How do I select a torque limiter?

Torque limiters and safety clutch couplings are ideally installed as physically close to the point of impact or overload as possible in order to enhance sensitivity. As with flexible couplings, the appropriate size will be found once the correct torque rating has been determined. The appropriate safety clutch will be set to disengage at a point slightly higher than the peak torque required for normal operation. Standard safety couplings will attempt to re-engage automatically at periodic points until the torque is reduced to an acceptable level.

Torque limiters are often used in conjunction with a proximity sensor to detect the movement of an external ring around the disengaging safety clutch, and then trigger an e-stop condition in the machine. Free wheeling safety clutches will permanently separate the drive and driven shaft hubs of the coupling, requiring a manual re-engagement. This cuts back significantly on potential wear between the two halves of the torque limiter as they ratchet against each other.