The Latest Generation of Safety Relays

The latest generation of safety relays operates using microprocessor technology. This technology is used in the PNOZsigma product series, for example, and offers further additional benefits over conventional relays. There is less wear and tear thanks to the use of electronic evaluation procedures and the diagnostic capability, plus the safety relays also reduce the number of unit types: One device can now be used for a variety of safety functions, e.g. for emergency off/emergency stop, safety gate (contact-based switches as well as switches with semiconductor outputs), light beam devices, light curtains and two-hand control devices. As electronic safety relays have a more compact design, they take up much less space. The reduced size enables more functions to be implemented in the same effective area. Selectable operating modes and times allow for  flexible application of the devices. As a single device type can implement several different safety functions at once, savings can be made in terms of stockholdings, configuration, design and also when commissioning plant and machinery. Not only does this reduce the engineering effort in every lifecycle phase, it also simplifies any additions or adjustments that are required.


Electronic safety relays can be expanded in the simplest way possible. Whether you use additional contact blocks or function modules: Adapting to the specific requirements of the respective plant or machine is a simple, straightforward process, with contacts expanded via connectors. With just a single base unit, plus additional expansion units if required, users can fully implement all the classic functions.