Omron F3S-B Instruction Manual

Cat. No. E502-E2-01

F3S-B Series
Safety Light Curtain

Instruction Manual

F3S-B

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the F3S-B series Safety Light Curtain.
Always heed the following points when using the F3S-B:

• Make sure that personnel operating the F3S-B are knowledgeable about the machine on which it is

installed

• Read this manual completely and be sure you understand the information provided before attempting

to operate the F3S-B

• Keep the manual in a secure and convenient location and refer to it as necessary.

Regulations and Standards

(1) The F3S-B has not received the type approval provided by Article 44-2 of the Industrial Safety and

Health Law of Japan. Therefore, it cannot be used in Japan as a safety device for pressing or shearing
machines provided by article 42 of that law.

(2) The F3S-B is electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) in accordance with European Union (EU)

Machinery Directive Annex IV, B. Safety Components, Item 1.
The F3S-B complies with the following regulations and standards.

• EU regulations and technical standards:

– Machinery Directive: No. 98/37/EC
– EMC Directive: No. 89/336/EEC
– EN 61496-1 (06/98) (Type 2 ESPE), IEC 61496-2 (1997) (Type 2 AOPD)

• IEC standards

– IEC 61496-1 (1997) (Type 2 ESPE), IEC 61496-2 (1997) (Type 2 AOPD)

(3) The F3S-B received the following approvals from the EU accredited bodies.

- Certificate of a Notified Body for EC Type-Examination referred to in the EU Machinery Directive
Annex IV, from TÜV Hannover/Sachsen-Anhalt e.V.

- Certificate of a Competent Body referred to in the EU EMC Directive, from Technischer Überwa­chungs-Verein Nord

(4) The F3S–B received the following approvals from the third–party testing laboratory UL.

– UL Listed (UL508, IEC61496-1 and –2)
– UL Listed to Canadian safety standards (CSA C22.2 No. 14 and No.0.8, IEC61496-1 and –2)
– Programmable system certificate (UL1998, IEC61496–1)

(5) The following standards are referenced when designing the F3S–B. To comply with these standards,

be sure to design and use in accordance with all regulations and standards related to them.
Contact an expert agency such as TÜV and UL if any of the above points are unclear.

– EN415–4
– OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 212
– ANSI/RIA 15.06 (Risk reduction category : R2B)

Precaution on Safety

! General conventions for safe use

The following conventions are used for precautionary items in this manual in order to ensure safe and
proper use of the F3S-B. Items listed here are critical for safety and must be heeded at all times.

WARNING

!

!

!!

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates prohibited actions.

3

F3S-B

WARNING

The F3S-B is a TYPE 2 Electro-sensitive protective equipment, intended to be used as or with the safety
related part of control system to category 2,1, or B as defined in the European standard EN954-1.
Do not use the F3S-B in category 3 or 4 systems.
Do not use the F3S-B on machines that cannot be stopped by electrical control in case of an emergency.
Install protective structures around the machine so that you must pass through the detection zone to
reach a hazardous part of the machine (see “2-1 Installation Conditions”).
Install the F3S-B so that some part of the operator’s body remains in the detection zone at all times
when the operator works in a hazardous area (see “2-1 Installation Conditions”).
Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
A qualified person, as determined by local regulations, must confirm that installation, inspection and
maintenance are implemented correctly.
Always maintain the safety distance between the F3S-B and a hazardous part of a machines (see “2-1
Installation Conditions”).
Do not install the F3S-B in a location affected by wall reflections (see “2-1 Installation Conditions”).

Do not short the output lines to the +24 V line. Doing so will cause the output to be always ON, creating
a hazardous situation.
Do not connect the F3S-B to a power supply with voltage higher than 24 VDC + 20 %.
Do not connect the F3S-B to an AC power supply.

Be sure to conduct inspections regularly (see “6 Maintenance”).
The F3S-B cannot be used in applications where hazardous projectiles may exit the protected zone.
Do not disassemble, repair or modify the F3S-B.
Do not use the F3S-B in flammable or explosive environments.
DC power supply units must satisfy all of the conditions below so that the F3S-B can comply with the
applicable standards IEC 61496-1 and UL 508.

• The power supply voltage must be within rating (24 VDC ± 20 %).

