Installing Safety Sensors and Photocells on Electric Gates

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Safety photocells are installed as a matched pair of infrared beams at the gate's leading edge and at a set height, so that any obstruction stops or reverses the moving leaf. Correct installation depends on measuring the gate travel, mounting the sensors facing each other without sunlight interference, and wiring them to the gate operator's safety input. Every installation should be tested with the gate in motion before handover.

Site survey and measurement

Before any sensor is chosen, the installer should walk the full travel path of the gate. Note the leaf length, the swing or slide direction, the clearance to posts and walls, and any objects that could be trapped, such as a pillar, a parked car or a pedestrian path running alongside.

Measure the gap between the leaf edge and the nearest fixed obstacle
Check the mounting surface for stability and weather exposure
Confirm the power supply location and cable route

Record these measurements on a simple drawing so the sensor positions can be agreed with the client.

Choosing the sensor type and position

Photocells are usually placed at two heights: a lower beam to detect low obstacles such as children or pets, and a higher beam for vehicles. The beams must cross the full path of the moving leaf, so mounting posts are normally set on either side of the opening, within the reach of the gate's edge.

Exact mounting heights and detection requirements are set by the Israeli railing and safety guidance (SI 1142) and should be checked with the project engineer for each site rather than assumed.

Mounting and aligning the photocells

Fix the transmitter and receiver posts firmly so that vibration from the gate or wind cannot shift the beam. Align them carefully, facing each other directly. Sunlight shining into the receiver is a common cause of nuisance stops, so orient the units away from direct low sun where possible and use a sun shield if needed.

Keep the sensor lenses clean and make sure no plant growth or dust builds up in front of them over time.

Wiring and connection to the operator

Run the sensor cables separately from the motor power cables to reduce interference. Connect the photocell outputs to the safety input of the gate control board, following the operator manufacturer's wiring diagram. Use the correct cable gauge and protect all joints against moisture.

Power the transmitter and receiver from the specified supply
Wire the normally closed safety contact as the manual states
Label each cable at both ends

Testing and commissioning

Commissioning is where most problems show up. Break each beam with a test object while the gate is closing and confirm it stops and reverses. Repeat this for both heights and for the opening direction, since some systems use the sensor only while closing.

Also check that the gate responds correctly when the beam is interrupted during opening, and that the gate does not move when the beams are blocked at rest. Document the results and leave a copy with the client.

Handover and client guidance

Explain to the client what the sensors do and what to avoid, such as placing objects in the beam path or cleaning the lenses with abrasive materials. Show them how the gate reacts if a beam is blocked so they can recognize a fault.

Once the gate is in service, the installation is ready for regular checks. Any change to the gate, the posts or the surroundings should trigger a re-test of the sensors.

Frequently asked questions

Are photocells required on every electric gate?

Safety photocells are strongly recommended on any automatic gate that can trap people or vehicles. Requirements depend on the installation, so confirm with the project engineer for your site.

Why does my gate reverse for no visible reason?

The most common cause is sunlight hitting the receiver or misalignment after vibration. Check the beam alignment, clean the lenses and adjust the sun shield or orientation.

Can I use one photocell pair instead of two?

A single pair covers only one detection height. Two heights are normally used so that both low and high obstacles are detected.

How often should the sensors be tested?

Test the safety function regularly, for example periodically and after any maintenance, by breaking each beam while the gate moves and confirming it stops or reverses.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mounting the sensors without checking sunlight exposure and wiring them to the wrong input, which can leave the gate unprotected or cause constant nuisance stops. Skipping the full test with the gate in motion at both heights.

Our recommendation

Always test the photocells with the gate moving in both directions at each beam height, and record the results. Use a fixed post for mounting rather than the gate itself, so the beam stays aligned over time.

Summary

Correct sensor planning, careful alignment, proper wiring and full testing together make a gate safe and reliable. Measure first, mount solidly and test every beam before handover.

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