VITECTOR, a leading manufacturer of entrapment protection devices for automatic doors and other types of mechanical equipment, has received UL325 recognition for its Y-Connect accessory. This device can be used to improve the effectiveness of entrapment prevention systems for large automatic doors and gates built to meet UL325 standards. It makes it possible to have more than one obstacle detection sensor in operation, while providing a single alarm signal input to the door control system.
UL325-compliant door installations employing electronic photo eye sensors are required to have a primary photo eye mounted six inches above ground level. While this has proven to be a generally reliable way of avoiding accidental collisions between a moving door and persons or vehicles passing through the opening, there is a possibility that some objects (for example a truck with an extra-large ground clearance) could partially enter the door opening without being detected. This risk can be avoided by adding a second photo eye above the primary sensor in the doorway. As many commercial door controllers have input provisions for only one detection device, the role of the Y-Connect is to enable the use of a second obstacle detection device. If either sensor detects the presence of an obstacle, the Y-Connect will send a warning signal to the controller, requesting that it stop the door and avoid a collision. The primary obstacle detector ensures compliance with UL325 requirements, while the second system enhances detection coverage and reliability.
The Y-Connect unit is compact and easy to install, with input devices connected through standard 2-wire connections. There are two status LEDs, one to confirm that the unit is operating and one to indicate whether the door opening is clear of obstacles. The Y-Connect is suitable for outdoor use with a protection rating of NEMA4 (IP65) and an operating temperature range of -13° to 167°F (-25° to 75°C). It is powered by the same 24V DC source as the electronic photo eyes and draws less than 15 mA of current.