United States

M35 Series Safety Exhaust Valves Operating Instructions

Overview

The ROSS Controls M35 Series is a modular safety exhaust (dump) control-reliable double valve system designed for Category 4, Performance Level e applications. Available with or without an integrated EEZ-ON® (Soft-Start) module, the M35 Series provides both safe exhaust and — with EEZ-ON® — a controlled, gradual pressure build-up to downstream actuators, protecting both machinery and personnel during machine restart after a safety stop.

The M35 Series operating instructions (RC-M35-OI) are published in nine languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese-Brazilian, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese — reflecting the global adoption of this valve in safety-critical manufacturing environments. The M35 Series holds DGUV Certification (HM 230177) and a Declaration of Conformity per ISO 13849-1:2015.

ROSS Controls has been manufacturing fluid power safety solutions since 1921. The M35 Series is designed for external monitoring, requiring connection to an appropriate safety control system that inhibits further operation in the event of a valve malfunction.

Key Features

Category 4 PL e / SIL 3 Safety Performance

The M35 Series achieves Category 4, Performance Level e per ISO 13849-1:2015 and SIL 3 per IEC 62061:2001, with DGUV Certification (HM 230177). These credentials make it suitable for the highest-risk machine safeguarding applications, including those governed by OSHA and international safety machinery directives.

Optional EEZ-ON® Soft-Start Module

The integrated EEZ-ON® (Soft-Start) module provides controlled, gradual pressure build-up when the valve is energized, limiting the pressure ramp rate to downstream actuators. This protects pneumatic cylinders, tooling, and fixtures from sudden pressure shocks during machine restart, extending equipment life and improving operator safety. The soft-start flow rate is adjustable for tuning to specific machine requirements.

Modular Design with Pressure Sensing Options

The M35 Series product key code allows configuration with or without the EEZ-ON® module, with analog pressure gauge (G) or digital pressure transducer (T) feedback, and with or without an integral pressure sensor. Port sizes include 1/2 and 3/4 NPT. The modular architecture enables flexible adaptation to diverse machine safety system architectures.

Technical Specifications

  • Performance Level: Category 4, PL e per ISO 13849-1:2015
  • Safety Integrity Level: SIL 3 per IEC 62061:2001
  • Certifications: DGUV HM 230177; Declaration of Conformity
  • Operating Pressure: 30 to 150 psig (2 to 10 bar)
  • Standard Solenoid Voltage: 24 VDC
  • Port Sizes: 1/2 and 3/4 NPT
  • EEZ-ON® Module: Optional integrated soft-start with adjustable flow control
  • Pressure Measuring Device: Analog gauge (G) or digital transducer (T), or none (X)
  • Pressure Sensor: Optional integral pressure sensor
  • Status Indicator: 4-LED status indicator (SI)
  • Flow Media: Filtered compressed air
  • Monitoring: Designed for external monitoring
  • Multilingual Documentation: EN/DE/ES/FR/IT/PT-BR/RU/JA/ZH-CH

Applications

Safety Exhaust and Dump Valve Applications

The M35 Series is designed as a safety exhaust (dump) valve — when de-energized or in a fault condition, it dumps all downstream pneumatic energy to atmosphere, rapidly reducing pressure to a safe level. This makes it ideal for guarded machine zones, pneumatic press applications (excluding clutch/brake), robotic cells, and automated assembly systems where a safety stop requires rapid and complete pressure relief.

Soft-Start Applications with EEZ-ON® Module

When configured with the optional EEZ-ON® module, the M35 Series is used in applications where sudden pressure build-up could damage actuators, tooling, or fixtures, or could cause unexpected machine motion. Typical soft-start applications include cylinder-driven clamps, presses with pneumatic tooling, and any application where controlled pressure ramp-up is required for personnel safety or equipment protection.

Safety and Compliance Standards

  • ISO 13849-1:2015 — Category 4, PL e
  • IEC 62061:2001 — SIL 3
  • DGUV Certification: HM 230177
  • Declaration of CE Conformity available at www.rosscontrols.com
  • Designed for use with external safety monitoring system
  • L-O-X® valves: defined as energy isolation devices, NOT emergency stop devices (per OSHA 1910.147, EN 1037)

Installation and Setup Guide

System Integration Requirements

The M35 Series is designed for use with an external safety monitoring system. This system must ensure that valve operation is inhibited if a malfunction is detected. Before installation, confirm that the safety control architecture (safety PLC, safety relay) is compatible with the M35 Series output and monitoring requirements.

