Safety in the workplace, whether operating machinery or other working parts such as doors, is of ongoing concern to operators and business owners. Too often safety devices just do not exist, or are inadequate for the job or can be over-ridden by the operator. Sometimes, the correct device is installed but not maintained. An effective innovation from Bernstein, developer of switches and sensors, is an SCR safety relay designed to monitor safety position sensors and emergency-stop buttons.
The Bernstein SCR module controls the position and function of the safety sensing equipment including the safety contacts of the position switches. It continuously analyses two galvanically isolated, normally closed contacts that are operated in a synchronised fashion within the system (ie, normally closed contacts belonging to two position switches on the same door). The power device can only be operated when both normally closed contacts are closed. As soon as one of the two input circuits is interrupted by the opening of a safety contact or a fault occurs, the enabling paths open and the machine is switched off. With the SCR module, it is possible to build safety systems up to control category 4. This means that each fault can be recognised immediately or at the next machine start-up. Should the reason for a switch-off be a fault in one of the input circuits or in the performing device in the control system, then the SCR prevents a renewed start-up until the fault has been repaired.
The SCR 4 modules also have a status indicator to simplify the task of maintenance personnel in rectifying the fault. Bernstein is at the forefront of innovations that ensure the safety of man, machine and processes and can be sourced from its sole agency, Johannesburg-based Anglo Allied Engineering.
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