• The power supply is connected only to the F3S-B and to the devices related to the electro-sensitive

protective function of the F3S-B, such as a safety controller and muting sensors, and it has enough
rated current for all the devices. The power supply is not connected to other devices or machines.

• The power supply uses double or reinforced insulation between the primary and secondary circuits

• The power supply has automatic reset characteristics (voltage drop) to protect overcurrent.

• The power supply maintains an output holding time of at least 20 ms.

• FG (frame ground terminal) must be connected to PE (protective earth) when using a commercially

available switching regulator.

• The power supply must have output characteristics required for the power source for Class 2 Circuit

or Limited Voltage/Current Circuit as defined in UL508 (see “2-3-1 Remark”).

• The power supply must conform to regulatory requirements and standards, regarding EMC and elec-

trical equipment safety, of the country where the F3S-B is installed and where machinery will be op­erated, for example: The EMC Directive (industrial environment) and the Low Voltage Directive in
EU.

Do not use the F3S-B in a retroreflective configuration. Otherwise detection may fail.

4

F3S-B

Notice

For your safety, always pay attention to the following:
# Installation Environment

• Do not install the F3S-B in the following environments:

− Areas exposed to intense interference light such as direct sunlight.

− Areas with high-humidity where condensation is likely to occur.

− Areas exposed to corrosive gases.

− Areas exposed to vibration or shock levels higher than specification provisions.

− Areas where the light curtain may come in direct contact with water.

• Do not use radio equipment, such as cellular phones, walkie-talkies, or transceivers with high power,

near the F3S-B.

# Wiring and Mounting

• Be sure to route the F3S-B cable separate from high-potential power lines or through an exclusive

conduit.

• Be sure to turn OFF the power prior to wiring. Otherwise, the diagnostic function may prevent the

sensor from operating.

• When using cables with a connector other than the F39-JB series cable, make sure the connector is

rated IP54 or higher.

• The F3S-B will start operating in two seconds after the power is turned ON. Make sure that no op-

eration faults will occur in the control system during this time.

• The emitter and receiver are to be mounted in parallel and facing one another.

# Loads must satisfy all the conditions below.

• Is not short-circuited.

• Is not used with current higher than the rating.

• Is reinforced insulated or double insulated as shown in the following figure to prevent the output

from being subjected to a hazardous voltage when the load is a relay. The insulation shown in the
figure below should insulate against hazardous voltage levels (230 VAC, etc.), not simply against 24
VDC.

Relay monitoring input

Emitter

Receiver

Reinforced
insulation or
double
insulation

0 V

+24 V

Output

0 V

+24 V

Power
supply unit

k1

K1

Hazardous
voltage level

Reinforced insulation or double
insulation between the coil and
contacts, between contacts

k1

Hazardous
voltage level

Motor, etc.

# Two control outputs must be used.

# The procedures of installation and inspection in this manual should be read carefully.

# Do not use any solvents such as paint thinners, benzene or acetone to clean the F3S-B because they

will dissolve resin and paint.

# Do not use screw-locking adhesives (screw lock) to secure the cap unit or connector cap screws be-

cause the adhesive may cause the resin to deteriorate and crack.

# The F3S-B can not detect transparent or semi-transparent materials.

# After unpacking the emitter and receiver, install them facing each other.

# Be sure to dispose of the F3S-B as industrial waste.

5

F3S-B

PRIOR TO USE

Make sure the following items were supplied with each F3S-B, contact your nearest OMRON
representative or distributor if any item is missing.

• F3S-B unit (emitter qty. 1, receiver qty. 1)

• Mounting brackets (top and bottom) qty. 4

Sixteen M3 x 10 tapping screws

Sixteen M3 washers

Four L-shaped brackets

• Mounting brackets (intermediate) qty. 2

(Supplied with types which have a protective height of 1050 mm or longer)

Two M4×10 screws

Two L-shaped intermediate brackets

Two U-shaped intermediate brackets

Two M6×8 screws

• Mounting plates qty. 4

(Supplied with types which have a protective height of 1050 mm or longer)

• Test Rod Ø 30 mm qty. 1

(Supplied with F3S-B2P and BM2P)

• Instruction manual (this manual) qty. 1

(Supplied with F3S-BP and BMP)

6

F3S-B

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................Section 1 ............................ 8

1-1 Basics .................................................................................................................................................. 8

1-2 Features............................................................................................................................................... 8

