CM26 Series CROSSMIRROR® Valves Operating Instructions

Overview

The ROSS Controls CM26 Series CROSSMIRROR® Double Valve is a pneumatic safety valve engineered for machine safety applications requiring the highest levels of control reliability. Designed as a safe return valve, the CM26 Series provides redundant pneumatic control in a compact, base-mounted assembly suitable for demanding industrial environments.

With DGUV Certification and a Declaration of Conformity, the CM26 Series meets the rigorous requirements of Category 4, Performance Level e per ISO 13849-1:2015 and Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) per IEC 62061:2001. These credentials make it one of the most safety-certified double valve products in ROSS Controls' extensive fluid power portfolio, which spans more than 100 years of engineering excellence since the company's founding in 1921.

Available in solenoid pilot-controlled and pressure-controlled configurations, the CM26 Series is designed for base mounting with NPT or G port thread options. The valve integrates status indicator feedback and supports both remote air and solenoid actuation. Certificates and Declarations are available for download at www.rosscontrols.com.

Key Features

Highest Safety Certification: Cat. 4 PL e / SIL 3

The CM26 Series CROSSMIRROR® valve achieves Category 4, Performance Level e per ISO 13849-1:2015 and SIL 3 per IEC 62061:2001 — the highest available ratings for pneumatic safety valves. DGUV certification (HSM 15026) and a Declaration of Conformity provide documented proof of safety compliance for machine builders and safety engineers.

CROSSMIRROR® Technology

ROSS Controls' proprietary CROSSMIRROR® design integrates two mirrored valve elements into a single body. This cross-monitoring architecture ensures that if either element fails to operate synchronously, the valve detects the discordance and takes a fail-safe action, protecting operators and downstream equipment. The technology is patented with U.S. and worldwide patents.

Flexible Actuation and Port Configurations

The CM26 Series is available in solenoid pilot-controlled and pressure-controlled variants. Port thread options include NPT (N) and G (D) in sizes 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. The product key code allows configuration of valve function (5/2), current type (DC/AC), return type (pressure return), and status indicator options. Both valve-only and valve-and-base assembly versions are offered for maximum installation flexibility.

Technical Specifications

The following specifications are taken directly from the CM26 Series operating instructions (RC-CM26-OI):

Performance Level: Category 4, PL e per ISO 13849-1:2015
Safety Integrity Level: SIL 3 per IEC 62061:2001
Certifications: DGUV Certification HSM 15026, Declaration of Conformity
Operating Pressure Range: 3 to 10 bar (approximately 43 to 145 psig)
Valve Function: 5/2 (five-port, two-position)
Actuation Types: Solenoid pilot controlled; Pressure controlled
Port Thread: NPT (N) or G (D)
Port Sizes: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inlet; 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 outlet
Voltage Options: DC and AC solenoid versions available
Return Type: Pressure return
Status Indicator: Optional reset and monitoring feedback
Mounting: Base mounting (valve-and-base assembly or valve-only configurations)
Patents: U.S. and worldwide patents

Applications

Machine Safety Pneumatic Control

The CM26 Series CROSSMIRROR® valve is ideally suited for pneumatic machine safety applications where the highest safety ratings are required. Typical applications include robot safeguarding systems, light curtain interface circuits, two-hand control systems, and any machine control circuit where a Category 4 / PL e safety function must be implemented in the pneumatic system.

Safe Return and Energy Isolation Applications

The safe return function of the CM26 Series ensures that actuators return to a defined safe position under all operating and fault conditions. This is critical in applications involving pneumatic clamps, presses, forming machines, and automated assembly cells where uncontrolled actuator movement could cause injury or equipment damage.

Safety and Compliance Standards

The CM26 Series CROSSMIRROR® valve is manufactured and tested to the following standards:

ISO 13849-1:2015 — Safety of Machinery: Safety-related parts of control systems
IEC 62061:2001 — Functional safety of safety-related electrical control systems
DGUV Certification (German Social Accident Insurance) — HSM 15026
CE Declaration of Conformity available at www.rosscontrols.com
Certificate of Compliance available for download

Installation and Setup Guide

Proper installation of the CM26 Series CROSSMIRROR® valve is essential to achieving its certified safety performance. The following steps provide guidance based on the official operating instructions (RC-CM26-OI):

Pre-Installation Requirements

Before installing the CM26 valve, ensure that all air lines have been blown clean of contaminants. Install a 5-micron rated air filter in the inlet line close to the valve. Verify that the electrical supply matches the solenoid voltage rating shown on the product label. Confirm that supply pressure is within the 3 to 10 bar operating range.

