Flexible Relay Solution Simplifies Safety Implementation

Machine builders can implement required safety functions while improving productivity with the Allen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay, users programming the device through the free Connected Components Workbench software from Rockwell Automation.

Connected Components Workbench software reduces programming time and enables users to create, control and monitor a safety system in the same software environment as their standard control. The Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay meets PLe, SIL 3 per EN ISO 13849-1 and IEC 62061, and is geared to applications requiring four to nine safety circuits, plus control of up to five zones.

“Machine builders across all industries are seeking safety solutions that go beyond meeting compliance requirements to helping significantly increase both configuration and operation productivity,” says Rockwell Automation Product Manager Thomas Helpenstein. “The flexible, compact Guardmaster 440C-CR30 configured via Connected Components Workbench software meets their needs for improved safety, uptime and productivity.”

The software’s distinct graphical user interface and drag-and-drop capabilities help guide users through a simple process of selecting certified safety function blocks. Once programmed, an embedded Modbus interface allows the safety relay to easily communicate diagnostic data to Allen Bradley Micro800 controllers, PanelView graphic terminals or CompactLogix controllers. Leveraging the embedded communication capabilities and software allows users to monitor, troubleshoot and quickly modify their applications, including performing partial or conditioned shutdowns, as needed. Five status and 16 user-configurable LEDs on the safety relay’s faceplate provide local diagnostics to further augment status reporting and troubleshooting.

With 22 on-board safety I/O points, including six configurable I/O, the Guardmaster 440C-CR30 covers multiple-zone applications. Without growing the footprint, the safety relay also can be expanded with two standard Micro800 plug-in modules to support 16 additional standard I/O points, saving valuable safety I/O points for user safety systems. The safety relay also permits interoperation with multiple standard-control platforms, enabling the safety control to remain the same even if the standard control changes.

— Rockwell Automation, www.rockwellautomation.com