Description
Fortress + Powercap: A Global Collaborative Solution and Support Provider. Our Extensive Products offering + Interlocking experience allows us to provide unique solutions for all safeguarding applications.
For more than 60 years, we have provided exemplary service to our valued customers in the Electrical and Electronics industry. Throughout the years, we have supported customers across the globe and presently focus more on the regions of Asia and Oceania. Furthermore, we deliver solutions and services for the products as the exclusive agent working with the auspices of the Halma PLC; a British global group of safety equipment companies that makes products for hazard detection and life protection and has been a historical foundation of ca. 120 years of growth since 1894.
Why Fortress?
Experts in our field
We will help you navigate the complexity of safety regulations and support you to design an optimised solution that not only provides the best protection for your team, but also ensures your operations run as efficiently as possible.
We offer a tailored safety solution which is reliable and extremely durable, guaranteeing minimal downtime while always keeping your people as safe as possible.
We are passionate about protecting people so we have invested our time and energy into becoming experts in machine safety and serve on regulatory committees worldwide.
View all Interlocks contents of this section
Major products:
mGard
Control of hazardous energy in sequence
1. Key Interlock Systems (mGard)
a) Brochure Download Link
b) Quick Videos Below
bi. What is Trapped Key Interlocking?
bii. How Trapped Key Interlocks work
What is Trapped Key Interlocking?
How Trapped Key Interlocks work
What is mGard?
Overview
Trapped key interlocking is versatile, robust and can be used to solve complex safety sequences, particularly where multiple energy sources exist. Electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and kinetic energy sources can all be interlocked using mGard products, and typically at a fraction of the cost of alternative solutions.
Fortress mGard products are designed, tested and TUV approved for use in Category 4/PLe safe control systems. A single Fortress interlock does not require additional safety components added to meet PLe.
All mGard systems can be designed to incorporate safety, or personnel keys, an ideal solution for whole body access requirements, and one that is recommended in multiple international machinery safety standards.
mGard is particularly effective in reducing installation cost, by reducing wiring, whilst not reducing safety performance.
ISO/TS 19837:2018 is the technical specification relating to trapped key interlocking, our mGard range is designed to meet or exceed all requirements. Fortress keeps a database of all keys and locks and their locations to prevent the unintentional duplication of key codes at a location, regardless of the original purchaser.
Features:
- Controls operations in sequence to reduce the need for programmable logic
- Eliminates electrical wiring to access points reducing cost of cabling & installation
- Multiple energy sources can be controlled in sequence to remove integration requirements between different technologies
- Robust construction to survive the most demanding environments
- 3rd party approved to PLe for applications requiring high reliability
- Special purpose units can be designed to provide solutions for specific needs
Tech Spec:
- Suitable for applications up to SIL3 Cat. 4 PLe
- Over 300,000 unique key codes possible
- 9 Key/lock colour options
- Non-masterable & masterable lock options
- Non-stainless or stainless steel construction of all system components
- Large range of switch variants for electrical isolation
- Non-solenoid, solenoid, voltage sensing and electrical time delay options
- Bolt modules & valve interlocks for pneumatic & hydraulic isolation
- Panel & enclosure mount options
amGardpro
Heavy-Duty Guard Locking with PROFlsafe and CIP Safety
2. Safety Gate Switch Interlocks (amGardpro)
a) Brochure Download Link
b) Quick Videos Below
bi. Ultimate Range of Robust Safety Gate Switches
bii. PROFINET/PROFIsafe and EtherNet/IP with CIP Safety – Safety Devices
Ultimate Range of Robust Safety Gate Switches
PROFINET/PROFIsafe and EtherNet/IP with CIP Safety – Safety Devices
What is amGardpro?
Overview
A completely configurable safety interlocking solution allows specification of functionality to meet the exact requirements of your application. Pushbutton controls, ethernet connectivity and trapped key options can all be combined together into a single unit – providing a cost efficient solution compared to separate devices.
Fortress amGardpro products are designed, tested and TUV approved for use in Category 4/PLe safe control systems. The robust design and high strength rating of a Fortress interlock does not require additional safety components to be mounted to the gate to meet PLe. The integration of trapped keys within the unit can restrict access or protect employees during whole body access.
For connectivity, all devices can be specified with a quick disconnect receptacle and ordered with the correct mating cable in a variety of lengths. Or if ethernet architectures are preferred, safety over ethernet protocols can be integrated by using the proNet module which supports PROFINET/PROFIsafe and EtherNet/IP CIP Safety.
When mounting to machine guarding, mounting plates can be pre-fitted to the Fortress units to reduce fixings required in installation down to two 40mm wide variants are also available to fit narrow profiles.
