Contact strips & clamping strips
Edge protectors are used to protect people and equipment in environments where there is a risk of crushing, impact or collision. They are fitted along moving or fixed edges of machines, gates and automated systems and react immediately to physical impact by stopping or reversing the movement.
These products are at the heart of modern machine safety and are used in industry, logistics, buildings, transport solutions and automated facilities. Pressure-sensitive technology ensures that even low force is sufficient to trigger a safety function, minimising the risk of injury.
Safety mouldings and edges from Tapeswitch are designed for long life and high reliability, even in harsh environments with dirt, vibration, moisture or mechanical stress. The solutions can be customised in length, sensitivity, profile and material to suit specific applications and safety requirements.
How clamping strips work and when they are used
Safety edges are pressure-sensitive protections that react when subjected to mechanical impact, for example from the hand, foot, finger or body. They consist of separate conductors enclosed in a protective material and when the strip is pressed together, the contacts close, generating a signal to the control system, safety control or machine.
Technology at a glance
- Pressing the strip results in contact between internal conductors, which activates a signal.
- Clamping strips can be used in many applications where there is a risk of squeezing - from gates and doors to machines and conveyors.
- Different designs are available with varying sensitivity, profile height and materials, making them suitable for both confined spaces and harsh industrial environments.
Advantages of clamping strips
- Easy installation with rail or tape, and the possibility to customise the length as needed.
- No dead zone - active surface records the impact wherever it occurs.
- Versatile applications - from safety edge detection to panic and emergency alarms.
- Resistant to moisture, oil and chemicals in robust material variants.
Contact strips - pressure sensitive safety edges
Contact strips are pressure-sensitive strips placed along machines, gates or protection zones to monitor contact with personnel or objects. They are activated by mechanical impact and send a signal to the control system, allowing the equipment to be stopped or monitored in real time. Contact strips can be combined with clamping strips, bumpers or safety mats to create a comprehensive safety solution.
Typical applications
Clamping strips are used in many different conditions where people and machines meet:
- Automatic doors and gates
- Machine guards and protective covers
- Height-adjustable work platforms
- Conveyor belts and logistics systems
- Robotic cells and automated workstations
- General squeeze and impact zones in industry
Tapeswitch DaDo Panic Alarm
Tapeswitch DaDo Panic Alarm is a pressure sensitive emergency alarm for industrial and public environments. The product is used where quick manual activation is essential for personal safety.
- Pressure-sensitive length actuation over the entire strip
- Easy installation and assembly
- Robust design for industrial environments
- Options for end caps are available
- Suitable as panic or squeeze alarm
Tapeswitch Green Contact Strip Series 121-BP
Tapeswitch 121-BP is a pressure sensitive safety strip for machine and personal protection. It is activated by light mechanical impact and is used to stop or secure equipment in danger zones.
- Low activation force for high security
- Activation over the entire length of the list
- Robust construction for industrial environments
- Available with PVC or TPE casing
- Customisable in length and design
Tapeswitch Red Contact Strip Series 141-BPH
The Tapeswitch 141-BPH is a pressure sensitive safety strip for personal and machine protection. It is activated by mechanical impact and is used in applications where reliable and fast signalling is required.
- Medium to high sensitivity on activation
- Activation over the entire length of the list
- Normally Open function (NO)
- Robust design for industrial environments
- Suitable for machines, gates and protection zones
Tapeswitch White Contact Strip Series 151-BBW
A low-profile and highly sensitive safety edge for personal and machine protection. It is designed for applications where minimum construction height and fast activation are essential.
- Very low activation force
- Low profile for tight spaces
- Activation along the entire length of the strip
- Normally Open function (NO)
- Suitable for machines, shelters and safety zones
Tapeswitch White Contact Strip Series 141-BPM
A pressure sensitive safety edge for personal and machine protection. It offers reliable activation in case of mechanical impact and is adapted for industrial applications where stable operation is required.
- Medium activation with good sensitivity
- Activation over the entire length of the list
- Normally Open function (NO)
- Robust design for industrial environments
- Suitable for machines, gates and protection zones
Tapeswitch Clamping Strip Series TS-26
A pressure sensitive safety edge strip for personal and machine protection. It is activated by minimal movement and is used to protect machines, doors or gates in industrial environments.
- Medium profile with fast activation
- Snap-in or clamp mounting for easy installation
- Resistant to water, oil and chemicals
- Internal switch elements for millions of activations
- Suitable for machines, gates and protection zones
Tapeswitch Clamping Strip Series TS-6 & TS-16
Low-profile security edgings for confined spaces where high sensitivity is required. They are used to protect machinery, doors and gates in industrial environments.
- Low profile for tight spaces
- Adjustable sensitivity depending on model
- Snap-in mounting in flat or rectangular duct
- PVC casing resistant to water, oil and chemicals
- Compatible with AS-Interface
Tapeswitch Bumper Series SE-45 & SE-75
Pressure-sensitive bumpers for harsh industrial environments that effectively protect personnel, machinery and equipment by reliably detecting accidental contact.
- Large sensing range, 0.15-3.66 m
- Activated by pressure or impact
- Robust EPDM rubber, resistant to water, oil and chemicals
- Easy mounting with adjustable brackets
- Compatible with Tapeswitch safety switches
FAQ
How sensitive are clamping and contact strips?
- They can be configured for very low activation force, often already at light touch or minimal mechanical impact.
Can clamping and contact strips be used outdoors or in harsh environments?
- Yes, they are available in designs that can withstand moisture, dirt, temperature variations, chemical and mechanical exposure.
Are clamping strips and contact strips available in any length?
- Yes, they can be supplied in precisely customised lengths and profiles, including rounded corners or special shapes, for specific applications.
Is a separate control unit required for clamping strips and contact strips?
- Most solutions use a safety control unit for fail-safe monitoring, but some contact strips and clamp strips can be integrated directly with existing control systems.