1-3 Standard Functions.............................................................................................................................. 8

1-3-1 Start/restart interlock................................................................................................................ 8

1-3-2 Testing ..................................................................................................................................... 8

1-3-3 Instability Output ...................................................................................................................... 9

1-4 Optional Functions ............................................................................................................................... 9

1-4-1 Start Interlock........................................................................................................................... 9

1-4-2 Relay Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 9

1-4-3 Blanking ................................................................................................................................... 9

1-5 Detection zone ................................................................................................................................... 10

1-6 Configuration variation ....................................................................................................................... 10

1-6-1 Stand-alone type.................................................................................................................... 10

1-6-2 Series connection types......................................................................................................... 11

1-7 Ratings and Performance .................................................................................................................. 12

1-8 Indicators ........................................................................................................................................... 13

1-9 Table of Types ................................................................................................................................... 14

1-10 Table of Response Time.................................................................................................................. 15

1-10-1 Stand-alone type................................................................................................................... 15

1-10-2 Series connection types........................................................................................................ 15

WIRING and MOUNTING ............................................................................................Section 2.......................... 16

2-1 Installation Conditions........................................................................................................................ 16

2-1-1 Detection Zone and Intrusion Path ........................................................................................ 16

2-1-2 Safety Distance...................................................................................................................... 16

2-1-3 Distance from Reflective Surfaces......................................................................................... 19

2-1-4 How to Prevent Mutual Interference ...................................................................................... 19

2-2 Dimensional Drawings ....................................................................................................................... 21

2-2-1 F3S-B..................................................................................................................................... 21

2-2-2 Mounting Bracket (Top and Bottom)...................................................................................... 25

2-2-3 Mounting Plate ....................................................................................................................... 25

2-2-4 Mounting Bracket (Intermediate) ........................................................................................... 26

2-3 Wiring................................................................................................................................................. 27

2-3-1 Power Supply Units and Loads.............................................................................................. 27

2-3-2 Wiring Diagram ...................................................................................................................... 28

2-3-3 Wiring Procedure ................................................................................................................... 29

ADJUSTMENT ................................................................................................................Section 3..........................30

3-1 Adjustment Procedure ....................................................................................................................... 30

3-2 Check List .......................................................................................................................................... 30

I/O CIRCUIT....................................................................................................................Section 4 .......................... 32

APPLICATIONS.............................................................................................................. Section 5.......................... 33

5-1 Application (1) .................................................................................................................................... 33

5-2 Application (2) .................................................................................................................................... 33

MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................Section 6 .......................... 34

6-1 Daily Inspections................................................................................................................................ 34

6-2 Inspection Every Six Month ............................................................................................................... 34

6-3 Cleaning............................................................................................................................................. 34

ACCESSORIES (OPTIONAL) ....................................................................................... Section 7 ..........................35

TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................... Section 8 .......................... 36

7

F3S-B

DESCRIPTION Section 1

1-1 Basics

WARNING

Use the F3S-B only in category 2, 1, or B appli­cations as defined in pr EN 1050 or EN 954-1.
Do not use the F3S-B in category 3 or 4 sys­tems.

The F3S-B Safety Light Curtain is a multi-axis
transmissive-type light array which uses
microprocessor technology.

It is used to stop a machine before the hazard is
reached when any part of the detection zone is
interrupted.

It consists of an IR (infrared) Emitter and a Re­ceiver. Optional devices are available for the sys­tem with further safety requirements.

1-2 Features

• Self-test

• Optical resolution of 30, 55 or 80 mm in diame-

ter

• Detection distance from 0.3 to 5.0 m

• Max. protective height of 1,650 mm

• TÜV approvals and CE marking

• UL listed to U.S. and Canadian safety standard

• IP 65 enclosure rating

• Start/restart interlock function selectable

• Blanking, Start Interlock, Relay monitoring func-

tions optionally available

• Series connection types available

1-3 Standard Functions

1-3-1 Start/restart interlock

This function keeps the F3S-B in the OFF-state after power ON and every interruption of the detection
zone. To reset this condition, 17 VDC to Vs (nominal 24 VDC) must be applied to the Interlock selection
input of the emitter for 15 to 2500 ms. Otherwise the OFF-state continues even if nothing interrupts the
detection zone.

