CCH · ENT Series

Safety Light Curtains for Machine Guarding

CCH ENT Series safety light curtains provide 14, 25 and 45 mm detection-resolution options for point-of-operation and access safeguarding. The current ENT platform is designed as a Type 4 safety light curtain family for industrial machine guarding.

Explore ENT Series → Type 4 Safety Light Curtain →
Safety Light Curtain Platform
ENT
ENT Series

Three Resolution Options

Select the detection resolution according to the safeguarding requirement, machine opening and required safety distance.

14 mm Fine Resolution
25 mm Medium Resolution
45 mm Access-Oriented
Functional Safety Type 4
Protection Height Up to 1960 mm
Enclosure Protection IP65
02 · Choose by Resolution

Three ENT Resolution Platforms

Resolution is one of the first parameters to determine when selecting a safety light curtain. ENT Series is available in 14, 25 and 45 mm detection-resolution platforms with different protection-height ranges.

ENT14 Fine Resolution
14 mm

Fine-Resolution Detection

The finest detection-resolution platform in the current ENT range, intended for applications requiring detection of smaller objects within the protected field.

Beam Spacing 10 mm
Protection Height 120–1000 mm
Response Time 8.3–30.8 ms
Maximum Beams 101
Selection direction Use where the safeguarding design requires a finer minimum detectable object size.
ENT25 Medium Resolution
25 mm

Medium-Resolution Detection

A middle-resolution platform providing a wider protection-height range while maintaining a smaller detectable-object size than the 45 mm platform.

Beam Spacing 20 mm
Protection Height 120–1720 mm
Response Time 6.8–27.2 ms
Maximum Beams 87
Selection direction Use where the application requires a balance between detection resolution and a taller protected field.
ENT45 Wider Resolution
45 mm

Access-Oriented Detection

The widest detection-resolution platform in the ENT range, supporting taller protected fields for access and opening safeguarding applications.

Beam Spacing 40 mm
Protection Height 120–1960 mm
Response Time 6.0–17.8 ms
Maximum Beams 50
Selection direction Use where the application permits a wider minimum detectable object size and requires a taller protection height.
Resolution and safety distance must be evaluated together. Final selection should be based on the required minimum detectable object size, machine geometry, stopping performance and applicable safety requirements.
Calculate Safety Distance →
03 · Core ENT Features

Designed for Faster Setup and Reliable Machine Safeguarding

ENT Series combines safety-rated OSSD outputs with optical synchronization and configurable operating functions designed to simplify installation, commissioning and maintenance.

01 Wiring & Synchronization

Optical Synchronization

The emitter and receiver communicate through optical synchronization, reducing the need for a dedicated synchronization wire between the two sensor units.

Emitter ↔ Receiver optical synchronization Designed to simplify machine-side installation and wiring.
02 Safety Output

PNP / NPN Configurable OSSD

The receiver supports selectable PNP or NPN output modes, helping adapt the safety light curtain to different machine control architectures.

2 × OSSD safety outputs Output mode must be verified after configuration before the machine is returned to service.
03 Adjacent Installation

CH-A / CH-B Optical Channels

Two configurable optical synchronization channels help reduce interference risks when multiple ENT light curtains are installed in nearby positions.

Channel A / Channel B The emitter and receiver in the same pair must use the same optical channel.
04 Detection Range Setup

Long / Short Range Mode

Receiver sensitivity can be switched between long-range and short-range operating modes to support different installation distances and reduce interference in close-range applications.

LONG / SHORT configurable Select the appropriate operating mode for the actual installation conditions.
05 Commissioning

Infrared Configuration

Selected operating functions can be configured through infrared communication using a compatible smartphone or an optional infrared remote controller.

Smartphone or remote configuration Supports configuration without adding physical controls to the sensor housing.
06 Status & Maintenance

Multi-Level Status Indication

Receiver indicators provide visual information for beam interruption, operating status, output mode, optical channel, received-light level and segment status.

Faster alignment and troubleshooting Status feedback helps commissioning personnel identify alignment and interruption conditions more quickly.
Configuration is part of the safety-related commissioning process. Output mode, optical channel and range settings should be changed only by qualified personnel with the machine stopped, followed by functional verification before operation.
04 · Advanced Safeguarding Configurations

Extend the ENT Platform for More Complex Guarding Layouts

Selected ENT configurations support additional safeguarding functions for machines with multiple openings, moving process elements or multi-sided access requirements.

ADV-01 Multi-Opening Protection
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Cascading

Multiple ENT safety light curtains can be connected through cascading adapters to create a coordinated safeguarding arrangement for larger or more complex machine layouts.

Configuration Direction ENT light curtains + cascading adapter
The number and arrangement of cascaded units should be selected according to the actual machine layout and safeguarding requirements.
ADV-02 Controlled Beam Blanking
≋

Floating Blanking

A configured number of beams can be permitted to remain interrupted without immediately switching the OSSD to the OFF state, subject to the selected blanking logic and configuration conditions.

