RSe Series Double Valves Operating Instructions

Overview

The ROSS Controls RSe Series is a family of control-reliable double valves designed for the most demanding pneumatic machine safety applications. The RSe Series covers four distinct safety valve functions: Safe Exhaust (Dump), Safe Return, Safe Pressure Select, and Safe Return Dual Pressure Control. Both 3/2 (three-port, two-position) and 5/2 (five-port, two-position) configurations are available, providing flexible solutions for a wide range of machine safeguarding architectures.

The RSe Series operating instructions (RC-RSE-OI) are published in multiple languages and comply with the requirements of ISO 13849-1:2015 (Category 4, PL e) and IEC 62061:2001 (SIL 3). The RSe Series is intended to be implemented as part of a machine's safety control system — typically driven by a dual-channel output from a safety relay or safety PLC — in accordance with the Category and Performance Level determined by the machine's risk assessment.

ROSS Controls, founded in 1921 with over 100 years of fluid power expertise, brings world-class engineering to every RSe Series valve. Certificates and Declarations are available for download at www.rosscontrols.com.

Key Features

Four Safety Valve Functions in One Series

The RSe Series addresses four safety functions: (1) Safe Exhaust — dumps downstream pressure when de-energized; (2) Safe Return — drives actuators to a defined safe position; (3) Safe Pressure Select — safely selects between two supply pressures with a defined default; (4) Safe Return Dual Pressure — extends with pressure 1, retracts to safe position with pressure 2. This breadth of function allows machine designers to solve diverse safety requirements with a single, well-supported product family.

3/2 and 5/2 Valve Configurations

The 3/2 RSe Series is designed to supply air to a zone or entire machine/system and to safely exhaust that air when de-energized or faulted. The 5/2 RSe Series provides additional functionality for safe return, dual pressure, and pressure select applications using both work ports. The selection between 3/2 and 5/2 depends on the specific actuator configuration and safety function required.

Dual-Channel Safety Circuit Integration

The RSe Series is designed to be driven by dual-channel outputs from safety relays or safety PLCs, consistent with the Category 4/PL e requirements of ISO 13849-1. The valve must be integrated to meet the Category and Performance Level requirements determined by the machine's risk assessment. Compliance with relevant standards including EN ISO 13849-1, EN ISO 13849-2, EN ISO 60204-1, EN 61000-6-2, and EN ISO 4414 is required for proper implementation.

Technical Specifications

Performance Level: Category 4, PL e per ISO 13849-1:2015
Safety Integrity Level: SIL 3 per IEC 62061:2001
Valve Functions: Safe Exhaust (3/2 and 5/2); Safe Return (5/2); Safe Pressure Select (5/2); Safe Return Dual Pressure (5/2)
Standard Solenoid Voltage: 24 VDC
Electrical Connection: Solenoid cables with EN connector (Brown PIN 1 = supply)
Monitoring: Designed for integration with external safety relay or safety PLC
Flow Media: Filtered compressed air
Applicable Standards: EN ISO 13849-1:2015; EN ISO 13849-2:2012; EN ISO 60204-1:2014; EN 61000-6-2:2005; EN ISO 4414:2010-11
Documentation: CE Declaration of Conformity available at www.rosscontrols.com
Recommended System Components: Pressure Regulator, Pressure Gauge, Lubricator, L-O-X® Lockout Valve, Flow Control Valve, RSe Double Valve, 5/2 Solenoid Pilot Valve

Applications

Safe Exhaust Applications

The 3/2 RSe Series safe exhaust valve is used to supply air to a machine zone or entire system and to safely exhaust it on safety stop. Applications include pneumatic guarded zones, pneumatic presses (non-clutch/brake), and safety circuits where the fail-safe condition requires all downstream pressure to be exhausted.

Safe Return and Dual Pressure Applications

The 5/2 RSe Series safe return valve drives a double-acting actuator forward with pressure 1 when both elements are actuated, and drives it back with pressure 2 to the safe home position when both elements are shut off or if only one actuates. Safe pressure select applications use the RSe to control which of two supply pressures is applied, with a defined default pressure in the event of a fault.

