Nematron Pointe Controller - Manual (Page 73)

Pointe Controller User Guide Chapter 4: System Design and Installation
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4.1 Safety Guidelines
WARNING : Providing a safe operating environment for personnel and equipment
is your responsibility and should be your primary goal during system planning and
installation. Automation systems can fail and may result in situations that can
cause serious injury to personnel or damage to equipment. Do not rely on the
automation system alone to provide a safe operating environment. You should
use external electromechanical devices, such as relays or limit switches, that are
independent of the Pointe Controller program to provide protection for any part
of the system that may cause personal injury or damage.
Every automation application is different, so there may be special requirements
for your particular application. Make sure you follow all national, state, and local
government requirements for the proper installation and use of your equipment.
Plan for Safety
The best way to provide a safe operating environment is to make personnel and
equipment safety part of the planning process. You should examine every aspect
of the system to determine which areas are critical to operator or machine safety.
If you are not familiar with Pointe Controller system installation practices, or your
company does not have established installation guidelines, you should obtain
additional information from the following sources.
NEMA — The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, located in
Washington, D.C., publishes many different documents that discuss
standards for industrial control systems. You can order these publications
directly from NEMA. Some of these include:
o ICS 1, General Standards for Industrial Control and Systems
o ICS 3, Industrial Systems
o ICS 6, Enclosures for Industrial Control Systems
NEC — The National Electrical Code provides regulations concerning the
installation and use of various types of electrical equipment. Copies of the
NEC Handbook can often be obtained from your local electrical
equipment distributor or your local library.
Local and State Agencies — many local governments and state
governments have additional requirements above and beyond those
described in the NEC Handbook. Check with your local Electrical Inspector
or Fire Marshall office for information.
Safety Techniques
The publications mentioned provide many ideas and requirements for system
safety. At a minimum, you should follow these regulations. Using the techniques
listed below will further help reduce the risk of safety problems.
Orderly system shutdown sequence in the Pointe Controller program.
Emergency stop switch for disconnecting system power.