IDEC introduces safety interlock switch for equipment guarding

June 14, 2019 – IDEC Corporation has released the HS1T interlock switch with solenoid with 5,000N of locking force for machine and equipment guarding applications.

Interlock switches are used to ensure guarded locations are secure before starting a machine and are also used to deny access to certain areas during operation, both critical for operator safety and protection. 

IDEC’s new HS1T has a compact size due to a metal head integrating the locking and mounting functions, an improvement over older designs where the head could break away from the mounting body. The remaining actuator portion can be independently rotated from the high-strength head using only one screw. With a slim form factor and so many mounting options, the HS1T can be installed virtually anywhere.

Much of the HS1T’s strength is provided by the metal head, but cam design also plays an important role. IDEC has included three independent rotary cams, instead of the single cam used by conventional devices. Two cams control the locking mechanism and one drives the door monitor contact. This arrangement provides redundancy, additional strength and ensures the monitoring function continues to work even if a locking cam is damaged.

The HS1T meets the requirements of ISO 14119:203 for lock monitoring and is marked as such. This means both the status of the position and the locking function of a protective door can be monitored through the lock monitoring contact. The net result is that fewer on-board contacts are needed to achieve redundant safety circuits and additional monitoring circuits, reducing the amount of wiring on the device.

The device structure is designed so the lock monitoring contact can never indicate closed if the door is not positively closed, thereby preventing the associated machine from being turned on with risks exposed.

Designers can choose from spring lock or solenoid lock styles, with several options for contact configurations.