Preventing an automatic restart with safe start devices

Often times electrical equipment being used in a factory operation may suddenly shut down. This may be due to an internal power malfunction, a local power plant problem, a sudden jam in a gear, just to name a few. When this type of unintentional shut down takes place, it is extremely important to insure that the equipment does not suddenly start up again. Such an event may catch employees by surprise and lead to a serious accident. The Sensing Saf-Start device automatically “opens” the circuit once there is a sudden power loss. The circuit will remain “open” as long as the equipment power switch is “on.” Once the power switch is turned “off”, the Sensing Saf-Start device will then close the circuit. At that point, with everyone aware that the equipment can now be safely restarted, the power switch can be turned “on” and normal operation resumed.

The Sensing Saf-Start Device has a “sensing circuit” that sends a signal up to the equipment switch to determine if the switch is “on.” If the switch is still “on”, the Sensing Saf-Start sounds a warning buzz when the reset button is depressed and it will not allow the circuit to be closed during that time. The Sensing Saf-Start is very easy to install and very economical as well.

The Sensing Saf-Start Device satisfies the following regulations:

OSHA 29 CFR1910.213 9b) (3) Electrical Controls for Wood Working Machinery: On applications where injury to the operator might result if motors were to restart after a power failure, provisions shall be made to prevent machines from automatically restarting upon restoration of power.

NFPA 79 Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery 7.5.3 Restarting: Upon restoration of the voltage or upon switching on the incoming supply, automatic or unintentional restarting of the machine shall be prevented when such a restart causes a hazardous condition, and Annex A: A.3.3.107 Undervoltage Protection: The principal objective of this device is to prevent automatic restarting of the equipment.

NEC 2011 National Electrical Code International Electric Code Series 430.43 Automatic Restarting: A motor overload device that can restart a motor automatically after overload tripping shall not be installed if automatic restarting of the motor can result in injury to persons.

The Sensing Saf-Start Device is available in 4 distinct models:

1.      120 volts, A.C., 15 amp, 50/60 cycle. With a fourteen inch cord on the male plug end and a twelve in cord on the female receptacle end.

2.      120 volts, A.C., 15 amp, 50/60 cycle. With a twenty inch cord on the equipment switch end and an eight foot cord with a molded plug on the power end.

3.      120 volts, A. C., 15 amp, 50/60 cycle. With a twenty inch cord on the equipment switch end and an eight fort cord (with no plug) on the power end.

4.      200 to 240 volts A.C., 15 amp maximum (single phase) 50/60 cycle. With a Twenty inch cord on the equipment switch end and an Eight foot cord (with no plug) on the power end.