Electrically driven machines must be so designed, constructed and equipped that all risks are maintained at an acceptable level. The specific risks associated with the use of electrical controls are electrocution and fire hazards. Electrical current can have irreversible effects on the nervous system and muscles, apart from heat effects. Overloads may also cause arcing or static charge fire. Our experts ensure that close attention will be focussed on this aspect, and can help test and assess the functionality of the protections.

What you need to know

Machines should be equipped to avoid direct contact with live conductors, or with conductive parts that are normally live. You are also required to prevent hazards arising from indirect contact with earth, or with conductive parts that may be live.

Since there can be substantial differences between the causes of hazards, and thereby in the technical measures to be taken to prevent these hazards, a distinction is made between different types of safety, for example by specifying the cause of potential hazards.

When a manufacturer launches a machine on the market, it must comply with the European Machinery Directive.

The European Machinery Directive contains requirements and recommendations relating to the electrical equipment of machines in order to ensure:

  • safety of persons and property
  • consistency in control commands
  • maintenance that can be carried out easily

In order to meet the basic requirements of the Machinery Directive, it is important not only to follow the spirit of the Directive, but to know the standards as well. After all, they are the tools, ""the rules of the trade"" required to comply with this Directive.

The standard applies to the use of electrical and electronic equipment and machine systems that are not carried in the hand during operation, including groups of machines working together in a coordinated manner.

This standard describes the requirements relating to the electrical equipment of machines and systems. It describes measures against direct and indirect contact with live parts, as well as colour coding of conductors and control elements.

Advantages

Our services can assure you of the following:

  • compliance of the electrical installation with the EN 60204-1 standard
  • pre-commissioning inspections of machines as per RGIE
  • advice on preparing terms and conditions as appearing on order forms
  • testing and trials of safety circuits, emergency stop devices, interlocks, control circuits;
  • equi-potential measurements, short circuit current measurements, voltage tests and insulation measurements
  • help in evaluating risk assessments, electrical diagrams, external influences
  • preparation and assistance in assessing safety circuits as per IEC / EN 61508: Safety Integrity Level (SIL)