Since we reviewed one aspect on the safety of machinery yesterday, I thought you might also be interested in the new BS EN 61496-1, “Safety of machinery. Electro-sensitive protective equipment. General requirements and tests.” This standard covers the ESPE (electro-sensitive protective equipment) that is applied to machines when there’s a risk of electrical injury. The ESPE monitors equipment and if the normal parameters are exceeded, puts a machine back into a safe condition before a person or product is hurt.
The standard, derived from the IEC 61496-1, provides general design and performance requirements for the ESPE. Built-in periodic checks and self-checks are also specified. Since this is a highly technical area, only the process is reviewed. Specific test and measurement techniques for the various technologies used in ESPE devices is not included.
Three types of ESPEs are covered by the document. They are types 2, 3 and 4, based on the types of fault detection required. You’ll review the functional, design and environmental requirements, testing, marking, and operational functions of ESPE in the BS EN 61496-1.
Like the IEC 61496-1, this edition has been updated to make it consistent with the latest standards for functional safety and EMC. These particularly include IEC 61508-1, IEC/TS 62046, IEC 62061, and ISO 13849-1.
If you’d like to see similar standards, please go to our Document Center List of Standards on the Safety of Machinery. Or you may find what you’re looking for on our Document Center List of Standards for Other Electrical Equipment for Working in Special Conditions.
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