2D detection has a direct infrared beam from the TX detector to the RX detector. For 3D detection when using infrared, the beams protrudes at approximately 45 degrees towards the landing giving protection when approaching a closing door by reflecting the TX infrared diode back to the RX detector. This will trigger the door to re-open.

The EN81-20 standard is related to the safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts for the transport of persons and goods.

Clauses which directly impact light curtains:

• The protective device (e.g. light curtain) shall cover the opening over the distance between at least 25 mm and 1600 mm above the car door sill
• The protective device shall be capable of detecting obstacles minimum of 50 mm diameter – 37mm diode spacing
• In case of failure, or deactivation of the protective device, the kinetic energy of the doors shall be limited to 4J, if the lift is kept in operation, and an acoustic signal shall operate at any time the door(s) is (are) closing. – Diagnostic output

Ingress protection, used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion such as dust and water.

Each light curtain set contains a Transmitting edge (TX) and a Receiving edge (RX). The TX contains an array of Infrared LEDs which illuminate in sequence, and the RX contains a corresponding array of photoelectric diodes tuned to the LEDs' frequency. These receive light in sequence generating either a parallel or a diagonal beam pattern.

When an object blocks one of the beams, the RX sends a trigger signal to the door controller, and the doors reopen.

Avire’s light curtains are designed to minimise the potential interference from sunlight. Infrared radiation from any source of light may interfere with the receiving diodes, and this normally sets the maximum limit to the operating range of the light curtain. In installations where the door width is outside the specified range and where there are many sources of light, including sunlight, light curtain performance may deteriorate over time.

In multi-door lifts, we advise that installers arrange the two detector sets in such a way to minimise the potential for crosstalk. In cases when the doors are adjacent to one another, install the two Transmitter (TX) edges at the same corner of the lift. In cases where the doors are on opposite sides of the lift, install the two TX edges at diagonally opposite corners of the lift.

This is a second, independent output that works in parallel to the detector trigger output. Under EN81-20 standards, a 50mm object must be detected within the detection zone at all times – any breach of this must result in the doors going into a low energy mode if the lift is to remain in use. A blocked or damaged diode may create a gap within which a 50mm object will not be detected. If a diode is broken, this could result in non-compliance.

Rather than allowing a single diode blockage to cause a permanent trigger, the diagnostic output can trigger the door’s low energy mode and put the blocked diode in timeout mode. The remaining diodes can operate as normal, the lift can continue to be used, and the detection remains EN81-20 compliant.

Avire detectors are designed to account for some misalignment between the detector pairs. This is both angular and lateral. It is always advised, however, that the two edges are aligned as well as possible during installation to maximise the system’s sensitivity.

The Pana40Plus and Panachrome products must be used with a controller. This helps with configuration during installation, and with diagnostics when fault-finding.

The E-Series may be wired in directly to the door controller, or via a power supply box at the installer’s discretion. The power supply contains a relay for the trigger output and can be used to convert mains AC voltage into DC for the detector.

When a diode is permanently triggered, timeout mode allows the edge to disable it and to operate with the remaining diodes as normal. This avoids damaged or blocked diodes from causing a permanent trigger. The top and bottom diodes cannot be deactivated with timeout mode, neither can more than five diodes or any two adjacent diodes – in these cases, the detector remains in permanent trigger.

Avire’s light curtains use a diagnostic output in combination with timeout to remain compatible to EN81-20 and enable a low power mode if a diode is permanently triggered.

In lifts when the door opening mechanism extends down into the detection zone, this feature was used to deactivate diodes near the top of the Transmitting and Receiving edges. This feature has largely been made redundant by the EN81-20 standards, as this defines the detection zone as covering the opening over the distance between at least 25mm and 1600mm above the car door sill. Diodes should no longer be deactivated below this threshold.

The greater the number of beams the smaller the item that can be detected by them.

The Pana40+ and the E-Series products may be mounted either dynamically on the lift doors or statically on the lift chassis. These products are versatile and designed for use in any installation. The Panachrome and Pana40+ 3D products are designed for dynamic installation at the edge of the doors in order to maximise the impact of the 3D protection and visual indicators.

Dynamic installations may be challenging in lifts where the door return is not deep enough to mount the light curtains – in this case fixing clamps can be used.

Avire also supply a range of static fixing kits that attach to the door sill. Once installed, it is straightforward for an engineer to replace the detectors in the future.

Any light curtains can be used on 2 speed doors. 2 speed doors can be centre or side opening.

Pana40+, Panachrome+ and E series can all be used on side opening doors.

Things to check:

Where are you planning on mounting the light curtains?

Transmitter edge:

a.       On the Leading edge/face of the door?

i.      What width is the door?

b.       In the Running clearance between the Car door and Landing door?

i.      What running clearance do you have?

Receiver Edge:

a.       On the face of the slam post?

i.      What is the width of the slam post?

ii.      Will the Transmitter edge (where it will be mounted) line up with the Receiver edge?

b.       In the Running clearance between the slampost and Landing?

i.      What running clearance do you have?

ii.      Will the Transmitter edge (where it will be mounted) line up with the Receiver edge?

