Pizzato FX996 Hinged Safety Switch — Industrial Guard Monitoring
The Pizzato FX996 (FX 996-M2) is a high-performance hinged safety switch designed for monitoring hinged machine guards in industrial automation systems. Mounted directly onto the hinge of a protective guard, it detects angular movement and triggers immediate safety circuit interruption as soon as the guard begins to open.
Unlike traditional tongue-and-key interlock switches, the FX996 requires no separate actuator. This reduces installation complexity, removes alignment issues, and eliminates a common mechanical failure point. Its glass-fibre reinforced technopolymer housing, IP67 sealing, and high mechanical endurance make it suitable for demanding industrial environments including packaging machinery, robotic cells, conveyors, CNC machines, and automated production systems.
The FX996 complies with EN ISO 14119, IEC 60947-5-1, IEC 60204-1, EN ISO 12100, and the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. When correctly integrated into a safety system, it can support circuits up to SIL 3 (EN 62061) and Performance Level e (EN ISO 13849-1).
Why Choose the Pizzato FX996?
- Direct hinge-mounted actuation — no actuator required.
- 2NC slow-action positive-opening contacts for fail-safe operation.
- Adjustable switching point across full 360° rotation.
- IP67-rated reinforced technopolymer housing.
- 1,000,000 mechanical operating cycles.
- Supports SIL 3 / PL e safety system integration.
- Rotatable head for flexible installation orientation.
- Proven industrial design used worldwide.
Key Features
- FX 996-M2 hinge safety switch (Pizzato FX series).
- 2NC slow-action, positive-opening contacts.
- Hinge / angular rotation actuation.
- Glass-fibre reinforced technopolymer housing.
- IP67 protection (dust-tight and water-resistant).
- 2 × M20 conduit entries.
- Operating temperature: -25°C to +80°C.
- Type 1 mechanical interlock (EN ISO 14119).
The FX996 detects guard movement via hinge rotation and opens its safety contacts after only a few degrees of travel, ensuring hazardous machine motion is stopped before access is possible.
It is ideal for both retrofit and OEM applications where traditional tongue interlocks are impractical, offering cleaner installation and reduced mechanical wear.
Installation & Integration
The switch mounts directly onto the hinge axis of the guard. Wiring is routed through dual M20 conduit entries. The switching point can be adjusted and locked during commissioning.
The FX996 is a Type 1 mechanical interlock under EN ISO 14119. For higher tamper resistance, RFID-coded alternatives such as Pizzato NX or NG series should be used.
Typical Applications
- Machine guard monitoring systems
- Robotic cell safety enclosures
- Packaging machinery
- Conveyor systems
- CNC machining equipment
- OEM machinery integration
About Pizzato Elettrica
Pizzato Elettrica is an Italian manufacturer specialising in industrial safety switches and automation components, supplying global OEMs and machine builders.
