Biometric Switches
Pilot devices provide control and condition monitoring of different types of processes, equipment and machinery in industrial and commercial applications. They are used for communication from a machine to an operator or from an operator to a machine. Pilot devices can be an audio or visual indicator, or an actuator that is used to control the flow of energy to a process. Visual indicators are: pilot lights, signal towers, strobes and beacons. Audio indictors are: buzzers and sounder horns. Actuators are: push buttons, selector switches, toggle switches and potentiometers.
Access control is a critical part of safety and security management in industrial settings. Access control refers to the management of an access point, such as a door, machine or computer, to only allow entry to an authorized user. There are three types of access control systems. The first type is object-based, where the user must possess a specific object to be granted entry, such as an id card, fob or key. The second type is information-based, where the user mush know a specific code to be granted entry, such as a password or pin number. The third type is biometric-based, where the user utilizes a part of their body to identify themselves to be granted access, such as face recognition, iris scan or fingerprint.
More Information about Biometric Switches
Biometric access has a distinct advantage over object-based and information-based access. Biometric access can not be lost, shared or stolen. Many industrial settings have adapted biometric switches that read fingerprints to authorize access to sensitive areas and machine functions. The Harmony Biometric Switch has two operating modes: on/off mode or pulse mode for momentary action. The switch remembers up to 200 fingerprints and authentication takes less than one second. The database of authorized users can be managed directly on the device or externally via a HMI or PC interface.
FAQs
What is the memory capacity of a biometric switch?
The memory capacity of a biometric switch depends on the specific device and its intended use. Biometric switches typically store a small amount of data, usually in the range of kilobytes or megabytes. This data can include fingerprints, facial recognition data, or other biometric information used for authentication purposes.
Maintaining NEMA 4 Rating When Making Enclosure Penetrations
Cutouts are very common when modifying enclosures for push buttons, indication lights, conduit entries or mounting hardware. Cutting into an enclosure runs the risk of eliminating the protective nature of the NEMA rated attributes. Proper steps must be followed in order to preserve the NEMA rating of an enclosure.
Devices mounted to the enclosure must have the same NEMA rating as the enclosure.
This means that if the devices are installed to the manufacturer's specifications, they will be able to maintain the NEMA rating of the enclosure.
Water tight conduit hubs must be used when running wire through a cutout in an enclosure.
There are many different types of conduit hubs that are used to secure conduit to an enclosure. However, only certain conduit hubs are rated for a watertight seal. By using water tight hubs, the NEMA rating of the enclosure is maintained.
Bonded washers are necessary when mounting hardware to an enclosure.
If standard mounting hardware is used, the NEMA rating of the enclosure will no longer be maintained. Bonded washers have rubber gaskets that make a watertight seal around the drilled hole. It is also important to make sure the material used for the bonded washer matches the material of the enclosure. Stainless steel enclosures require stainless steel bonded washers.