EMX IRB-RET Instruction Manual

EMX Industries, Inc. Tech support: 216-834-0761 1/8

IRB-RET_Rev2.0_080619 [e-mail]

IRB-RET

Universal Retroreflective Photoeye

Instruction Manual

The IRB-RET retroreflective infrared photoeye is an external entrapment protection device type B1,
non-contact sensor for use with automatic gates and doors. Since the reflector directs the beam back to
the photoeye, wiring to the other side of the roadway is not needed. The IRB-RET operates up to 60 feet
over a wide range of voltages (6-40 VDC and 12-24 VAC). A red alignment indicator on the receiver
provides status information at a glance, making set-up and alignment easy. The IRB-RET provides
compatibility with most operators that accommodate monitored external entrapment devices per UL325.

Cautions and Warnings

This product is an accessory or part of a system. Install the IRB-RET according to instructions
from the gate or door operator manufacturer. Comply with all applicable codes and safety
regulations.

Retroreflective photoeyes rely on a reflective surface (a reflector) for proper operation.
In some cases, a vehicle with a reflective surface at a given distance can act as a reflector
and allow the gate to close on a vehicle.

Specifications

Operating Range

5 ft (1.5 m) to 60 ft (18.3 m)

Power

6-40 VDC, 12-24 VAC

Current (NC and 10K Monitoring Methods)

60 mA (relay activated)

Current (Pulse Monitoring Methods)

15 mA

Resistive Termination

10K ohm across NO contact (jumper selectable)

Surge Protection

Thermal fuse

Relay Output Operation

Light ON/Dark ON

Relay Output Configuration

Form C contacts (NO, COM, NC)

Transmitter Power Cycle

<300 mS (for use in NC and 10K monitoring)

Operating Temperature

-40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C)

Dimensions (L x W x H)

3.1” (79 mm) x 2.7” (69 mm) x 6.6” (168 mm)

Environmental Rating

NEMA 4X

EMX Industries, Inc. Tech support: 216-834-0761 2/8

IRB-RET_Rev2.0_080619 [e-mail]

Ordering Information

• IRB-RET Retroreflective photoeye, includes REFLECTOR-O-EX and mounting bracket

with hardware

• REFLECTOR-O-HD Gray plastic protective hood for reflector

• IRB-RET-HD Black powder-coated steel protective hood for photoeye

• REFLECTOR-O-EX White 3” diameter plastic reflector

Monitoring Methods

UL325 requires continuous monitoring of all safety devices connected to gate and door operators.
Consult the gate or door operator manufacturer’s instruction manual for necessary monitoring
method.

• Normally Closed: Cycles power to the transmitter while monitoring the receiver contacts for proper

operation

• 10K Resistive Termination: Provides a measurable 10K ohm resistance across the normally open

(NO) when unobstructed

• Two-wire Pulse (2 Frequency): Provides 300Hz “heartbeat” unobstructed, 0Hz obstructed over

power supply lines

• Two-wire Pulse (3 Frequency): Provides 300Hz “heartbeat” unobstructed, 2Hz obstructed, and

0Hz failure over power supply lines

• Four-wire Pulse (2 Frequency): Provides 300Hz “heartbeat” unobstructed, 0Hz obstructed over

separate connection

• Four-wire Pulse (3 Frequency): Provides 300Hz “heartbeat” unobstructed, 2Hz obstructed, and

0Hz failure over separate connection

EMX Industries, Inc. Tech support: 216-834-0761 3/8

IRB-RET_Rev2.0_080619 [e-mail]

Installation

• Determine the mounting location of the IRB-RET photoeye according to UL325 guidelines.

• Deactivate the gate or door during photoeye installation.

• The IRB-RET cannot be used for a detection range of less than 5 feet.

1. Check the instruction manual of the gate

or door operator to determine which
monitoring method is necessary for that
specific operator.

2. Thread all wiring through the mounting

brackets and into IRB-RET as shown.

3. Wire the IRB-RET according to the

configuration table and wiring diagram
that corresponds with the monitoring
method required by the gate or door
operator. MUST USE 6-40 VDC FOR

PULSE MONITORING.

LED Indicators

Green LED & Red LED On

Aligned with reflector, no obstruction

Green LED Flashing & Red LED Off

Beam obstructed or not aligned

Green LED Off

No power

4. Set the sensitivity adjustment to 1/3 of the maximum

by adjusting the potentiometer as shown.

Potentiometer Sensitivity

Adjustment

5. Hold the reflector and stand 4 to 6 feet away from the

IRB-RET. Align the reflector with the photoeye and slowly
back up to the opposite end of the detection zone where
the reflector will be mounted. Move the reflector left,
right, up, and down to find the detection pattern.
(The typical installation will have a 2 foot diameter
pattern.) Mount the reflector as close to the center of the
pattern as possible to assure the strongest signal. If it is
necessary to reposition the photoeye, repeat these steps
to properly position the reflector.

6. If the signal drops out before getting to the desired

distance, increase the sensitivity to 1/2 or 3/4 of the
maximum and repeat step 5.

7. Once the reflector is aligned and mounted, increase the

sensitivity to maximum setting.