Safety Sensors
What are safety sensors?
Safety sensors, also known as contactless safety switches or safety contacts, check the status or position of a door, hatch or other moving object, for safe access.
We supply a wide array of safety sensors for every application and industry.
TüV
certified
Ple according to
EN/ISO 13849-1
Stainless steel or ABS (plastic)
Contactless safety switches
Our range safety sensors offers a solutions for safe position detection in every application
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MagnaSafe magnetic safety switches
Mechan MagnaSafe is a very complete product group of contactless magnetically operated safety switches for machine safety applications.
This product group uses Reed contacts in combination with a solid ABS (or INOX) casing. The MagnaSafe switches are easy to install and the 10 mm+ switching interval ensures tolerance in the alignment of doors and hatches.
The switches are ideal for damp, dusty and wash down environments and sealed to IP67 and IP69K. MagnaSafe switches are suitable for usage in SIL3 (EN/IEC 62061), Category 4 (EN 954-1) and PLe (EN/ISO 13849-1) applications.
- Available in ABS and INOX 316
- Different construction forms, contact options and connection options
- Competitively priced safety sensor
- Operation by means of Reed contacts
- Version for temperatures up to +125 °C
- Switch up to 2A
Different construction forms
MagnaSafe safety sensors are available in 6 different construction forms that can be supplied in ABS (plastic) as well as INOX 316.
In addition, MagnaSafe is also available in a high temperature version which is suitable for applications up to +125 °C.
Plug connection or pre-wired
MagnaSafe switches are available with a plug connection, 10cm pigtail or pre-wired in 3m, 6m or 10m.
MagnaSafe safety switches are available with 1 or 2 safety contacts and in both a AC and DC variant.
Cylindrical switch
Cylindrical safety switches can easily be built-in or concealed in doorposts and panels.
This design is particularly suitable for well-aligned doors and hygienic environments.
HE series magnetically coded safety switches
The HE series contactless switches of Mechan Controls operates by means of both magnetism and electronics. This technology prevents manipulation and has a significant switching interval and is, as such, very suitable for poorly aligned doors or hatches.
In addition, hybrid switches are very well resistant to moist and vibrations. By optionally making use of the SCU controller, Mechan supplies a total solution for the protection of machines without running down time. HE switches are suitable for usage in SIL3 (EN/IEC 62061), Category 4 (EN 954-1) and PLe (EN/ISO 13849-1) applications.
- Available in ABS and INOX 316
- Dual Colour LED status indication
- Very good resistance to vibrations
- Useable with and without the SCU controller
- Sealed to IP67
- Use the HED switch to monitor two doors with only one switch
Stainless steel or ABS (plastic)
The HE series safety sensors are available in 6 different construction forms that can be supplied in ABS (plastic) as well as INOX 316.
HE switches are known for their excellent resistance to vibration and are provided with a status LED.
1 switch for 2 doors
With the Mechan HED safety switch, it is the possible to secure two adjacent doors or hatches with only one single switch.
The HED switch is available in a ABS (plastic) or INOX 316 variant.
SCU controller
Safety switches from the HE-series are to be used with their own safety controller or SCU controller.
The SCU makes it possible to safely connect a maximum of 30 safety switches. The LEDs show the status of the safety switches and the voltage.
S series frequency controlled safety switches
The Mechan S product group of electronic stand-alone contactless safety switches is designed for use in combination with any type safety relay.
S Safety switches make use of Mechan’s unique frequency-based switching system which prevents manipulation or bridging of the safety switch. Another feature of this technology is the quite accurate switching interval and extreme reliability.
- To be used in combination with any type of safety relay
- Very reliable technique based on frequency
- Very accurate switching interval
- Different connections, designs and contact options are available
- Can be used as a coded safety switch in accordance with EN14119
Electronically coded
The S series safety switches work on a frequency-based switching system, designed by Mechan, in which case the switches cannot be manipulated.
Mechan S series of switches can be used as a “coded” safety switch in accordance with EN 14119.
Accurate switching interval
One of the features of these frequency-based safety switches is the highly accurate switching distance (hysteria) of 10mm.
Stand alone
In addition to having various connections, the Mechan Controls S series of safety switches offer the advantage that they can be connected to any type of safety controller.
RSS series RFID coded stand alone safety sensors
Mechan RSS safety sensors are high coded by making use of RFID transponder technology, in order to prevent manipulation.
In contrast to other RFID, the market uses the RSS range voltage-free contacts instead of OSSD contacts, so the switch can also be used as stand-alone.
