Why doesn't the BFT sliding gate work without photocells?

Photocells are essential safety devices for the proper functioning of a motorized sliding gate. If they are missing, improperly connected, or defective, the engine may refuse to run. Here's why.

1 / Photocells: a mandatory safety feature

Photocells are used to detect the presence of an obstacle (person, vehicle, animal, object) in the movement zone of the gate. They work by transmitting and receiving an infrared beam : if the beam is cut, the gate stops or reverses its movement.

Their main role is to prevent the risk of contact, crushing or collision.

2 / Why does the sliding motor block without photocells?

The motherboard of the sliding gate is programmed by default to require an active safety loop.

In this context:

• If no photocell is detected.
• Or if the safety circuit is open (photocells missing, poorly wired, broken).

By default, the board is designed to work without photocells, shunts are connected to the safety inputs.

3 / Compliance with security standards

The operation with photocells meets the requirements of the European standards applicable to automatic gates (in particular EN 12453).

These standards require:

• Presence detection (photocells) and contact detection devices (security bar / touch bar).
• Automatic safety in the event of a failure.

A sliding gate therefore integrates these requirements directly into its control logic.

4 / Recommended best practices

To ensure normal and safe operation of your sliding gate:

• Install BFT-compliant and compliant photocells.
• Check their alignment and cleanliness regularly.
• Checking wiring and connections.
• Testing the reaction of the gate in the event of a beam cut.