PROSAFE – SOLENOID KEY RELEASE UNITS
12 April 2002 - EJA

Although designed primarily for use with Guardmaster Prosafe's mechanical key interlock systems, the single or multiple direct-drive solenoid key release units can
also be used in conjunction with other control equipment such as PLCs, or with dedicated stop motion or failsafe timers on machines with run down cycles. Moving
machinery such as food processing, packaging machines and robot welding lines are particularly dangerous and in these applications the use of the key release unit with a dedicated timer can help to ensure that all movement has stopped before the operator can enter the enclosure.

The key to the greater safeguarding provided by the solenoid release unit is a design that allows a trapped key to be removed only when a signal is given to an internal solenoid locking mechanism. Upon receipt of this signal the previously trapped key can be removed and used in the next sequence of operation. This could be to provide access to a gate, or gates, directly, or more often to initiate a further operation, such as the release of multiple keys in a key exchange unit. In all cases, however, once the key is removed, as indicated by an LED on the unit's front panel, the solenoid cannot return to the locked position even if power is removed. As an added safeguard, the position of the solenoid is monitored via a positively driven contact ensuring that, in the unlikely event the solenoid fails to re-lock the key, it is impossible for the machine to start up.

Manufactured 316L stainless steel, and equipped with a dust cap as standard, the key release units are built to withstand the harsh conditions encountered in processing and automation applications. They have a direct drive mechanism to give the positive operation described in the 'Safety of Machinery' standard BS EN 292, are CE marked and are fully tested and approved to standards EN1088, IEC 60947-5-1 and GSET 19.

Available in single or multiple (3 or 4) key configurations, the key release units are supplied with 24Vdc,110Vac/dc or 230Vac rated solenoids and easy to clean replaceable code barrels. The latter feature means that new keys can be introduced into the system quickly, should the original ones be lost, removing the requirement to keep a complete set of spare keys.

Guardmaster's Prosafe range is fully inclusive, satisfying the bulk of mechanical interlocking requirements with a series of complementary products, including isolators, key exchange units and lock out/tag out devices, all of which employ the same dependable key principle and are tested to 10,000 operations.

Guardmaster is a world leader in the design and manufacture of machinery interlocking and safety monitoring systems. As a member of EJA Ltd, which is part of Rockwell Automation, Guardmaster is able to offer complete and integrated safety and control systems, including guards, safety mats and machine interlocks, all of which find application in a wide range of industries worldwide.

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  • For April 2002
  • From EJA
  • For Interlocking and Safety Control Devices