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DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain

Compact through-beam safety light curtain in a 30 x 30 mm housing: 10/20/30/40 mm beam pitch, up to 72 beams, 0.3-3 m or 0.3-6 m sensing distance, NPN/PNP output. Catalogue-stated Type 4 design basis; confirm exact safety-document scope.

▶ Watch it in action: 3D Animation: How Light Curtains, Door Locks, Safety Mats & LiDAR Guard a Machine

DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain - product photo🔍 Click to enlarge · 1/1

Technical Specifications

Curtain TypeThrough-beam (opposed mode) -- separate transmitter and receiver
Safety Design BasisCatalogue-stated Type 4 / Category 4 (PLd), with IEC 61496-1/-3, EN 61496-3:2019, EN 13849-1:2015 and TUV/UL references. Exact rating, standard-part applicability and certificate scope require confirmation. GB/T19001-2016 idt ISO 9001:2015 is a quality-system reference, not certification of the ESPE safety function.
Beam Pitch10 / 20 / 30 / 40 mm
Detection Accuracy (min. detectable object)18 / 28 / 48 mm at 10/20/40 mm pitch respectively (= beam pitch + 8 mm). Not printed for 30 mm pitch in the catalog's parameter table.
Number of Beams12, 14 ... 70 (10 mm pitch); 6, 8 ... 72 (20 mm pitch); 4, 6 ... 72 (30 mm pitch); 4, 6 ... 72 (40 mm pitch)
Protected HeightBeam pitch x (number of beams - 1)
Sensing Distance0.3-3 m (model-code letter A) or 0.3-6 m (letter B), selectable by model code. Default detection distance is 0.3-3 m unless otherwise specified.
Response Time<= 15 ms
Ambient Light Immunity10,000 lux (incidence angle >= 5 degrees)
Dimensions30 x 30 mm x L (L = transmitter / receiver length)
Enclosure Rating / Housing MaterialIP65; aluminium alloy housing, end caps ABS-reinforced nylon
ControllerDQCA / DQCA2
Supply Voltage / Current ConsumptionDC 12/24 V or AC 110-220 V (relay-output version); <= 200 mA
OutputNPN / PNP type, sink current 500 mA, residual voltage < 1.5 V, with polarity, short-circuit and overload protection
Output State / IndicatorsCatalogue wiring example: ON with beams clear (green receiver indicator); transmitter power indicator red, receiver blocked indicator red. Check the ordered NO/NC variant's own output-state table rather than applying this example to every configuration.
Light SourceModulated infrared LED
ConnectionCircular aviation connector with dedicated cable; transmitter 3-core, receiver 5-core (dual 7-core cabling for two-output-group models)
Ambient Light Tolerance (receiver face)Incandescent light: 3,000 lux; sunlight: 10,000 lux
Operating Temperature-10 to +40 degrees C (non-condensing); storage -25 to +55 degrees C
Ambient HumidityOperating 35-85% RH; storage 35-95% RH

Overview

The DCE is DAIDISIKE's compact through-beam (opposed-mode) safety light curtain: a separate transmitter and receiver, each housed in a 30 x 30 mm aluminium-alloy profile, project modulated infrared beams across a machine opening. Detection changes the output; stopping hazardous motion requires a connected and validated machine-safety circuit. The catalogue states a Type 4 / Category 4 (PLd) design basis, citing IEC 61496-1/-3, EN 61496-3:2019, EN 13849-1:2015, TUV/UL testing and the manufacturer's GB/T19001-2016 idt ISO 9001:2015 quality system. These references do not replace the exact model's applicable ESPE safety certificate, and quality-system certification does not certify the safety function. The catalogue's intended applications include automation equipment, presses, hydraulic and oil presses, shearing machines and automatic doors; verify suitability for the assessed machine before use.

DCE is configured across four beam pitches -- 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm -- with beam counts up to 72 depending on pitch, giving protected heights from under 100 mm up to 2840 mm (DCE72/40-2840, the largest catalog example). Sensing distance is selectable by model code between 0.3-3 m (code A) and 0.3-6 m (code B) -- a shorter range than the long-distance DQA series. Output is NPN or PNP transistor type (model-code letters A-D set NC/NO logic), wired through a circular aviation connector with dual 7-core cabling on two-output-group models, and the curtain pairs with the DQCA/DQCA2 controller. Its listed cross-section is 30 x 30 mm; use the selected models' current dimension drawings when comparing installation envelopes across series.

