Fortress Interlocks
Teksal Safety is the Australian distributor for Fortress Safety interlocks and Pilz machine access and guarding solutions, including trapped key interlocks, access control products, and fluid power safety solutions.
Fortress Safety designs and manufactures customised safety equipment, protecting lives in hazardous workplaces. Its interlocks work in sequence to ensure your employees are safeguarded from dangerous machinery by eliminating the possibility of human error.
Fortress Safety products control who can access your industrial equipment safely and when it is safe to do so. Access data (who, where, when) is also collated for subsequent efficiency analysis.
A global leader in automation technology, Pilz offers a range of safety solutions that meets international standards and certifications, including safety gate systems and safety switches for monitoring positions and guards.
We are proud to represent Fortress Safety and Pilz to bring safety and efficiency to your operations.

Why Interlocks
Interlocking controls two or more interdependent operations which must take place in a predetermined sequence, if necessary remotely controlled or time delayed. This sequence may be needed to protect the safety of personnel and equipment, or to control processes and productivity.
Trapped key interlocking is a tried and tested method of mechanically safeguarding dangerous machines and hazardous processes. Mechanical keys eliminate most of the electrical wiring associated with other types of interlocks making it time and cost effective to install and maintain.
Fortress Safety and Pilz’ product portfolio includes:
- mGard – the only range of mechanical interlocks independently certified to PLe
- amGardpro – heavy-duty guard locking with PROFIsafe, CIP Safety and EtherCAT
- tGard – medium-duty interlocks with configurable built-in control functionality, independently certified to PLd
- Atom & FRANK – compact RFID
- Louis – Hygienic interlocks for washdown environments
- Osbourn – retrofittable safety keys to prevent unexpected restart
- Alfred – interlocks for explosive atmospheres and hazardous locations
Trapped Key Interlocks | Fortress Safety mGard

mGard is Fortress’ range of mechanical trapped key interlocks. Third party approved, they are suitable for use up to PLe/Cat. 4 or SIL 3.
Trapped key interlocking can be used to enforce complex safety sequences, particularly where multiple energy sources (eg electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic) are involved.
Mechanical keys eliminate most of the electrical wiring associated with other types of interlocks, making mGard cost-effective, and easy to install and maintain.
Fortress keeps a database of all keys and locks and their locations to prevent the unintentional duplication of key codes on site.
Fortress Safety mGard Product Details
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Why choose mGard?
Versatile
- Can be used to enforce specific key sequences depending on the application requirements
- Special purpose units can be designed to provide solutions for specific needs
- Wide range of switch variants for electrical isolation, bolt modules and valve interlocks for pneumatic and hydraulic isolation
Robust
- Designed to operate in the most demanding environments
- Non-stainless and stainless steel construction of all system components
No wiring needed
- Controls operations in sequence to reduce the need for programmable logic
- Eliminates most of the electrical wiring associated with other types of interlocks
- Reduces cost of cabling and installation
Certified
- Rigorously tested to guarantee performance under the most heavy duty conditions
- Suitable for applications up to PLe/Cat. 4 or SIL3
- 3rd party approved for applications requiring high reliability
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Components
Control Interlocking
- Key operated switches
- Solenoid controlled key switches
- Time delay and voltage sensing
Power Interlocking
- Bolt modules
- Pneumatic valve interlocking
Intermediate Transfer
- Metal alloy and stainless steel intermediate transfer devices
Access Control
- Door access modules and actuators
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Applications
- Metals production
- Food and beverage manufacture
- Construction materials
- Wood, paper and pulp processing
Heavy Duty Interlocks | Fortress Safety amGardpro
amGardpro is a completely configurable safety solution designed to meet the exact requirements of your application.
Designed, tested and third-party certified for use up to PLe/Cat. 4 or SIL 3, it is suitable for a wide range of industries where safety and risk management are paramount, including manufacturing, automotive, F&B, and warehouse automation.
Pushbutton controls and trapped key options can be combined into a single unit, providing a cost-efficient solution.
Network connectivity is made possible with proNet, the add-on module developed by Fortress that allows amGardpro to communicate with the main industrial network protocols: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and EtherCAT.
