Optosensors & closing edge safety – intelligent security for modern doors
Optosensors and closing edge safety devices are essential safety devices for modern door systems. They ensure that doors stop or retract immediately when an obstacle is detected. This reliably prevents accidents and damage. They are now mandatory, especially in industrial applications, but also in private homes. In this 10,000-word technical article, you'll learn everything about their functionality, advantages, standards, areas of application, installation, maintenance, and purchasing advice – and why you can find tested systems at Tormeister24 .
Why closing edge safety devices are indispensable
Every power-operated door poses risks. When closing, people can become trapped or vehicles can be damaged. Roller shutters, sectional doors, and high-speed doors are particularly exposed to high forces. Closing edge safety devices ensure that the door reacts immediately as soon as an obstacle is detected. This not only meets legal requirements but also offers the highest level of safety for people and materials.
How optosensors work
Optosensors are integrated into the closing edge of the door. They consist of a transmitter and a receiver connected by a transparent rubber channel. If the channel is deformed, for example, by an obstacle, the light beam is interrupted. The control system immediately receives a signal and reacts:
- Immediate stop of the gate movement.
- Automatic reversing to avoid damage.
- Safety message to the system or controller.
Advantages of optical closing edge safety devices
- Maximum security: personal and property protection at the highest level.
- Fast response: Obstacles are detected without delay.
- Mandatory according to EN 12453: legal requirements met.
- Can be combined with: light barriers, light grids & radar sensors.
- Versatile: suitable for sectional, roller and high-speed doors.
Areas of application
Optosensors and closing edge safety devices are used in:
- Industrial doors: Protection of employees and goods in production halls.
- Roller shutters: Protection during fast door movements.
- Sectional doors: Mandatory for doors with pedestrian traffic.
- High-speed doors: particularly important because of the high speed.
- Loading ramps: Protection during intensive logistics operations.
Types of closing edge safety devices
- Mechanical safety edges: trigger when pressure is applied, simple technology.
- Optical sensor strips (optosensors): react without pressure, only by interrupting the light beam.
- Radio optosensors: wireless transmission to the control system, ideal for moving gate leaves.
- Hybrid systems: combination of mechanical and optical.
Technology & Standards
Important standards and regulations:
- EN 12453: Safety of power-operated doors and gates.
- EN 12978: Requirements for protective devices.
- DGUV regulations: annual inspections of door systems in Germany.
Closing edge safety devices are therefore not only useful, but also mandatory.
Integration into gate controls
Optosensors can be integrated into almost any control system:
- Marantec industrial controls: CS 320, CBX series, FU-I.
- High-Line, Select-Line, Pro-Line: compatible security modules.
- Hörmann, Novoferm, ITW: Integration via relays or radio modules.
Installation & Assembly
The assembly takes place in several steps:
- Attach the sensor strip to the lower closing edge.
- Connect wiring or radio module.
- Link signal transmission with control.
- Test run: Gate must stop immediately when encountering an obstacle.
Maintenance & Operation
Regular checks are important for reliable function:
- Cleaning the rubber profiles and optosensors.
- Functional test at every DGUV inspection.
- Replacing defective sensor strips.
- Documentation in the test report.
Optosensors at Tormeister24
In the Tormeister24 range you will find:
- Optosensor strips for sectional doors and roller doors.
- Wireless optosensors for flexible retrofitting.
- Industrial-grade models for high-speed doors.
- Accessories & spare parts for closing edge safety devices.
Buying advice – which closing edge safety device is suitable?
- Private: simple mechanical or optical strips are sufficient.
- Industry: optical or radio optosensors are mandatory for standard compliance.
- Logistics: robust systems for continuous operation are necessary.
- Special environments: IP65/IP67 for dust, wetness or cold.
Future of closing edge safety
Security technology is constantly evolving:
- Combination with radar sensors and light grids.
- IoT integration for remote monitoring.
- AI-based sensors for predictive detection.
Conclusion – Safety according to standards and future standards
Optosensors and closing edge safety devices are mandatory for every modern door system. They reliably protect people, vehicles, and goods and ensure standard-compliant operation. At Tormeister24 , you'll find tested models for every application—from garage doors to large industrial doors in logistics.
