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.