- To be used in combination with any type of safety relay through volt free contacts
- Sealed to IP67 and IP69k
- 4,000,000 unique codings
- Type 4 coding according to EN14119
- Different connections, designs and contact options available
High coded type 4 switch
By making use of transponder technology (RFID), all RSS safety switches are uniquely coded.
As a result, Mechan Controls RSS safety switches can be used as a Type 4 “high coded” safety switch and 14119.
RFID safety sensor in stainless steel
RFID uniquely coded safety switches in stainless steel 316 prevent manipulation and guarantee maintenance-free and safe use under most harsh industrial conditions, including corrosive environments, chemical processes and hygienic areas.
Upgrade your safety
Easily increase your machine safety by exchanging your magnetic safety sensors with the uniquely coded RSS safety sensors
RSS switches are available in 5 construction forms and are all provided with a status LED.
O series RFID coded OSSD safety sensors
The O Series products combine more than 40 years of experience in designing and manufacturing safety switches for machine guards with the latest safety technology.
Due to the unique design, up to 30 O-series switches can be placed in series while maintaining the highest safety class PLe.
- Coded (black) and uniquely coded (yellow) available
- Double channel OSSD safety contacts (max 2A)
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Dual RGB status LEDs (visible from multiple sides)
- Approachable from 3 sides
- Sealed to IP67 and IP69K
- External device monitoring (EDM)
Safety in series
The O-series safety switches have OSSD contacts and work based on RFID transponder technology so that up to 30 switches can be placed in series while maintaining the highest safety category (PLe according to EN / ISO 13849-1)
External device monitoring
OHE1 and ODNK safety switches can be used with a function called EDM (external device mounting). This means that you can monitor the status of switches and safety relays to detect a failure of the external device, this eliminates the need for a safety monitoring controller.
Compact design
The O-series safety sensors have a very compact design with rounded corners for easy mounting at any location.
Because Mechan Controls has opted for a mounting distance of 22mm (an industry standard), traditional switches can easily be replaced by an intelligent O-series variant.
Safix 1 RFID coded OSSD safety switch
SaFix 1 RFID safety sensors make use of the latest RFID technology, as a result of which up to 80 switches can be connected in daisy chain without significant loss of response time.
SAFIX 1 switches are easy to install on existing safety relays or PLCs.
- Available as a highly encrypted (re-teachable) switch in accordance with EN ISO 14119.
- 80 switches in series without loss of safety through OSSD
- Uses just one single signal for diagnosis
- Sealed to IP67
- Status indication with clear multi-colour LED
- Connect directly with a M12 8pin plug
- Very small actuator available for mounting on doors and shutters with a narrow radius
High coded & reteachable
Safix 1 switches can be used as a high coded encrypted switch in accordance with and 14119. Safix 1 switches work on transponder technology (RFID) where every set ( switch + actuator) is uniquely coded. In order to still be able to replace actuators, the switches can be connected to a new actuator by means of a ‘teach module’.
Mini actuator
For doors or hatches with a small radius, the Safix 1 is also available with a very compact actuator.
OSSD contacts
The OSSD contacts in the Safix 1 make it possible to connect up to 80 switches in daisy chain without loss of the safety function.
Safix 3 RFID coded compact OSSD safety switch
The SAFIX 3 RFID safety sensor has a very compact design with a mounting hole distance of only 22mm.
The sensor can be approached from the front or from both sides. Safix 3 is available in high or low coding and with different connection options.
- Available as high coded (re-teachable) switch in accordance with EN ISO 14119.
- 30 switches in daisy-chain without loss of safety through OSSD
- Sealed to IP69K
- Status indication through 3 colour LEDs
- Available with fixed cable or pigtail M12 plug connection
- ECOLAB certified
22mm mounting distance
The very compact Safix 3 switch has a mounting distance of just 22mm, as a result of which it is ideal for usage in applications with little space or small hatches and doors.
ECOLAB certified
Safix 3 switches are Ecolab certified, which means that these are suitable for usage in environments that are cleaned by use of the most common acids and alkaline cleaning- and disinfection agents.
Series connection
The OSSD contacts in the Safix 3 make it possible to connect up to 30 switches in daisy chain without loss of the safety function.
Steute Ex Explosion proof magnetic safety switches
Steute Extreme products are developed and certified for usage in the heaviest applications worldwide (e.g. ATEX, EICEx, GOST).
