Light curtains are essential if you run equipment that could be hazardous. Light curtains use photoelectric sensors to make a barrier to keep the equipment isolated. If something disrupts that curtain lighting barrier, power to the equipment shuts off to protect the safety of everyone involved.

Some experts also refer to light curtains as light screens, presence sensing devices and optical guards. No matter what you call them, light curtains add flexibility to the work area because of the safety they bring. Light curtains also reduce operator fatigue when compared to traditional guarding methods. When looking for light curtains, consider these options:

1. Examine light curtains options to find the one you need.

2. Find light curtain accessories to fit your current light curtain system.

3. Compare quotes from light curtains stores across the country.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find light curtains that are right for your business

Look for various curtain lights, light filtering and light curtain controller features. Look at different types of curtains, such as a blue light curtain or a banner light curtain. Make sure everything you consider purchasing follows safety standards set by OSHA and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

I recommend: Visit Honeywell or OMRON Scientific Technologies to find light curtains and safety light curtain products. Both companies help you determine the light curtain that’s best for your business so you don’t end up with more or less than what you need.

Purchase the appropriate light curtains supplies

Having the right light curtain supplies and accessories enhances the safety features of your safety light curtain. Look for mirrors, mounting stands, brackets and washdown enclosures to find the right fit your light curtain.

I recommend: Look for light curtain supplies and accessories through Leuze Electronic. You can also browse the light curtain supplies available through Rockwell Automation.

Find a light curtains store that sells the products you need

Your best supplier for light curtains might be right down the street, or it might be across the country. Compare light curtain prices among the stores you're interested in, but also keep in mind the quality of the light curtains you're looking at. A higher quality curtain usually means a higher price.

I recommend: Direct Industry offers a variety of light curtains from numerous suppliers so you always get the best deal. Click on the light curtain that you’re interested in, and you can get a quote from a variety of companies. Keyence, with offices all over the United States, offers same day shipping on light curtain orders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If a store cannot fill your specific request to buy light curtains, ask if you can put in a special order. This also allows you to customize any special measurements or requests you may have.