Configuration Direction Configurable floating-beam quantity
Floating blanking changes the effective detection behavior of the protective field and must be considered in the machine safety assessment.
ADV-03 Multi-Side Layout
∟

Multi-Side Protection

Reflective column components can be used to redirect the protective beam path and create multi-sided guarding around selected machine areas using one ENT light curtain system.

Configuration Direction ENT + reflective column components
Optical path length, alignment and installation geometry must be evaluated for the actual multi-sided arrangement.
Floating Blanking Principle

The Blanked Position Does Not Need to Be Fixed

With floating blanking, the permitted interruption can move within the detection field rather than being assigned to one permanently fixed beam position. The OSSD response depends on the configured number of blanked beams and the selected operating logic.

Simplified Beam Illustration Example only
Beam 01
Active
Beam 02
Active
Beam 03
Blanked
Beam 04
Active
Beam 05
Active
Engineering Terminology Blanking Is Not the Same as Muting

Blanking changes how selected beam interruptions inside the protective field are evaluated.

Muting refers to a controlled temporary bypass of a safety function under defined machine or material-transfer conditions. These functions should not be treated as interchangeable.

Advanced configurations require application-specific safety evaluation. Cascading, blanking and multi-sided optical layouts can change the effective safeguarding geometry. Configuration and validation should be performed by qualified personnel based on the machine risk assessment and applicable safety requirements.
05 · Applications

Machine Guarding Across Real Industrial Applications

ENT safety light curtains create a monitored access plane between personnel and hazardous machine motion while allowing frequent loading, unloading and production access without a physical door.

Real Application CCH ENT safety light curtain installed on an industrial press machine
APP-01

Press Machine Guarding

A light curtain can monitor operator access to the point of operation while maintaining an open working area for loading and unloading parts.

Typical Safeguarding Task Point-of-operation access monitoring
Explore Press Machine Safety →
Real Application CCH ENT safety light curtain installed on industrial laser processing equipment
APP-02

Machine Access Protection

Safety light curtains can monitor open machine access areas where operators need regular interaction with the process but hazardous motion must remain protected.

Typical Safeguarding Task Open-access machine guarding
Explore Machine Safety Applications →
Real Application CCH ENT safety light curtain used on an automated production line
APP-03

Automated Production Lines

ENT light curtains can protect access points around automated machinery, transfer stations and production cells where personnel and machine processes share nearby space.

Typical Safeguarding Task Production-cell and access-point monitoring
View Industrial Safety Solutions →
Additional Applications

Select the Safeguard Around the Machine Task

The same ENT platform can be configured in different sizes and resolutions according to the access point, protected opening and required safety distance.

APP-04

Press Brakes

Protect operator access around bending operations while preserving practical access to the working area.

APP-05

Robot Cells

Monitor personnel entry through selected openings in guarded robotic and automated manufacturing cells.

APP-06

Material Transfer

Protect openings around conveyors, transfer stations and automated material-flow equipment according to the required guarding logic.

Point of Operation Presses & forming machinery
Access Opening Machine and robot cells
Production Access Automated equipment
Material Flow Conveyor & transfer openings

The required resolution, protection height and installation distance depend on the specific machine hazard and risk assessment. Application type alone is not sufficient to determine the final light-curtain model.

View All Applications →
06 · Functional Safety & Certification

Functional Safety and EMC Evaluated Separately

ENT Series safety performance and electromagnetic compatibility are supported by separate third-party evaluations. This distinction helps machine builders understand what each certificate actually covers.

ESPE Type Type 4 IEC 61496-1 / IEC 61496-2
Safety Category Cat. 4 ISO 13849-1
Performance Level PL e ISO 13849-1
Safety Integrity Level SIL 3 IEC 61508
Functional Safety Certification FS/71/220/24/1456

SGS-TÜV Saar

Functional safety certification for the ENT Series safety light curtain platform, covering the safety architecture and performance requirements relevant to machine safeguarding.

Certified Product Safety Light Curtain · ENT Series
Type Type 4
ISO 13849 Cat. 4 · PL e
IEC 61508 SIL 3 · HFT = 1
Certification Date 15 July 2024
EMC Certificate of Conformity AE 50623910 0001

TÜV Rheinland

Electromagnetic compatibility evaluation for identified ENT safety light curtain models under the EU EMC framework.

Product Safety Device · Safety Light Curtain
EU Directive 2014/30/EU · Electromagnetic Compatibility
Test Standard EN IEC 61326-1:2021
Report No. CN24DWW7 001
Certificate Date 25 March 2024
Standards Framework

Different Standards Address Different Parts of the Safety Function

Type, Category, Performance Level and SIL should not be treated as interchangeable labels. They describe different aspects of product and safety-system performance.

