Core Features
Safety-Certified Interlocking for Machine Guards: The AZ Series functions as a category 3/4 safety interlock switch (per EN ISO 13849-1) designed to prevent hazardous machine motion when safety guards (e.g., doors, covers, gates) are opened. It is engineered to mitigate risks of operator injury from moving parts (e.g., robotic arms, stamping tools) and comply with global safety standards like EN 60204-1 (machine electrical safety) and OSHA 1910.217 (mechanical power press safety).
Force-Guided Safety Contacts & Tamper Resistance: Equips 2 x normally closed (NC) force-guided safety contacts (SIL 3/PL e rated) to eliminate single-point failures—critical for high-risk applications. The force-guided mechanism ensures contacts cannot remain closed if internal components fail (e.g., broken springs, actuator damage). Additionally, the series includes tamper-resistant designs (e.g., keyed actuators, locked guard positioning) to prevent unauthorized bypassing of safety circuits, a common violation in industrial settings.
Heavy-Duty Construction for Harsh Environments: Constructed with a cast aluminum housing (corrosion-resistant, powder-coated finish) and stainless steel actuator components, achieving IP67/IP69K protection ratings (per IEC 60529). IP67 resistance safeguards against dust and submersion (1m depth for 30 minutes), while IP69K (available on select models) withstands high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns (up to 80°C, 80 bar)—ideal for food processing, automotive, or chemical manufacturing environments.
Versatile Actuation & Mounting Options: The AZ Series offers multiple actuator types to adapt to diverse guard designs:
Sliding Actuators: For vertical/horizontal guard doors (e.g., machine access panels).
Rotary Actuators: For hinged guards (e.g., robotic workcell gates).
Keyed Actuators: For controlled access to high-risk areas (e.g., stamping press guards).
It supports multi-directional mounting (surface, flush, or bracket-mounted) via M8/M10 screws, enabling integration into custom guard systems without compromising safety.
Wide Voltage & Load Compatibility: Rated for AC 230V/400V (50/60Hz) and DC 24V/48V, with a maximum switching current of 10A (resistive load) and 6A (inductive load) per contact. This compatibility allows direct integration with safety relays (e.g., Siemens 3SK1), fail-safe PLCs (S7-1500F), or emergency stop (E-Stop) loops—no auxiliary components required for most industrial safety circuits.
Global Safety Compliance: Meets rigorous standards including UL 508S, CSA C22.2 No. 14, IEC 60947-5-1 (safety interlocks), and EN ISO 13849-1 (PL e/Category 3/4). It is validated for use in safety-related applications where failure could result in severe injury, ensuring compliance across global markets (EU, North America, Asia).
Typical Applications
The Siemens AZ Series is engineered for high-risk machine guarding and hazardous motion control, with core use cases including:
Robotic Workcell Guard Interlocks: Installed on sliding or hinged guards of robotic welding, painting, or assembly cells. When the guard is opened (e.g., for maintenance or part retrieval), the switch’s force-guided contacts open—interrupting power to the robot and stopping all hazardous motion. Keyed actuator models prevent unauthorized guard access during automated operation.
Stamping Press Safety Gates: Deployed on safety gates of mechanical or hydraulic stamping presses. The AZ switch’s tamper-resistant design prevents operators from bypassing the interlock to reach into the press area, while IP67 protection withstands metal shavings and industrial oil. If the gate is opened mid-cycle, the switch triggers an immediate press shutdown.
Food Processing Equipment Guards: Used on washdown-compatible guards of mixers, extruders, or filling machines (IP69K models). The switch’s stainless steel components and high-pressure washdown resistance comply with FDA and EHEDG standards. When the guard is opened for cleaning, the switch stops the machine to prevent injury from rotating parts.
Heavy Machinery Access Covers: Integrated into access covers of construction equipment (e.g., excavator engines, crane gearboxes) or industrial turbines. The AZ switch’s rugged cast aluminum housing withstands vibration and outdoor conditions (-30°C to +80°C operating range), while the interlock ensures the machine cannot start if the cover is open—preventing entanglement or component ejection.
Pharmaceutical Production Line Guards: Installed on guards of sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment (e.g., tablet presses, packaging lines). The switch’s enclosed design prevents contamination, and force-guided contacts ensure compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) by eliminating safety circuit failures that could compromise product quality or operator safety.