Americas +

Download ROSS CM26 CrossMirror Safe Return Double Valves Catalog - Technical Specifications & Ordering Guide

Overview of the ROSS CM26 CrossMirror Series Safe Return Double Valves

The ROSS CM26 CrossMirror Series represents a breakthrough in pneumatic safety valve technology, providing control reliable cylinder and actuator control for applications requiring safe return functionality. This comprehensive catalog contains complete technical specifications, dimensional data, ordering information, and application guidance for one of the industry's most trusted safety valve solutions.

The CM26 Series is specifically engineered for pneumatically controlled machinery where a single actuator hazard exists and requires the cylinder or actuator to return to its home (safe) position upon detection of a fault condition. Unlike traditional safety designs that remove all air from a machine or zone, the CM26 provides point-of-use control, offering both enhanced safety and significant operational advantages including reduced air consumption and elimination of system recharge downtime.

This catalog download provides engineers, safety managers, maintenance professionals, and machine designers with all the information needed to specify, select, install, and maintain ROSS CM26 CrossMirror valves for critical safety applications across diverse industrial environments.

 

Key Features and Technologies Detailed in the CM26 Catalog

CrossMirror Internal Monitoring Technology

The catalog extensively documents the innovative CrossMirror monitoring system that sets the CM26 Series apart from conventional double valves. This self-contained dynamic monitoring system requires no additional external valve monitoring controls, significantly simplifying system design and reducing overall component costs. The CrossMirror technology continuously monitors the synchronous operation of dual stainless steel spools, immediately detecting any discordant valve action that could compromise safety.

When the monitoring system detects asynchronous spool movement during actuation or de-actuation, the valve automatically transitions to a locked-out position and remains there until an overt reset action is performed. This mandatory reset feature—accomplished through either electrical solenoid activation or remote pneumatic signal—prevents unintentional reset and provides an additional layer of safety assurance.

Precision Dual Spool Construction

The catalog provides detailed cross-sectional views and material specifications for the CM26's precision-engineered dual spool design. Constructed with stainless steel spools as the main valve elements, this redundant configuration ensures that if one valve element experiences a malfunction, the second element can still perform the safety function. The spool and sleeve construction delivers:

  • Positive sealing performance preventing hazardous leakage
  • Consistent, repeatable response times throughout the valve's operational life
  • Self-cleaning action that tolerates filtered air with acceptable contamination levels
  • Long service life with minimal maintenance requirements
  • Low friction operation for reliable actuation across the full pressure range

 

Safety Certifications and Standards Compliance Documented in the Catalog

The CM26 catalog provides comprehensive documentation of third-party safety certifications and compliance with international, North American, and European safety standards. Understanding these certifications is critical for machine builders and end-users who must demonstrate compliance with applicable occupational safety regulations.

Category 4 Performance Level e Certification

The CM26 Series achieves Category 4 Performance Level e (PL e) per ISO 13849-1:2015, representing the highest level of safety integrity for safety-related parts of control systems. The catalog includes:

  • Detailed probability of dangerous failure per hour (PFHd) calculations
  • Mean Time to Dangerous Failure (MTTFd) data for reliability engineering
  • Diagnostic Coverage (DC) percentages demonstrating fault detection capabilities
  • System architecture diagrams showing dual-channel redundant structure
  • Integration guidance for achieving Category 4 PL e at the system level

Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 Rating

For applications designed to IEC 62061 functional safety standards, the catalog documents the CM26's SIL 3 rating, indicating a probability of dangerous failure between 10⁻⁷ and 10⁻⁶ per hour. This certification is particularly relevant for manufacturers in industries with stringent functional safety requirements.

