Understanding Safety Light Curtains When it comes to protecting people around machinery, safety light curtains offer a simple but powerful solution. These optoelectronic industrial safety…
Understanding Safety Light Curtains
When it comes to protecting people around machinery, safety light curtains offer a simple but powerful solution. These optoelectronic industrial safety sensors create an invisible barrier using infrared beams—if anything crosses the beam, the machine stops instantly. Whether you’re setting up a small press or guarding a large robotic cell, safety light curtains help you stay safe and compliant without getting in the way of day-to-day operations.
At Venus Automation, we help businesses across Australia find the right solution, from compact finger protection to long-range safety light curtains built for large access areas within modern machine guarding systems.
Definition and Purpose
Safety light curtains—sometimes called safety sensor curtains or safety light barriers—are used to detect hands, fingers, or even whole bodies entering hazardous zones. Instead of bulky physical guards, these offer fast, contactless protection that complies with Australian safety standards, including AS/NZS 4024.
They’re ideal for situations where frequent access is needed or where machinery needs to stop the moment someone gets too close—making them a key part of industrial automation safety.
Key Components and Features
Most safety light curtains consist of a transmitter and receiver, plus mounting hardware and diagnostic LEDs. Depending on your environment, you might want features like cascading (for wider coverage), muting (for safe material flow), or an IP67 light curtain for harsh conditions like dust, water, or outdoor use.
We’re happy to help you navigate these options—just reach out for a tailored recommendation.
Broader integration with Safety & Automation Systems
In modern industrial environments, Safety Light Curtains are only one part of an integrated safety architecture. These systems will work in tandem with various critical components such as safety PLCs or safety contactors to ensure real-time hazard detection and safe machine shutdown. Common peripheral safety devices like the emergency stop button, two hand station, and emergency stop rope pull are all effectively managed by the safety PLC’s logic structure.
Advanced installations frequently incorporate safety relays, safety non-contact switches, RFID switches, mechanical interlock switches, and solenoid locking switches—each adding specific protective functions to the machinery. To maintain continuous system health, engineers also deploy standstill monitors, speed monitors, soft starters, and reversing contactors within their automation frameworks. For measuring the product itself, solutions such as measurement light curtains can be integrated.
Beyond motion and logic safety, electrical condition monitoring is equally essential. Devices like insulation monitors, battery monitors, current monitors, voltage monitoring relays, phase sequence relays, undervoltage relays, and undercurrent monitoring relays are often integrated to detect anomalies in power flow or equipment performance, with this data displayable on HMI Touch Panels or similar systems. To support reliable operation, high-quality power relays and regulated power supplies are essential.
Types of Safety Light Curtains
Different applications call for different levels of protection. Safety light curtains are typically grouped by the size of object they’re meant to detect: fingers, hands, or full-body access. These perimeter safety devices are essential in ensuring compliance and protection in diverse workspaces.
Finger Protection
If you’re working with small parts, precision machinery, or electronics assembly, finger protection is key. These curtains offer fine beam resolution (usually 14mm), ensuring even the smallest intrusions are detected. ReeR’s Type 4 light curtain models are perfect for these kinds of applications—compact, fast, and ultra-reliable. If you are looking for protection for the following cases – this is the right solution for you:
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finger detection light curtain |
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14mm resolution safety light curtain |
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compact light curtain for fingers |
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light curtain for small part handling |
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safety sensor curtain for assembly line |
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high-resolution light curtain |
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Type 4 light curtain for fingers |
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operator point-of-operation protection |
Hand Protection
For general machine access—think packaging lines or press operations—hand protection curtains strike the right balance. They keep operators safe while still allowing workflow to continue smoothly. Generally covered by light curtains that have resolution of 30mm. These industrial safety sensors maintain safety without interfering with production. If you are looking for solution for the following cases, this is the right solution for you:
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hand detection light curtain |
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30mm light curtain |
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safety light curtain for hands |
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machine safety hand protection |
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safety curtain for operator stations |
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safety light barrier for hand safety |
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light curtain for press machine |
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industrial hand safety sensors |
Body Protection
Body detection curtains cover large openings and are designed for walk-in zones or robotic cells. ReeR’s Body Protection (90mm) range, like those in the EOS series, offer wide-area coverage and are built to withstand demanding industrial environments. If you are looking for solutions for the following cases, this is the right product for you:
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full body detection light curtain |
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perimeter safety light curtain |
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90mm resolution light curtain |
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walk-in zone safety sensor |
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light curtain for robot cell |
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area protection light curtain |
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long-range light curtain system |
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body detection safety light curtain |
Need help choosing the right type? Contact our team and we’ll guide you through it, no pressure.
How Safety Light Curtains Work
Light curtains use multiple infrared beams to create a sensing field. If anything breaks a beam—even a finger—the system sends an immediate signal to stop the machine. This quick response is crucial in preventing injuries, particularly in automated machine guarding systems.
Detection Capabilities
Different curtains detect different things. A Type 4 light curtain—the highest safety rating—can detect even small objects and is the standard in most machine safety applications. If you’re working in tough environments, choosing an IP67 light curtain ensures your system keeps working no matter the conditions.
