Iec 62046 ((hot)) Page
Mentions dust, light, and electromagnetic interference but does not provide quantitative test levels. You must refer back to product standards (e.g., IEC 61496-2 for AOPDs, IEC 61496-3 for AOPDDRs).
Unlike IEC 61496 (which gives Type 2, Type 4 for light curtains), IEC 62046 relies on you deriving required detection reliability from the risk assessment. This leaves room for under-specification if the designer is inexperienced.
Here is a breakdown of why this distinction is an interesting feature of the standard: iec 62046
The standard features strict requirements for a . Unlike a light curtain that might allow a machine to restart once the beam is cleared, devices certified to IEC 62046 typically require a deliberate action (pressing a reset button) to verify the area is clear and allow the machine to resume. This "self-holding" safety loop is a key feature designed to prevent unexpected startups.
The standard assumes a binary stop signal. It does not address safe speed monitoring combined with presence detection (e.g., safe reduced speed while a person is in the zone). You need ISO 13849-1/2 or IEC 61800-5-2 for that. This leaves room for under-specification if the designer
Such as pressure mats and floors specified in ISO 13856-1 . Key Requirements for Safety Compliance
is an international technical standard that specifies requirements for the selection, positioning, configuration, and commissioning of protective equipment designed to detect the presence of persons in industrial environments. Officially titled "Safety of machinery – Application of protective equipment to detect the presence of persons," it serves as a critical bridge between generic safety principles and the practical deployment of specific sensors used to safeguard hazardous machine areas. Core Purpose and Scope This "self-holding" safety loop is a key feature
The standard is increasingly relevant in the context of and human-robot collaboration (HRC).
Because IEC 62046 deals with presence detection, it mandates a safety logic that prevents the machine from restarting automatically if a person is in the zone but the sensor "loses" them (e.g., due to a blind spot or sensor fault).
