Safety Beam Sensors #1
What They Do and When They're Required
Safety Beam Sensors #1 - What They Do and When They're Required
Safety beam sensors (also called photoelectric sensors or safety beams) detect obstacles in the path of a moving garage door or gate. If a person, vehicle, pet, or any other object interrupts the beam, the controller immediately stops or reverses the door or gate to help prevent injury and damage.
A safety beam is recommended for every automatic garage door and gate. In many situations, it is also a mandatory safety requirement.
For example, Australian Standard AS 4145.2:2001 (Automatic Garages and Gates - Installation and Use - Part 2: Safety Requirements) requires safety beam sensors when a garage door or gate can close without the operator having a clear view of the opening. This includes situations such as:
Automatic closing using a timer or auto-close function.
Remote operation where the operator cannot see the gate or door, such as through a smartphone or Wi-Fi controller.
Depending on the type of installation and equipment used, other Australian Standards and manufacturer requirements may also apply.
Why Are Safety Beam Sensors Important?
Without safety beam sensors, a closing door or gate may continue moving until it physically strikes an obstacle before reversing. Although modern operators are designed to limit closing force, they should never be relied upon as the primary safety device.
A properly installed safety beam detects an obstruction before contact is made, providing a much safer level of protection for people, pets and vehicles.
Not All Installations Provide the Same Level of Protection
Simply having a safety beam installed does not necessarily mean the entire gate opening is protected. The number of beam sensors and their positioning can make a significant difference to safety, particularly on automatic swing gates.
This topic is covered in the next article of this series.
This article is part of a three-part series about safety beam sensors:
#1 – What They Do and When They're Required