Integration with Industrial Systems
ReeR curtains integrate easily with safety relays, PLCs, and control panels. Whether you’re designing a new system or retrofitting an older machine, integration is smooth and straightforward. For our best selling EOS range, we recommend using the REER MOSAIC PLC system.
Cascade Connections and Blanking
Need to protect more than one side of a machine? Cascading lets you connect multiple light curtains to work as one. Features like blanking and muting allow you to safely bypass certain beams—useful when products or pallets need to pass through the zone. ReeR’s light curtain with muting features are especially handy in automated environments and advanced machine guarding systems.
Why Safety Light Curtains Matter
Keeping People Safe
At the end of the day, safety is about protecting your team. Light curtains add a reliable layer of defense, responding faster than any physical guard. From precise finger detection to large-area coverage, they reduce the risk of accidents while keeping your workplace efficient. These industrial safety sensors are a core component of smart machine guarding systems.
Supporting Your Workflow
A good safety system shouldn’t slow you down. ReeR’s products are built to work with you, not against you. Smart features like muting, diagnostics, and quick response times help keep production moving—safely and in full machine safety compliance.
Want to make your workplace safer and more productive? Let’s chat about what’s possible.
Trusted Safety Light Curtain Solutions from ReeR
We proudly supply ReeR safety light curtains—some of the most trusted systems in the industry. As a safety curtain supplier in Australia, we work closely with manufacturers to help you find exactly what you need, including light curtain sensors for every protection level.
Explore the ReeR Product Range
- Admiral Series – A versatile, all-rounder Type 4 light curtain perfect for finger and hand protection. Fast, reliable, and suitable for a wide range of machinery and industrial safety sensors setups.
- Micron Series – Designed for body protection and measurement solution setups. Great for robot cells, walk-in areas, or full perimeter guarding. Ideal for long-range machine guarding systems.
- Janus Series – Ideal for conveyor systems and packaging lines. Built-in muting functions allow materials to pass through safely without disrupting protection—perfect for automated processes requiring safety light barriers with muting zones.
- EOS Series – Our best selling series, which covers type 2 and type 4 light curtains. We offer height protection ranging from 150mm all the way to 2500mm. Our range also covers safety and non-safety rated light curtains.
All ReeR Category 4 curtains are AS/NZS 4024 compliant, easy to install, and backed by years of proven performance. They support integration into broader machine safety systems and industrial safety frameworks.
Need a quote or recommendation? Reach out to our team and we’ll get you sorted.
Choosing the Right Safety Light Curtain
Every application is different, and choosing the right curtain makes all the difference. Here’s what to keep in mind when evaluating perimeter safety devices and light curtain sensors:
Safety Level
Always go for a Type 4 light curtain for high-risk applications. ReeR’s models are built to meet the most stringent safety standards, including those outlined in AS/NZS 4024.
Protective Height
You’ll need a curtain that covers the full area of concern—from 150mm to 2500mm protected height. ReeR offers a wide range of protected heights across all series, making them suitable for any industrial machine guarding scenario.
Range
For larger machines or wide work zones, you’ll want a long-range safety light curtain. ReeR has options that perform reliably across extended distances, even in complex layouts. We offer range coverage for up to 50m for particular light curtain sets.
Response Time
Fast response times mean you can place the curtain closer to the hazard, saving space and improving workflow. This is especially important if you’re using light curtain with muting to allow pallets or parts to move through safely.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch and we’ll help you choose the right model for your setup.
Smart Add-ons and Accessories
Want to get the most out of your light curtain system? The right accessories can make a big difference in terms of safety, convenience, and productivity.
Photoelectric Sensors
These sensors can work alongside your curtain system to detect presence or trigger muting zones. They’re great for more advanced automation needs and can enhance detection reliability in dynamic environments.
Intelligent Mounting and Setup
ReeR offers a full range of brackets, mirror columns, and protective enclosures to simplify installation and improve durability. All designed to make life easier for your technicians and ensure your industrial safety sensors stay optimally aligned.
Built-In Muting
Systems like the Janus Series include muting functions out of the box. That means fewer components, faster setup, and smoother operation for tasks like pallet entry or material transfer—essential for smart machine guarding systems.
Further Infomation
Light curtains are essential components in modern machine guarding systems, designed to protect operators from dangerous machinery while maintaining productivity. These systems work by generating a protective field of infrared beams that detect intrusion and trigger a fast reaction time, stopping machines within milliseconds. Many models support manual reset functions using a rest button, ensuring that machinery only resumes operation when it’s safe to do so.
In more complex safety setups, light curtains integrate with external devices and the broader safety circuit, supporting features like safety outputs, partial muting, and access control to prevent unauthorised access during operation. Some systems offer adjustable safety distance and extended operating distance, making them suitable for large machines and wide detection zones.
Engineered for harsh environments, advanced models include rugged housings, IP67 ratings, and support for extension cables, DIP switch configuration, and advanced diagnostics. Additional features like beam coding, redundant circuitry, and connectivity to additional sensors allow for tailored safety functions across various applications and safety categories.