IEC 61496 Type 4 ESPE Product-specific requirements for electro-sensitive protective equipment.
ISO 13849-1 Cat. 4 · PL e Safety-related control system architecture and performance level.
IEC 61508 SIL 3 Functional safety integrity requirements used in the certification assessment.
EN IEC 61326-1 EMC Evaluation Electromagnetic compatibility assessment is separate from the functional safety certification.
i
Functional safety certification and EMC conformity are not the same certification. The SGS-TÜV Saar certificate addresses the ENT Series functional safety performance. The TÜV Rheinland certificate addresses electromagnetic compatibility under EU Directive 2014/30/EU. CE marking for a complete product or machine depends on compliance with all applicable EU requirements, not the EMC certificate alone.
07 · Technical Specifications

ENT Series Technical Data

Category-level specifications are shown below for initial engineering selection. Protection height, response time and other model-dependent values should be verified against the selected ENT model.

Group 01 Safety Performance
ESPE Type Type 4 · IEC 61496
Category Cat. 4 · ISO 13849
Performance Level PL e · ISO 13849
Safety Integrity Level SIL 3 · IEC 61508
PFH 1.42 × 10⁻⁸
Hardware Fault Tolerance HFT = 1
Diagnostic Coverage >99%
Diagnostic Test Interval <10 minutes
Group 02 Optical Performance
Light Source Infrared LED · 850 nm center wavelength
Detection Resolution 14 mm / 25 mm / 45 mm
Beam Spacing 10 mm / 20 mm / 40 mm
Protection Height Model-dependent · up to 1960 mm ENT14, ENT25 and ENT45 have different model ranges.
Synchronization Optical synchronization
Optical Channels CH-A / CH-B configurable
Range Mode LONG / SHORT configurable
Group 03 Electrical & Output
Operating Voltage 24 V DC ±20%
Emitter Current <200 mA
Receiver Current <200 mA · no load
Safety Output 2 × OSSD
Output Type PNP / NPN configurable
Maximum Output Load ≤100 mA per output
Startup Time <3 s
Protection Functions Overvoltage · overcurrent · output short-circuit protection
Group 04 Environmental & Mechanical
Protection Rating IP65
Profile 34 × 28 mm
Operating Temperature −10°C to +55°C No frost or condensation on the optical surface.
Storage Temperature −40°C to +70°C
Operating Humidity 35–85% RH
Storage Humidity 35–95% RH
Incandescent / Fluorescent 3,000 lux
Sunlight Immunity 10,000 lux
Current Range Codes

Select Distance by Configuration

The current product-number structure lists A, B and C distance configurations. For applications outside these ranges, confirm the currently available configuration with CCH Engineering.

Range Code A 0–10 m Standard sensing-distance configuration.
Range Code B 0–16 m Longer standard sensing-distance configuration.
Range Code C 0–5 m Short-range configuration for selected applications.
Use the model-specific datasheet for final engineering selection. Response time, beam count, protection height and available configurations vary by model. Safety distance must be calculated using the actual selected light-curtain response time together with machine stopping time and applicable safety requirements.
08 · Selection Guidance

Select the Light Curtain from the Machine Risk Backwards

The application name alone does not determine the correct safety light curtain. Start with the required detection capability, then verify protection height, sensing distance, overall response time and the required separation distance.

01
Detection Requirement

Select Resolution

Determine the minimum detectable object size required by the machine safeguarding design and risk assessment.

ENT Options 14 mm / 25 mm / 45 mm
02
Guarded Opening

Select Protection Height

Measure the machine opening or access area that must remain inside the protective field.

Series Maximum Up to 1960 mm, model-dependent
03
Installation Geometry

Confirm Sensing Distance

Measure the actual emitter-to-receiver installation distance and select an appropriate currently available ENT distance configuration.

Current Range Codes A: 0–10 m · B: 0–16 m · C: 0–5 m
04
System Response

Determine Overall Response Time

Account for the selected light-curtain response, safety-related control response, machine stopping performance and applicable response-time tolerance.

ENT Sensor Response Model-dependent · 6.0–30.8 ms
05
Final Installation

Determine Separation Distance

Evaluate approach speed, overall response time, reaching through, over or under the protective device, and any application-dependent supplemental distance.

Current Tool ISO 13855:2024 Calculator
ISO 13855:2024

Separation Distance Is More Than Stop Time and Resolution

The current calculation structure considers the overall response time together with the applicable reaching-distance allowance and supplemental distance. Reaching over, through and under the protective device must be evaluated for the actual machine geometry.