Industry-Specific Standards

The catalog references compliance with numerous industry and application-specific safety standards:

  • ANSI B11.2 – Hydraulic Power Press Safety Requirements
  • ANSI B11.19 – Performance Requirements for Risk Reduction Measures
  • CSA Z142 – Code for the Safeguarding of Machinery (Canadian)
  • EN 13736 – Safety requirements for pneumatic and hydraulic presses
  • NR12 – Brazilian machinery safety standards
  • DGUV Test – German Social Accident Insurance certification
  • CE Marking – European Conformity for applicable directives
  • EAC Declaration – Eurasian Conformity for Russian markets
  • CSA/UL Certification – North American safety approvals

 

Technical Specifications and Performance Data in the Catalog

The catalog provides exhaustive technical specifications enabling proper valve selection for specific application requirements. This section includes dimensional drawings, performance curves, flow coefficients, and electrical/pneumatic characteristics.

Available Sizes and Port Configurations

The CM26 Series is offered in three base sizes to accommodate different flow requirements:

Size 0 (Small Frame):

  • Inlet/Outlet Ports: 1/4" or 3/8"
  • Built-in silencers for exhaust ports
  • Compact dimensions: approximately 8.74" L × 4.74" W × 3.35" H
  • Weight: approximately 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
  • Ideal for smaller pneumatic cylinders and space-constrained installations

Size 1 (Medium Frame):

  • Inlet/Outlet Ports: 3/8"
  • Enhanced flow capacity for mid-range cylinders
  • Balanced size-to-performance ratio for general industrial applications

Size 2 (Large Frame):

  • Inlet/Outlet Ports: 1/2"
  • Maximum flow capacity: Cv values up to 3.9
  • Dimensions: approximately 12.79" L × 5.82" W × 5.74" H
  • Weight: approximately 14.45 lbs (6.6 kg)
  • Designed for larger pneumatic cylinders and high-speed applications

Flow Performance Characteristics

The catalog includes detailed Cv (flow coefficient) values for each port path within the valve:

  • Ports 1-2 (Supply to Extend): Cv range 0.8 to 3.0 depending on size
  • Ports 1-4 (Supply to Retract): Cv range 0.6 to 2.5 depending on size
  • Ports 2-3 (Extend Side Exhaust): Cv range 0.5 to 2.0 depending on size
  • Ports 4-5 (Retract Side Exhaust): Cv range 1.1 to 3.9 depending on size

These flow coefficients enable engineers to calculate actual flow rates at various pressure differentials and select the appropriate valve size for cylinder speed and force requirements.

Operating Parameters and Environmental Specifications

Pressure Specifications:

  • Maximum Operating Pressure: 150 psi (10 bar)
  • Minimum Operating Pressure: Consult factory for low-pressure applications
  • Proof Pressure: 225 psi (15 bar)
  • Flow Media: Filtered compressed air per ISO 8573-1 (Class 7:4:4 recommended)

Temperature Ratings:

  • Ambient Temperature Range: 40°F to 122°F (4°C to 50°C)
  • Media Temperature Range: 40°F to 175°F (4°C to 80°C)
  • Storage Temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)

Construction Materials:

  • Valve Body: Cast aluminum alloy for lightweight, corrosion-resistant performance
  • Spools: Precision-ground stainless steel for durability and low friction
  • Seals: Buna-N (Nitrile) standard; consult for alternative seal materials
  • Hardware: Zinc-plated steel and stainless steel fasteners

 

Electrical Actuation Options and Control Integration

The CM26 catalog details the comprehensive range of electrical actuation configurations available to match various control system architectures worldwide.

Voltage Options for Global Applications

DC Voltage Options:

  • 24 VDC (most common for industrial control systems)
  • 12 VDC (specialty applications)

AC Voltage Options:

  • 110/120 VAC at 50/60 Hz (North American standard)
  • 220/240 VAC at 50/60 Hz (International standard)
  • Other voltages available upon request

Solenoid Connection Types

The catalog illustrates multiple solenoid connector configurations:

  • EN 175301-803 Form A – DIN connector with integrated LED indicator
  • EN 175301-803 Form C – DIN connector for field wiring flexibility
  • M12 Connector – Compact, vibration-resistant connection
  • ROSS Connector – Proprietary connection system for specific applications

Each connector type includes IP (Ingress Protection) ratings suitable for industrial environments, typically IP65 or higher.