Whether you’re deploying a light curtain system for precise object detection in robotics or using safety light grids for broader area coverage, choosing the right unit is crucial for achieving the required performance level and complying with modern standards.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Get It Right the First Time
Proper installation is key. Curtains should be mounted at the correct height and aligned carefully. If you’re working in a washdown area or outdoors, go for an IP67 light curtain to prevent issues with dust or water ingress.
We’re happy to assist with on-site advice or remote support during setup.
Keep It Running Smoothly
Routine checks and testing are important to ensure ongoing machine safety compliance. ReeR products make this easy with built-in diagnostics and simple status indicators to support proactive maintenance.
Need help with installation or support? Speak to our team and we’ll walk you through it.
Applications of Safety Light Curtains Across Industries
Safety light curtains are versatile safety devices employed across various industries to protect personnel from hazardous machinery and ensure compliance with safety standards. Here’s how they are utilized in different sectors:​
- Aerospace: In the aerospace industry, safety light curtains safeguard workers during the assembly and maintenance of aircraft components, ensuring that operations involving heavy machinery are conducted safely.​
- Agriculture: Agricultural equipment manufacturing utilizes safety light curtains to protect operators from moving parts during the assembly of tractors, harvesters, and other machinery.​
- Automotive (Assembly Lines): Automotive assembly lines integrate safety light curtains to protect workers from robotic arms and automated machinery, enhancing safety without compromising production efficiency.​
- Aviation: Similar to aerospace, the aviation sector employs safety light curtains during the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft to prevent accidents involving machinery.​
- Battery Manufacturing: In battery production facilities, safety light curtains ensure worker safety around automated assembly lines and equipment handling hazardous materials.​
- Food and Beverage Production: Safety light curtains are used to protect operators from packaging machinery and conveyors, maintaining safety standards in food processing environments.​
- Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical workshops utilize safety light curtains to safeguard personnel operating lathes, presses, and other machinery, ensuring a safe working environment.​
- Mining: In mining operations, safety light curtains protect workers from heavy machinery and automated equipment used in material processing.​
- Packaging Facilities: Packaging lines employ safety light curtains to prevent injuries from fast-moving machinery and ensure safe interaction during packaging processes.​
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Safety light curtains are critical in pharmaceutical production to protect operators from tablet presses and capsule filling machines, ensuring both safety and product integrity.​
- Robotics & Automation: In robotic applications, safety light curtains create safe zones around automated systems, preventing accidental human entry into hazardous areas.​
- Textile Factories: Textile manufacturing facilities use safety light curtains to protect workers from knitting machines, looms, and other equipment with moving parts.​
- Wood Processing & Manufacturing: In wood processing plants, safety light curtains safeguard operators from saws, planers, and other cutting machinery, reducing the risk of injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safety Light Curtains
What is a Safety Light Curtain?
A safety light curtain is an optoelectronic device designed to protect personnel from injury by creating an invisible barrier around hazardous machinery. When an object or person interrupts this barrier, the machine receives a stop signal to prevent accidents.
How do Safety Light Curtains work?
Safety light curtains consist of a transmitter and receiver that project and detect a series of infrared light beams. When these beams are interrupted, the system sends a stop signal to the associated machinery, halting operation to protect the individual. ​
What is a Safety Light Curtain used for?
Safety light curtains are used to safeguard personnel from hazardous machinery by creating a non-physical barrier that, when breached, signals the machine to stop, thereby preventing injuries. ​
Will the machine stop running if light intensity decreases?
Safety light curtains are designed to detect interruptions in their light beams. A decrease in light intensity due to environmental factors may not necessarily cause the machine to stop unless it results in beam interruption. Regular maintenance and proper alignment are essential to ensure reliable operation. ​
What is the difference between a non-safety rated area sensor and a safety light curtain?
Non-safety rated area sensors are typically used for general object detection and do not meet stringent safety standards. In contrast, safety light curtains are specifically designed and certified to protect personnel by meeting high safety performance standards, such as Type 4, SIL3, Category 4, and PLe. ​
Why Is Resolution So Important?
Resolution in safety light curtains refers to the smallest object size that can be detected. Higher resolution allows for the detection of smaller objects, which is crucial in applications where fine detection is necessary to ensure operator safety.​
What To Consider When Buying Industrial Safety Light Curtains?
When selecting industrial safety light curtains, consider factors such as the required safety level (e.g., Type 4, SIL3), resolution, range, environmental conditions (e.g., IP rating), ease of integration, and compliance with relevant safety standards.​
Why Choose Venus Automation for Your Safety Light Curtain?
Venus Automation offers a comprehensive range of safety light curtains tailored to various industrial applications. Our products meet stringent safety standards, ensuring reliable protection for your personnel. With our expertise and commitment to quality, we provide solutions that enhance both safety and productivity in your operations.​
Ready to Make Your Workplace Safer?
At Venus Automation, we specialise in industrial safety—and we’re here to help you find the right solution without overcomplicating things. Whether you know exactly what you need or just want to explore your options, we’re only a call or click away.
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