Pneumatic Connections

Blow all air lines clean before installation. Install a 5-micron rated air filter in the inlet line. Ensure Port 1 supply line is of adequate size and free of restrictions. Do not restrict the exhaust port (Port 3). The M35 Series is factory-equipped with ROSS silencers.

EEZ-ON® Soft-Start Adjustment

If the M35 Series is configured with the EEZ-ON® module, adjust the soft-start flow control screw to achieve the desired pressure ramp rate. Consult the flow vs. number of turns chart in the official operating instructions to set the correct number of turns for the inlet pressure and desired build-up time.

Electrical and Monitoring Connections

Connect solenoid power (24 VDC) and any pressure sensor signals per the wiring diagram in the operating instructions. The 4-LED status indicator provides visual indication of valve state. Connect the status indicator outputs to the external monitoring system as required by the safety circuit design.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls is the inventor of the EEZ-ON® soft-start technology and has been integrating it into safety valve products for decades. The M35 Series combines the highest safety certification with practical soft-start functionality in a single modular valve, eliminating the need for separate exhaust and soft-start components. With over 100 years of experience, ROSS delivers proven safety solutions for the world's most demanding manufacturing environments. Contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com.

Download This Document

The official M35 Series Valves Operating Instructions (RC-M35-OI) is available as a multilingual PDF covering all M35 configurations, dimensional drawings, flow charts, soft-start adjustment curves, and wiring diagrams.

Download PDF: https://ross-admin-global-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/document_language_file/file/108/ROSS_M35_Double_Valves_Operating_Instructions_RC-M35-OI.pdf

Related Products and Resources

  • MDC Series Valves — Safety exhaust dump valves with EEZ-ON® in a compact modular design (doc 78)
  • RSe Series Double Valves — Safe exhaust and safe return double valves (doc 75)
  • L-O-X® Lockout Valves — Pneumatic energy isolation for lockout/tagout
  • EEZ-ON® Soft-Start Modules — Gradual pressure build-up for actuator protection
  • DM2® Series C — Category 3/4 double valves with inherent lockout (doc 73)
  • ROSS FRL Products — Filters, Regulators, Lubricators for pneumatic conditioning

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the function of the EEZ-ON® module on the M35 Series?

A: The EEZ-ON® module provides controlled, gradual pressure build-up (soft-start) when the valve is energized. It limits the pressure ramp rate to downstream actuators, protecting equipment and preventing unexpected machine motion during restart. The flow rate is adjustable.

Q: Does the M35 Series require an external monitoring system?

A: Yes. The M35 Series is designed for use with an appropriate external monitoring system that inhibits further valve operation if a malfunction is detected. The valve does not have its own self-contained monitoring like the DM2® Series C.

Q: What is the operating pressure range for the M35 Series?

A: The M35 Series operates at 30 to 150 psig (2 to 10 bar). The standard solenoid voltage is 24 VDC.

Q: What safety certifications does the M35 Series hold?

A: The M35 Series is certified to Category 4, PL e per ISO 13849-1:2015 and SIL 3 per IEC 62061:2001. It holds DGUV Certification HM 230177 and a Declaration of CE Conformity.

Q: What languages is the M35 operating manual available in?

A: The M35 operating instructions (RC-M35-OI) are available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese-Brazilian, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.

Q: What pressure measurement options are available on M35?

A: The M35 Series can be configured with an analog pressure gauge (G), digital pressure transducer (T), or no pressure measuring device (X). This is selected via the product key code.

Q: Is the L-O-X® valve an emergency stop device?

A: No. Per specifications and regulations, ROSS L-O-X® valves and L-O-X® valves with EEZ-ON® operation are defined as energy isolation devices, NOT as emergency stop devices.

Q: Where can I get the M35 Series Declaration of Conformity?

A: Declaration of CE Conformity and certifications for the M35 Series are available for free download at www.rosscontrols.com.