Fortress Safety amGardpro Product Details
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Connectivity and Mounting
For connectivity, all devices can be specified with a quick disconnect receptacle and ordered with the correct mating cable in a variety of lengths. Or, if ethernet architectures are preferred, safety over ethernet protocols can be integrated by using the proNet module which supports PROFINET/PROFIsafe and EtherNet/IP CIP Safety.
proNet adds an Ethernet-based networking capability to the product range.When mounting to machine guarding, mounting plates can be pre-fitted to the Fortress Safety units to reduce fixings in installation to two. 40mm wide variants are also available to fit narrow profiles.
Slimline pro is also an option in the amGardpro range that houses the solenoid locking functionality in a body just 40mm wide. The proFit Mounting System ensures most configured amGardpro safety gate interlocks can be easily and simply fitted to machine guarding. The units arrive pre-fitted when you select your preferred mounting plate and/or actuator plate within your configured part number.
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Features
- Configurable construction with functionality that can be specified to your requirements
- Robust design that only needs a single device to achieve the highest safety performance levels
- Can be pre-wired to your requirements, making electrical installation more efficient
- Integrated safety over ethernet protocols that reduce cabling requirements
- Third-party approved for applications that need high reliability
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Technical Specifications
- Suitable for applications up to SIL3 Cat.4 PLe
- Non-solenoid and solenoid interlock options
- 24V, 100V and 230V options for different control system voltages
- PROFINET/PROFIsafe and CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP connectivity available
- High actuator retention forces of 10,000N
- IP65 or IP67 depending on configuration
- Escape release modules can be added to configurations
- Wide range of actuators for all door types and ergonomic options
- Metal alloy and stainless steel construction
- Over 300,000 unique key codes possible in trapped key elements
- Non-masterable and masterable lock options
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Applications
- Warehouse automation
- Metals production
- Food and beverage manufacture
- Wood, paper and pulp processing
- Automotive manufacturing
- Construction materials
Fortress Safety Alfred Interlock
Made of tough stainless-steel enclosures with a head retention of 10,000N, The Fortress Safety Alfred range includes robust, heavy-duty interlocking devices designed and certified (ATEX and IECEx) to be used in explosive atmospheres and hazardous locations.
The range includes:
- Solenoid interlocks and switch interlocks suitable for up to Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust), and atmosphere ignition temperatures of above 85°C
- Non-electric trapped key interlocks for any explosive atmosphere or hazardous location
An Alfred interlock can be configured from a selection of actuator modules (including an escape release possible in conjunction with the ex-switch module) and head modules and can include up to three key adaptors, which can be mounted above an ex-rated switch module or an ex-rated solenoid module.
With an additional IP69 certificate, the sealing protection makes Alfred ideal for any harsh, dusty environment and heavy-duty or regular wash-down application.
Fortress Safety Alfred Interlock Product Details
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Features
- Third-party approved (ATEX, IECEx, HazLoc certificates and IP69)
- Certified for use in zone 1 (gas) and zone 21 (dust), allowing the interlocks to be close to the machine
- Robust design – a single device is needed to achieve the highest safety performance levels
- Configurable – functionality can be specified to the each application’s requirements
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Technical Specifications
- Suitable for zone 1 / zone 21 and division 2
- Maximum surface temperature T6 / 85°C
- Ambient temperature rate
- Suitable for applications up to SIL3 Cat.4 PLe
- Non-solenoid and solenoid interlock options
- 24V
- High actuator retention forces of 10,000N
- IP67 & IP69
- Escape release modules can be added to configurations
- Wide range of actuators for all door types and ergonomic options
- 316 stainless steel construction
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Applications
- Food & beverage manufacture
- Wood, paper & pulp processing
- Chemical & pharmaceutical
- Any industry with a by-product of combustible dust or flammable gas
Access Controls for Machine Guarding | Fortress Safety tGard
The Fortress tGard can be specified from a range of catalogue elements to meet your application’s requirements. It is designed, tested and TUV-approved for use in Category 3/PLd applications.
Keys can be used to restrict access only to key holders or to provide a personnel safety key so that the guard cannot close behind the operator in a whole body access application.
Quick and easy install is possible when directly mounting to aluminium profiles or flat surfaces via the two mounting holes at the top and bottom. Back of panel mounting is also possible to reduce the need to wire to separate control components in a larger control panel assembly.
tGard’s metal body includes through holes for quick installation on aluminium profiles, flat surfaces, doors and even back of panels without the need for mounting plates. It is IP65 as standard and has been designed to be fully compliant with the new machinery safety standards.
Configurations can be specified with M12 or M23 connector options and be ordered with the correct mating cable in a variety of lengths. AS-I safe solutions are also available.
