Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- I/O & Networks

What is functional safety?

Functional Safety is the part of the overall safety of a system or piece of equipment that depends on the system or equipment operating correctly in response to its inputs, including the safe management of likely operator errors, hardware and software failures and environmental changes. It is an additional step beyond the traditional product safety assessment and tackles our ever increasingly complex world of interoperating technologies and the hazards they cause.

Functional safety has developed due to the increasing complexity of machines and systems created in today’s world. It is up to manufacturers of safety products to keep up with this trend and create ways to make complying with the associated standards as straight forward as possible.

Phoenix Contact are doing just that!

Phoenix Contact continually develops new products and services with the user in mind. Here a just a few examples:

1) Why not try our safety App?

The safety App has been developed to enable a quick assessment of your machine safety needs using EN ISO 13849-1.  You can download it from iTunes here.

2) The recenty released MXF range of multifunction relays

The MXF range of relays allows you to connect two independent local sensor circuits which operate outputs independently when operated.  A higher level input operates all outputs circuits.  Find out more here.

3) For installations requiring multiple inputs and safety logic…

Take a look at our Trisafe range- TriSafe safety modules combine functionality and flexibility. You can monitor various safety functions in your application with just one device.  Find out more here.

4) Safety Seminars

Join us at one of our safety workshops and learn more about the current Safety Standards.  For more information and to book a place, visit our website here.

Of course, if you want to know more please feel free to contact me directly – Tel: 07584 235440, E-mail: amaskell@phoenixcontact.com.