Safety
Presence Sensing Devices
Light Curtains
What is a Safety Light Curtain?
Safety light curtains are most simply described as photoelectric presence sensors specifically designed to protect plant personnel from injuries related to hazardous machine motion. Also known as AOPDs (Active Opto-electronic Protective Devices), light curtains offer optimal safety, yet they allow for greater productivity and are the more ergonomically sound solution when compared to mechanical guards. They are ideally suited for applications where personnel need frequent and easy access to a point of operation hazard.
Safety light curtains consist of an emitter and receiver pair that creates a multi-beam barrier of infrared light in front of, or around, a hazardous area. When any of the beams are blocked by intrusion in the sensing field, the light curtain control circuit sends a signal to the machine’s e-stop. The emitter and receiver can be interfaced to a control unit that provides the necessary logic, outputs, system diagnostics and additional functions (muting, blanking, PSDI) to suit the application. When installed alone, the light curtain pair will operate as a control reliable switch.