Safety: Switch cuts arc-flash risk; video shows safety savings, aggregation

Recent advancements in safety include a safety switch from Cooper Bussmann, a video that demonstrates how safety devices save three to six times their cost from Omron STI, and a controller that can replace multiple safety modules from Banner Engineering.

By Control Engineering Staff November 8, 2007

Recent advancements in safety include a safety switch from Cooper Bussmann, a video that demonstrates how safety devices save three to six times their cost from Omron STI, and a controller that can replace multiple safety modules from Banner Engineering.

New

Cooper Bussmann

Safety Switch reduces arc-flash hazards, delivers “at-a-glance” switch contact status
Improving workplace safety was the top priority in developing the new Cooper Bussmann Quik-Spec Safety Switch, which maximizes user protection via IP-20 finger-safe CubeFuse integration. The current-limiting Class J performance of the CubeFuse reduces dangerous arc-flash hazards, both in energy and incident levels. The new switch also meets NEC 110.9 requirements, and is listed to UL98 for enclosed deadfront switches and UL50 for enclosures for electrical equipment.

For applications which require visual feedback on switch contact status, the Safety Switch offers an optional easyID fuse-viewing window which allows users to view fuse indication without having to open the switch door.

Omron STI offers new video aimed at enhancing plant safety
According to independent studies cited by

Omron STI

, safety devices can save anywhere from 3-6 times their cost in reduced expenses…but only if the right safeguards are selected and are properly installed. Safety audits reveal, however, that safety measures implemented via in-house measures will often utilize either the wrong safety device or system for the job or are improperly installed.

Omron STI has produced a brief video aimed at helping you to improve the safety of your workplace and ensure proper selection, implementation and installation of safety devices.

View the Omron STI video, “Workplace Safety.”

Integrate multiple input devices into one safety controller with Banner’s SSC22-3

Banner Engineering Corp

. introduced the SC22-3 Safety Controller, an easy to configure safety module designed to replace multiple dedicated safety modules to integrate E-stop buttons, interlocking switches, safety light screens, two-hand controls, safety mats, rope pulls and many other devices into one, cost-effective solution, company says.

The SC22-3 features 22 input terminals, which monitor both contact-based and PNP solid-state input devices. Each input circuit can monitor an input signal or provide 24V dc sources when needed, and configuration can be achieved using the module’s built-in LCD display and push buttons or via Banner’s PC Interface when connected to a Microsoft Windows XP or 2000 device via USB cable.

The new controller meets key industry standards, including: Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 per IEC 62061 and IEC 61508, and Category 4 Performance Level (PL e) per ISO 13849-1. Pricing for the SC22-3 starts at $650.

Related information from Control Engineering:

12 companies tout machine safety movie, in theater near you


Preparing for Networked Safety


—Edited by Marc Moschetto , editorial director
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