Contact designation
In accordance with DIN 50013 and DIN 50005
the terminal designations of the contact ele-
ments are always make up of two digits.
The contact rows are numbered consecuti-
vely with the allocating digit (1st digit) in
actuation direction. Contacts of a switching
element that belong together have the
same allocating digit.
The second digit is the function digit that
denotes the type of contact element.
1–2 Normally-closed contact
3–4 Normally-open contact
5–6 Normally-closed contact with
delayed opening
7–8 Normally-open contact with
delayed closing
Protection class
The protection class of an enclosed device
denotes the degree of protection. The de-
gree of protection includes the protection
of persons against contact with parts under
voltage and the protection of equipment
against the infiltration of foreign bodies
and water. BERNSTEIN standard enclosures
mainly correspond to protection classes
IP65 and IP67. Higher protection ratings are
also available for individual customer solu-
tions. In accordance with DIN EN 60521
(IEC 529), the numerals used in the protec-
tion rating denote the following:
1st digit Degree of protection against con-
tact and infiltration of foreign bodies
2nd digit Degree of protection against
infiltration of water
Example IP65:
6 =
l
Complete protection against contact
with components under voltage or
with internal moving parts
l
Protection against dust infiltration
5 =
l
A water jet directed from all directions
at the device must not have damaging
effects
l
Protection against hose water
Enclosures
Limit switches are supplied either in a moul-
ded enclosure or a metal enclosure. Which
material is to be selected for a specific appli-
cation depends on the ambient conditions,
the location as well as several other factors.
Moulded limit switches provide protective
insulation and are resistant to many aggres-
sive chemicals and liquids. The formation of
condensation water in moist environments
with extreme temperature fluctuations is
significantly reduced on moulded enclosures.
In insulation-enclosed switches the switch-
ing elements are integrated directly in the
moulded enclosure and are therefore not
replaceable (complete switching devices).
Metal-enclosed limit switches are able to
withstand high mechanical loads, they
can also be used wherever hot metal chips
and sparks occur and are resistant to many
solvents and detergents. The switching
elements in metal-enclosed switches are
often integrated in the metal enclosure as
modular built-in switches. The enclosure
has a VDE-compliant connection for the
PE conductor.
Safety switches
The scope of application for limit switches
has changed over time. Whereas limit swit-
ches were previously used for the purpose
of detecting end positions, today they are
increasingly assuming functions designed
to protect persons and products in machine,
equipment and plant construction.
The BERNSTEIN range of safety switches
offers the right solution for the most diverse
applications in many branches of industry.
Particularly when it comes to safety, users
appreciate the fact that they are able to
procure all required safety switches and
receive professional advice from one source.
The decisive factors governing the selection
of safety equipment include the ambient
conditions, installation situation and risk
analysis.
A switching device that can be used for
safety functions is identified by the standard-
ised symbol conforming to EN 65000-41
and EN 65000-42. The switches can, of course,
also be used for pure position monitoring
purposes.
Safety switches are divided into two cate-
gories, Type 1 and Type 2. The difference is
in the actuating elements which are com-
pletely integrated in the enclosure in Type 1
and separated from the switching element
in Type 2.
Type 1 Type 2
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