Description
Limit Switch Pneumatic Balancer Series
Limit Switch Pneumatic Balancers
Series: KBA / KBC / RKBA / RKBC / TKBA / TKBC – LS
The Knight external limit switch balancer carries up to two spring-loaded plunger assemblies, two limit switches and the external retract control – sending a pneumatic pilot signal when the load reaches a preset height. A 5-way pneumatic valve is mounted on the bracket and is tripped by a position flag as the balancer travels upwards.
The external retract control is an adjustable safety feature that governs vertical travel speed. It applies resistance to the thrust bearing so the cable or chain retracts slowly into the balancer, bringing a runaway load to an immediate and complete stop.
Every model is available in two build codes: LS1 (one limit switch) and LS2 (two limit switches). Both share the same capacity and stroke – specify the code when ordering.
*Sizing formula: size the working load at 80% of the rated capacity to allow for normal fluctuation in the plant air system.
Example: plant air at 60 psi, a 350 lbs balancer → 0.60 × 350 = 210 × 0.80 = 168 lbs of working capacity.
Example: plant air at 60 psi, a 350 lbs balancer → 0.60 × 350 = 210 × 0.80 = 168 lbs of working capacity.
What the Limit Switch Does
Height Signalling
A position flag trips the 5-way valve as the balancer rises, producing a pneumatic pilot signal at a preset height. That signal can gate a downstream operation – releasing a gripper, enabling a conveyor, or confirming the part has cleared the fixture before the next step runs.
Controlled Retract
The external retract control damps the thrust bearing so the cable or chain will not accelerate upwards when a heavy part is released or pulls free of the dunnage. LS models include this feature as part of the assembly.
LS1 vs LS2: LS1 carries one plunger and switch – a single trip point. LS2 carries two, so an upper and a lower trip point can be set independently on the same unit.
Features & Benefits
Features
- CE compliant.
- Choice of cable or chain.
- Hands-free operation.
- Float mode as standard.
- Up to two spring-loaded plunger assemblies and two limit switches.
- 5-way pneumatic valve tripped by a position flag.
- Requires clean, dry, non-lubricated compressed air.
- Maximum balancing capacity: 1,400 lbs [635 kg].
- Standard stroke: up to 110 in [2,794 mm].
Benefits & Options
- Pilot signal output at a preset height.
- Adjustable external retract control included.
- Stops a runaway load immediately and completely.
- Optional high relieving and feather-touch controls.
- A range of suspension kits to suit the installation.
- Available across the single, dual chain SDS, reeved and tandem ranges.
- Integrates with Knight aluminium rail (RAD4110 / 6110 / 7510).
Specifications – Single LS
*Note: every model below is available as LS1 (one limit switch) or LS2 (two limit switches) – capacity and stroke are identical. FULLSHARP can advise on custom configurations for a specific application.
Single LS Cable (KBA)
| Model | Capacity lbs [kg] | Stroke in [mm] |
|---|---|---|
| KBA150-076-LS1 / -LS2 | 150 [68] | 76 [1,930] |
| KBA225-073-LS1 / -LS2 | 225 [102] | 73 [1,854] |
| KBA225-110-LS1 / -LS2 | 225 [102] | 110 [2,794] |
| KBA350-073-LS1 / -LS2 | 350 [159] | 73 [1,854] |
| KBA450-054-LS1 / -LS2 | 450 [204] | 54 [1,371] |
| KBA500-080-LS1 / -LS2 | 500 [227] | 80 [2,032] |
| KBA700-052-LS1 / -LS2 | 700 [317] | 52 [1,320] |
Single LS Chain (KBC)
| Model | Capacity lbs [kg] | Stroke in [mm] |
|---|---|---|
| KBC150-070-LS1 / -LS2 | 150 [68] | 70 [1,778] |
| KBC200-110-LS1 / -LS2 | 200 [91] | 110 [2,794] |
| KBC225-067-LS1 / -LS2 | 225 [102] | 67 [1,701] |
| KBC350-067-LS1 / -LS2 | 350 [159] | 67 [1,701] |
| KBC450-052-LS1 / -LS2 | 450 [204] | 52 [1,320] |
| KBC500-080-LS1 / -LS2 | 500 [227] | 80 [2,032] |
| KBC700-052-LS1 / -LS2 | 700 [317] | 52 [1,320] |
Specifications – Dual Chain SDS LS
| Model | Capacity | Stroke | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lbs | kg | in | mm | |
| KBC250S-054-LS1 / -LS2 | 250 | 113 | 54 | 1,371 |
| KBC450S-052-LS1 / -LS2 | 450 | 204 | 52 | 1,320 |
| KBC500S-084-LS1 / -LS2 | 500 | 226 | 84 | 2,133 |
| KBC700S-052-LS1 / -LS2 | 700 | 317 | 52 | 1,320 |
The dual chain “SDS” models add the Safety Drop Stop redundant chain – if the load chain fails, the safety chain holds the load.