Features:
- Configurable construction allows functionality to be specified to the exact application’s requirements
- Robust design results in only a single device being required to achieve the highest safety performance levels
- Can be pre-wired to the application’s requirements to make electrical installation efficient
- Safety over ethernet protocols can be integrated to reduce cabling requirements
- 3rd party approved for applications requiring high reliability
Tech Spec:
- Suitable for applications up to SIL3 Cat.4 PLe
- Non-solenoid and solenoid interlock options
- 24V, 100V and 230V options for different control system voltages
- PROFINET/PROFIsafe & CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP connectivity available
- High actuator retention forces of 10,000N
- IP65 or IP67 depending on configuration
- Escape release modules can be added to configurations
- Wide range of actuators for all door types and ergonomic options
- Metal alloy & stainless steel construction
- Over 300,000 unique key codes possible in trapped key elements
- Non-masterable & masterable lock options
tGard
Configurable access & control for machine guarding
3. Access & Control Systems (tGard)
a) Brochure Download Link
b) Quick Videos Below
bi. Access Control for Machine Guarding – FAQ – How to change the handing of a handle actuator
bii. Access Control for Machine Guarding – FAQ – How to rotate the head
Access Control for Machine Guarding – FAQ – How to change the handing of a handle actuator
Access Control for Machine Guarding – FAQ – How to rotate the head
What is tGard?
Overview
Fortress tGard is the machine guarding solution that can be quickly specified from a range of catalogue elements to meet your requirements. The extensive range of emergency stops, pushbuttons, lamps and selector switches can be built as a standalone pushbutton enclosure or a part of a guard interlock solution (with or without guard locking).
tGard is designed, tested and TUV approved for use in Category 3/PLd applications. Ergonomic actuator and handle options can be specified alongside escape release elements and trapped keys. Keys can be used to restrict access only to key holders or to provide a personnel safety key so that the guard cannot close behind the operator in a whole body access application.
Quick and easy install is possible when directly mounting to aluminium profiles or flat surfaces via the two mounting holes at the top and bottom. Back of panel mounting is also possible to reduce the need to wire to separate control components in a larger control panel assembly.
Configurations can be specified with M12 or M23 connector options and be ordered with the correct mating cable in a variety of lengths. AS-I safe solutions are also available.
Features:
- Compact metal bodied system that allows the configuration of various safety interlocking products to the application’s requirements
- Operator controls can be specified upon order. Delivered pre-wired and pre-tested
- Efficient installation achieved on aluminium profiles, flat surfaces and back of panels without the need for mounting plates
Tech Spec:
- Suitable for applications up to SIL2 Cat.3 PLd
- Interlock with guard locking options available
- Suitable for 24V control systems
- Actuator retention forces of 2,500N
- IP65
- Escape release mechanisms can be specified
- Range of hinging, sliding and ergonomic actuators
- Aluminium construction
- Over 6,000 unique key codes possible in trapped key elements
- Non-masterable & masterable lock options
Atom & FRNK
Compact coded safety switches + Guard Locking solutions
4. Guard Locking (Atom & FRNK)
a) Brochure Download Link
b) Quick Videos Below
bi. Compact Robust Interlock with RFID Coding
bii. Compact Robust Interlock with RFID Coding – How it works
Compact Robust Interlock with RFID Coding
Compact Robust Interlock with RFID Coding – How it works
What is Atom & FRNK?
Overview
Compact, RFID high coded interlocks for safe access to machinery providing the highest level of safety up to Cat 4, SIL 3, PLe. For guard locking use Atom and for non contact gate switches use FRNK.
In line with guidance in ISO 14119, our compact solutions have high coded, uniquely paired actuators to reduce the possibility of defeat, their compact size and multiple mounting orientations make them simple to mount out of reach for further peace of mind. Designed for ease of install, they come pre-wired with quick disconnects and require just 2 mounting points each on the device and the actuator.
Atom – compact guard locking:
Guards which drop or become misaligned or even very tight spaces are no problem for the Atom. The clever tongue design has very high misalignement capability which works down to hatches as small as 150mm opening radius. Suitable for harsh environments due to open head meaning dust and dirt is pushed out of the unit during operation and means it is easy to maintain. OSSD dual channel safety channels with internal fault detection mean the devices can be daisy chained together to minimise wiring while retaining maximum risk reduction. A handy LED on the device shows what state the device is in, guard open, guard closed or a fault.
Features:
- Atom can be easily rotated for installation in all different orientations with just two fixings on the interlock.
- The Atom actuator can be combined with Fortress’ unique mounting kits for a variety of ergonomic access solutions.
- Robust design results in a single device being required to achieve the highest safety performance levels.
- Range of pre-wired connector options.
- 3rd party approved for applications requiring high reliability.
Tech Spec:
- Suitable for applications up to SIL3 Cat.4 PLe
- 24V control voltage
- Variants offered in robust metal alloy enclosures
- Hosts Over 4,000,000,000 unique codes to prevent interlock defeat
- Supports OSSD safety channels to minimise cabling requirements
- Safety on guard only and safety on guard locking solutions with power to lock (SOG) and power to unlock (SOG & SOGL).
- IP65, IP67, & IP69
- High actuator retention forces of 8,000N
- Enables padlockable head during guard opening to prevent unexpected restart.
- Third party TUV approved.
Louis
Safeguarding solutions for wash-down & harsh cleaning
5. Harsh Cleaning/Pressure Wash Proof.
The World’s First Approved Hygienic Interlocks(HGL)
a) Brochure Download Link
b) Quick Videos Below
bi. What is hygienic guard lock?
bii. Hygienic Guard Lock – How it works
What is hygienic guard lock?
