IN 4000 – the inductive safety system with direct PLC connection

Friction-free, immune to vibrations, easy to install and unaffected by dirt – the new inductive IN 4000 safety system fulfils all the requirements for the reliable monitoring of position, or protective doors, in harsh industrial environments. The entire system, as well as its individual sensor and relay evaluation units, are certified for Category 4 use according to EN 954-1. A further highlight: the sensor of the IN 4000 can also be connected directly to a safe PLC. These features allow the realisation of individual safety solutions.

The basic version of the IN 4000 consists of an inductive sensor in a cubic housing and a relay evaluation unit. The non-contact operation of this inductive safety system provides the advantages of simple installation and adjustment, as well as increased immunity to impacts and vibrations.

Direct PLC connection possible

If the machine or plant to be safeguarded is controlled by a safe PLC, the IN 4000 sensor can be run directly on it. This is possible because the sensor's input and output signals are designed to correspond to EN 61131-2 and are thus compatible with the I/O signals of a safe PLC. Control Category 4 according to EN 954-1 is maintained even if the maximum number of 10 sensors is connected in series. If there is no safe PLC available, the sensor is connected to the IN 4000 evaluation unit with relay outputs. Here, too, the connection of up to ten sensors is possible – leading to considerable cost savings, particularly in the case of complex machines or plants. Three safety-relevant N.O. contacts, two N.C. relays, and integrated external relay monitoring also allow flexible integration in the particular machine control system.

Monitoring the switching area protects against tampering

As a result of the inductive operation principle no separately coded actuator is required, i.e. the sensor directly detects the presence or absence of metal. The switching area of the sensor is monitored in terms of both time and space to provide the necessary prevention of simple tampering. Unauthorised alterations are detected and lead to the machine being safely switched off.

The design of the IN 4000 thus offers completely new approaches for the reliable detection of position, and the safe monitoring of protective doors, on machines and plants.