Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

[ponycar17]

I'm in the process of searching for a captive key interlocking system that operates off of a bolt or lever to secure the door of an automated system. The switch needs to have built-in category 3 capable safety contacts for interface to a safety circuit. I have seen a few systems, particularly one by Allen Bradley that I believe uses a rotary switch to interrupt your safety circuit. The key is then removed and taken to a bolt or lever actuated lock on a door. The key then unlocks the actuator and releases another key that can be carried by and operator inside the enclosure.

Here is that system.

http://www.ab.com/safety/prod_directory/prosafe_trap_key_interlock_switches/rotary_switch/index.html

http://www.ab.com/safety/prod_direc...terlock_switches/access_interlocks/index.html

Since I have two doors on this system and a need to potentially have both open at the same time, I'm looking for a lock similar to one offered by Castell but with US stateside support versus support and parts from London only. At a previous employer we used Castell keys and I believe that they had to be obtained from London. That may or may not be true today but I would still like more options.

Here's the Castell switch I'm most interested in...

http://www.castell.com/us/castell/products.php?pid=24

Can anyone assist me in my search? Thanks in advance!

 

[jraef]

Siemens has a nice new line of Safety Interlock products.

https://mall.automation.siemens.com...62-7463-7532-7464-7495-7500-7501-&jumpto=7501

"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376

 

[waross]

Try Kirk Key Interlocks. It was quite a few years before I saw anything but Kirk Interlocks.

http://www.kirkkey.com/default.aspx?Page=Products

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[ScottyUK]

Castell and Fortress are both common over here. The phrase 'Castell key' has become synonymous with 'interlock key' even when they're really made by Kirk or Fortress. Last time I used the term 'Kirk key' I got blank looks!


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[ponycar17]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm now interested in Kirk since it fits the simplistic use I'm planning.

 

[EEJaime]

Scotty,
On this side of the world, "Kirk key" has become synonymous with "interlock key" I've not specified either of the other two you mentioned in my 25+ years. Just local trends I imagine.
EEJaime

 

[dpc]

You can also look at Superior Interlock as a second source for interlocks similar to Kirk interlocks.



David Castor

http://www.cvoes.com