Hygienic Guard Lock – How it works
What is HGL?
Overview
Fortress have worked closely with the food and beverage industry for decades, providing the most robust stainless steel safeguarding solutions to withstand harsh cleaning and jet-wash downs. Our most recent development is the world’s first 3-A approved hygienic interlock – the HGL.
It is critical to prevent contamination and bacterial growth where safeguarding solutions sit in near proximity to food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacture.
The quest to find a manufacturer of a safeguarding solutions which can enforce run down times to keep operators safe from hazards, withstand the gruelling clean in place procedures, whilst designed to prevent contaminant growth, is over.
The HGL offers an open, stainless-steel & easy-to-clean design with an 8,000N retention force to prevent unsafe access. FDA approved PBT rubber seals and no metal-on-metal contact guarantee maximum protection against water and foreign body ingress during clean in place procedures.
Louis represents a range of interlocking solutions in addition to the HGL, designed for the harshest cleaning and wash down applications. All products within the Louis range are designed with the highest level of ingress protection IP69 and third party tested and approved.
Features:
- Hygienic guard lock with third party 3-A approval for use in sanitary and food-safe applications
- Prevent against defeat with a high coded actuator uniquely paired within this device
- A range of pre-wired solutions for monitoring entry, and enforcing run down times
- Robust design ensures a single device can require the highest safety performance levels
Tech Spec:
- Suitable for applications up to SIL3, Cat.4 PLe
- Non-solenoid and solenoid solutions available
- High coded RFID actuator with over 4 x109 unique codes
- Optional safety on guard and safety on guard locking
- IP67 & IP69
- High actuator retention force of 8,000N
- Mounting options available to maximise access to clean product
- 24V control
- Stainless steel 316
Osbourn
Retrofittable blocking solutions
6. Unexpected Restart Prevention(Osbourn)
a) Brochure Download Link
b) Quick Videos Below
bi. Interlock Blocking Device
bii. Photo-Electric Blocking Device
Interlock Blocking Device
Photo-Electric Blocking Device
What is Osbourn?
Overview
Named after Osbourn Dorsey who invented the modern-day door handle and door stopper, the Osbourn range gives the peace of mind and proactive protection from unexpected start up that you’d expect from a Fortress safety key product and is designed to be easily retrofitted to an existing system or even added on to a light curtain.
The devices in our Osbourn range add safety key functionality to existing perimeter safeguards, protecting operators who work inside the safeguarded space from being trapped inside and from unexpected restart of the machine. Our Osbourn solutions are designed to be retrofitted on to existing systems which already have interlocks or light curtains installed without the need for any wiring or reprogramming.
Compatible with a wide range of light curtains and any interlocks on sliding or hinged doors, Osbourn devices have integrated mounting plates for simple mounting. As with all Fortress products, we use only the most robust materials and test all our products extensively to protect you and your colleagues.
Features:
- Works alongside existing interlocks or light curtains to add a proactive means of preventing unexpected start-up
- Cost efficient means of protecting operators working in whole body access applications
- Integrated mounting plate makes installation simple and efficient
- Padlock points to give exclusive control to additional people entering the area
- Safety key must be removed before door can be opened reducing human error in forgetting the process
- Stainless steel construction for use in a wide variety of environments
Tech Spec:
- Works alongside existing interlocks or light curtains to add a proactive means of preventing unexpected start-up
- Cost efficient means of protecting operators working in whole body access applications
- Integrated mounting plate makes installation simple and efficient
- Padlock points to give exclusive control to additional people entering the area
- Safety key must be removed before door can be opened reducing human error in forgetting the process
- Stainless steel construction for use in a wide variety of environments
Alfred
Interlocks for explosive atmospheres and hazardous locations
7. Unexpected Restart Prevention(Alfred)
a) Brochure Download Link
b) Quick Videos Below
We’re excited to showcase Alfred, our explosive proof interlock. This video guides you through the range which will be launched soon.
New range of EX Certified products for hazardous environments.
What is Alfred?
Overview
The Alfred range are robust, heavy duty interlocking devices which can be used to provide safe access and control for a variety of machinery for use in hazardous locations and explosive atmospheres.
The Alfred range has been designed and certified to be used in explosive atmosphere and hazardous locations. The Alfred range has ATEX, IECEx, UKEx, CCCEx and North American HazLoc certificates. The range includes solenoid interlocks and switch interlocks suitable for up to Zone 1 (Gas) and Zone 21 (Dust) and atmosphere ignition temperatures of above 85°C. As well as non-electric trapped key interlocks that are suitable for any explosive atmosphere or hazardous location.
An Alfred interlock can be configured from a selection of actuator modules (including an escape release possible in conjunction with the ex switch module), head modules and can include up to three key adaptors these can all be mounted above an ex rated switch module or an ex rated solenoid module. Making Alfred the most customisable Ex interlock on the market.
The Alfred range is very robust, made of tough stainless-steel enclosures with a head retention of 7,000N. With an additional IP69 certificate, the sealing protection makes Alfred is perfect for any harsh dusty environment and heavy duty or regular wash-down application