Status Indication and Feedback Systems

Pressure Switch Options:

The catalog describes optional pressure switches that provide critical feedback to the machine controller regarding valve condition:

  • Factory preset at 22 psi (1.5 bar) falling pressure
  • DPST (Double Pole Single Throw) safety-rated switch contacts
  • Indicates "ready-to-run" condition when pressure is present
  • Signals faulted condition when valve is locked out and pressure is absent
  • Available with EN 175301-803 Form A connectors or ROSS proprietary connectors

Visual Indicators:

Some CM26 configurations include pop-up visual indicators providing immediate local feedback on valve status without requiring electronic monitoring.

 

Reset Options and Lockout Prevention

A critical safety feature detailed throughout the catalog is the CM26's dedicated reset requirement following any detected fault condition.

Manual Reset Options

Electrical Solenoid Reset:

  • Dedicated reset solenoid requires intentional activation
  • Prevents automatic reset upon power cycling
  • Typically integrated with machine safety control system
  • Requires conscious operator action before production can resume

Remote Pneumatic Reset:

  • Air-actuated reset mechanism for environments where electrical reset is impractical
  • Requires deliberate application of pneumatic signal
  • Can be configured with lockable air supply for maintenance procedures
  • Suitable for hazardous area classifications where electrical components are restricted

Why Manual Reset Enhances Safety

The manual reset requirement enforces a critical safety principle: preventing unintended startup. After a fault condition locks out the CM26 valve, production cannot resume until:

  1. The root cause of the fault is identified and corrected
  2. An authorized person makes a conscious decision to reset the system
  3. The reset action is deliberately performed (not automatic)
  4. All safety conditions are verified before the valve transitions to ready-to-run status

This "overt act" requirement aligns with ANSI B11.0 general safety requirements and OSHA machine safeguarding principles.

 

Application Guidance and Industry Use Cases

The catalog provides extensive application guidance, including typical installations, piping diagrams, and industry-specific use cases where the CM26 Series delivers proven safety and operational benefits.

Pneumatic Cylinder Presses

One of the most common applications for CM26 valves is small to medium pneumatic cylinder-operated presses used in:

  • Assembly operations (press-fitting components)
  • Forming and stamping (sheet metal operations)
  • Riveting and clinching (permanent fastening)
  • Coining and embossing (decorative and functional marking)

In these applications, the CM26 ensures that if a fault occurs during the press stroke (crushing or pinching hazard), the cylinder immediately reverses direction and returns to its home position, removing the hazard before injury can occur.

Filling and Packaging Equipment

The CM26 is extensively used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods packaging machinery:

  • Bottle filling stations with pneumatic actuators
  • Cap placement and torquing systems
  • Cartoning and case packing machines
  • Heat sealing operations
  • Product indexing and transfer mechanisms

These applications benefit from the valve's ability to safely return actuators to home position without de-energizing entire machine zones, maintaining production efficiency while ensuring operator safety.

Material Handling and Clamping Systems

Critical clamping applications across automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing rely on CM26 valves:

  • Pneumatic clamps for workholding during machining
  • Part transfer grippers and end-effectors
  • Safety latches and locking pins
  • Brake mechanisms for linear slides and rotary tables

The catalog includes guidance on extending vs. retracting safe return configurations, explaining how the CM26 can be plumbed to either extend or retract the actuator to achieve the safe position based on application requirements.

 

Manifold Mounting and Multi-Valve Applications

The catalog extensively covers manifold mounting capabilities, enabling engineers to create compact, integrated pneumatic safety control systems with multiple CM26 valves.

Base-Mounted Manifold Design

The CM26 Series features base mounting configuration with standardized bolt patterns enabling:

  • Direct mounting to aluminum manifold bases
  • Sequential valve assembly for multi-cylinder control
  • Integrated pneumatic connections between valves
  • Elimination of external tubing between valve stations
  • Reduced leak points and installation time

Manifold Configuration Options

End Station Plates:

  • Seal unused ports on manifold ends
  • Maintain system cleanliness during installation
  • Available for all base sizes

Intermediate Bases:

  • Provide pneumatic connection between adjacent valves
  • Supply common inlet pressure to multiple valves
  • Route individual actuator connections

Electrical Distribution:

  • Plug-together electrical connections available
  • Reduces wiring complexity for multi-valve assemblies
  • Maintains proper connector orientation

 

Installation Instructions and Integration Guidance

The catalog includes comprehensive installation instructions ensuring proper valve integration and optimal performance.

