How to Calculate the Installation Distance of a Safety Light Curtain

237 Views Posted on: 03/10/2026
 

Safety distance calculation formula

According to EN ISO 13855, the minimum safety distance is calculated using the following formula:

S = K × T + C

Where:

S – minimum distance between the light curtain and hazard zone (mm)

K – approach speed of the body or hand (mm/s)

T – total system stopping time (s)

C – additional distance based on the light curtain resolution (mm)

⸻

Step 1 – Approach speed (K)

In most industrial applications the standard value is:

K = 1600 mm/s

This represents the typical speed of a human hand moving toward a hazard.

In some cases, the following value may also be used:

2000 mm/s – for faster approach situations.

⸻

Step 2 – Total stopping time (T)

The total stopping time includes:

T = T1 + T2

Where:

T1 – reaction time of the safety light curtain and control system

T2 – machine stopping time

Example:

• light curtain reaction time: 20 ms

• safety controller reaction time: 10 ms

• machine stopping time: 200 ms

Total:

T = 0.23 s

⸻

Step 3 – Additional distance C

The value C depends on the resolution of the light curtain.

Typical values:

Resolution

Application

C

14 mm

finger protection

8 mm

30 mm

hand protection

128 mm

40 mm

hand protection

128 mm

50 mm+

body protection

850 mm

⸻

Calculation example

Assuming:

• K = 1600 mm/s

• T = 0.23 s

• C = 128 mm

Calculation:

S = 1600 × 0.23 + 128

S = 368 + 128

S = 496 mm

Therefore, the safety light curtain must be installed at least approximately 500 mm from the hazard zone.

⸻

Summary

Correctly calculating the installation distance of a safety light curtain is essential for machine safety.

The key parameters are:

• machine stopping time

• safety system reaction time

• light curtain resolution

• operator approach speed

Following international standards such as EN ISO 13855 ensures proper machine protection and compliance with safety regulations.

 
Posted in: Sample Category

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