Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Safety, I/O & Networks
Automation continues to develop at a very fast pace but the complexity can also increase and in turn the skills required to make it work. There is no sign this trend is slowing down but what we still see is the need for cost effective and easy to implement solutions that remove the need for software licences, complex programming and expensive hardware for smaller applications that still need to be automated.
As we find all too often, not everybody is aware of how vast the Phoenix Contact range of products is. This was a great opportunity for everyone involved in all aspects of engineering to see what we can do and discuss applications and possible solutions. It was a great success and a huge thank you to anyone that had any kind of engagement with the show, you could not beat the buzz of the open days a t the NEC.
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Safety, I/O & Networks
As machines become more complex, so does the safety required to protect personnel and keep machines running as they were intended. The implementation of safety should not restrict the functionality of the machine, but should enhance it. Using fixed logic safety devices greatly reduces the opportunity to do just that.
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!