Sliding guards
Sliding access doors
Sliding doors where the actuator can be reliably aligned and driven into the switch on every close.
ConfirmConfirm door travel and alignment.
Mechanical safety switch
PSENmech
A mechanical switch is tripped by the guard itself, through a positively driven actuator. Where the guard geometry is stable and a physical actuation is preferred to a sensed one, PSENmech remains the direct answer — with the PSEN me4 offering five actuation directions to suit the door.
Positive mechanical actuationEN 60947-5-1 guard monitoring5 actuation directions (PSEN me4)Separate actuatorIP65
PL eWith two devices
SIL CL 3With two devices
5Actuation directions, PSEN me4
PSENmechPSEN me4 shown; PSEN me3 and PSEN me5 variants also available
EN 60947-5-1Guard position monitoring
5 / 2Actuation directions, me4 / me3
IP65Protection type
2 devicesRequired for the highest category
Why it is specified
Mechanical actuation provides
The switch is driven by the guard, so the state of the contacts follows the physical position of the door rather than a sensed field.
Guard-driven switching
If guards are opened, the switches are tripped and the hazardous machine movement is brought to a standstill.
Choice of actuation direction
PSEN me4 offers five actuation directions and PSEN me3 offers two, so the switch suits the door approach.
Separate actuator
A separate actuator allows the switch body and the moving part to be mounted independently on the frame and the guard.
Proven in demanding sectors
The manufacturer lists the packaging industry, machine tools, print and paper, and the automotive industry among the industry uses.
Applications
PSENmech is used
The family suits conventional hinged and sliding guards with stable geometry, on machinery where a physical actuation is preferred.
Mounting freedom
Actuation direction selection
Five actuation directions on the PSEN me4 allow the switch to be oriented to the door rather than forcing a mounting compromise.
ConfirmConfirm approach direction and mounting face.
Variants
PSEN me5 with actuator
Further variants in the family are supplied with their matched actuator for the guard arrangement.
ConfirmConfirm the variant and actuator pairing.
Technical data
Selection parameters that matter
These are the values that decide the variant. Note the standard differs from the non-contact families.
PSENmech monitors guard position in accordance with EN 60947-5-1, whereas the non-contact families PSENcode and PSENmag work to EN 60947-5-3.
| Function | Monitors the position of movable guards in accordance with EN 60947-5-1 |
|---|---|
| Performance level | Designed for applications up to PL e of EN ISO 13849-1 |
| Integrity level | Designed for applications up to SIL CL 3 of EN/IEC 62061 |
| Condition for highest requirement | Two devices must be used to meet the highest requirements |
| Actuation directions | 5 on PSEN me4; 2 on PSEN me3 |
| Actuator | Separate actuator |
| Protection type | IP65 |
| Recommended combination | For the highest category, recommends PSENmech combined with another safety switch — PSENmech, PSENmag or PSENcode |
| Typical industries | Packaging, machine tools, print and paper, automotive |
A single mechanical switch does not reach the highest category. The manufacturer states that two devices must be used, and recommends combining PSENmech with another switch for applications involving the highest category.
Models
Variant decisions
The variant follows the door: how the actuator approaches, and how many directions of actuation the mounting requires.
PSEN me4
Five actuation directions
The more flexible variant where the mounting position or door approach is constrained.
- Directions
- 5
- Actuator
- Separate
PSEN me3
Two actuation directions
Where the approach is straightforward and fewer directions are needed.
- Directions
- 2
- Actuator
- Separate
PSEN me5
With matched actuator
A further variant in the family supplied with its actuator for the guard arrangement.
- Supply
- With actuator
- Confirm
- Variant
Pairing
Two-device arrangement
For the highest category, combine with another PSENmech, or with PSENmag or PSENcode.
- Devices
- 2
- Level
- Up to PL e
Accessories
Actuators, mounting and evaluation
Mechanical switches live or die by alignment, so the actuator and its mounting carry most of the installation risk.
Actuator
Separate actuator
The actuator is matched to the switch variant and must remain aligned through the life of the guard.
ConfirmConfirm actuator type and alignment tolerance.
Second device
Combination switch
For the highest category, a second switch is required — PSENmech, PSENmag or PSENcode.
ConfirmConfirm the target category and device pairing.
Evaluation
safe control technology
The manufacturer describes combining the mechanical switches with its safe control technology as a safe complete solution.
Typical pairingPNOZ relay or PNOZmulti 2.
Before quotation
Application review
PSENmech suits stable guard geometry. Where the guard sags, moves or is cleaned aggressively, a non-contact device is usually more dependable.
Guard mechanics
- Hinged or sliding guard, and its weight
- Actuator approach direction and required actuation direction
- Alignment tolerance and expected door sag over life
- Available mounting faces on frame and guard
Safety function
- The hazard the guard protects and the machine run-down time
- Whether guard locking is required instead of monitoring
- Target performance or integrity level
- Whether two devices are intended for the highest category
Electrical
- Existing safety controller and spare safe inputs
- Contact configuration required
- Cable length and connection method
- Whether devices are connected in series
Environment and commercial
- Cleaning regime and whether IP65 is sufficient
- Vibration, contamination and temperature
- Quantity per machine and total quantity
- Whether this replaces an existing switch, and its part number
Related technologies
PSENmech sits in the architecture
The switch reports guard position through a physical actuation. Reaching the highest category requires a second device, and a hazardous run-down requires locking rather than monitoring.
PSENmag for non-contact sensing
PSENcode where coding is required
PSENhinge for hinged guards
PSENmlock where locking is required
Second switch for the highest category
PNOZ relay or PNOZmulti 2 for evaluation