EN/IEC 61496-1

EN/IEC 61496 “Safety of machinery – Electrosensitive protective equipment – Part 1: General requirements and tests" establishes a clear relationship between type classes for electrosensitive protective equipment (ESPE) and the Safety Integrity Level (SIL – in accordance with IEC 62061) / Performance level (PL – in accordance with ISO 13849). This relationship is defined as follows:

Type 2 light curtains must therefore be used only in applications with performance level c. Type 3 devices are assigned to Performance Level d and Type 4 devices may continue to be used in Performance Level e. If a machine's risk assessment results in a safety function with PL = d, then Type 3 light curtains are required (PSENopt II). This change is legally binding from 10. May 2015.

How does this standard affect the light barriers PSENopt from Pilz?

Depending on the requirement, the light barriers PSENopt provide finger, hand and body protection in accordance with EN/IEC 61496-1 and are suitable for all applications in accordance with Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4. The table below provides an overview of the product range and the corresponding SI level and performance level:

 
Further information:

• Light barrier PSENopt
• Light curtain PSENopt II