Mounting and Piping

The CM26 Series is designed for base mounting. Install the base first, ensuring correct port orientation. When installing pipe in base ports, engage pipe one turn, apply thread sealant (tape not recommended), then tighten. For parallel thread fittings (SAE, ISO 228), do not use sealant. After piping the base, use compressed air to blow debris from lines before installing the valve onto the base.

Electrical and Solenoid Connection

Connect the solenoid pilot electrical supply per the solenoid voltage and frequency ratings on the product label. The electrical supply must match these ratings exactly; otherwise solenoids are subject to early failure. Use plug-in connectors as specified. Verify the status indicator wiring if the optional monitoring feedback is installed.

Post-Installation Testing

After installation and before normal operation, test the valve's safety function by simultaneously energizing both pilot solenoids and confirming proper operation. Test discordance detection by de-energizing one solenoid and confirming the valve responds correctly. Consult the full operating instructions (RC-CM26-OI) for the complete test procedure. Certificates and documentation are available at www.rosscontrols.com.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls has been a pioneer in fluid power safety technology since 1921 — over 100 years of engineering innovation dedicated to protecting workers and machines. The CROSSMIRROR® technology, developed and patented by ROSS, represents the state of the art in pneumatic double valve safety design. ROSS products are certified by independent bodies including DGUV and meet the most demanding international safety standards.

With a global network of distributors, application engineers, and technical support specialists, ROSS provides not just products but complete safety solutions. Contact ROSS Controls at 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com for application assistance, distributor locations, and downloadable technical documentation.

Download This Document

The official CM26 Series CROSSMIRROR® Valves Operating Instructions (document RC-CM26-OI) is available as a PDF download. This document contains the complete product key identification chart, dimensional drawings, simplified schematics, wiring diagrams, and full test procedures required for compliant installation.

Download PDF: https://ross-admin-global-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/document_language_file/file/1717/ROSS_CM26_Valves_Operating_Instructions_RC-CM26-OI.pdf

Additional certifications, declarations of conformity, and supplementary technical documentation are available at www.rosscontrols.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What safety rating does the CM26 Series CROSSMIRROR® valve achieve?

A: The CM26 Series achieves Category 4, Performance Level e per ISO 13849-1:2015 and SIL 3 per IEC 62061:2001 — the highest available ratings for pneumatic safety valves. It is also DGUV certified (HSM 15026).

Q: What is the operating pressure range for the CM26 Series?

A: The CM26 Series operates at a pressure range of 3 to 10 bar (approximately 43 to 145 psig), as indicated on the product label.

Q: What does CROSSMIRROR® technology mean?

A: CROSSMIRROR® is ROSS Controls' patented technology where two mirrored valve elements cross-monitor each other. If either element fails to shift synchronously, the valve detects the discordance and drives to a fail-safe state.

Q: Is the CM26 Series suitable for press clutch/brake applications?

A: The CM26 Series is designed as a safe return valve for general machine safety applications. For mechanical power press clutch/brake control, ROSS produces the DM2® Series D and other dedicated press double valves.

Q: What port thread options are available on the CM26 Series?

A: The CM26 Series is available with NPT (N) or G (D) port threads in sizes 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 for both inlet and outlet.

Q: Where can I download the CM26 Series Declaration of Conformity?

A: Certificates and Declarations of Conformity for the CM26 Series are available for free download at www.rosscontrols.com.

Q: What voltage options are available for CM26 solenoids?

A: The CM26 Series is available in both DC and AC solenoid voltage options. Consult the product key identification chart in the operating instructions for specific voltage codes.

Q: How do I contact ROSS Controls for technical support?

A: Contact ROSS Controls at 1-800-GET-ROSS (USA), via the website www.rosscontrols.com, or through your authorized ROSS distributor. Technical service is also available at 1-888-TEK-ROSS.