Safety Relays

A safety control relay is an automation device that is constantly monitoring for potential errors or faults in machinery or plants and works to prevent injury and reduce risk. Some safety relays may also be known as emergency stop safety relays or E-Stop relays.

RS supplies safety relays in single and dual-channel, multi-function, and interlock configurations, including certified e stop safety relay units from Siemens, Omron, and more with fast delivery across Australia.

Safety Standards and Certified Compliance

RS Australia stocks safety relays certified against recognised machine safety standards, principally ISO 13849-1 and IEC 62061.

• Performance level (ISO 13849-1) PL a to PL e:
  • PL a and PL b for low-severity risks.
  • PL c and PL d for most guarding and emergency stop functions.
  • PL e covers functions where failure could cause irreversible injury.
• Safety integrity level (IEC 61508 and IEC 62061), SIL 1 to SIL 3:
  • SIL 1 aligns with PL c
  • SIL 2 with PL d
  • SIL 3 with PL e.

Australian and New Zealand installations are assessed under the AS and NZS adoptions of these standards. Certification documentations are available for project submissions and safety audits.

What Types of Safety Relays are there?

RS Australia stocks safety relays across every common architecture, from basic single-channel units to programmable multi-function relays. Safety relays come in many different configurations for multiple applications. Each type of safety relay has its own advantages and may be tailored for specific situations or operating environments.

Single & dual-channel relays

Choosing between 1 or 2 channel safety relays is an important consideration for industrial applications. Single-channel safety relays are the simplest form of safety relay. They are designed to monitor 1 safety input device and offer basic safety functionality without redundancy.

Dual-channel relays provide an enhanced degree of protection by incorporating 2 independent channels for monitoring safety inputs. Having a 2 channel safety relay, with an in-built emergency stop circuit, increases reliability and fault tolerance. This makes them suitable for applications where a higher level of safety integrity is needed. Dual-channel architecture is what allows a safety function to reach Category 3 or Category 4 under ISO 13849-1. Both categories require redundancy, and Cat 4 also requires continuous monitoring of the second channel.

Single & multi-function relays

Safety relays can be single function or multi-function. Single function relays monitor for a specific type of activity, while multi-function configurable safety relays are often programmable. They are also able to monitor different functions, and can be used in place of several single function, individual units.

The benefits of using multi-function programmable safety relays include simpler installation and less wiring as fewer individual units are needed. This also makes more economical use of panel space, additionally giving greater flexibility to make changes within the design or panel.

Interlock safety relays

Interlock relays are specialised safety devices used to ensure that machines and equipment operate only under safe conditions. Interlock relays enhance safe operations by enforcing specific conditions that must be met before machinery can function. They pair directly with non-contact safety switches on guard doors and access panels.

Supply voltage

AC-operated safety relays are typically used in environments where a stable and continuous power supply is available, such as in manufacturing plants and commercial buildings. DC-operated safety relays, on the other hand, are often utilised in applications requiring battery backup or where DC power is the primary source.

Industrial Applications of Safety Relays

RS Australia supplies an extensive range of safety control relay units to ensure personnel protection and regulatory compliance across key Australian sectors:

• Automotive & General Manufacturing: Incorporates safety relay modules within automated assembly lines and robotic cells to monitor light curtains, safety mats, and interlocking guards.
• Mining & Heavy Processing: Deploys rugged emergency stop relay units across conveyors, crushing plants, and material handling systems to enable immediate, failsafe power isolation in hazardous environments.
• Packaging & High-Speed Bottling: Utilises an e stop safety relay alongside non-contact switches and two-hand controls to halt fast-moving machinery during operator interventions or jams.
• Food & Beverage Processing: Integrates waterproof, IP-rated safety relays with stainless steel interlocks and safety switches across hygienic processing and washdown areas.

How to Order Safety Relays from RS?

RS is an authorised distributor of safety relays in Australia, so machine builders and system integrators receive genuine stock backed by full manufacturer warranty. RS stocks interlock relays, dual-channel relays and E-Stop relays from leading brands including Phoenix Contact, Pilz, Schneider Electric and many more. Orders can be placed online or by phone, email and fax, with bulk and project orders accommodated at special volume pricing quoted on request.

RS also supplies related components that can be sourced in the same order, including emergency stop push buttons, non-contact safety switches and general purpose enclosures, making RS a one-stop procurement source for a complete machine safety circuit.

Delivery Information for Australia

RS delivers safety relays Australia-wide. Online orders over $60 (excluding GST) ship free with a business account, and locally stocked items ordered before 5pm AEST are delivered the next working day.

Delivery Charges on Online Orders

• Business Accounts (with a valid ABN or an RS credit account):
  • Delivery is free on orders over $60 (excluding GST)
  • A delivery charge of $10 will be applied for orders under $60 (excluding GST)
• Private and Guest Accounts:
  • Delivery is free on orders over $80 (excluding GST)
  • A delivery charge of $20 will be applied for orders under $80 (excluding GST)

Next Working Day Delivery

• Order locally stocked items before 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday
• Orders placed after 5pm Friday arrive Tuesday

Need full delivery terms? Visit the RS Australia delivery page for all options, exclusions and fees.