IEC TS 61496-4-2:2022 is available as IEC TS 61496-4-2:2022 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.

IEC TS 61496-4-2:2022 specifies requirements for the design, construction and testing of non-contact electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) designed specifically to detect persons as part of a safety-related system, employing vision-based protective devices (VBPDs) using reference pattern techniques (VBPDPP) for the sensing function. Special attention is directed to features which ensure that an appropriate safety-related performance is achieved. An ESPE can include optional safety-related functions, the requirements for which are given in Annex A of IEC 61496-1:2020 and this document. Where this document does not contain all necessary provisions, then IEC TS 62998-1 applies. It is also possible, for those aspects not considered in this document, to use provisions from IEC TS 62998-1 additionally. This document does not specify the dimensions or configurations of the detection zone and its disposition in relation to hazardous parts for any particular application, nor what constitutes a hazardous state of any machine. It is restricted to the functioning of the ESPE and how it interfaces with the machine. A VBPDPP is defined as consisting of a single image-sensing device viewing on a passive reference pattern as the background and where the detection principle is based on blocking or partially preventing the view of the pattern. Information about the thickness, shape, surface characteristics or location of the object is not required for detection. For multi-image sensing devices, additional techniques, requirements and test procedures can be necessary.
- This document is limited to automatic vision-based ESPEs that do not require human intervention for detection.
- It is limited to automatic vision-based ESPEs that detect objects entering into, or are present in, a detection zone(s).
- It is limited to ESPEs using active illumination technique.
- Excluded from this technical specification are VBPDPPs employing radiation at wavelengths outside the range 400 nm to 1 500 nm.
- This document does not address those aspects required for complex classification or differentiation of the object detected.
This document is relevant for VBPDPPs having a stated detection capability up to 200 mm. This document does not deal with EMC emission requirements.
IEC TS 61496-4-2:2022 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Some requirement clauses and test procedures have been adapted or removed because they have been consolidated in IEC 61496-1:2020 (e.g. 5.4.6.2 of IEC 61496-1:2020 Light sources or Clause A.9).