Electro-Sensitive Protective Equipment, Part 1: General Requirements and Tests

UL 61496-1

1 Scope

This part of IEC 61496 specifies general requirements for the design, construction and testing of ELECTRO-SENSITIVE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (ESPE) for the safeguarding of machinery. Special attention is directed to functional and design requirements that ensure an appropriate safety related performance is achieved. An ESPE may include optional safety-related functions, the requirements for which are given in annex a.The particular requirements for specific types of sensing function are given in other parts of this standard.This standard does not specify the dimensions or configuration of the DETECTION ZONE and its disposition in relation to hazards in any particular application, nor what constitutes a hazardous state of any machine. It is restricted to the functioning of the ESPE and how it interfaces with the machine.This standard may be relevant to applications other than those for the protection of persons, for example for the protection of machinery or products from mechanical damage. In those applications additional requirements may be necessary, for example when the materials that have to be recognized by the sensing function have different properties from those of persons.This standard does not deal with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emission requirements.This part of IEC 61496 provides general requirements for ESPES of various types employing different methods of sensing. The particular requirements for specific types of sensing function will be covered in subsequent parts of this standard. The requirements for ESPES using active opto-electric protective devices, e.g. light curtains, are contained in part 2.This part refers to the technical suitability of the electro-sensitive protective equipment. Its application may require the use of substances and/or test procedures that could be injurious to health unless adequate precautions were taken. Conformance with this standard in no way absolves either the SUPPLIER or the user from statutory obligations relating to the safety and health of persons during the use of the equipment covered by this standard.