Fortress Safety tGard Product Details
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Customisations
Each order is defined by a range of tGard elements, including an extensive range of:
- Emergency releases, stops and E-stops
- Pushbuttons
- Safety switches (solenoid and non-solenoid)
- Indicator lamps
- Selector switches (can be built as a stand-alone pushbutton enclosure or a part of a guard interlock solution, with or without guard locking)
- Personnel and trapped keys
- Ergenomic actuators and operating handles for both hinged and sliding guard doors
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Features
- Compact metal-bodied system that allows various safety interlocking products to be configured to the application’s requirements
- Operator controls can be specified upon order – delivered pre-wired and pre-tested
- Efficient installation on aluminium profiles, flat surfaces and back of panels without mounting plates
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Technical Specifications
- Suitable for applications up to SIL2 Cat.3 PLd
- Interlock with guard locking options available
- Suitable for 24V control systems
- Actuator retention forces of 2,500N
- IP65
- Escape release mechanisms can be specified
- Range of hinging, sliding and ergonomic actuators
- Aluminium construction
- More than 6,000 unique key codes possible in trapped key elements
- Non-masterable & masterable lock options
Fortress Safety Louis Hygienic Interlock
Designed for the harshest cleaning and wash down applications, Louis is the world’s first 3-A approved hygienic interlock.
It has an open, stainless-steel and easy-to-clean design with an 8,000N retention force to prevent unsafe access. Its FDA-approved PBT rubber seals and no metal-on-metal contact guarantee maximum protection against water and foreign body ingress during clean-in-place procedures.
All products within the Louis range are designed with the highest level of ingress protection IP69 and third-party tested and approved.
Fortress Safety Louis Hygienic Interlock Product Details
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Features
- Hygienic guard lock with third-party 3-A approval for use in sanitary and food-safe applications
- High-coded actuator uniquely paired within the device
- A range of pre-wired solutions for monitoring entry and enforcing run down times
- Robust design
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Technical Specifications
- Suitable for applications up to SIL3, Cat.4 PLe
- Non-solenoid and solenoid solutions available
- High-coded RFID actuator with over 4 x109 unique codes
- Optional safety on guard and safety on guard locking
- IP67 & IP69
- High actuator retention force of 8,000N
- Mounting options available to maximise access to clean product
- 24V control
- Stainless steel 316
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Applications
- Food & beverage manufacturing
- Wood, paper & pulp processing
FRANK | Industrial Access Control
FRANK, or Fortress RFID Access Network Keys, allows you to manage the workplace areas your personnel do and don’t have access to on a person-by-person basis via programmable key cards. It helps to ensure safety and security by preventing unauthorised access and unauthorised line shut down, while also keeping a real-time log of access activity.
FRANK enables the easy management of access permissions and, with simple installation and integration to a network using your existing workplace ID cards, it’s quick and easy to get up and running in your workplace.
Fortress Safety Atom
ncGard is Fortress Safety’s range of non-contact safety switches for safeguarding machinery. They also host safety relays that can be integrated with amGardpro and tGard products.
Magnetic switches are available in both polymer and stainless steel housings. For severe hygiene critical areas, high temperature versions are available.
Atom is a compact, ultra-robust Solenoid Interlock, High-Coded to ISO 14119 RFID in the actuator. It is suitable for use in applications up to PLe (Category 4).It provides a discreet, easy-to-install solution with monitored inputs and Output Signal Switching Device (OSSD) outputs.
Daisy-chain connections enable easier wiring installation and OSSD prevents fault masking powered from the same supply.
Fortress Safety relays are independently certified to PLe and are suitable for use with emergency stop (E-Stop) buttons and/or any two normally open safety devices.
Fortress Safety Atom Product Details
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Sensors and Switches
- NCS IP69K solid state hall effect sensor
- FM Range Magnetic Safety Switches
- FE Range Magnetically Coded Safety Switches
- FS Range Generic Coded RFID Safety Switches
- FR Range Individually Coded RFID Safety Switches
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Features
- Atom can be easily rotated for installation in all different orientations with just two fixings on the interlock.
- The Atom actuator can be combined with Fortress’ unique mounting kits for a variety of ergonomic access solutions.
- Robust design results in a single device being required to achieve the highest safety performance levels.
- Range of pre-wired connector options.
- Third-party approved for applications requiring high reliability.
