Two-hand control panels

Two-hand control panel: construction and operation

For the local control of machinery and systems with a higher risk potential, corresponding user protection is vital.

Two-hand control panels provide a suitable level of safety! They consist of a flat enclosure, with three installation points, each for one control device. There is a pushbutton mounted at each end of the enclosure. There are protective covers over these buttons, which prevent accidental pressing.

Two-hand control panels are actually designed as such that users must press both pushbuttons with their hands at the same time, from one side, in order to execute an application. The construction thus prohibits operation with just one hand, an arm, an elbow, a foot, or any other body part.

In the centre of the enclosure of two-hand control panels there is often an emergency stop switch installed, in order to stop machines entirely in the event of an emergency.

What are the areas of application for two-hand control panels?

Two-hand control panels are used in numerous fields. However, they are used primarily in applications in which components have to be manually fed in or removed, such as:

• Presses
• Printing and paper processing machines
• Punches
• The wood processing industry
• Powder metallurgy
• Work machinery within the chemicals, rubber, or plastics industries

With regard to presses, one must bear in mind that two-hand control panels must be installed with safety distancing. Here the distance is dependent on the overtravel time (Distance = 2m ÷ s ∙ overtravel time).

It must also be noted that two-hand switches for controlling presses must fulfil special C-standards.

Two-hand control panels by Siemens at Automation24, at discounted prices

Automation24 places great value on your safety. For this reason you will find two high-quality two-hand control panels from reputable manufacturer safety technology in our Siemens product range, at attractive prices.

You can purchase a control panel in a plastic or metal design, both with two integrated black mushroom-headed buttons, and a mushroom-headed Emergency Stop button. The control panels are suitable for use in harsh industrial environments and outdoor areas. The metal versions are particularly robust.

The two-hand control panels from Siemens comply with the EN 574 standard and thus fulfil the structural and usage specifications for Type III two-hand switches or two-hand control panels. The two-hand monitoring relays required for the control of actuators can also be found in the Automation24 range. The SNZ4052K-A and SNZ4052K-C relay series from safety technology specialists Wieland are suitable for two-hand control panels. However, analysis can also be performed using the fail-safe SIMATIC S7-1200F or the safety small controller samos® PRO COMPACT.

By the way: if the available control panels do not have the buttons you are looking for, you can also custom fit them with control and signalling devices of your choice, or replace them. For example, at Automation24 you can also find product versions from the robust RMQ-Titan series from manufacturer Eaton, as well as powerful designer devices from the SIRIUS ACT series from Siemens.

With two-hand control panels from Siemens, you can safely and efficiently control your systems in areas of use with an elevated risk of injury. Order your desired product today!

Still have questions? Feel free to contact Automation24. On request, we can provide comprehensive advice on the topic of safety technology, as well as all other products within our product range.