IEC TS 61496-4-3-2022 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC TS 61496-4-3:2022 — Safety of machinery — Electro-sensitive protective equipment — Part 4-3: Particular requirements for equipment using vision based protective devices (VBPD) — Additional requirements when using stereo vision techniques (VBPDST). This Technical Specification specifies design, construction and testing requirements for non-contact electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) that employ stereo vision techniques to detect persons or parts of persons as part of a safety-related system.

Abstract

IEC TS 61496-4-3:2022 gives additional, technology-specific requirements and tests for vision-based ESPEs using stereo vision (VBPDST). It focuses on achieving appropriate safety-related performance for detection tasks, limits the applicable optical wavelengths to 400 nm–1 500 nm, and is intended primarily for VBPDSTs with stated detection capability up to 200 mm. The document excludes complex classification/differentiation requirements and moving ESPE installations; where gaps remain, IEC TS 62998-1 and IEC 61496-1 provide complementary guidance.

General information

• Status: Active / Current Technical Specification.
• Publication date: 28 September 2022 (Edition 2.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 44 (Safety of machinery — Electrotechnical aspects).
• ICS / categories: 13.110 (Safety of machinery); 29.260.99 (Other electrical equipment for working in special conditions).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2022).
• Number of pages: 61 pages (official IEC publication record).

Scope

This Technical Specification is limited to vision-based ESPEs using stereo vision techniques (VBPDST) for automatic detection (no human intervention) of persons or parts of persons entering or present in a detection zone. It applies to VBPDSTs operating with radiation in the 400 nm to 1 500 nm range and is relevant for systems with stated detection capability up to 200 mm. The standard does not address complex object classification, moving ESPE installations, or EMC emission requirements; additional tests and requirements may apply for multi-spectral techniques, non-standard setups (e.g., changing backgrounds or horizontal optical axes), and outdoor applications. Where this document does not contain all necessary provisions, IEC TS 62998-1 or IEC 61496-1 provide supplementary requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology specific to vision-based protective devices and stereo vision techniques.
• Design and construction requirements to ensure safety-related performance of VBPDST sensing functions.
• Test methods and verification procedures for detection capability, including test piece and performance limits (noting applicability up to 200 mm detection capability).
• Optical and environmental limits (wavelength range 400 nm–1 500 nm; considerations for indoor vs outdoor, background, orientation).
• Restrictions and exclusions: no coverage of complex classification/differentiation, moving installations, or EMC emissions.
• Cross-references to generic ESPE requirements (IEC 61496-1) and to the generic sensor/specification guidance in IEC TS 62998-1 for aspects not covered.

Typical use and users

Used by machine builders, safety engineers, manufacturers of vision-based safety devices (VBPD/VBPDST), system integrators, testing and certification laboratories, and compliance officers. Typical applications include safeguarding access to hazardous machinery using stereo-vision-based presence/detection systems where non-contact person detection is required. Users consult this TS to design, test and verify VBPDST products and installations to meet recognized safety-related performance expectations.

Related standards

Key related documents include IEC 61496-1 (Part 1: General requirements and tests) for generic ESPE requirements and IEC TS 62998-1 for generic safety-related sensor guidance where product-specific provisions are not sufficient. The IEC 61496 series (other parts) covers particular sensing technologies and validation topics relevant to ESPE design and assessment. This TS replaces/cancels the first edition IEC/TS 61496-4-3:2015.

Keywords

Electro-sensitive protective equipment, ESPE, vision-based protective device, VBPD, stereo vision, VBPDST, machine safety, detection zone, safety-related sensors, IEC 61496, IEC TS 62998-1.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 61496-4-3:2022 is a Technical Specification providing particular requirements and tests for electro-sensitive protective equipment that use stereo vision techniques (VBPDST) to detect persons or parts of persons for machine safeguarding.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers design, construction and testing requirements for VBPDSTs (wavelength range 400 nm–1 500 nm), detection capability limits (relevant up to 200 mm), and special requirements for certain setups (multi-spectral, outdoor, non-standard orientations). It excludes complex classification, moving ESPE installations and EMC emission requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Machine manufacturers, safety and compliance engineers, VBPD/VBPDST product designers, system integrators, and certification/test laboratories use the TS to design, validate and document stereo-vision safety devices and their integration into safety-related systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This is the current edition published in 2022 (Edition 2.0). It cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2015. Users should check national adoptions for any further harmonized or adopted versions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61496 series (Electro-sensitive protective equipment). Part 1 (IEC 61496-1:2020) provides general requirements; other parts of the series and IEC TS 62998-1 are referenced for complementary or missing provisions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: ESPE, VBPD, VBPDST, stereo vision, safety of machinery, detection zone, IEC 61496, safety-related sensors.