The latest AC041S safety relay from ifm electronic can be used as either a standalone safety relay, or as part of an AS-interface Safety at Work network. Of use to many OEMs and end-users, the AC041S complies with the latest safety standards, having certification to EN 954-1/SC 4, IEC 61508/SIL3 and EN ISO13849-1/Ple.
As a two-channel AS-interface safety monitor, the AC041S has more features than its predecessors, including a standard USB 2.0 interface and a chip card to backup settings. Extra features are also built into the safety software, allowing more functionality. The USB is for configuration and diagnosis on a PC using ifm’s user-friendly safety software. As a standalone safety relay, the AC041S features four safe inputs or eight standard input/outputs locally. The outputs are solid-state, and can be used with relay expansion modules which are also available from ifm.
When used as an AS-i safety monitor, the AC401S also processes up to four safe inputs or eight standard input/outputs locally at the same time as monitoring up to 31 safe slaves in the AS-i system. ifm’s user-friendly configuration and diagnostic software ASIMON V3.0 G2 enables clear and quick assignment and logical combination of the safety-related bus components in the tried and tested function block representation under Windows. The chip card is in a pop-out slot in the front of the AC041S, making it easy to save a copy of the settings. This is handy for OEMs needing to repeat configurations, or end users needing to keep records.
In an AS-i network, the AC041S AS-i safety monitor checks code sequences which are exchanged on the system. If these are incorrect or not received in time, it ensures the safe state of the system. The unit has two safe semi-conductor outputs. It is possible to trigger up to six further safe outputs independently in the field. The AS-i safety monitor can be integrated into the AS-i system at any position. Several AS-i safety monitors can be operated via one AS-i master, so grouping is possible to evaluate the safe AS-i slaves.
Standard safety relay functions like ‘e-stop’, ‘stop categories 0 or 1’, ‘two-hand operation’ and ‘enable switch’ can be implemented via the software. One AS-i safety monitor can thus replace many traditional safety relays.
For more information contact Chris Cronjé, ifm electronic SA, 086 143 6772, www.ifm.com/za
Read more...Empowering Africa’s renewable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
As a global leader in renewable energy technology, SUNGROW has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. At the recent Africa Energy Indaba 2025, SUNGROW showcased its advanced energy solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of the African continent.
Read more...The role of electromechanical solutions in supporting Africa’s industrial growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s industries are transforming rapidly. Fuelled by a huge demand for energy connectivity, better infrastructure, increased manufacturing and responsible resource management, electromechanical solutions are key to shaping this growth, allowing industries to scale up their operations efficiently and sustainably.
Read more...Empowering South Africa’s IPPs for a renewable future
Electrical Power & Protection
Many crucial parts of the economy of the future will be hugely energy intensive, foremost amongst which will be electrified transport and the large data processing required by automation and AI. Successful economies will be those that can ensure businesses and investors have access to a stable supply of low-cost renewable energy. South Africa has the opportunity to become a global leader in this regard.
Read more...Sustainable mining operations escalate as demand for critical materials to double
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining sector is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its role in extracting essential materials and minerals necessary for green technologies. As demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles and other sustainable technologies increases exponentially, so will the demand for these necessary materials.
Read more...Monitoring partial discharge on medium voltage switchgear Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its EcoStruxure Service Plan (ESP) in the Anglophone African region for medium voltage (MV) switchgear
Read more...Easy parameter setting of vision sensors ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Contour verification and object inspection are two of the most important functionalities in industrial imaging. With the new O2D5xx series, ifm now offers a solution that perfectly masters both functionalities
Read more...Keeping an eye on oil consumption with moneo ifm - South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies in the metal industry need oils and other fluids that are consumed by their machines. To make this consumption transparent and to establish a link to the ERP system, Arnold Umformtechnik relies on the IIoT platform, moneo, in combination with the SAP-based software solution Shop Floor Integration (SFI) – both from ifm.
Read more...Proven indicators monitored in three dimensions ifm - South Africa
Temperature Measurement
The VVB30x continuously detects vibrations in three measurement axes and uses them to calculate proven indicators for evaluating machine condition.
Read more...Raptor switches Phoenix Contact
Electrical Power & Protection
The Phoenix Contact Raptor switches enable reliable and safe operation in extreme ambient conditions. The managed switch portfolio meets the stringent requirements of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards and is ideal for critical infrastructure and power supply applications.