New control buttons from R. STAHL Schaltgeräte GmbH for safe switching of extra-low currents

Today's machines and systems are subject to ever more complex safety-engineering requirements. Frequently, conventional control buttons are also connected to PLCs and other automation units and are to be monitored by these. This requires multi-functional operating controls able to safely and reliably switch very low currents. In addition, safety-system requirements in accordance with IEC 61508 "Functional Safety of Electrical / Electronic / Programmable Electronic – Safety-Related Systems" apply to an ever increasing extent. In parallel with this, there is a requirement for monitoring for wire break and short-circuit.

The R. STAHL Schaltgeräte GmbH company has complied with all these trends with its new explosion protected contact elements of Type 8208. The new elements feature two gold-plated contacts for safely and reliably switching 8 V, 2 mA DC. Moreover, these contact elements are suitable for direct connection to NAMUR inputs (EN 60947-5-6) since the additional resister circuit for open-circuit and short-circuit monitoring has been integrated directly in the elements. This means that there is no external wiring susceptible to fault.
Besides this, the new R. STAHL Schaltgeräte GmbH contact elements will be suitable for safety-related applications with requirement up to SIL 3.

Of course, the contact elements can be combined with all time-proven actuators and housings.
This solution from R. STAHL Schaltgeräte GmbH is one further application for designing safety-related circuits and, thus, ensuring installation safety in hazardous areas.