Technical Specifications
Key Features & Benefits
About Gate Motor Safety Beams
Safety beams are one of the most important safety devices in any automated gate system. Without beams, a gate can close on a vehicle, child or pet — causing serious injury or damage. South African gate motor safety standards require safety beams when auto-close mode is used.
Centurion Photon Beams are specifically designed for the local market with durable weatherproof housings suitable for harsh South African conditions. Their universal dry-contact output makes them compatible with all major gate motor brands.
Professional Tip: JD Gates recommends safety beams on all new gate motor installations. We supply and install Centurion Photon Beams and other compatible beam systems throughout Pretoria and Gauteng.
What This Manual Covers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Centurion Photon Beams used for?
Centurion Photon Beams are infrared safety beams that detect obstructions in the path of a closing gate. When a vehicle, person or object breaks the beam, it sends a signal to the gate motor to stop and reverse. They are a critical safety device for all automated gate installations.
Are safety beams required by law in South Africa?
Safety beams are mandatory when using auto-close mode on any gate motor. South African safety standards for automated gates also strongly recommend beams on all installations. Without beams, a gate can close on a vehicle or person, causing injury or damage.
What is the maximum detection range of Centurion Photon Beams?
The standard Centurion Photon Beams cover a detection range of up to 15 metres — suitable for most residential driveways. With the optional reflector pole extension, the range can be extended to 30 metres for wider commercial entrances.
How do I align the Centurion Photon Beams?
The transmitter and receiver units have LED indicators that show beam alignment. Point the transmitter and receiver directly at each other at the same height. When the LED is solid (not flashing), the beam is aligned. Fine-tune the angle until you get a steady solid LED on the receiver.
Can Centurion Photon Beams be used with non-Centurion gate motors?
Yes. The Centurion Photon Beams have a standard 3-wire output (NC dry contact) that is compatible with virtually all gate motors including ET Nice, DTS, Gemini and others. Connect the beam output to the safety beam input terminal on your motor's control board.
What happens if the beams are misaligned or faulty?
In fail-safe mode (recommended), if the beam signal is lost — due to misalignment, damage or a fault — the gate motor will stop closing and may also not open until the fault is resolved. This prevents the gate from operating without active safety protection.
How high should the safety beams be mounted?
Safety beams should typically be mounted at 200–300mm above ground level for vehicle detection. In some installations, a second pair of beams is mounted at around 700mm to detect pedestrians. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and local regulations.