Stop and guard
E-STOP and safety gates
The core pairing on most machines: a monitored stop command and a guard position, evaluated with a defined reset behaviour.
ConfirmConfirm input devices, contacts and reset type.
Safety relay
PNOZsigma
Panel width is a real constraint, and PNOZsigma is designed around it. The manufacturer positions the family as delivering maximum functionality in minimum width, with push-in spring terminals and a consistent terminal layout across device versions that keeps installation and later fault-finding straightforward.
E-STOP, gate, light barrier, two-handNarrow housing widthsPush-in spring terminalsSelectable operating modesUp to PL e / SIL CL 3
PL eUp to, device dependent
SIL CL 3Up to, device dependent
5000 mAltitude on numerous devices
PNOZsigmaFamily range shown; device selected from the safety function
PL eUp to, per device
SIL CL 3Up to, per device
20%Wiring reduction via expansion connectors
5000 mAltitude on numerous devices
Why it is specified
PNOZsigma is built around
The design choices target installation time and panel space, which is where the cost usually sits on a series-built machine.
Function in minimum width
Diverse functionality packed into each device, in particularly narrow housing widths.
Rapid installation
Push-in spring terminals remove screw termination from the build.
Consistent terminal layout
Designation and position of the terminals is the same on all device versions, so connections can be assigned quickly during configuration, installation and diagnostics.
Wiring reduced by 20%
The manufacturer states wiring work is reduced by 20% where connectors are used to expand contacts.
Applications
PNOZsigma is used
The manufacturer lists safe monitoring of E-STOP, safety gates, light barriers, two-hand control devices and time, plus special applications including speed monitoring and safe brake control.
Protective devices
Light barriers and two-hand control
Evaluation of electro-sensitive protective equipment and two-hand control devices where the operator works at the hazard.
ConfirmConfirm device type and output arrangement.
Special functions
Speed and brake applications
The manufacturer lists speed monitoring and safe brake control among the special applications available within the range.
ConfirmConfirm which special function is required.
Technical data
Selection parameters that matter
These are the values that decide the device. Contact configuration, timing and supply vary across the family and belong to the selected order number.
Performance level and integrity level are device dependent. The manufacturer lists both PL e / SIL CL 3 and PL c / SIL CL 1 routes within the family.
| Monitored functions | E-STOP, safety gates, light barriers, two-hand control devices and time |
|---|---|
| Special applications | Speed monitoring and safe brake control are available within the range |
| Performance level | Up to PL e; devices for PL c applications are also listed |
| Integrity level | Up to SIL CL 3; devices for SIL CL 1 applications are also listed |
| Terminals | Push-in spring terminals for rapid installation |
| Terminal layout | Designation and position identical on all device versions |
| Contact expansion | Connectors used to expand contacts; The manufacturer states wiring work reduced by 20% |
| Operating modes | Selectable operating modes and timer functions |
| Altitude | Numerous devices suitable for use at heights up to 5000 metres |
A device rated for PL e does not make a machine PL e. The achievable level follows from the complete safety function including the input device, the evaluation, the output stage and the machine response.
Models
Device selection within the family
The family is broad. These are the axes along which a specific device is chosen.
Function
Monitored safety function
The primary selection axis — which function the device must evaluate, and how many channels it takes.
- Examples
- E-STOP, gate
- Also
- Two-hand, time
Integrity
PL and SIL route
Devices are available for both the higher and the lower integrity routes; the requirement comes from the risk assessment.
- Upper
- PL e / SIL CL 3
- Lower
- PL c / SIL CL 1
Outputs
Contact configuration
Contact type and count vary; expansion connectors add contacts without full re-wiring.
- Expansion
- Connector-based
- Wiring
- −20% stated
Special
Speed and brake variants
Where the application needs speed monitoring or safe brake control rather than a stop function.
- Speed
- PNOZ s30
- Brake
- PNOZ s50
Accessories
Configuration, expansion and pairing
Most PNOZsigma projects involve a terminal choice, possibly a contact expansion, and the stopping element behind it.
Expansion
Contact expansion modules
Connectors used to expand contacts reduce wiring work; the expansion device is selected with the base relay.
ConfirmConfirm required contact count and load.
Configuration
PNOZsigma Configurator
Used for the configurable devices in the range, including the speed monitor, for parameter entry and diagnostics.
ConfirmConfirm whether a configurable device is involved.
Output stage
Contactors and feedback loop
The relay commands the stopping element; feedback loop monitoring of the contactors is part of the function.
ConfirmConfirm the stopping element and feedback arrangement.
Before quotation
Application review
A safety relay cannot be selected from a device name. These inputs determine the device, its contacts and its reset behaviour.
Safety function
- Which function must be evaluated, and how many
- Single or dual channel input, and cross-fault detection
- Required performance or integrity level, if determined
- Whether a special function such as speed or brake control is needed
Input devices
- Type of input device and its contact or output arrangement
- Whether devices are connected in series and the fault-detection effect
- Cable lengths and connection method
- Existing devices being retained
Outputs
- Contact type, number of contacts and switching load
- Stopping element — contactors, drive input, valve or brake
- Whether feedback loop monitoring is required
- Required stop category
Panel and operation
- Available panel width
- Supply voltage and terminal preference
- Manual, monitored or automatic reset, and its position
- Installation altitude if above normal ranges
Related technologies
PNOZsigma sits in the architecture
The relay is the evaluation stage between the input device and the stopping element. When functions multiply and begin to interact, a configurable controller usually becomes easier to maintain.
Guard switches and E-STOP devices
Light curtains and area protection
PNOZ s30 for speed and standstill
PNOZ s50 for safe brake control
myPNOZ for several linked functions
PNOZmulti 2 as function count grows