Electricity and Control April 2021

SAFETY OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT + PEOPLE

Monitoring cable circuits Remote monitoring specialist Omniflex understands this problem and has recently developed the Silent Sentry to tackle it. This is a GSM-based, battery-powered remote ter- minal unit (RTU) that monitors whether the cable circuit is open or closed, unlike other alarm systems that simply look for the presence or absence of power. It means that, in the event of a power outage, the Silent Sentry detects whether a cable has been cut, continues to run on battery power, and sends SMS alerts to the owner. While this is a step forward in the ongoing challenge, EZ-SCREEN ® LS light curtains from Turck Banner are intuitive, easy-to-use safety devices to safeguard machines and people on the factory floor. They are built to withstand challenges commonly found in manufacturing and packaging environments. The heavy-duty aluminum housing and recessed window ensure the LS Series heavy duty Type 4 emitters and receivers are protected from damage in harsh environments. The ‘no blind zone’ design provides end-to-end sensing to eliminate gaps in detection. Trip output for safe operation LS-S models incorporate trip output (auto power-up and automatic reset). In typical operation, if any part of an operator’s body, or any opaque object, of more than a predetermined cross-section is detected, the solid-state output signal switching device (OSSD) safety outputs turn off. These safety outputs are connected to the guarded machine’s final switching devices (FSDs) which control the machine’s primary control elements (MPCEs) and these immediately stop the motion of the guarded machines. Quick and easy configuration LS-S models do not require PC software, DIP switches, or other devices for quick, easy configuration. Highly Robust safety light curtains

it treats only the symptom, not the cause, nor the wider problem. The criminals on the ground are a small part of a much wider network that requires enforcement across the scrap-metal supply chain. There needs to be a wider effort across industry, law enforcement and government to elim- inate the problem. For now, businesses and industry can give their security structures a fighting chance by using the right alarms to tackle cable theft. □

For more information visit: www.omniflex.com

SAFETY OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT + PEOPLE : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

visible alignment indicators and intuitive diagnostics simplify setup, facilitate troubleshooting and minimise system downtime. LS-S models are extensively FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) tested to establish a high degree of confidence that, when properly installed, no system component, even if it should ever fail, can cause a failure to the point of danger. The dual screen technology means EZ‑SCREEN LS sensors are highly immune to EMI, RFI, ambient light, weld flash and strobe light. LS-S models can be used for the following applications, among others: - Automated production equipment - Robotic work cells - Moulding and power presses - Assembly and packaging machines - Lean manufacturing systems. For more information contact Brandon Topham at Turck Banner. Tel: +27 (0)11 453 2468 Email: brandon.topham@turckbanner.co.za Visit: www.turckbanner.co.za

EZ-SCREEN ® LS light curtains incorporate heavy duty emitters and receivers to ensure they operate efficiently and consistently.

Electricity + Control APRIL 2021

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