Features & Benefits

One series spans an OEM's full machine range

Beam pitches of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm and beam counts up to 72 are specified within the DCE series, allowing model selection across different equipment openings. Pitch is the spacing between beam axes, not the minimum detectable object.

Protective heights up to 2840 mm

The largest listed model, DCE72/40-2840, provides a 2840 mm protective height, suitable for full-height opening protection on larger automated equipment.

Select by published minimum detectable object

The 10, 20 and 40 mm pitches have published minimum detectable objects of 18, 28 and 48 mm respectively. The 30 mm-pitch detection figure remains unconfirmed; do not calculate or assume it from pitch alone.

NPN/PNP selectable transistor output

Output signal type can be selected between NPN and PNP, allowing the same product to interface with control systems that expect either signal convention.

Compact 30 mm-pitch "Q" variants for small automation cells

At 30 mm beam pitch, models with 4-12 beams (DCE04/30-90Q through DCE12/30-330Q) are offered as Q-suffix variants with protective heights of 90-330 mm, sized for small automation cells. Their minimum detectable object must be confirmed before safety specification.

Dedicated end-mounting bracket supplied as standard

The DQCE-04 bracket, designed for two-end mounting, is supplied as standard with the DCE series; the general-purpose DQCA-01/02/03 brackets are also compatible accessories.

Applications

Loading/unloading station guarding on automation machines — Modular pitch selection and a standard mounting bracket suit machine builders equipping standard load/unload stations across an equipment range.
Robotic work cell entry detection — Multiple pitch and beam-count options cover robotic work cell openings of different sizes.
Non-standard automation equipment zone/station guarding — The broad model range allows the pitch and protective height to be matched to each machine's opening on a case-by-case basis.
Assembly and packaging machine OEM integration — The series is positioned for OEM machine-builder integration, with NPN/PNP output selection to adapt to different control system signal conventions.
Compact protective fields for small automation cells — The 30 mm pitch Q-suffix models (4-12 beams, 90-330 mm protective height) are sized for space-constrained small automation stations.
Large-opening full-height guarding on bigger machines — Protective height reaches up to 2840 mm (DCE72/40-2840), so a single model can cover a large machine opening.
Multi-machine standardization across a production line — One series covers all four 10-40 mm pitch options, reducing the need for cross-series sourcing and spare-parts management across multiple machines on a line.

Models & Ordering Information

129 listed table entries across 4 beam-pitch options. Compare beam count and span, then confirm the complete ordering code. Beam pitch alone does not establish detection capability or suitability for personnel protection.

10 mm beam pitch; published minimum detectable object 18 mm, not 10 mm or 14 mm finger detection.

DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain — 10 mm beam pitch, 30 listed entries
Listed model entryBeam pitch K (mm)Number of beams NBeam span H (mm)
DCE12/10-1101012110
DCE14/10-1301014130
DCE16/10-1501016150
DCE18/10-1701018170
DCE20/10-1901020190
DCE22/10-2101022210
DCE24/10-2301024230
DCE26/10-2501026250
DCE28/10-2701028270
DCE30/10-2901030290
DCE32/10-3101032310
DCE34/10-3301034330
DCE36/10-3501036350
DCE38/10-3701038370
DCE40/10-3901040390
DCE42/10-4101042410
DCE44/10-4301044430
DCE46/10-4501046450
DCE48/10-4701048470
DCE50/10-4901050490
DCE52/10-5101052510
DCE54/10-5301054530
DCE56/10-5501056550
DCE58/10-5701058570
DCE60/10-5901060590
DCE62/10-6101062610
DCE64/10-6301064630
DCE66/10-6501066650
DCE68/10-6701068670
DCE70/10-6901070690

30 listed entries at 10 mm pitch · 129 across this table. Beam span is calculated as H = (N − 1) × K; it is not overall housing length or proof of detection capability. Some entries expand catalogue ranges. Confirm the complete ordering code and availability before ordering; inclusion is not a stock claim.

30 mm Pitch — Q Variants (Small Beam Count)

DCE04/30-90QDCE06/30-150QDCE08/30-210QDCE10/30-270QDCE12/30-330Q
Compact Q-suffix variants at 30 mm pitch, protective heights 90-330 mm, for small automation cells. Minimum detectable object is not printed in the current parameter table and requires confirmation.

