IO-Link Safety

Too much wiring, complex integration and lack of transparency? In many machine designs, safety technology quickly becomes a complexity driver – with a direct impact on engineering, operation and efficiency.

Safe communication up to field level thanks to IO-Link Safety – less wiring, greater transparency

In modern plant and machinery, it is becoming increasingly challenging to implement functional safety economically and efficiently. Classic wiring leads to high installation costs, limited field diagnostics and increasing complexity in terms of engineering.

As demands for flexibility and availability increase, conventional solutions quickly reach their limits – particularly in the face of expanding plant structures and growing type diversity.

With IO-Link Safety, you can overcome these challenges through seamless digital communication up to field level – simply, efficiently and as an open standard in accordance with IEC 61139-2. Safe point-to-point communication enables the highest safety level up to PL e (SIL 3) and is independent of the fieldbus used.

IO-Link Safety for safe communication and data exchange in networked production plants

Why IO-Link Safety?

IO-Link Safety enhances classic safety technology by providing seamless communication and additional data.

The result: less effort, greater transparency and processes that are significantly more efficient – from planning through to operation.

Your benefits at a glance:

  • Safe communication from controller to sensor
  • Significantly reduced wiring effort and fewer error sources
  • Optimised process diagnostics thanks to advanced data analysis
  • Additional data for optimised service and maintenance
  • Open, globally standardised approach
Two people standing in front of a display showing IO-Link Safety and an automated production plant featuring industrial robots and a visualised data stream

Discover IO-Link Safety – Watch the free webinar!

Find out how IO-Link Safety makes your automation more efficient, more transparent and future-proof.

(The webinar is only available in English.)

IO-Link Safety makes all the difference

Here’s how you benefit specifically from IO-Link Safety

An ascending bar chart with an arrow to illustrate growth, increased productivity and continuous process optimisation.
  • Increase productivity

Reduced engineering and installation work save time and resources.

A clock symbol representing short reaction times, efficient processes and high availability of plant and machinery.
  • Minimise downtimes

Transparent diagnostic data enables faster fault recovery.

Magnifying glass over binary numbers, symbolising the analysis of digital data, early identification of information and process optimisation.
  • Reducing complexity

Standardisation simplifies planning, implementation and expansion.

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  • Create future-proofing

Open standard and scalable architecture safeguard long-term investments.

The IO-Link Safety System from Pilz

IO-Link Safety components, including safety light curtains, sensors and operation elements for the efficient integration of safety technology into industrial automation plants

Pilz offers you a complete, seamless solution for IO-Link Safety – optimum compatibility from a single source.

Benefit to you: Minimal integration work and maximum system safety.

  • First TÜV-certified IO-Link Safety Master: Central interface for safe communication between controller and field.
  • IO-Link Safety devices: Sensors and components with integrated communication and extended diagnostic data
  • Cable and configuration: Standardised wiring and rapid commissioning using appropriate tools.

Discover the IO-Link Safety System

Typical applications of IO-Link Safety

Packaging plant with safety light curtains, safety gates and IO-Link Safety Master for secure safeguarding of access points and danger zones along the material flow

Packaging plant with access guarding

Challenge: Extensive wiring and limited installation space when integrating safety sensors

Discover the solution

Material handling system with integrated robotics as well as IO-Link Safety Master, safety light curtains and sensors for secure safeguarding of danger points and an efficient material flow

Material handling with integrated robotics

Challenge: Securing access points while at the same time maintaining high plant availability

Discover the solution

Ready for the next step with IO-Link Safety?

As a partner and developer of IO-Link Safety, we can help you implement your safety concepts efficiently – from planning through to commissioning. Benefit from our many years of experience and extensive expertise in safe automation.

Discover the IO-Link Safety System from Pilz

Automated production plant featuring robots and IO-Link Safety for transparent diagnostic data, reduced downtimes and efficient maintenance

Do you have any further questions about IO-Link Safety?

FAQs about IO-Link Safety

What is IO-Link Safety?

IO-Link Safety is an extension of the standardised IO-Link communication system, which was developed specifically for safety-related applications in automation. It enables the safe transfer of data between sensors, actuators and controllers in accordance with functional safety requirements.

When and how do I use IO-Link Safety?

IO-Link Safety is particularly suitable if your plants use a large number of safety sensors and you require seamless, safe communication up to field level.

The technology extends IO-Link to include functional safety, enabling simple field integration, rapid wiring and comprehensive diagnostic data.

Benefit to you: Your automation is more flexible, transparent and productive, while at the same time reducing the work involved in integration.

What is the difference between IO-Link and IO-Link Safety?

The main difference is in the safety function:

IO-Link: Standard communication for sensors and actuators

IO-Link Safety: Safe communication with additional safety mechanisms (e.g. fault detection, secure telegrams). It is specifically designed for applications in which humans and machinery need protecting.

What are the benefits of IO-Link Safety in industrial automation?

IO-Link Safety offers several key benefits:

  • Standardised communication for safety and standard data
  • Reduced wiring effort thanks to standardised cables
  • High flexibility during device integration
  • Simple parameter setting and diagnostics
  • Future-proofing due to open standards

Which components do I need for a safe IO-Link installation?

An IO-Link Safety system typically consists of:

  • IO-Link Safety Master
  • Safe IO-Link devices (sensors/actuators)
  • Safety controller (e.g. safe PLC)
  • Standardised connection cable

Can IO-Link Safety replace existing safety solutions?

Yes, in many cases, IO-Link Safety can replace classic safety-related wiring. It reduces complex wiring, while at the same time offering greater transparency and diagnostic capability.

What are the benefits of data and transparency with IO-Link Safety?

With IO-Link Safety, in addition to receiving safe signals you also receive additional status and diagnostic data directly from the field.

This enables:

  • Faster and more targeted fault diagnostics
  • Significantly reduced downtimes
  • Greater transparency regarding machine states
  • More efficient maintenance and service processes
  • The basis for condition-based and predictive maintenance
  • <span style="font-family: 'Aptos', sans-serif">Benefit to you: More transparency for greater availability and more efficient maintenance
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Headquarter

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73760 Ostfildern
Germany

Telephone: +49 711 3409-0
E-Mail: [email protected]

Sales Support



Telephone: +49 711 3409 7000
E-Mail: [email protected]

Technical Support

Telephone: +49 711 3409 444
E-Mail: [email protected]