This function can be selected/deselected as follows;
Active mode: By not connecting the Interlock selection input line or by connecting it to 0V line before
turning the power ON.
Inactive mode (Automatic start): By connecting the Interlock selection input line to the Instability output
line before turning the power ON (see “2-3-2 Wiring diagram”).

Note: The switch to reset the start/restart interlock condition has to be installed out of the hazardous area.

When the start/restart interlock is reset, the hazardous area must be visibly free.

1-3-2 Testing

Self-test after Power-ON

After the power is turned ON, the F3S-B performs a complete self-test within 2 seconds. If no failure is
found, the F3S-B goes into normal operation.

Self-test during Normal Operation

The F3S-B periodically checks all safety related functions at least every 2 seconds. All components and
memories are tested in this periodic check.

8

F3S-B

p

p

External Test

If your application requires periodic testing more
often than every 2 seconds an external control
system is able to initiate an external test with the
External test function. If a signal of 17 VDC to Vs
is applied to the External test input at least 15 ms,
a self-test starts and the outputs turn to the OFF­state in 15 ms. If no failure is detected, the outputs
return to the ON-state after a maximum of 150 ms.

External test
in

ut

Control

uts

out

H

L

(open)

Approx. 15 ms

H

(open)

L

Failure detection and restoration

When a failure is detected through the tests above, the F3S-B keeps the outputs in the OFF-state and the
indicators show the type of failure, refer to section “8 Troubleshooting”. After the failure is eliminated, in
most cases the F3S-B operation will be restored automatically.

1-3-3 Instability Output

When the received light is insufficient, the instability output and the instability indicator turn ON. In normal
operation, both are OFF. See also “1-8 Indicators”.
This output makes it possible for customers to monitor deterioration of optical performance due to aging or
other factor, such as reduction of LED power, misalignment between the emitter and receiver, or dust on
the lens.
Also, when a failure is detected, or the F3S-B is
connected with the F39-E1 interface unit, the
instability output turns ON as well.

Note: After the power is turned ON, the instability

output goes to the ON-state for approxi­mately 150 ms as shown in the timing chart
for Interlock mode selection.

Power
supply

Instability
output

H

L

Approx.
30 ms

H

L

2 s max.

(Startup waiting time)

Approx.
150 ms

> 15 ms

150 ms max.

F3S-B available

1-4 Optional Functions

These functions can be activated by the optional function software, F39-U1E (see the F39-U1E manual for
detailed information).

Note: The F39-U1E Optional Function Software is used with the F39-E1 Interface Unit, a PC (running

Microsoft



Windows



95, Windows98 or Windows NT



), the F39-JB1C Interface Cable, and a RS-

232C cable.

1-4-1 Start Interlock

When the Start interlock function is used, the F3S-B does not go to the ON-state automatically after power
ON. Interrupting one or more axes resets the start interlock condition, so the F3S-B can start normal op­eration.

1-4-2 Relay Monitoring

MPCEs (Machine Primary Control Elements) are usually relays or contactors used to control hazardous
movement directly. The state of the MPCEs can be checked with the Relay monitoring function.
A voltage of 17 VDC to Vs has to be applied to the Relay monitoring input through the NC contacts of the
MPCEs when the F3S-B control outputs are in the OFF-state (see “2-3-2 Wiring diagram”). To ensure this
logic relation, the MPCEs must be safety approved types, with forcibly guided contacts.

1-4-3 Blanking

With this function, one or more axes can be disabled. To select the blanking axes, a manual setting func­tion or teaching function is available. This function is useful when part of the F3S-B detection zone is inter­rupted.

9

F3S-B

1-5 Detection zone

Protective height

The F3S-B can detect in the area indicated by “Protective height” in the figure below. The protective height
is from “the Optical-axis line mark above the indicator area” to “the end of the yellow metal case”.

Optical-axis line mark

The center line for optical axes is indicated by the triangle mark. This position is a reference line for meas­uring safety distance.

No. of optical axes

n

n-1

2

Emitter

1

Detection distance

Optical resolution

Optical-axis
pitch

Receiver

Protective
height

Limit position
for detection

Optical-axis
line mark

1-6 Configuration variation

1-6-1 Stand-alone type

This is the most common configuration, and it is used to protect a hazardous part of a machine when ap­proached from one direction only.