Mounting Orientation and Position

While CM26 valves can be mounted in any orientation, the catalog recommends:

  • Preferred: Vertical mounting with solenoids on top minimizes moisture accumulation
  • Acceptable: Horizontal mounting with exhaust ports facing downward
  • Avoid: Mounting with exhaust ports facing upward where moisture could accumulate

Pneumatic Piping Best Practices

Air Quality Requirements:

  • Filtration: 40 microns or finer (5 microns recommended)
  • Lubrication: Not required (oil-free operation preferred)
  • Dew Point: Minimum 20°F below ambient to prevent condensation
  • Pressure: Regulated supply within 60-150 psi range

Piping Recommendations:

  • Size supply lines to maintain pressure at design flow rates
  • Install check valves to prevent backflow from cylinders
  • Use flow controls for cylinder speed regulation (not for safety function)
  • Provide pressure gauges for system troubleshooting

Electrical Integration Requirements

The catalog provides detailed wiring diagrams for integration with:

  • Safety PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
  • Safety relay modules
  • Emergency stop circuits
  • Two-hand control systems
  • Light curtains and safety sensors
  • Machine control panels

 

Valve Selection and Sizing Tools

To assist engineers in properly selecting CM26 valves for specific applications, the catalog includes:

Cylinder Sizing Calculations

  • Force requirements based on pressure and cylinder bore
  • Extend and retract speed calculations using flow coefficients
  • Pressure drop analysis across valve and piping
  • Cycle time impact assessment

Safety Distance Calculations

  • Overall system response time calculations
  • Stopping time determination for risk assessment
  • Safety distance formulas per ISO 13855 / ANSI B11.19
  • Integration with presence-sensing safeguarding devices

 

Ordering Information and Model Number Configuration

The catalog provides a comprehensive ordering code structure enabling precise specification of CM26 valves with desired features.

Model Number Configurator Structure

The CM26 model number follows this format: CM26 - P - N - A - 00 - A - 2 - 1

Each position specifies:

  1. Series: CM26 (CrossMirror 26 Series)
  2. Actuation: P = Electrical Solenoid Pilot, N = Pneumatic Pressure Pilot
  3. Thread Type: N = NPT, D = G (BSPP), M = M5 Metric
  4. Base Size: 0, 1, or 2 (correlates with port size)
  5. Voltage: 00 = 24 VDC, 01 = 12 VDC, 02 = 110 VAC, 03 = 230 VAC
  6. Connector: A = EN 175301-803 Form A, B = Form C, C = M12
  7. Reset Type: 1 = Electrical Solenoid Reset, 2 = Remote Pneumatic Reset
  8. Status Indicator: 1 = Pressure Switch, X = No Switch, P = Pop-up Visual

Accessories and Spare Parts

The catalog includes ordering information for:

  • Replacement pressure switches (model 1104A30, 518E30)
  • Pressure switch assembly kits (model 2151H77)
  • Manifold bases and end stations
  • Solenoid coil replacements
  • Seal kits for field service
  • Electrical connectors and cable assemblies

 

Maintenance and Service Information

Preventive Maintenance Recommendations

The catalog outlines recommended maintenance intervals:

  • Daily: Visual inspection of indicators, listen for abnormal sounds
  • Monthly: Verify pressure switch operation, test reset functionality
  • Quarterly: Check mounting hardware torque, inspect for air leaks
  • Annually: Functional safety test per machine risk assessment
  • As Needed: Cleaning of external surfaces, connector inspection

Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues and resolutions:

  • Valve Won't Reset: Check reset signal, verify air supply pressure, inspect for mechanical obstruction
  • Slow Cylinder Speed: Verify valve size selection, check for pressure drop, inspect supply lines
  • Valve Locks Out Randomly: Check for voltage fluctuations, verify pilot supply stability, clean valve internals
  • Pressure Switch Not Indicating: Test switch continuity, verify preset pressure, check connector