Specifications – Reeved LS (Double Capacity)
Reeved LS Cable (RKBA)
| Model | Capacity lbs [kg] | Stroke in [mm] |
|---|---|---|
| RKBA450-036-LS* | 450 [204] | 36 [914] |
| RKBA450-033-LS* | 450 [204] | 33 [818] |
| RKBA700-036-LS* | 700 [318] | 36 [914] |
| RKBA1000-040-LS* | 1,000 [454] | 40 [1,016] |
| RKBA1400-027-LS* | 1,400 [635] | 27 [685] |
Reeved LS Chain (RKBC)
| Model | Capacity lbs [kg] | Stroke in [mm] |
|---|---|---|
| RKBC400-055-LS* | 450 [204] | 55 [1,397] |
| RKBC450-033-LS* | 450 [204] | 33 [818] |
| RKBC700-033-LS* | 700 [318] | 33 [818] |
| RKBC1000-040-LS* | 1,000 [454] | 40 [1,016] |
| RKBC1400-026-LS* | 1,400 [635] | 26 [685] |
*When ordering, state LS1 (one limit switch) or LS2 (two limit switches).
Specifications – Tandem LS (Two Ends)
Tandem LS Cable (TKBA)
| Model | Capacity lbs [kg] | Stroke in [mm] |
|---|---|---|
| TKBA700-073-LS* | 700 [318] | 73 [1,854] |
| TKBA1000-080-LS* | 1,000 [454] | 80 [2,032] |
| TKBA1400-054-LS* | 1,400 [635] | 54 [1,371] |
Tandem LS Chain (TKBC)
| Model | Capacity lbs [kg] | Stroke in [mm] |
|---|---|---|
| TKBC700-067-LS* | 700 [318] | 67 [1,701] |
| TKBC1000-080-LS* | 1,000 [454] | 80 [2,032] |
| TKBC1400-052-LS* | 1,400 [635] | 52 [1,320] |
*When ordering, state LS1 or LS2.
Videos & Installation Guides
Standard vs external retract balancer
Knight Global application compilation
Setting the chain length
BPA2113 hook – fitting the chain pin
Cable hook installation
Installing a balancer onto the rail
Compatible Accessories
Load Attachments & Measurement
KSAA1003
Chain wear gauge
For 4 mm and 5 mm galvanised chain
For 4 mm and 5 mm galvanised chain
BPA2410
Safety chain shackle
360° rotation, connects the safety cable
360° rotation, connects the safety cable
BPA2113
Balancer chain hook
Self-closing Crosby® Bullard
Self-closing Crosby® Bullard
BPA2035
Quick connect coupling
360° rotation, with safety chain pin
360° rotation, with safety chain pin
BPA2020
Hook with Lif-Lok® locking gate
For KBA cable balancers
For KBA cable balancers
BPA2065
Reeved cable pulley
Doubles the capacity, with steel guard plate
Doubles the capacity, with steel guard plate
Load Trolleys
MRTA7706
Load trolley – RAD7510 rail
MRTA6106
Load trolley – RAD6110 rail
MRTA4442
Load trolley – RAD4110 rail
TRT2001
Load trolley – TR2000 rail
RTA2013
Load trolley – W-beam / I-beam / patented beam
RTA2014
Load trolley – S-beam
Safety Cable Kits
RWA4133
Standard safety cable kit
4 Crosby® clamps + 2 thimbles
4 Crosby® clamps + 2 thimbles
FDA4133
Eye bolt safety cable kit
With eye bolts for structural anchoring
With eye bolts for structural anchoring
NICORWA4133
Safety cable kit with oval sleeves
2 copper oval sleeves + 2 thimbles
2 copper oval sleeves + 2 thimbles
Pneumatic Controls
BCS2018
Single balance control module
Ideal for tightening tools
Ideal for tightening tools
BCS2090 / BCS2322
High relieving module
2090: up to 250 lbs / 2322: up to 500 lbs
2090: up to 250 lbs / 2322: up to 500 lbs
BCS2213 / BCS2214
Feather-touch control handle
Horizontal or vertical grip
Horizontal or vertical grip
BCS2215 / BCS2323
Dual balance control handle
Two zero-gravity load settings
Two zero-gravity load settings
BCS3017 / BCS3320
Up/Down pendant + manifold kit
Straight or coiled hose, 10 ft [3 m]
Straight or coiled hose, 10 ft [3 m]
Technical Documents
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