Original instructions – Rockwell Automation 440L GuardShield Type 4 and Remote Teach User Manual User Manual
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GuardShield™ Safety Light Curtain User Manual
7
Original instructions
EDM is not available in the middle and end segments of a cascading 
GuardShield system, however, it is possible to configure this operating 
mode in the host segment allowing the whole cascading system to 
operate in this mode.
External Device Monitoring (EDM) is not available in GuardShield 
light curtains with ArmorBlock Guard I/O connectivity.
System Testing
The GuardShield performs a complete system self-test at power up 
and switches to the ON state if the system is properly aligned and the 
protective field is unobstructed and the start/restart interlock modes 
of operation are deactivated.
External Test (Machine Test Signal)
A test cycle of the system can be triggered by an external test signal to 
the GuardShield transmitter. Supplying or removing a signal (+24V 
DC) via a N.C. or N.O. switch at the test input deactivates the 
transmitter for the duration of the test signal, simulating an 
interruption of the protective sensing field. The test input must be 
configured via a DIP-switch located in the GuardShield transmitter.
External test signal is not available in the middle and end segments of 
a cascading GuardShield system, however, it is possible to configure 
this feature in the host segment allowing the whole cascading system 
to operate in this mode.
Beam Coding
If several safety light curtains are operating in close proximity to one 
another, it is possible that the transmitter’s infrared light from one 
GuardShield system is “seen” by another GuardShield system’s 
receiver. This would cause a “nuisance” stop. To prevent this optical 
interference, the GuardShield has the ability to have the transmitter 
generate different beam patterns, which is referred to as “Beam 
coding.” Selection and activation of beam coding is accomplished 
through DIP-switch settings in both the transmitter and receiver.
The following settings are available in the GuardShield safety light 
curtain; noncoded and coded.
Blanking
The GuardShield safety light curtain is capable of fixed blanking of 
one or more adjacent beams, exclusive of the synchronization beam. 
Floating blanking of one or two beams is also capable of being 
configured. It is possible to activate both fixed and floating blanking 
simultaneously.
Each cascading GuardShield segment pair functions as a standalone 
safety light curtain with its OSSDs connected in series to the host 
segment’s OSSDs, therefore, it is necessary to configure fixed and/or 
floating blanking in each individual pair segment. This is accomplished 
by first aligning all segment pairs and securing the brackets. It is then 
possible to open a segment pair’s receiver door using the security tool 
provided, set the appropriate DIP switches and perform the teach 
function. The successful completion of the teach function changes the 
operating mode of that segment pair only.
Fixed Blanking
The fixed blanking mode of operation is activated through DIP-switch 
settings located in the GuardShield receiver. The beams to be blanked 
are “taught” by depressing the teach button located in the GuardShield 
receiver endcap while the object is in the GuardShield sensing field.
The fixed blanking mode of operation is monitored. If any part or all 
of the object is removed from the sensing field, the GuardShield 
OSSD outputs go to the OFF state.
The GuardShield fixed blanking mode of operation will not be 
activated until the teach function is complete and the access door is 
closed.
Note:
“Hard guards” refer to mechanical barriers.
IMPORTANT
If a test cycle of a cascading system is required, it 
is necessary to have all transmitters in a 
cascading system configured in the same 
condition, i.e. all “active high” or all “active low.”
Beam coding improves resistance to optical 
interference.
Beam coding increases the system’s response 
time, which may also increase the required 
safety distance. Refer to Safety Distance 
calculations on page 9 of this manual.
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
Balanced areas may require an additional risk 
analysis. If no mechanical or other guarding is 
used to restrict access to the hazard, the blanked 
area must be taken into consideration in the 
calculation of the safety distance.
The configuration and activation of fixed 
blanking creates a “hole” in the GuardShield 
protective field. If the fixed object that is located 
in the protective field does not completely fill 
the area between the GuardShield transmitter 
and receiver it is necessary to obstruct access to 
the hazard by additional means. This is usually 
accomplished by “hard guarding” the open area.
IMPORTANT