S = (K × T) + DDS + Z
S = separation distance · K = approach speed · T = overall system response time · DDS = applicable reaching distance · Z = supplemental distance. Final safeguarding design must follow the current standard and actual machine risk assessment. Open ISO 13855:2024 Calculator →
09 · Installation & Accessories

Flexible Mounting for Different Machine Structures

ENT safety light curtains support multiple mounting arrangements for machine frames, production equipment and guarded openings. Final installation should provide stable alignment and maintain the required protective-field geometry.

ZC Standard Mounting

Front / Side Mount

Integrated bracket arrangement for mounting the light curtain from the front or side of the machine structure.

Front/side integrated mounting bracket and shock-absorbing pad are available.
CX Flexible Positioning

Magnetic Mount

Magnetic brackets provide an alternative installation method for compatible machine structures where magnetic mounting is appropriate.

Uses magnetic mounting components identified in the ENT accessory system.
GZ Stand-Off Installation

Pipe Mount

Pipe mounting provides a dedicated support structure when the light curtain cannot be mounted directly to the machine frame.

Pipe bracket, support pipe and adjustment components are available within the mounting system.
TC Adjustable Mounting

T-Slot Mount

T-slot brackets provide an adjustable mounting direction for machine frames and structures using compatible slot systems.

The mounting arrangement includes T-bolt and adjustable-angle bracket components.
FZ Mechanical Protection

Protective Cover

A protective cover can be added where the light curtain needs additional mechanical shielding from nearby machine activity.

The catalogue specifies the protective-cover option based on the T-slot mounting arrangement.
Installation Workflow

Mount, Align and Verify Before Operation

Correct mechanical installation is only the beginning. Alignment, signal strength and beam-interruption behavior must be verified before the safety light curtain is placed into service.

STEP 01 Assemble & Position Brackets Install the selected brackets while retaining sufficient adjustment for final alignment.
STEP 02 Complete Wiring Confirm power, grounding and receiver safety-output wiring before energizing the system.
STEP 03 Align Emitter & Receiver Adjust position and angle so both units face each other and the protected beam path is correctly aligned.
STEP 04 Check Signal Level Use the receiver indicators to confirm sufficient optical alignment margin for stable operation.
STEP 05 Secure the Installation Tighten the mounting hardware after the optimum alignment position has been established.
STEP 06 Verify Beam Interruption Test the protective field using an object corresponding to the required detection resolution and verify the expected output response.
Alignment Feedback

Use the LEVEL Indicators to Confirm Alignment Margin

Beam alignment should not be judged only by whether the OSSD reaches the ON state. The receiver LEVEL indicators provide additional information about received-light strength and help establish a more stable installation.

No LEVEL Light Alignment may be achieved, but signal strength is insufficient for stable operating margin.
LEVEL 1 Alignment is sufficient for stable operation.
Both LEVEL Lights Indicates excellent optical alignment.
Available Accessory Types Mechanical Installation Components
Front / Side Mount Integrated Bracket
Shock-Absorbing Pad
Magnetic Mounting Bracket
Pipe Mounting Components
T-Slot Mounting Bracket
Protective Cover & Bracket
!
Installation position is part of the safety function. Mounting flexibility does not replace the required safety-distance calculation. The protective field must be positioned so hazardous machine motion can reach a safe state before a person can reach the hazard. Final installation and functional verification should be performed by qualified personnel.
10 · Project Support

Tell Us What Your Machine Needs to Protect

Send CCH the basic machine layout and safeguarding requirements. We can help narrow the ENT resolution, protection height, sensing-distance configuration and installation direction for preliminary project selection.

Engineering Support Start with the Machine, Not a Model Number

If the exact ENT model is not yet known, send the application information first. Model selection should follow the actual hazard and machine geometry.

Discuss Your Application Safety Distance Calculator
What to Send CCH

Six Inputs for Faster Preliminary Selection

A machine photo or layout drawing is also useful where the guarded opening or mounting arrangement is difficult to describe in text.

INPUT 01 Machine / Application Type Press, bending machine, robot cell, automated equipment, conveyor opening or other machine.
INPUT 02 Required Protection Area Opening dimensions and the height that must be covered by the protective field.
INPUT 03 Emitter-to-Receiver Distance Actual installation distance across the protected opening.
INPUT 04 Detection Requirement Required resolution or minimum detectable object size where already defined by the safeguarding design.
INPUT 05 Machine Stopping Information Stop time or measured stopping performance used for the safety-distance calculation.
INPUT 06 Control & Special Functions PNP / NPN requirement and any cascading, floating blanking or multi-side protection requirement.
Step 01 Define the Hazard
Step 02 Select ENT Configuration
Step 03 Calculate Safety Distance
Step 04 Install & Validate
ENT Series · Safety-rated machine guarding Final product selection, safety distance, installation and validation remain application-specific and should be based on the actual machine risk assessment and applicable safety requirements.
Type 4 Cat. 4 PL e SIL 3