Safety Relays

FAQs

Do safety relays provide maximum safety when working with safety input devices such as a safety gate in machine operation applications?

Yes, safety relays provide maximum safety when working with safety input devices such as safety gates in machine operation applications by monitoring and controlling safety functions to prevent hazardous conditions.

Are safety contacts available in multi-function relays and do these relays meet proper safety requirements?

Yes, safety contacts are available in multi-function relays, and these relays meet proper safety requirements to ensure safe operation in various applications.

Safety Relays 

In the event of a hazard, safety relays can help reduce the risk to a more acceptable level. They are commonly designed to be used in conjunction with other safety relays to increase the functionality and safety levels in work environments. The design and functionality of these relays is similar to regular relays, with a few exceptions. Like a common relay, safety relays use contacts that can be opened or closed. However, they also have the ability to evaluate and then control outputs based on those evaluations. If installed correctly, a safety relay will continue to function if a fault in a device occurs or if a fault is caused by a sensor. The redundant design features of safety relays allow for wiring errors, while still providing proper safety function. 

It is very common to see safety relays being used around industrial machinery where safety is critical. Areas such as an industrial manufacturing plant environment, where there are a lot of motors, machinery and conveyors all operating simultaneously. Some of the devices that safety relays will be used with are emergency stops, three position devices, safety gates, pressure sensitive mats, contact strips, foot operated switches and time delay scenarios. Safety relays are tested much more vigorously than normal relays and have a much lower failure rate. The contacts are designed so that they can be completely disconnected, breaking both sides of the power connection as opposed to just one, like many normal relays.