Fail-safe inductive sensors achieve SIL certification

31 July 2008

IFM electronics has recently launched more inductive sensors, which achieve SIL certification. Sensors are available in M12 certified to SIL2 or M18, M30 and cube styles certified SIL3. Designed with two output signal
switching devices built in, the fail-safe series will work with conventional safety relays and with safety PLCs.

The fail-safe inductive system continuously checks; coil damage, component health, cross-monitoring and short-circuit protection within the device itself. Any fault, at any time is instantly signalled.

No special demands such as shielding, twisted wires or separate laying are placed on the industrial standard M12 connection. The sensor is simply connected to existing evaluation units, safety controllers and safe bus systems using a common unscreened 4-core cable.

All fail-safe inductive switches are constructed with full redundant and diverse internal circuits, certified by the TÜV Rhineland.

Inductive sensors with no special target should be easy to defeat – but that would defeat the object of safety! The target may be nothing special, but its position in the right place at the right time is what counts. When the target is present, any other piece of metal between the switch and the target will cause the output to switch off. Setting the unit is not difficult either, because the LED helps in adjustment, while incorporating a delay to befuddle the fiddlers.

The range of sensors has been developed for position and process control and is complemented by a comprehensive selection of connection options, from connecting cable to AS-interface systems.

The company offers an e-Shop, 24 hours a day, on its website. Registered customers can choose from more than 2000 products and enjoy the usual e-commerce benefits such as favourite lists and order status tracking. Orders from stock are usually shipped within one business day.