- Available in different sizes
- Versions available for extreme temperatures
- Different sizes available
- Stainless steel cylindrical sensor available
- Different contact settings and cable lengths
- Detection through coded Hall sensors
For every Ex zone
Steute has a very complete range with safety sensors for every Ex zone.
Explosion proof in stainless steel
In addition to an ABS (plastic) version, Steute Ex safety sensors are also available in a cylindrical stainless steel 316 version for use in corrosive and hygienic environments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safety Sensors
A safety sensor is an input device that forms part of the safety-related parts of a control system (SRP/CS). It detects a hazardous condition or access to a hazardous area in order to initiate a safety function (e.g. stopping, preventing restart, or preventing hazardous movement).
According to ISO 13849-1:2023, SRP/CS must be designed and integrated in such a way that the safety function can achieve a defined Performance Level (PL). The safety sensor supports this, among other things, through internal fault detection/diagnostics and suitability for use within a safety architecture (Category B, 1, 2, 3, or 4).
Please note: PL (and SIL) always applies to the complete safety function (sensor + logic + actuation), not to the sensor alone.
A standard industrial sensor detects position or presence, but it is not intended or validated for functional safety applications.
A safety sensor is typically:
- Designed for use in safety functions within SRP/CS (ISO 13849-1) or safety systems (IEC 62061).
- Equipped with diagnostics/fault detection (e.g. channel monitoring, short-circuit detection, plausibility checks).
- Intended to transition predictably to a safe state in the event of a fault (fail-safe behavior within the intended function).
Supplied with documentation/data required for the design and calculation of the safety function (e.g. for PL calculations within the complete SRP/CS).
The most commonly used types of safety sensors for door and guard monitoring (according to ISO 14119) are:
Magnetic safety sensors
Contactless and wear-free. Suitable for standard applications with limited tampering risk.
RFID-coded safety sensors
Operate with uniquely coded actuators. Provide a higher coding level and improved protection against tampering.
Safety sensors with OSSD outputs
Equipped with dual-channel electronic safety outputs with fault detection. Suitable for integration into higher safety architectures (e.g. Category 3 or 4 according to ISO 13849-1).
ATEX safety sensors
Suitable for potentially explosive atmospheres in accordance with ATEX 2014/34/EU.
The correct choice depends on the required Performance Level (PLr), the tampering risk, and the environmental conditions.
No. PL applies to the complete safety function, which consists at minimum of:
- Input (sensor)
- Logic (safety relay or safety PLC)
- Output (actuators such as contactors, valves, or drive functions such as STO)
The final PL is determined by the combination of all components as well as the selected architecture (category), diagnostics (DC), and measures against common cause failures (CCF).
A manufacturer may state that a sensor is “suitable for applications up to PL e”, but this is not proof that your safety function automatically achieves PL e.
For sensors used as interlocking devices on guards (e.g. door protection), the primary applicable standard is:
ISO 14119 (latest edition ISO 14119:2024, successor to the 2013 edition) – principles for design/selection and measures to reduce tampering/defeat.
In addition, integration into the safety function must comply with ISO 13849-1:2023 (PL approach) or IEC 62061 (SIL approach), depending on your design methodology.
The required Performance Level (PLr) is determined through the risk assessment (ISO 12100) and the method defined in ISO 13849-1 (including the risk graph).
You assess:
- S (Severity): severity of injury
- F (Frequency/Exposure): frequency and/or duration of exposure
- P (Possibility of avoidance): possibility of avoiding the hazard
The result is a PLr from PL a up to PL e, after which the safety function is designed so that PL ≥ PLr.
OSSD (Output Signal Switching Device) outputs are dual-channel electronic safety outputs that transmit the status of a safety sensor to a safety controller.
A key characteristic of OSSD outputs is that they are designed to detect faults such as short circuits to 24 V, short circuits to 0 V, or cross faults between channels, allowing the output to switch to a safe state and enabling fault detection. OSSD is defined within the IEC 61496 series (ESPE context) and is widely used in contactless safety sensors.
In practice, OSSD outputs enable fast fault detection and reliable signal transmission to a safety relay or safety PLC.
Under EU legislation, safety sensors may be considered safety components when they:
- perform a safety function,
- are independently placed on the market, and
- may endanger the safety of persons in the event of a defect or failure.
This aligns with the framework of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and its successor, the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. The regulation was published on 29 June 2023, entered into force on 19 July 2023, and will apply from 20 January 2027.
In such cases, CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity are generally required (in accordance with the applicable rules for the product and its role as a safety component).