Receiver

Emitter

Protective height

10

Indicator area

Extension cable

1-6-2 Series connection types

When your application requires an additional pro­tective zone, for example, to prevent someone
from staying behind a primary detection zone, the
F3S-B may be connected in series. The system
consists of a master unit, a slave unit, and a series
connection cable, type F39-JB1B (refer to “2-3-2
Wiring diagram” and “7 Accessories (Optional)”).
The series connection allows up to 96 axes and

2.4 m of protective height in total.

Series connection types have the same character­istics as a stand-alone types. When the detection
zone of the master unit or that of the slave unit is
interrupted, the outputs of the master unit go to the
OFF-state.
However, please note that a slave unit does not
have indicators.

Note: Both the master unit and the slave unit need

to be ordered separately.

F3S-B

Slave unit

Protective height

Emitters

Series connection cable

Master unit

Protective height

Receivers

Indicator area

Extension cable

11

F3S-B

1-7 Ratings and Performance

Type

Item
No. of optical axes

Optical-axis pitch
Optical resolution

(Detection capability)

Protective height

Detection distance

Response time

Startup waiting
time

Supply voltage: Vs
Current

consumption
Light source
Effective

aperture angle
Operating mode

Control output

Instability output

Protection circuit

Start/restart
interlock function

External
test function

Relay monitoring
function (Optional)

Start interlock
function (Optional)
Blanking function
(Optional)

Indicators
Connection

method
Ambient
temperature

Ambient humidity

Insulation
resistance

Dielectric strength
voltage

F3S-BP (*1)

Stand-alone

12 to 66 6 to 33 4 to 22 12 to 66 6 to 33 4 to 22 12 to 30 6 to 15 4 to10
25 mm 50 mm 75 mm 25 mm 50 mm 75 mm 25 mm 50 mm 75 mm

Non-transparent:  in diameter
30 mm 55 mm 80 mm 30 mm 55 mm 80 mm 30 mm 55 mm 80 mm
300 / 450 / 600 / 750 / 900 / 1,050 / 1,200 / 1,350
/ 1,500 / 1,650 mm

0.3 to 5.0 m
ON to OFF : See “1-10 Table of Response Time”

OFF to ON (*2): Default 100 ms (selectable with F39-U1E, 80 to 400 ms)

2 s max.

24 VDC ± 20% (including 5 Vp-p ripple)

400 mA max. (under no-load conditions)

Infrared LED (880 nm wavelength). Lifetime: 50,000 hrs. at 25 °C.
Within ± 5° for the emitter and receiver at a detection distance of at least 3 m

according to IEC 61496-2
Light ON
Two PNP transistor outputs, operational current (load current) 200 mA max., re-

sidual voltage 2 V max. (except for voltage drop due to cable extension)
PNP transistor output (not safety-related control output),
load current 100 mA max., residual voltage 2 V max. (except for voltage drop due
to cable extension)

Output short-circuit protection, power supply reverse connection protection
Mode selection before power ON by connecting “Interlock selection input” line to:

Active : No connection or 0 to 2.5 VDC, 3 mA max.
Inactive : Instability output line
Reset of start/restart interlock by connecting “Interlock selection input” line to:

Interlock reset : 17 VDC to Vs, 20 mA max. Duration time 15 to 2,500 ms
Mode selection by connecting “External test input” line to:
Active : 17 VDC to Vs, 10 mA max. Duration time at least 15 ms
Inactive : No connection or 0 to 2.5 VDC, 2 mA max.
Default inactive, selectable with F39-U1E
Relay monitoring input line with NC contact connected,
Available level : 17 VDC to Vs, 10 mA max.
Allowed relay delay time (*2) : Selectable between 20 and 300 ms
Termination when not selected : No connection or 0 to 2.5 VDC, 2 mA max.

Default inactive, selectable with F39-U1E

Default inactive, selectable with F39-U1E

See “1-8 Indicators” No indicators
For Extension cable : 8 pins, M12 connector

For Series connection cable : 6 pins, M12 connector
During operation : –10 to 55 °C (with no freezing)
During storage : –25 to 70 °C
During operation : 35 to 85 %RH (with no condensation)
During storage : 35 to 95 %RH

20 MΩ min. (at 500 VDC)

1,000 VAC 50/60 Hz for 1 min

F3S-BMP (*1)
Master unit for series
connection

F3S-BS (*1)
Slave unit for series
connection

300 / 450 / 600 / 750 mm

12