Safety You Can Trust: Encoders for Functional Safety Applications

 

In material handling environments where speed, torque, and automated motion dominate the floor, safety can’t be an afterthought—it must be designed into the system from the start. That’s why Encoder Products Company (EPC) offers safety-rated encoders engineered for reliable performance in safety-critical applications.

When failure isn’t an option, these encoders help enable compliance with ISO 13849, IEC 61508, and other functional safety standards. From AGVs and AMR systems to palletizers, lift tables, and robotic cells, EPC’s FS-certified encoders provide the precise position feedback required for safe motion control.

At the heart of EPC’s safety encoder lineup is its collaboration with TWK ELECTRONIK, a trusted partner in safety technology. TWK’s safety-rated absolute encoders—available through EPC—are certified up to SIL 2 / SIL 3 and PL d / PL e, offering single or redundant channel output and multiple communication protocols, including CANopen Safety, EtherCAT FSoE, and PROFIsafe.

These safety encoders are ideal for applications where position feedback is essential to prevent hazardous motion, support safe torque off (STO), and implement emergency stop and speed monitoring functions. Whether it’s an operator protection zone or a multi-axis system with potential collision risks, safety-rated encoders ensure critical feedback gets to the controller—fast and fail-safe.

“Our safety-rated encoder solutions are designed for system integrators and OEMs building next-generation equipment,” says Sarah Walter, Applications Engineer at EPC. “We’re here to help customers meet regulatory requirements while improving both machine uptime and worker safety.”

Whether you need an encoder that’s ready to drop into your existing safety PLC or you're building a brand-new safety system from the ground up, EPC's technical team can guide you to the right solution.

Looking to build safer machines with smart motion feedback? Visit us at one of our upcoming events!


Or connect now at encoder.com/safety-encoders.

 

 

Funcation Safety Certified Encoders CANOpen Safety

 

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Functional Safety Encoders

 

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