Safety sensor – Nice Era-EPM

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Safety sensor – Nice Era-EPM

The Nice Era-EPM is a photoelectric safety sensor commonly used in automation systems for gates, garage doors, barriers, and similar installations. It’s also often referred to as a photocell or beam sensor.

Here’s a breakdown of what it is and its key features:

Purpose: Its primary function is to enhance safety by detecting obstacles in the path of a moving gate or door. It consists of a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX) that are installed facing each other. The transmitter emits an infrared beam, and if this beam is interrupted by an object, the receiver signals the control unit to stop or reverse the automation system, preventing accidents, injuries, or damage to vehicles.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Photoelectric Technology: It uses an infrared beam to detect obstructions.
• Transmitter (TX) and Receiver (RX): Comes as a pair, with one unit transmitting the beam and the other receiving it.
• Relay Output: It’s a relay photocell, meaning it sends a signal to the control unit via a relay output.
• Range: Typically has a useful range of 15 meters, which can be extended up to 30 meters in some configurations (e.g., by cutting a “+10m” electrical bridge). However, range can be reduced in adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, or dust.
• Anti-Glare Circuitry: Designed with an anti-glare circuit to minimize interference from sunlight, ensuring reliable performance in various lighting conditions.
• Durable Construction: Features an ABS body that is resistant to weather conditions, making it suitable for outdoor use (IP44 protection rating).
• Easy Installation: Known for its simplified assembly and installation procedure. Some versions (like those with Nice BlueBUS technology) require only two wires for connection to compatible control units, simplifying wiring.
• Wide Angle of Reception: Generally has a 10° (or 8° with a reduction cone) angle of reception, which helps in compensating for minor alignment issues.
• Compatibility: While it’s a Nice-branded product, it’s often described as a “universal photocell” compatible with most gate and garage door automation systems, especially those that accept standard relay inputs. Some models also feature Nice BlueBUS technology for seamless integration with Nice control units that support it.
• Safety Compliance: It is a Type D presence detector according to EN 12453 standard, which means it detects obstacles on the optical axis. When connected to a control unit with a “phototest” function, it can achieve Category 2 safety against malfunctions according to EN 954-1.

Installation: The Nice Era-EPM sensors are typically surface-mounted on two solid, parallel walls, facing each other to create the safety beam. Proper alignment between the transmitter and receiver is crucial for optimal operation.

In essence, the Nice Era-EPM is a robust and reliable safety device designed to make automated gate and door systems safer by actively detecting obstacles in their path of operation.