Safety Edges

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Overview

Selecting the Cushion Factor

One of the important characteristics of edge systems is called cushion factor. The cushion factor is the distance the profile can be depressed after the signal is generated. This is important when the profile is mounted on automated doors.

Automated doors will continue to close for some finite time after the profile sends the initial stop signal. This is known as the system response time. The system response time is the sum of the Safedge control unit response time, the control system response time, and the mechanical stopping time. Systems with longer response time should utilize larger cushion factors. Users must validate that injury does not occur if parts of the body get jammed, for example between the sensing edge and the fixed part of a machine.

Users might also consider a reversing option. When the profile is depressed, the Safedge control unit sends a signal to a reversing relay. Since the reversing relay is not a safety rated device, the user must still confirm that injury does not occur if parts of the body get jammed.