The ASi base module has an ASi chip built into it, so you just plug a standard M12 4 pin cable into the eGard base connector and the other end has a vampire connector to bite directly into the yellow ASi cable (Fortress doesn’t sell this cable, the supplier of the ASi system parts will be able to supply it).

This button it is not in the Siemens range of push buttons and lamps. This is added to our list of possible future modules.

If a module is damaged , the whole module would have to be replaced. The push buttons for instance are a snap fit into eGard and cannot be removed once fitted.

It is possible to control an ASi network from Profibus using a gateway device. ASi is the best method of controlling safety and simple controls, as it is much simpler than Profibus (or any other network), and therefore cheaper (even when using a gateway). Profibus and other higher level bus systems are designed to do many more complicated tasks and allow much more communication, but for safety and simple controls this ability is never used.

The M12 4 pin is standard and can be bought from any cable supplier. The 14pin Woodhead part numbers we order them on are:
For the 2m 14 pin (21): 10C000P78M020G MC-14P-FE-ST-2M-PUR
For the 5m 14 pin (51): 10C000P78M050G MC-14P-FE-ST-5M-PUR
These are not off the shelf cables and other customers that have asked Brad Harrison have been given long lead-times and min order quantities.

Both safety circuits are hard wired to avoid software reliability problems. The control modules are software controlled solid state like a mini Profibus or ASi network (very reliable).

Any of the NC contacts on the safety circuits only. All the contacts on the control circuits have potential.

No, this is not possible. The keys are supplied with a 6 digit key code consisting of a random taken combination of the 4 digits 0-5-6 and 7. When carried as stock items customers have of course the possibility to fix the supply of these specific 6 digit combinations in advance. If a customer insists on engraving you can advise they use/make an engraved plate fixed to the key with a ring.

The pushbuttons in the eGard range are available in "latching" which means that they don't spring back to there original position and "non-latching" they immediately spring back.

There are a number of possible restrictions to the number of modules that can be assembled:

1. A stack part number can contain up to 22 characters, including the Head/Cap and Base module part numbers. This means that a maximum of 9 core modules can be specified.
2. A BC base module contains 8 I/O lines and once they have been used up by the core modules, further modules requiring I/O will be ignored.
3. A BB base module is similar to a BC but contains 2 I/O lines.
4. A BS base module has no I/O lines.

Yes, these are defined in the Installation and Maintenance instructions, supplied with the unit and available through our website: www.fortressinterlocks.com There are additional resources available such as a product configurator spreadsheet which is available from our sales team. A web based version is under construction.

The lamp is completely independent of the push button. The device that interfaces with the eGard stack can be arrange to provide this functionality. However, it can also make the lamp flash or stay on or off until another condition etc. is met.

The input voltage threshold on early BC and BB module is only around 1V. Flickering can occur if good grounding techniques are not used or with poor cable routing. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the base module with the latest version. Base modules with a serial number 0646#####F, or later have a threshold of around 10V.

Note: The first two digits of the serial number are the year and the second two are the week number, starting from January.

Yes – 4 pin chord-sets are available from a host of alternative suppliers. They have standard 4 pin M12 connectors that are usually used to hook up sensors and the like. 5 pin M12 connectors will also work. The 14 Pin connector is available direct from Woodhead (Brad-Harrison).

Whether the hinge is mounted to the side or above the head, the minimum door radius is 150mm.

Configuring an eGard stack with key modules you’ll get the opportunity to select bi- or unidirectional. Which one to use and when?
Using just a single key module in a stack you will always have to use bi-directional.

SB : standard safety lock – bi
GB : mastered safety lock – bi
AB : standard access lock – bi
QB : mastered access lock – bi

Using multiple key modules in a stack you will always have to use bi-directional at the lowest key module

SU : standard safety lock – uni
GU : mastered safety lock – uni
AU : standard access lock – uni
QU : mastered access lock - uni

The difference between sourcing and sinking all has to do with the use of PNP (sourcing) or NPN (sinking) transistors.

“Sourcing (PNP) provides a path to +24 VDC (+DC)”
“Sinking (NPN) provides a path to 0 VDC (-DC)”

Sinking outputs are mostly used in Asia.