Hi Jack. You wrote:
> A customer has asked us about a UK safety code regarding interlocks for > radiation shielding and has specifically mentioned a "Castell" interlock > approach. Can anyone tell me what this is? What requirement does UK > have regarding ionizing radiation. Is there an EN type standard? Is > "Castell" a brand name? As always, any help would be appreciated. Castell is a company making high integrity mechanical interlocking systems, primarily used in physical barrier type safety situations. E.g. you have to switch OFF the HV supply with the Castell key (the key is trapped when in the ON position), withdraw the key, and use it to OPEN a guard or door to gain access to the HV test area. (Again the key is trapped when the door is open. These are usually made of cast bronze, with specially coded keys for zone access, and can take a small nuclear explosion without breaking :-). They come with electrical and pneumatic interfaces (switches) and are not cheap. Widely used in personnel protection and security applications. They have competition, I think Fortress is another brand name. The last numbers I have: for Castell is (UK) 0181 200 1200 for Fortress is (UK) 01902 353767 Hope that may help. Chris Dupres EMC Specialist. VG Microtech. [email protected] tel +44 (0) 1825 761077 fax +44 (0) 1825 768343 'Opinions expressed are personal, not necessarily Corporate'