The Pana40+, Panachrome+ and E series can all be used on centre opening doors.

Things to check:

Where are you planning on mounting the light curtains?

a.       On the Leading edge/face of the door?

i.      What width is the door?

b.       In the Running clearance between the Car door and Landing door?

i.      What running clearance do you have?

Yes, there are a couple of options for this situation.

Panachrome+ offers visual alerts for doors opening and closing and therefore reduces door damage and risk to passengers

Pana40+ includes an option for limpit edges. These have tapered sides and therefore are less likely to break off if struck

We do offer short edges, however it should be noted that these are not compliant to EN81-20 regulations.

Pana40+ 15mm wide Slimline

Pana40+ 9mm wide Ultraslim

Panachrome+ 10mm wide Ultraslim

Pana40+ Slimline & Ultraslim, Panachrome+ Ultraslim 2000mm high (6.56ft)

Pana40+, Panachrome+ 43mm wide Universal 2100mm high (6.8ft)

The controller is designed to identify which detector edge is plugged into each socket and automatically configures itself. The alignment of the beams on 3D variants means that if they were mounted the other way around they would be beaming into the lift car rather than onto the landing.

No, Panachrome+ can be used on any make of lift – as long as the physical dimensions of the detector strips are met without causing damage to either the lift or the light curtains. The light curtains should not encroach on the landing locks.

No. Panachrome+ is water-resistant not waterproof so they should not be placed somewhere they may be exposed to water ingress.

Red and green are universally recognised as stop & go and these are the standard colours for the product. If you have a requirement for another colour please contact our team to discuss whether we can assist you.

You do not need to change the controller unit if you are replacing with the light curtain with the same version. Please check with our technical team if you are unsure.

When installing connected Panachrome+ you are able to monitor the performance of the light curtain through the Avire Hub. You can measure the number of door cycles, get information on timed out diodes and check to see if there is something blocking the door.

Yes, the Panachrome+ conforms to the latest EN81-20 standard.

The relay is normally energised when the detectors are unobstructed. When the detectors are obstructed, the relay is de-energised and opens the lift doors. This ensures that the controller ‘Fails Safe’ in the event of power loss. The relay is rated at 240VAC. 12A. The relay hold in time following a trigger is fixed at 0.25s typically.

No, the technical design is different. All detectors must be of the same model and type. The only exception is that the Extension cables can be re-used.

No, the Panachrome+ Controller has specific features and functions that will only work with Panachrome+ detectors.

Voltages of between 12V to 230V AC/DC from the door open and door close contacts can be connected to the input of the Panachrome+ Controller external signal, (see Panachrome+ Installation guide)

The lights are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) these have a very low energy requirement.

Panachrome+ detectors are provided in standard lengths, but if you do have a specific requirement, please contact our sales team.

No, for Panachrome G-Series (Panachrome+) then you will need to install a new controller. The G3851 controller also offers the potential for monitoring your Panachrome+ light curtains. Panachrome+ also offers built-in audio signals.

Fixing kit required to fit the Panachrome+ is included within the detector part numbers that can be ordered. The kit will include a flat-bracket (for alignment), L-bracket (for mounting) and P-clips (for mounting cable assembly).

Maximum range of 3D is 600mm from centre of doorway when doors are at 1200mm (3.9ft) apart (typically half of door separation distance)

Panachrome+ 3D functionality can be improved by configuring the detectors using the onboard controller configuration, these settings include Infra-red sensitivity, 3D mode, Top Diode and bottom diode settings. For more information please refer to the Panachrome+ Install guide.

No, the technical design of 2D & 3D detectors are different. Pairs of detectors must be of the same model type.

No, the Panachrome Controller has specific features and functions that will only work with Panachrome detectors.

Panachrome was designed to be installed in Dynamic installations. If you require an additional Leading Edge Bracket, this can be requested.

Panachrome is provided with 2x ‘L’ Brackets & 1x ‘Leading Edge Bracket, as standard.

Yes, Pana40 Plus is compliant to EN81-20.

No, but if you do have a requirement please contact our team to discuss what we can do to help.

No, the Pana40 plus Controller has specific features and functions that will only work with Pana40 plus detectors.

No, the technical design of 2D & 3D detectors are different. All detectors must be of the same model type.

There are versions of E-Series which are compliant to EN81-20. These include E10 36, E40 36, E10 40 and E40 40.

There is a red flashing LED on the top of the RX detector visible through the front edge of the detector. The behaviour of this LED will provide a visual indication of the status of the detectors. In a Normal mode of operation, this LED will be on for 0.5 seconds and off for 2 seconds.

See the E-Series Installation guide for further details.

Input Voltage for E-Series detectors is: +11VDC to +42VDC Continuous 44VDC [Max] Peak

E10 36 (dynamic mount) or E10 20 (static mount). Panachrome+ offers EN81-20 compliance with advanced protection for passengers and doors with patented technology.