Machine openings, punching equipment, conveyor systems, packaging lines, and robotic workstations often require reliable safety light curtain sensors to reduce access risk around hazardous motion areas. A safety light curtain creates an infrared sensing field between the emitter and receiver. When a person or object interrupts the beams, the sensor output can be used by the safety control system to trigger the required protective response.
The HUAYIFENG H3EL Series Basic Safety Light Curtain Sensor is designed for industrial machine protection applications. It provides 10mm, 20mm, and 40mm optical axis pitch options, dual-channel switching outputs, line synchronization, and a robust aluminum alloy housing for industrial automation environments.
Functional Safety Certification: Cat 3 / PL e and SIL 2 Capable
ECM provides a Functional Safety Certificate for selected H3EL Series safety light curtain sensors. ECM assessed the certified models according to EN ISO 13849-1:2023 Cat 3 / PL e. These models meet Systematic Capability SC 2 requirements and provide SIL 2 capability.
Certificate No. 1N251209.SHTSO66 covers selected H3EL and H3TL models. It remains valid from 09 December 2025 to 08 December 2030. The certificate also states that the final safety integrity level of the safety function using the product shall be calculated by taking into account the characteristics of the whole system.
For machine safety applications, H3EL should be selected and integrated according to the safety manual and wiring method. The control architecture, installation distance, machine stopping time, and validation requirements should also be considered.
How the H3EL Safety Light Curtain Sensor Works
The H3EL Series uses through-beam infrared LED detection. The emitter and receiver generate multiple infrared beams across the protected area. When an opaque object fully blocks the required beams, the receiver output changes and sends a signal to the machine control system.
The series adopts multi-beam periodic scanning detection and line synchronization. The green CP wire is used for synchronization between the emitter and receiver, which helps improve anti-interference performance in industrial environments.
Key Features of H3EL Series Safety Light Curtain Sensor
- Certified functional safety capability: EN ISO 13849-1:2023 Cat 3 / PL e and SC 2 / SIL 2 capable for selected models
- 10mm, 20mm, and 40mm optical axis pitch options for different detection requirements
- 8-88 beams for 10mm pitch, 4-88 beams for 20mm pitch, and 4-48 beams for 40mm pitch models
- Protection height range from 70-870mm, 60-1740mm, or 120-1880mm depending on pitch and model
- NPN normally closed and PNP normally closed output options
- Dual-channel switching safety outputs
- Line synchronization for strong anti-interference capability
- Aluminum alloy 6063 housing, PC end cap, and PMMA optical window
- IP60 protection rating for dry indoor industrial environments
- L5 top/bottom mounting bracket and L6 side mounting bracket options
Optical Axis Pitch Selection for H3EL Safety Light Curtain Sensor
Selecting the right H3EL model starts with the minimum detectable object and the distance from the light curtain to the hazard source. In general, a smaller optical axis pitch provides finer detection and is used when the safety distance is shorter or the risk level is higher.
|
Optical Axis Pitch |
Typical Detection Purpose | Beam Count Range | Protection Height Range |
|
10mm |
Finger detection / smaller object detection | 8-88 beams | 70-870mm |
| 20mm | Hand or palm detection / general access protection | 4-88 beams |
60-1740mm |
| 40mm | Arm, leg, or body detection / larger protection zones | 4-48 beams |
120-1880mm |
H3EL Safety Light Curtain Sensor Output Type and Wiring Options
The H3EL Series provides NPN normally closed and PNP normally closed output models. The receiver uses two load output lines, and the emitter and receiver can be connected with the green CP synchronization line when line synchronization is required.
|
Model Suffix |
Output Type | Typical Use |
| -NC | NPN transistor open-collector output, normally closed |
For control systems requiring NPN input logic |
| -PC | PNP transistor open-collector output, normally closed |
For control systems requiring PNP input logic |
For safety-related machine control, the output type, safety relay, safety PLC, reset method, and full control circuit should be confirmed before installation.
Response Time and Safety Distance of H3EL Safety Light Curtain Sensor
The H3EL response time depends on the number of optical axes and is calculated as:
T = (N + 1) x 1.2ms
In this formula, N is the number of optical axes. For example, a 16-beam model has a response time of 20.4ms.
In a real machine safety project, the light curtain response time must be evaluated with the machine stopping time and control system response time. Installation distance, approach direction, and risk assessment should also be considered. The machine builder or safety engineer should validate the final safety distance.
