Fortress Interlocks Ltd

The strongest interlock switch in the world
Highest level of actuator mis-alignment on the market
TUV approved to PLe
Safety key option prevents unexpected startup
Modular design allows flexible approach to machine safety
amGardpro is the ultimate range of safety gate switches, from Fortress Interlocks. The range has a unique modular construction which allows easy configuration and provides total electro-mechanical solutions for practically any safeguarding application up to EN ISO 13849-1, Category 4, PLe (SIL3).  This range of safety component products has been 3rd party approved by TUV SUD

With its unrivalled design concept, amGardpro offers a range of fully integrated safety interlocks, including solenoid and non-solenoid safety switches complete with a host of additional options including key control modules, internal and escape release, redundant sensors, lock out/tag out and push buttons, estops and indication lights for enhanced functionality, all assembled in one device. The robust construction of this range makes it ideal for use in a wide range of industrial applications when safety, strength and reliability are of paramount importance.

The amGardpro system replaces all adaptions normally fitted within a guarding system, such that additional hardware like door catches, actuators, closing mechanisms, internal release mechanisms, key functions including authorised access and deadlocks are no longer needed. All of these separate functions can be incorporated into amGardpro configurations, resulting in the most flexible safety gate switch solution available for today's industrial environment.

Only trapped key interlock on the market with TUV approval to PLe
A trapped key system removes the need for wiring at the gate
Modular design allows multiple logic sequences (e.g. jog control or teach mode)
Broadest trapped key interlock range available on the market
Trapped key technology offers the lowest cost solution for retrofit
mGard is the premier range of trapped key interlocks for industrial safety applications, from Fortress Interlocks. Trapped key interlocking (often referred to as Castell locking) is a method of controlling two or more independent operations which must take place in a predetermined sequence. The need for this sequence may be safety to personnel and equipment, or it may be to control processes. It is, therefore, essential that the interlocking should be positive and incapable of defeat by unauthorised means.

It is called "Trapped Key" as it works by releasing and trapping keys in a predetermined sequence. As an example, after the control or power has been isolated on a machine, a key is released that can be used to grant access to individual or multiple doors OR after a switch disconnector has been opened in an electrical interlock scheme, a key is released to enable an earth switch to be closed and applied.

The principles of trapped key interlocking apply to all industries where it is essential that all energy sources are isolated before gaining access to machinery. Almost all safety issues can simply be solved by selecting the required products in order of the steps shown on this page.
Fortress trapped key interlocking is a tried and tested method of mechanically safeguarding dangerous machines and hazardous processes, and is suitable for use in safety applications up to SIL 3 (EN/IEC 62061), Category 4 and PLe (EN/ISO 13849-1), as approved by independent test house TUV.

All Fortress Interlocks in the mGard range are robust and modular in construction offering maximum flexibility for designers and all electrical switches have European, Canadian and North American approvals.

Metal body construction at competitors plastic price point
Customisable as standard - select your elements to create your tailored interlock
Stylish design enhances the workplace aesthetics
Unrivalled choice of control options
Very easy to install - four fixings only
tGard is the new innovative approach to controlling access to hazardous machinery and equipment. It is a compact metal bodied system that enables the configuration of various safety products including electrical safety gate switches (with or without guard locking), mechanical trapped key interlocks, and electrical operator controls, either as separate devices or integrated into one device.

tGard offers "a customised safety solution, as standard" and is defined by a range of tGard elements, including selector switches, safety switches (solenoid and non solenoid), personnel keys (safety keys), emergency release, push buttons, estops, indicator lamps and a choice of operating handles for both hinged and sliding guard doors. These elements are simply selected and then assembled into a robust housing, suitable for mounting onto machine guarding, providing the user with an exact configuration specific to the application.

tGard is quick and easy to install and can be mounted directly onto a flat surface, doors or extruded aluminium profiles without the need for mounting plates or brackets. It is IP65 as standard and has been designed to be fully compliant with the new machinery safety standards.

Non-contact safety switches are interlocking devices that are designed to protect people, industry and productivity.

Non-contact safety switches are ideal for use in applications where precise guidance of guards is difficult.  Due to the design they are extremely long-lasting devices that require minimal maintenance.  In addition they 

are resistant to shock and vibrations and offer a high level of prevention 
against tampering.

amGardS40 is the latest range of safety interlock switches from Fortress Interlocks. Manufactured in 316 stainless steel, the range is modular in design, allowing a wide range of safety interlock switches to be configured to suit many industrial applications. The choice of configurations include:

Solenoid Locking Safety Switches
Solenoid Locking Safety Switches with internal release
Solenoid Locking Safety Switches with “safety keys” (for personnel protection)
Solenoid Locking Safety Switches with machine control
Non Solenoid Tongue Switches
Non Solenoid Tongue Switches with machine control
Mechanical Trapped Key Interlocks
Machine Control Stations
The range is supplied in enclosures sealed to IP69K making it suitable to be pressure washed at high temperatures and has a retention force of 10,000N (greatest on the market) so it is ideal for ensuring guard doors are held closed until machines and/or processes are in a safe condition. Each module has a slim body design of 40mm so that it can be easily fitted to 50mm guarding sections or areas where space is limited.