Swivellink: What is the PLx?
June 15, 2021
The PLx family of safety validation devices are compact, hand-held devices that are designed to diagnose and induce faults in machinery safety systems to validate that the appropriate safety performance level has been achieved by the hardware design, manufacture, assembly, wiring, and programming of the system.
This device enables the user to induce faults into the safety system while monitoring both the built in PLx indicator status lights as well as the safety system controller for the proper result.
This is accomplished without removing single wires or inducing shorts through terminals.
The PLx was designed primarily for use on industrial manufacturing equipment. Testing of such systems is required by industry recognized safety standards on a regular basis.
How does the PLx work?
The design of the PLx allows it to be quickly inserted into systems though its quick disconnect connector interface that will be available in multiple formats. The PLx base model uses an 8-Pin M12 quick-disconnect connector. Using extension or adapter cables as necessary, insert the PLx in series with the device to be tested. The “device” port is connected to the safety device, and the “System” Port is connected to the safety controller.
The PLx can then be used to validate the safety system. This is accomplished by intercepting and manipulating the safety device’s signals and power connections. The user can induce faults into the safety system and control the safety device’s functions through manipulation of an array of switches on the PLx. Status indicators of the safety device’s signals and power are provided on the PLx unit for observing the status and results of the safety device while in operation and during fault induction testing.
Faults Able to be Induced:
- Single Channel Break (x2 Ch A & Ch B)
- Cross Short Between Channels (x2 Short A-2-B & B-2-A)
- Short Channel to Ground (x2 A-2-GND & B-2-GND) Faults
The PLx is a universal device designed to insert in series with equipment safety devices and induce faults into that safety system to validate the functionality and diagnostic coverage of the safety system. Properly used, the PLx will validate that the proper safety design Performance Level has been achieved by: design, wiring, and programming. This type of testing is required by the ISO 13849-2 safety standard.
Who is the PLx for?
The primary users of the PLx are: Environmental, Health, and Safety Professionals; Maintenance and Plant Safety Personnel; Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Control Engineers, and Technicians; Original equipment Manufacturers, Machinery Builders, and Systems Integrators; Equipment and Component Manufacturers and Suppliers; Educators and Students; Safety Specialists; and any person wishing to validate their machinery safety functions.
