Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Safety & Networks
Safe motion monitoring has become increasingly important in machine and system design. Conventional safety technology keeps the operator away from dangerous movement by shutting down the relevant drive when a moveable guard, e.g. safety door, is opened. This usually results in the removal of power sources using contactors or other forms of power disconnection. “Safe Switch Off”.
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Safety & Networks
Earlier this year the new PSRmodular safety system was launched. Since then the benefits of this new platform have been realised and implemented into a wide range of applications. Every time I get involved with a new application I learn more about how flexible this system can be and how important it has been to simplify making machines safe.
You can choose from two expandable controllers depending on the complexity of your application. Then, if required, you can decide on the expansion modules you need. There are plenty of I/O expansion modules to choose from in various sizes to suit your application, so you only order what you need.
All common input types are catered for :
The new PSRmodular software is intuitive and easy to use with pre-configured function blocks and built in monitoring for all of your safety tasks.
Current approvals:
One of the many special features of PSRmodular is the Line E-stop function. This feature allows the user to link multiple safety controllers together and create a global emergency stop system whilst allowing local safety functions to operate independently. If an emergency stop device is operated then all controllers will detect this and react accordingly.
If you could benefit from some remote safe I/O then we have the TBUS extension modules. The TBUS module allows the din rail mount communication connectors to be extended by cabling. Just four cores are required to do this and up to six extensions can be used per controller.
And when comes to integrating the PSRmodular system into the rest of the machine we have that covered to with the optional communication gateway options. All popular communication protocols are catered for with non-safe bidirectional communication possible for all types.
The PSRmodular Software is “FREE” and can be downloaded from our website now.
We also have various support tools to get you started on your safety journey, quick start videos, product overviews and data sheets.
If you would like further information please feel free to contact Andy on amaskell@phoenixcontact.com or tel 07584 235440
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Safety & Networks
This week sees the launch of the new PSRmodular Configurable Safety system.
Functional Safety by definition provides protection against harm to person/s by the detection of potentially dangerous conditions. This is very much dependent on the hardware used to carry out this task.
Continue readingWritten by Andy Maskell, Product Manager, Safety and Networks
Safety monitoring using IO Link diagnostics
Last year we introduced the PSR SWITCH concept using transponder technology for the highest level of safety in your machine. This year we introduce the other half of the story!
The PSR-MC42 Safety relay
The PSR-MC42 safety relay has two dual channel input circuits allowing for example an emergency stop circuit and up to 30 PSR-SWITCHES to be monitored at the same time offering a complete safety solution in one relay. Continue reading
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Safety
The simple answer is yes! The difficult bit is making sure it happens and making sure we apply all of the relevant standards in the right way.
For this weeks blog I want to take a look at “Fault Masking” and some of the associated standards as well as some solutions that will help you comply.
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- I/O, Safety & Networks.
The great thing about a competitive market place is the innovation it brings with it. Manufacturers are always developing new ideas and making them a reality. Of course these new ideas need to have something unique, they need to solve a problem, save time, money or both.
INLINE ECO is a range of I/O that requires no configuration but covers all of the common functions required in machines and systems today. The simplicity reduces costs but also makes it quick and easy to use whilst also solving some common problems.
Using the principle of “One terminal, one function” no software or settings are required throughout the ECO range. All options are fully backward compatible with the Phoenix Contact Inline I/O system making this extremely flexible for new machines or retrofitting.
Written by Mark Harries, Marketing Team Leader- Industrial Components and Electronics
Before deciding the design of your safety control system, it is necessary to understand which performance level you need to achieve in accordance with ISO-13849. A risk assessment is therefore required. At Phoenix Contact we have an App which can be used on an iPhone or iPad, giving the user an interactive risk assessment guide, 
therefore determining the performance level of the machine or application.
You can download the free App in iTunes here.
How do I know I have achieved the required performance level ?
One easy way to validate that you have achieved the correct performance level for your machine/application is to use a free software tool called SISTEMA. This is free to download from our website here.
Written by Gary Trewhitt, Industry Manager- Automotive
Date: 8th October 2013
Venue: Rossett Hall Hotel, Wrexham
Start: 8:45 am for coffee and breakfast rolls
Finish: 4.15pm
Electrical and Functional Safety Explained
We have teamed up with TÜV SÜD (Laidler Associates) and Mechan Controls to bring you a FREE one day workshop on Electrical and Functional Safety.
This one day course is to introduce and give delegates an overview of the EN 60204-1 standard as well as