Safety and Compliance Standards

EN ISO 13849-1:2015 — Safety of Machinery: Safety-related parts of control systems, Part 1
EN ISO 13849-2:2012 — Safety of Machinery: Safety-related parts of control systems, Part 2
EN ISO 60204-1:2014 — Safety of Machinery: Electrical equipment of machines, Part 1
EN 61000-6-2:2005 — Electromagnetic compatibility (industrial environment)
EN ISO 4414:2010-11 — Pneumatic Fluid Power: General rules and safety requirements
CE Declaration of Conformity — available at www.rosscontrols.com

Installation and Setup Guide

System Architecture Planning

Before installing the RSe Series valve, complete a risk assessment of the machine to determine the required Category and Performance Level. The RSe Series should be integrated with a dual-channel safety relay or safety PLC output that matches the required safety architecture. Consult the technical data section of the RSe operating instructions for category and performance level values.

Recommended System Layout

A typical RSe Series installation includes (from upstream to downstream): Pressure Regulator, Pressure Gauge, Lubricator, L-O-X® Lockout Valve (for energy isolation/LOTO), RSe Double Valve, Flow Control Valve, and the actuator or machine zone being controlled. The L-O-X® valve provides energy isolation for maintenance; the flow control valve adjusts actuator speed.

Solenoid Wiring

Connect solenoid cables using EN connectors per the pinout diagram: Brown PIN 1 = supply (+24 VDC). Use dual-channel wiring from the safety relay or PLC output. Verify that the electrical supply voltage matches the solenoid ratings.

Post-Installation Testing

After installation, test the safety function for all operating conditions per the risk assessment. Verify the safe exhaust function by de-energizing both solenoids and confirming downstream pressure drops to zero. For safe return and dual pressure configurations, verify actuator travel direction under both normal and fault conditions.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls has been at the forefront of pneumatic machine safety technology for over 100 years. The RSe Series reflects ROSS's expertise in designing valves that meet the full spectrum of machine safety requirements — from simple safe exhaust to complex dual pressure control — in a single, well-documented product family. Contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com for application engineering support.

Download This Document

The official RSe Series Double Valves Operating Instructions (RC-RSE-OI) includes dimensional drawings, simplified schematics, exhaust time charts, flow rate data, system layout diagrams, and complete wiring information for all RSe configurations.

Download PDF: https://ross-admin-global-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/document_language_file/file/122/ROSS_RSe_Double_Valves_Operating_Instructions_RC-RSE-OI.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the four safety valve functions of the RSe Series?

A: The RSe Series provides: (1) Safe Exhaust (Dump) — exhausts downstream pressure when de-energized; (2) Safe Return — drives actuator to safe position; (3) Safe Pressure Select — safely selects between two pressures; (4) Safe Return Dual Pressure — extends with one pressure, retracts safely with another.

Q: What is the difference between the 3/2 and 5/2 RSe Series?

A: The 3/2 RSe is designed for safe exhaust applications — supply to a zone and dump on de-energize. The 5/2 RSe adds a second work port for safe return, dual pressure, and pressure select applications involving double-acting actuators.

Q: What safety standards does the RSe Series comply with?

A: The RSe Series complies with EN ISO 13849-1:2015 (Category 4, PL e), EN ISO 13849-2:2012, EN ISO 60204-1:2014, EN 61000-6-2:2005, and EN ISO 4414:2010-11. A Declaration of CE Conformity is available at www.rosscontrols.com.

Q: Does the RSe Series require external monitoring?

A: Yes. The RSe Series is designed to be integrated into a machine safety circuit driven by a dual-channel output from a safety relay or safety PLC. The safety control system determines the overall Category and Performance Level achieved.

Q: What is a Safe Pressure Select application?

A: A Safe Pressure Select application uses the 5/2 RSe to safely control which of two supply pressures is applied to a machine operation. A specified default pressure is supplied when both valves are shut off or if only one actuates, ensuring the safer pressure is always the fallback.

Q: What does a typical RSe Series installation include?

A: A typical installation includes: Pressure Regulator, Pressure Gauge, Lubricator, L-O-X® Lockout Valve (energy isolation), RSe Double Valve, Flow Control Valve, and the actuator or machine zone. The L-O-X® valve is used for energy isolation during maintenance.

Q: What voltage is the standard RSe Series solenoid?

A: The standard RSe Series solenoid voltage is 24 VDC with EN connector wiring (Brown PIN 1 = supply positive).

Q: How should the RSe Series be wired for safety?

A: Use dual-channel wiring from a safety relay or safety PLC output, consistent with Category 4/PL e requirements. Normally, the outputs to the solenoids are dual-channel outputs from a safety relay or safety PLC as determined by the machine's risk assessment.