Gard

Operating Instructions: Mini Solenoid Controlled Key

Control Interlocking

Switch
Description MSS Unit MSS-WP MSS-EM
The MSS unit is used where the key(s) need(s) to remain
trapped until an electrical signal has been received.
Available as a power to unlock solenoid only.
MSS Unit / MSS-WP Unit
• Panel mounted with or without IP67 seal.
• Fits within a 65mm(W) x 95mm(L) x 55mm(H) envelope.
• Suitable for machines with a rundown cycle.
MSS-EM Unit
• Supplied in standalone zinc alloy enclosure
• 2 x NC 3A Key monitoring contacts.
• 2 x NC 3A Solenoid monitoring contacts.
• Pushbutton included to be wired to unlock solenoid.
Important:
This product is designed for use according to the installation and operating instructions enclosed. It must be installed
by competent and qualified personnel who have read and understood the whole of this document prior to commencing
installation. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired. Any modification to or deviation from these instructions invalidates all warranties. Fortress Interlocks Ltd
accepts no liability whatsoever for any situation arising from misuse or misapplication of this product. This product is not to
be used as a Mains Isolator or Emergency Stop. The unit is a component to be added to a permanent electrical installation
meeting the requirements of the applicable IEC/EN standards. The voltages used on the MSS terminals must all be of the
same type. i.e. ALL Hazardous live or ALL Machine Extra Low Voltage.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR QUERIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER PLEASE CONTACT THE SUPPLIER
WHO WILL BE PLEASED TO ADVISE AND ASSIST.
It is the user’s responsibility to implement proper management controls and risk assessment for master and spare
keys, without which they can be used to defeat trapped key interlock systems; ISO/TS 19837 can offer further
guidance.

Technical Specifications MSS / MSS-WP MSS-EM

Housing Materials Stainless Steel Zinc Alloy
Lock Mechanism Die-cast zinc body with stainless steel
Mechanical & Electrical Life 1,000,000 Operations
Power Consumption 12W (current at Nominal 24V DC = 500mA)
Minimum Operating Current 5mA at 20v
Minimum Voltage & Current for Switch Contact 1mA at 5VDC
Maximum Operating Current 3A at 24V - AC-12, AC-15, DC-12, DC-13
Cable Size 26 - 14 AWG

Safety Data
Standards EN60947-3:2009
ISO EN14119:2013
EN13849-1:2008
EN13849-2:2012
EN62061:2005
Certifications CE marked for all applicable directives
Category Cat. 4, PLe (EN/ISO 13849-1) and SIL3 (EN/IEC 62061)
B10d 5,000,000
Functional safety data
DC High 99% (with correct monitoring)

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 Operating Instructions: Mini Solenoid Controlled Key Switch

Funtionality
Key Trapped State
When the solenoid is not energised, the key is trapped. The solenoid operated safety circuits and key safety circuits are
closed.
Key Unlocked State
When voltage is applied to the solenoid, the solenoid safety circuits are positively opened.
MSS-EM - When voltage is applied to the solenoid the push button illuminates. On pressing the illuminated push button the
solenoid safety circuits are positively opened.
Key Free State
When the control key is turned and removed, the contacts on the key safety circuits are positively opened.

Figure 1 - Wiring Diagrams

MSS - 24V / 48V MSS-WP - 110V / 230V MSS-EM - 24V

Figure 2 : Dimensional Drawing - MSS Unit

2 2
 Operating Instructions: Mini Solenoid Controlled Key Switch

Figure 3 : Dimensional Drawing - MSS-WP

80

Figure 4 : Dimensional Drawing - MSS-EM

0

80 •
80

• 0
13�

M5
U PLACES> 0 0

•
•

I
I ..

