guards can only be opened once the electrical supply has been switched to a safe condition.