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Rockwell Automation introduced its Allen-Bradley Guardmaster GuardLink safety system, a new safety-based communications protocol that helps operators to improve machine diagnostics, reduce downtime, and increase productivity.
Traditionally, safety devices are wired to separate safety inputs, which can require significantly more wiring and introduce more potential fault points. When wired in a series connection, users can lose the ability to distinguish information from each device. With GuardLink, safety devices are connected in series and can still provide access to individual device diagnostics. This system provides safety, diagnostics, remote reset and lock command over a single four conductor cable with up to 32 devices per link. In addition, installation costs can be reduced, with some users reporting up to a 38 percent reduction in wiring, when using GuardLink.
The GuardLink technology can seamlessly integrate with Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays and components, allowing users to access status information throughout their entire safety system. The connection of safety devices with smart taps enabled by GuardLink technology and standard cabling to a Guardmaster safety relay can allow greater visibility into the system, including individual guard doors and E-stops.
The GuardLink safety system can fully integrate with the Logix platform with predetermined tag names in the Rockwell Software Studio 5000 application. Its more simplified design and reduction in wires allows for a simpler plug-and-play installation.