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Edward Lowton
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| Home> | Health, Safety & Welfare | >Plant and machinery safety | >Interlocks get networked |
Interlocks get networked
02 October 2015
Most interlocks are either not electrically connected (deliberately so in the case of some mechanical, trapped key interlocks) or are ‘wired at gate’, meaning all electrical connections go via a control PLC and safety relay. This can mean up to 20 wires from each device going to the control panel. To overcome this scenario, Fortress has developed a number of products that utilise either AS-i industrial networking or PROFIsafe communication technology.
Fortress in now integrating AS-i and/or PROFIsafe connectivity into the following safety products:
• Both the tGard and amGardpro ranges will have AS-i networking
• The amGardpro will also be available with PROFIsa
• A new stand-alone Non-Contact Switch with an AS-i version; this will also be integrated into the tGard and amGardpro ranges in the future
• An Output Signal Switching Device will be incorporated into the tGard and amGardpro
"Making our products compatible with industrial safety networks is an essential requirement for our customers,” comments Fortress’ MD Rob Lewis. "With these new product developments being rolled out over the coming few months we’re ensuring we not only meet, but exceed what people expect from us when it comes to industrial networking.”
