- The photocell unit / safety sensor — what this page is about: a safety part (a pair of sensors) that mounts on an iron gate motor and stops the gate if someone breaks the beam. This is what we supply.
- The automatic glass “photocell door” — a complete automatic glass door system that opens by itself in malls and hospitals. That is a different machine entirely and not part of Abu Seif Steel’s supplies.
If you are looking for the safety sensor for your gate motor — you are in the right place.
Not sure which photocell fits your gate?
Send us two things: the opening width in meters and your gate motor model — and we will get back with the right model and price.
📱 Ask about the right photocell📋 Quick facts
- What it does: stops or reverses the gate the instant something breaks the beam while closing
- Works with: any sliding gate motor that has a safety (photocell) input
- Where it goes: on the fixed posts on each side of the opening, not on the moving leaf
- Height: usually 40–60 cm to catch vehicles
- Wide opening: one pair covers it as long as the model range is wider than the opening
- Outdoor / dusty: weather-resistant models are available
- Brands: Somfy (France) + economical Chinese
- Shipping: all governorates — cash on delivery
The real risk on a factory sliding gate
A sliding gate at a factory is not like a gate at home. The leaf can weigh half a ton, the opening is wide so trailers and loaders can pass, and the gate opens and closes dozens of times per shift. That means the odds of something being in its path while it closes are far higher — a vehicle parked half in the opening, a worker walking through carrying something and not paying attention, a loader that took a second too long.
Without a photocell, that heavy gate keeps closing even if something is in front of it. The result is either damage to the vehicle and the gate, or an injury — and both stop work and cost money. A photocell removes that worry without slowing you down: while the path is clear the gate runs normally, and the moment something breaks the beam it stops or reverses.
Situations that actually happen in factories
A truck still passing
The gate starts to close with the trailer half out — the beam breaks and it stops before it hits.
A worker not paying attention
Anyone breaking the beam blocks the close — the layer that matters most in busy areas.
A loader stuck in the path
Equipment caught mid-opening — the photocell protects both the machine and the gate.
Will it work with my gate and motor?
This is the first question anyone asks before ordering, and the answer is usually yes. A photocell works with any sliding gate motor that has a safety (photocell) input, which almost every motor has. It has nothing to do with the gate brand or the type of steel — it wires to the motor board, not to the gate.
As for the opening width, every model has a range the beam reaches. As long as you pick a model whose range is wider than your opening, the beam will cross from side to side even on a wide gate. That is why, when you contact us, we only ask for two things — the opening width in meters and the motor model — and from those we know what fits right away.
Where does the photocell go on a sliding gate?
The two sensors (transmitter and receiver) mount on the fixed part on each side of the opening — on the posts or the wall beside the gate, not on the leaf that slides. If you mount it on the moving leaf, the cable will be pulled and eventually snap, and the alignment between the sensors drifts every time the gate moves.
Both sensors must face each other at exactly the same height so the beam connects. The common height for catching vehicles is around 40 to 60 cm off the ground. If foot traffic is heavy and you want to catch people too, a second pair can go higher, around chest level.
A very wide opening — how many sensors do I need?
This worry comes up a lot: “my opening is 8 meters, will one pair cover it?” The answer is yes, as long as the model range is wider than the opening. Width alone does not make you need extra sensors — what makes you consider a second pair is wanting to cover two different heights: low for vehicles and higher for people.
| Your gate | What matters | Common setup |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles only | Model range wider than opening | One pair at vehicle height |
| Very wide opening | Outdoor model with longer range | One pair with suitable range |
| Heavy vehicle + foot traffic | Two heights covered | Two pairs (low + higher) |
How does the photocell wire to the motor board?
It wires to the motor control board, and the idea is simple: the receiver sends a signal to the board when the beam is broken. These are the general steps any technician follows — we include them so you know what is involved, and if you need help choosing or wiring, we are on WhatsApp:
- Power the sensors: the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) take power from the board per the voltage marked on the model.
- Safety signal: the receiver NC contact connects to the safety / photocell input on the board.
- Set the response: in the board settings you choose whether the gate just stops or reverses when the beam breaks.
- Align the beam: line up the sensors at the same height until the indicator LED on the receiver reads a clean signal.
- Test: close the gate, break the beam with an object, and confirm it stops or reverses.
Mistakes that stop a photocell from protecting properly
- Mounting on the moving leaf: the cable gets pulled and snaps and alignment drifts — keep it on the fixed part.
- Sensors at different heights: the beam never connects and the gate keeps thinking something is blocking it.
- Receiver facing the sun: direct sun confuses it — point it away.
- Wiring to NO instead of NC: reverses the safety behaviour.
- Indoor model in an exposed spot: outdoors, pick a model that handles dust and moisture.
- Range shorter than the opening: the beam never crosses — the range must be wider than the width.
Available safety photocells
Related
Will the photocell work with my motor?
Any sliding gate motor with an NC safety / photocell input accepts it, which is almost every motor. If you are not sure about your board, send us the motor model.
My opening is wide — is one pair enough?
Yes, as long as the model range is wider than the opening. A second pair is for covering a second height (people), not for width. Send us the width and we will recommend the model.
Does it mount on the gate itself or on the side?
On the fixed part on each side of the opening, not on the moving leaf, so the cable does not snap and the alignment stays fixed.
Does it stop the gate or reverse it?
It depends on the board setting: you can set it to just stop the gate, or to reverse and reopen the moment the beam breaks.
Does it work outdoors in sun and dust?
There are outdoor models that handle weather and dust. Pick the right range, point the receiver away from direct sun, and keep the lens clean.
I have several gates in the factory — do you supply in quantity?
Yes. Send us the number of gates and the motor models and we will prepare a bulk supply in one order.
Is it in stock and do you ship to the factory?
Yes — Somfy safety photocells and economical Chinese models, shipped to all governorates with cash on delivery. WhatsApp 01098470908.
What is the difference between the photocell safety unit and an automatic glass photocell door?
The photocell unit is a safety part that mounts on an iron gate motor and stops it if someone breaks the beam — this is what we supply. An automatic glass photocell door is a complete self-opening door system used in malls — a different machine entirely, not part of our supplies.
Set up your sliding gate safety
Send us the opening width and motor model, and we will ship the right photocell to your factory with cash on delivery.
📱 WhatsApp 01098470908