 

Related ROSS Safety Products Referenced in Catalog

The catalog cross-references complementary ROSS safety products that integrate with CM26 valves:

  • 77 Series Safe Return Valves – Automatic reset version with similar CrossMirror technology
  • RSe Series Safe Return Valves – External monitoring for larger port sizes (up to 1/2")
  • L-O-X Lockout Valves – Energy isolation for lockout/tagout compliance
  • DM2 Series Safe Exhaust Valves – For complete zone isolation applications
  • ElectroGuard Safety Controllers – Certified safety relay modules for system monitoring

 

SISTEMA Safety Evaluation Library

A valuable resource highlighted in the catalog is the downloadable SISTEMA (Safety Integrity Software Tool for the Evaluation of Machine Applications) library file for CM26 valves. This software library enables:

  • Rapid safety circuit design validation
  • Automated PL (Performance Level) calculations
  • System-level Category determination
  • Documentation for compliance audits
  • Integration with other safety components

Engineers can download the SISTEMA library from the ROSS website and import it into the free SISTEMA software tool provided by the German Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA).

 

Why Choose ROSS CM26 CrossMirror Valves?

The catalog concludes by summarizing the competitive advantages that make CM26 valves the preferred choice for control reliable safe return applications:

Safety Leadership: Over 100 years of ROSS innovation in fluid power safety solutions

Proven Reliability: Thousands of installations worldwide across diverse industries and applications

Simplified Design: Self-contained monitoring eliminates external monitoring components and reduces system complexity

Global Support: ROSS worldwide network of technical support, training, and service capabilities

Compliance Assurance: Third-party certified to highest safety integrity levels with comprehensive documentation

Application Flexibility: Extensive configuration options for electrical/pneumatic actuation, multiple voltages, and global connector standards

Total Cost of Ownership: Long service life, minimal maintenance, and energy savings through point-of-use control

 

Download Your Copy of the CM26 CrossMirror Catalog Today

This comprehensive technical catalog is an essential resource for:

  • Safety Engineers designing safety-related control systems
  • Machine Builders specifying components for OEM equipment
  • Maintenance Professionals servicing existing pneumatic safety systems
  • Compliance Officers documenting adherence to safety standards
  • Purchasing Managers obtaining detailed specifications for procurement
  • Engineering Students learning about industrial pneumatic safety applications

Download the complete ROSS CM26 CrossMirror Series Safe Return Double Valves Catalog to access:

✓ Detailed dimensional drawings with mounting hole patterns
✓ Complete electrical and pneumatic schematics
✓ Performance curves and flow data
✓ Ordering codes and configuration options
✓ Installation instructions and integration guidelines
✓ Maintenance procedures and troubleshooting tips
✓ Safety certification documentation
✓ Application examples with piping diagrams

 

Additional Resources and Support

After downloading the catalog, explore these additional ROSS resources:

Technical Support: Contact ROSS Controls technical services team for application-specific guidance, valve selection assistance, and integration support.

Training Programs: ROSS offers comprehensive training on pneumatic safety principles, valve technology, and compliance with machinery safety standards.

3D CAD Models: Download 3D models in multiple file formats (STEP, IGES, STL) for integration into your machine designs.

Video Tutorials: Access installation videos, operational demonstrations, and troubleshooting guides.

White Papers: Download technical white papers on safe return valve applications, safety standards interpretation, and risk assessment methodologies.

 

Contact ROSS Controls for Expert Assistance

Headquarters:
ROSS Controls
1810 Dayton Street
Troy, Michigan 48083 USA

Phone: +1 (800) 438-7677 (GET-ROSS)
Email: techsales@rosscontrols.com
Website: www.rosscontrols.com

Global Locations:

  • ROSS Europa (Germany)
  • ROSS Asia (Japan)
  • ROSS France
  • ROSS UK
  • ROSS Brazil
  • ROSS India
  • ROSS China
  • ROSS Canada