Environmental and Mechanical Design
HUAYIFENG builds the H3EL Series with an aluminum alloy 6063 housing, PC end cap, and PMMA optical window. It supports operation from -10°C to +55°C and storage from -30°C to +70°C, with relative humidity below 85% at 20°C. The protection rating is IP60.
IP60 protects the housing against dust ingress but does not provide a rated water-ingress protection level. For water spray, oil mist, cleaning liquid, corrosive liquid, or outdoor environments, additional protective measures or alternative product selection should be evaluated.
Typical Applications of H3EL Safety Light Curtain Sensor
Packaging Machinery
H3EL light curtains can be installed around sealing machines, filling machines, cutting positions, conveyors, and access openings where operators interact frequently with the equipment.
Mechanical Manufacturing and Punching Equipment
For punching devices, presses, cutting equipment, and machining systems, H3EL can support access detection around hazardous motion areas when integrated into the correct safety control circuit.
Automotive Production Lines
Automotive assembly lines use robots, automated fixtures, transfer systems, and operator workstations. H3EL helps create infrared protected areas while supporting efficient production flow.
How to Select the Right H3EL Safety Light Curtain Sensor Model
- Confirm the machine risk and the minimum detectable object required for the protected opening.
- Select the optical axis pitch: 10mm, 20mm, or 40mm according to the required detection purpose.
- Measure the opening height and select the number of beams and protection height.
- Choose NPN normally closed or PNP normally closed output according to the control system input logic.
- Calculate response time based on the number of optical axes and evaluate the required safety distance.
- Select the L5 top/bottom bracket or L6 side bracket according to installation space.
- Confirm cable length, connector requirements, safety relay or safety PLC compatibility, and certification documents before ordering.
Why Choose HUAYIFENG H3EL Safety Light Curtain Sensor?
HUAYIFENG was founded in 2009 and focuses on industrial automation sensors, including photoelectric sensors, displacement measurement sensors, proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and safety/area sensors. HUAYIFENG provides standardized and customized sensing solutions for automation equipment, new energy, semiconductor, electronic manufacturing, logistics, and intelligent warehousing applications.
For machine builders and automation integrators, the H3EL Series provides a certified, configurable, and cost-effective safety light curtain solution with flexible pitch options, multiple protection heights, line synchronization, dual-channel switching outputs, and industrial mounting accessories.
FAQ
1. Is the H3EL Series a certified Safety Light Curtain Sensor?
Yes. Selected H3EL models are covered by an ECM Functional Safety Certificate. The certificate states EN ISO 13849-1:2023 Cat 3 / PL e and SC 2 / SIL 2 capable for the listed models.
2. What pitch options are available?
The H3EL Series provides 10mm, 20mm, and 40mm optical axis pitch options for different detection and protection requirements.
3. What output types does H3EL support?
The H3EL Series supports NPN normally closed and PNP normally closed output models. The correct output type should be selected according to the customer’s PLC, safety relay, safety PLC, or control system input requirements.
4. How is the response time calculated?
The response time is calculated as T = (N + 1) x 1.2ms, where N is the number of optical axes. For example, a 16-beam model has a response time of 20.4ms.
5. Can H3EL be used in wet or outdoor environments?
H3EL has an IP60 protection rating and is recommended for dry indoor industrial environments. For water spray, oil mist, corrosive liquid, or outdoor conditions, additional protection or a different product should be evaluated.
6. Can the light curtain alone guarantee the safety level of the whole machine?
No. The final safety level depends on the complete safety function, including the light curtain, safety relay or safety PLC, wiring, reset logic, machine stopping time, installation distance, and validation.
Conclusion
The HUAYIFENG H3EL Series Certified Basic Safety Light Curtain Sensor provides a reliable machine protection solution for industrial automation applications. With EN ISO 13849-1:2023 Cat 3 / PL e certification, SC 2 / SIL 2 capable functional safety capability, 10mm/20mm/40mm pitch options, configurable protection heights, dual-channel switching outputs, and line synchronization, H3EL is suitable for packaging machinery, punching equipment, automotive production lines, and general machine safety applications.
The H3EL Safety Light Curtain Sensor is designed for reliable industrial machine protection and automation safety applications. Contact HUAYIFENG to confirm the correct H3EL model, output type, protection height, mounting bracket, cable configuration, and certification documents for your machine safety project.