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Technical Specifications
- Solenoid controlled interlock which only allows access when you decide
- High-Coded RFID which prevents actuator substitution
- Robust actuator design with high locking and retention force of 8kN
- 140mm x 33mm ultra-compact mounting footprint, easy to mount with 4 x M5 screws
- Safeguarding applications up to PLe and SIL3 rating
- Provides OSSD outputs with Daisy-Chain connection of up to 8 Atoms in series, reducing your installation costs
- High Mechanical Misalignment which allows for wider guarding positioning
- Compact design for installation in discreet locations
- Sealed to IP65 and IP67
- TUV Safety Certification Approved
Pilz safety gate systems
Safety gate systems for guard protection
Pilz safety gate systems, such as PSENmech with guard locking, PSENslock, PSENmlock and PSENsgate, are used for guard protection; they monitor doors in safety fences, covers and flaps. This comprehensive safety system provides an optimised, cost-effective solution that meets the requirements of EN ISO 14119.
How it works
When a safety gate is opened, hazardous machine movements must be stopped in accordance with EN ISO 14119, and to prevent a restart. It is critical not to defeat or manipulate the guards. Pilz safety gate systems meet these requirements while incorporating additional functionalities – for greater economy.
Pilz safety gate systems | PSENmech
PSENmech is available as a safety switch for safety gate monitoring and as a safety gate system with guard locking.
This means the safety gate is locked until the hazardous production process has ended, preventing a restart. The mechanical safety gate system, PSENmech with guard locking, is suitable for personal and process protection, for flaps and accessible gates. It can be combined with safe control technology, such as the safety relay PNOZsigma, or the configurable safe small controller PNOZmulti 2.
If you need an economical solution that optimises safety on safety gates, a PSENmech with guard locking is an ideal solution
Pilz safety gate systems Product Details
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Benefits
- Protects against hazardous movements and flying plant and machine parts by shutting down machine movements
- Prevents restart in accordance with EN ISO 14119
- Protective equipment is highly protected against manipulation
- Safe, complete solution with Pilz control technology
- Energy efficient – reduced power consumption
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Features
- Monitoring of doors, covers and flaps in accordance with EN ISO 14119
- Designed for all applications up to PL e of EN ISO 13849-1, SIL CL 3 of EN/IEC 62061
Pilz safety switches
Safety switches can be used in a variety of applications. For example, when a guard is opened, hazardous machine movements must be stopped, preventing a restart. The guards should not be able to be defeated or manipulated.
Pilz PSEN safety switches meet these requirements effectively and economically, and are ideal for safety gate and position monitoring.
Secure safety gate and position monitoring – for diverse environments and applications
Pilz safety switches PSENmech, PSENmag and PSENcode are suitable for monitoring gates in safety fences, for covers, flaps and roll-up doors, and for position detection.
Optimising productivity, safety and user friendliness, while meeting meeting the requirements of EN ISO 14119. Pilz safety solutions are a cost-effective solution.
Available with various designs and operating principles, Pilz safety switches can be used in challenging, industrial environmental conditions. Connecting the safety switches in series provides an even more cost-effective solution.
Fortress Safety Atom Product Details
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Benefits
- Compact design for easy, space-saving installation
- Can be used for diverse applications
- Cost savings – when used in a series
- Long product service life – rugged housing
- Safe, complete economical solution in conjunction with Pilz evaluation units
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Features
- Meet all requirements of ISO 14119
- Mode of action / coding: mechanical (PSENmech), non-contact magnetic (PSENmag, PSENhinge), non-contact coded (PSENcode) as well as fully coded, uniquely fully coded (PSENcode)
- Protection type: IP65 (PSENmech), IP67 (PSENhinge), IP67 / IP6K9K (PSENmag, PSENcode)
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Technical Specifications
- Solenoid controlled interlock which only allows access when you decide
- High-Coded RFID which prevents actuator substitution
- Robust actuator design with high locking and retention force of 8kN
- 140mm x 33mm ultra-compact mounting footprint, easy to mount with 4 x M5 screws
- Safeguarding applications up to PLe and SIL3 rating
- Provides OSSD outputs with Daisy-Chain connection of up to 8 Atoms in series, reducing your installation costs
- High Mechanical Misalignment which allows for wider guarding positioning
- Compact design for installation in discreet locations
- Sealed to IP65 and IP67
- TUV Safety Certification Approved

Inquiries about Our Products
For more information about any of these products, call 1300 TEKSAL or email sales@teksal.com.au