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Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

(OP)
I'm in the process of searching for a captive key interlocking system that operates off of a bolt or lever to secure the door of an automated system.  The switch needs to have built-in category 3 capable safety contacts for interface to a safety circuit.  I have seen a few systems, particularly one by Allen Bradley that I believe uses a rotary switch to interrupt your safety circuit.  The key is then removed and taken to a bolt or lever actuated lock on a door.  The key then unlocks the actuator and releases another key that can be carried by and operator inside the enclosure.  

Here is that system.  
http://www.ab.com/safety/prod_directory/prosafe_trap_key_interlock_switches/rotary_switch/index.html
http://www.ab.com/safety/prod_directory/prosafe_trap_key_interlock_switches/access_interlocks/index.html

Since I have two doors on this system and a need to potentially have both open at the same time, I'm looking for a lock similar to one offered by Castell but with US stateside support versus support and parts from London only.  At a previous employer we used Castell keys and I believe that they had to be obtained from London.  That may or may not be true today but I would still like more options.  

Here's the Castell switch I'm most interested in...  

http://www.castell.com/us/castell/products.php?pid=24

Can anyone assist me in my search?  Thanks in advance!

RE: Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

Siemens has a nice new line of Safety Interlock products.
https://mall.automation.siemens.com/GB/guest/index.asp?aktprim=0&lang=en&nodeID=10037081&foldersopen=-7174-7461-7462-7463-7532-7464-7495-7500-7501-&jumpto=7501
 


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RE: Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

Try Kirk Key Interlocks. It was quite a few years before I saw anything but Kirk Interlocks.

http://www.kirkkey.com/default.aspx?Page=Products

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

RE: Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

Castell and Fortress are both common over here. The phrase 'Castell key' has become synonymous with 'interlock key' even when they're really made by Kirk or Fortress. Last time I used the term 'Kirk key' I got blank looks!
  

----------------------------------
  
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
 

RE: Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

(OP)
Thanks for the suggestions!  I'm now interested in Kirk since it fits the simplistic use I'm planning.   

RE: Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

Scotty,
On this side of the world, "Kirk key" has become synonymous with "interlock key"  I've not specified either of the other two you mentioned in my 25+ years.  Just local trends I imagine.
EEJaime

RE: Captive Key Switch with Built-In Electrical Contacts Needed

You can also look at Superior Interlock as a second source for interlocks similar to Kirk interlocks.  

 

David Castor
www.cvoes.com

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