IDEC HR5S Category 2 safety relay module

IDEC Corporation has announced the HR5S safety relay module, designed specifically to meet ISO 13849 Category 2 requirements. If designers are using a system with Safety Category 3 or 4, then redundant safety inputs, controllers and outputs must be provided. Now when the machine risk is relatively low, designers can opt for a more streamlined safety implementation by using Category 2 instead of a more rigorous safety implementation.

HR5S safety relays are available in three configurations for a range of applications. The Simple type can be used for applications up to PLc, while Standard and Off-Delay types work for designs up to PLd and add failure detection features. While most Category 3 and higher relays consume 45 mm of installation width, the HR5S is only 22.5 mm wide and can be mounted on DIN rails or a backpanel surface.

Push-in terminals are used for ease of installation and vibration resistance, accepting solid wires up to 16 AWG or stranded wires up to 18 AWG with ferrules. Inputs are rated for 24 VDC, and outputs are rated up to 250 VAC, 3 A. The HR5S safety relay modules comply with many standards including EN ISO 13849-1:2015 and UL 508.

HR5S safety relays make it easier for machine builders to apply approved safety designs in additional applications, for new systems and also for retrofit cases. In addition to these opportunities, Category 2 designs and safety relays can be used to warn users of impending issues instead of automatically stopping equipment.