Pilz / PSEN safety switches and sensors

The order number tells you whether you are getting a switch, an actuator, or both. Get that wrong and half the job arrives.

PSEN is the Pilz safety sensor range: magnetic switches, RFID coded switches, mechanical switches, guard locking systems and light curtains. A safety gate typically needs a switch and a matching actuator, and Pilz sells them in several combinations.

Read the packaging unit before you order

This is the detail that causes half-delivered orders. Pilz order numbers end with a packaging unit that tells you what is in the box.

Compare these:

If a gate switch has been damaged, you may only need the switch. If the door has been rehung, you may only need the actuator. Tell us which and we will quote the right one rather than a pair.

Reading a PSENmag order description

The full designation packs several things together. Take PSEN 2.1p-21/PSEN 2.1-20/8mm/LED/1unit.

The connection letter

So a PSEN 2.1a-20 and a PSEN 2.1b-20 are the same switch with different cable lengths, and a PSEN 2.1p-20 is the connector version. If your machine is wired for a plug, the cable version means rewiring.

PSENmag order numbers

Confirmed specification for the 504220: magnetic safety switch, 2 n/o, 4-pin M8 male connector, square design, 13 mm height, IP67, 8 mm operating distance.

The EX and ATEX variants are for hazardous areas. If your original is an ATEX part, the standard version is not a valid replacement regardless of function.

Switches for use with PSEN ix1

Some PSENmag switches are specified for use with the PSEN ix1 interface, such as the PSEN 1.1p-22/PSEN 1.1-20/8mm/ix1 variant. Those are not interchangeable with switches intended for direct connection.

Pilz also lists a 3 n/o magnetic switch with M8 connector, round M12 design, IP67, 12 mm operating distance, specifically for PSEN ix1 applications, supplied with a coded cuboid actuator.

PSENcode RFID coded safety switches

These are the manipulation-resistant option. The switch only enables when the actuator is in range and its code matches.

Two coding principles

This matters when replacing. On a fully coded switch the actuator is paired to the switch. Replacing one without the other means a teach-in process, and some switches allow only a limited number of teach-ins. Pilz specifies a total of 8 teach-in processes on some models.

If you have already used your teach-ins, the pair has to be replaced together.

Confirmed PSENcode specifications

Sao is the assured operating distance and Sar is the assured release distance. Both matter for gate design. Sao is how close the actuator must come to guarantee the switch makes; Sar is how far it must go to guarantee it releases.

Models are available in compact and large designs, with cable tails of 0.15 m or 1.5 m, and with support for series connection and SDD diagnostics.

PSENcode carries protection from IP65 to IP69K, UL and cUL approvals, and optional ATEX approval. Being non-contact, it is mechanically non-wearing.

PSENmlock guard locking

PSENmlock provides safe interlocking and safe guard locking, up to PL e.

Safe guard locking uses dual-channel control on the locking device, which makes it suitable for machines with a hazardous overrun requiring guard locking to PL d or PL e. If a machine coasts after stopping, this is the family to look at.

Standards met: EN ISO 14119, ISO 13849-1, EN IEC 62061 and IEC 61508.

An IP69 caution

PSENmlock is available in IP65, IP67 and IP69. Pilz notes that with IP69, the cable must be protected against high-pressure cleaning.

The switch is rated for washdown; the cable is not automatically. That is worth knowing in food processing before someone points a hose at it.

Two wiring versions

PSENmlock comes in basic versions for individual wiring and versions for series connection. These are different parts. If your gates are daisy-chained, you need the series connection version.

The PSEN families

PSENslock holding force

The PSEN sl-0.5p is a magnetic safety gate system for applications up to SIL 3, PL e and Category 4, with a magnetic holding force of 500 N for process protection.

Note that is process protection, not personnel guard locking. If the requirement is to physically prevent access to a hazard, PSENmlock is the family to look at rather than PSENslock.

Accessories

Important: safety replacements

Safety components are certified as part of a machine's safety function, with a rated Category or Performance Level.

A like-for-like replacement of the same order number preserves that assessment. A substitution may not. A switch with a different operating distance, different coding principle, or a standard version in place of an ATEX one can change the achieved Performance Level or the area classification even if it physically fits.

We will supply the exact order number you specify. If you ask us to suggest an alternative we will tell you what we think is equivalent and what differs, but the decision on whether a substitution is valid for your safety function belongs to whoever is responsible for the machine's safety assessment. We are a parts supplier, not your safety engineer.

What we can supply

Current production. The full PSENmag, PSENcode, PSENmech, PSENslock, PSENmlock and PSENopt ranges, plus actuators, cables and interfaces. Quoted with a delivered lead time.

Actuators separately. These get damaged far more often than switches, and ordering a full unit when you need one actuator is money wasted.

Discontinued variants. Older PSEN switches and actuators. Surplus and tested used.

Related

Pilz overview. PNOZ X, PNOZsigma and PNOZmulti for the relays and controllers these sensors wire into.

For equivalent ranges from other brands see Omron F3S and F3SG and Allen-Bradley Guardmaster.

Send us your order numbers

Tell us whether you need the switch, the actuator, or both, because the order number changes. If you have a coded switch, tell us whether it is standard or fully coded. Quotes in NZD including GST.

Request a quote

Industech is an independent supplier of new, surplus and used industrial automation equipment. We are not an authorised distributor of, approved by, sanctioned by, or affiliated with Pilz GmbH & Co. KG. Pilz, PSEN, PSENmag, PSENcode, PSENmlock, PSENslock and PSENopt are trademarks of Pilz GmbH & Co. KG. All trademarks, brand names and order numbers are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification purposes only. Information on this page is for identification and does not constitute a safety assessment.