Configurable steel safety switches

The Fortress amGard Pro is a modular, heavy-duty safety switch and guard locking system designed to protect personnel working with industrial machinery. It combines safety interlocking, guard locking and optional control functions within a robust metal housing. The system is particularly suitable for demanding industrial environments where machinery guards are exposed to high mechanical forces, vibration and frequent operation. Its modular design allows machine builders to configure safety solutions for specific applications.

The main difference is the heavy-duty construction and modular flexibility of the amGard Pro system. Unlike conventional safety interlocks intended for less demanding applications, amGard Pro features a metal housing, stainless steel contact components and a mechanical holding force exceeding 10,000 N. It also offers an actuator alignment tolerance of 24 mm, making it suitable for large machinery guards and demanding industrial environments. Additional functions, including emergency stops, safety keys and escape releases, can be integrated into the same assembly.

Fortress amGard Pro is designed for use in safety-related control systems requiring up to Performance Level e (PL e), Category 4 according to EN ISO 13849-1, and Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) according to IEC 62061. The product range is TÜV SÜD certified and supports applications requiring a high level of functional safety. However, the achieved safety performance depends on the complete safety circuit, including its architecture, diagnostic coverage and validation.

Yes. Fortress amGard Pro can incorporate solenoid-controlled guard locking to prevent access to hazardous machinery until a safe condition has been reached. This is particularly important for equipment such as mixers, conveyors and other machinery where hazardous movement may continue after a stop command. The guard locking function can be integrated with the machine’s safety-related control system to permit unlocking only when the required safety conditions have been satisfied.

Yes. Fortress amGard Pro is a fully modular safety interlocking system that allows users to combine different actuators, switch bodies, locking mechanisms, control buttons and safety accessories. Available configurations include emergency stops, access request buttons, reset controls, trapped key adapters and escape release mechanisms. The modular design also allows individual components to be replaced without necessarily replacing the entire assembly, simplifying maintenance and reducing replacement costs.

Fortress amGard Pro offers personal safety keys and escape release mechanisms designed to reduce the risk of personnel becoming trapped inside safeguarded machinery areas. Safety key configurations can prevent guard relocking or machine restart while a personal key has been removed. The optional EI escape release handle allows personnel to unlock the guard from inside the safeguarded area in a single action. These measures can form part of an entrapment prevention strategy designed in accordance with ISO 14119 and the machine-specific risk assessment.

Yes. Fortress amGard Pro is designed for heavy-duty industrial applications and features a robust metal housing with stainless steel head and actuator components. Its IP67 protection rating provides protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion in water under specified test conditions. The system also offers a holding force exceeding 10,000 N and a large alignment tolerance, making it suitable for demanding environments involving mechanical loads, vibration and outdoor exposure. The actual suitability must be assessed against environmental conditions, including temperature and corrosion exposure.