•• • 0

•
13�
0
13�
M20 x 1.5 THROUGH
(2 PLACES>

I .. 10 J

Tools and Fixings Required - MSS Unit / MSS-WP

• Dia. 6.5 Drill
• 3.5mm Flat blade electrical screwdriver
• 2 x M6 screws
M20 x 1.5 THROUGH SCAL
• 2 x M6 washers (2 PLACES>

Tools and Fixings Required - MSS-EM

M20 x 1.5 THROUGH
• Dia. 5.5 Drill (2 PLACES>
SCALE 0.500
• 3.5mm Flat blade electrical screwdriver
• 4 x M5 screws
• 4 x M5 washers
All fixings must be used.

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 Operating Instructions: Mini Solenoid Controlled Key Switch

Mounting
Mount these units well away from sources of vibration or use anti-vibration mountings in order to avoid the effects of vibration,
shock and bump. The machine must be completely isolated from all electrical supplies before any installation commences.
1. Locate the unit so that the lock is within easy reach.
2. Machine the panels
3. Mount the MSS unit to the panel using the 2 x M6 (MSS-WP mounting uses 4 screws) screws and washers as applicable
(4 x M5 screws and washers for MSS-EM). All fixing screws must be permanently prevented from removal, either by
vibration or by personnel using standard tools.
Back of Board Mounting - MSS Unit / MSS-WP
Mount the unit only in its correctly assembled condition to flat metal plate. The plate must be bonded to earth potential. A
sound earth connection must be made to the middle plate of the product. A shakerproof washer may be required on at least
one fixing, to ensure Earth continuity.
Electrical Connection
1. Terminals 1 - 3 and 2 - 4 are N/C contacts opened mechanically by the solenoid operating. These are normally used as the
solenoid operated safety circuits.
2. Terminals 5-6 are the solenoid power supply.
3. For D.C. terminal 5 is the 24V supply and terminal 6 is the OV.
4. Terminals 7-9 and 8-10 are N/C contacts opened mechanically when the key is turned and released. These are normally
used as the key operated safety circuits. When a protective earth is required ensure it meets appropriate regulations for the
installation.
Commissioning
Mechanical Function Test
1. Isolate electrical supplies.
2. Insert the key.
3. Check that the key is trapped in position when turned.
4. Manually override the solenoid to allow the removalof the key.
5. Check the key can be turned and removed.
Electrical Function Test
1. Check that all the switches are in the states shown in the wiring diagrams.
2. Apply voltage to the solenoid.
3. Check that the solenoid safety circuits are open. For MSS-EM units this is when the illuminated push button is pressed.
4. Remove the control key.
5. Check that the key operated safety circuits are open.
Service and Inspection
Regular weekly inspection of the following is necessary to ensure trouble-free, lasting operation:
• Correct switching function.
• Secure mounting of components.
• Debris and wear.
• Loose cable terminals.
There are no user serviceable parts in this unit. If damage or wear is found the whole unit must be replaced. If lubrication /
cleaning is required for lock mechanism use WD40.
DO NOT USE DRY LUBRICANT.
The frequency of lubrication / cleaning will depend on the environment. There are no user serviceable parts in this unit. If
damage or wear is found the whole unit must be replaced. The complete interlock must be replaced after 1 million switching
operations.
Disposal
This interlock does not contain any certified hazardous materials so should be disposed of as industrial waste.
Liability coverage is voided under the following conditions:
• If these instructions are not followed.
• Non-compliance with safety regulations.
• Installation and electrical connection not performed by authorised personnel.
• Non-implementation of functional checks.

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 Operating Instructions: Mini Solenoid Controlled Key Switch

Environmental Specification
Environment Type: Indoor
Max. Altitude: 2000m
Ambient Temperature: -5°C to +40°C
Maximum Relative Humidity: 80%@<=31°C 50%@40°C
Ingression Protection: IP65 & IP66 & IP67(MSS-EM)
Fortress Interlocks Ltd reserves the right to modify the design at any time and without notice.
This guide should be retained for future reference.

Fortress Interlocks Ltd, 2 Inverclyde Drive, Wolverhampton, WV4 6FB, United Kingdom, Tel: +441902349000, Web: www.fortress-safety.com August 2023 - v1.1