Two-hand control panels

Two-hand control panels are non-separating protection devices. They ensure that a control command for a hazardous situation can only be triggered if both of the operator's hands are in a specific, safe location. This prevents the user from putting themselves in danger. The areas of application for this type of two-hand control include all machines in which elements have to be inserted or removed manually. These include presses in metal processing as well as printing and paper processing machines or punching machines. Two-hand control panels are also frequently used in powder metallurgy and in work machines in the rubber, plastics and chemical industries. Category 0 in accordance with EN 60204-1 can be achieved with downstream signal evaluation.

TWO-HAND CONTROL PANELS: STRUCTURE AND MODE OF OPERATION

Two-hand control panels are safety devices that require the simultaneous use of both hands to operate them. The hands are bound to a specific location for as long as a specific hazard persists. All two-hand control panels from the Schmersal Group are equipped with an EMERGENCY STOP button in accordance with EN ISO 13850. Protective covers are also fitted over the control panels. These prevent the protective function from being bypassed by hand, elbow, stomach, hip, knee, etc. In accordance with EN 574, a distinction is made between different types of two-hand controls in terms of their safety performance. These differ, among other things, in the housing material (plastic and die-cast aluminium).

ACCESSORIES FOR TWO-HAND CONTROLS

Various accessories are available to match the Schmersal two-hand control panels. These include various versions of floor stands. Combined with the SRB201ZH safety relay module, two-hand control panels can be integrated into the machine control system in accordance with the directive. The Schmersal Group provides detailed product information in its extensive online catalogue.