How to read the DCE model code

DCE [beams] / [pitch] - [protected height] [output groups] [signal] [sensing distance]
DCE = series. [beams] = even-numbered beam counts (catalog model-code diagram shows 04, 06, 08, 10, 32 ... 72 as illustrative steps; the full model table lists every even count, starting at 12 for 10 mm pitch, 6 for 20 mm pitch, and 4 for 30/40 mm pitch, up to 72). [pitch] = 10-10mm / 20-20mm / 30-30mm / 40-40mm. [protected height] in mm = pitch x (beams - 1), e.g. (8-1) x 40 = 280 for DCE08/40-280. [output groups] = 1 for one output group (default, usually left unmarked), 2 for two output groups. [signal] = A (NPN NC, default if unspecified), B (PNP NC), C (NPN NO), D (PNP NO). [sensing distance] = A (0.3-3 m) or B (0.3-6 m). A trailing blank box on the diagram is reserved for a special-order mark. Catalog example: DCE08/40-280 1 A A = 8 beams, 40 mm pitch, 280 mm protected height, one output group, NPN NC signal, 0.3-3 m sensing distance.

PDF & 3D CAD Downloads

Browse all downloads

Confirm the document and CAD file match the exact ordered version before installation or mechanical design. Contact us if your model is not listed.

How to Select

  1. Naming: DCE + beam count + / + pitch (mm) + - + protective height (mm); Q suffix applies to small-beam-count models at 30 mm pitch.
  2. Select using the minimum detectable object, not pitch as a substitute: 10 mm pitch gives 18 mm detection capability (DCE12/10-110 to DCE70/10-690); 20 mm pitch gives 28 mm (DCE06/20-100 to DCE72/20-1420); 40 mm pitch gives 48 mm (DCE04/40-120 to DCE72/40-2840). The 30 mm-pitch standard and Q-suffix models require a confirmed detection figure before specification. No published DCE value establishes 14 mm finger detection.
  3. Match protective height to the actual guarded opening height using the model list; the maximum available is 2840 mm (DCE72/40-2840).
  4. Select NPN or PNP transistor output based on the signal convention of the on-site PLC/control cabinet.
  5. The DQCE-04 two-end mounting bracket is supplied as standard; general-purpose brackets DQCA-01, DQCA-02, and DQCA-03 are available as alternative mounting accessories.

📘 Need the full method? How to Choose a Safety Light Curtain · Type 2 vs Type 4 Safety Light Curtains

When NOT to specify the DCE — and what to use instead

You need an officially documented detection-accuracy figure at 30 mm pitch for a personnel risk assessment

Why not: The catalog's parameter table publishes detection accuracy only for the 10, 20 and 40 mm pitches (18, 28 and 48 mm respectively). 30 mm-pitch models appear in the full model listing and in the dimension/model-code diagrams, but no detection-accuracy figure is printed for that pitch in the parameter table.

Use instead: Confirm the 30 mm pitch detection-accuracy figure with us before specifying it for a safety application, or select the 20 mm or 40 mm pitch, whose detection-accuracy figures are documented.

True 14 mm finger-level detection, or a protected opening under 110 mm high

Why not: The finest DCE pitch is 10 mm, but its printed detection accuracy is 18 mm (pitch + 8 mm) -- a hand-level rather than strict finger-level figure. In addition, the catalog's 10 mm pitch model table starts at 12 beams (110 mm protected height); no smaller 10 mm-pitch model is listed.

Use instead: Request a series with documented 14 mm detection capability if that is required by the risk assessment. DQA/DQC may offer shorter protective heights, but their 10/14 mm pitches correspond to 18/22 mm minimum detectable objects and are not a substitute for a 14 mm detection requirement.

The transmitter-to-receiver span exceeds 6 m

Why not: DCE's model code offers only two sensing-distance steps -- 0.3-3 m (code A) and 0.3-6 m (code B) -- a shorter range than other series in the catalog.

Use instead: The DQA long-distance safety light curtain series, selectable up to 0.3-40 m by model code.

Washdown, high-pressure hosing, or wet/outdoor environments

Why not: The DCE housing is rated IP65 -- dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets, but not against high-pressure jetting or immersion.

Use instead: Evaluate a DQR configuration only after confirming the exact assembly against the actual water pressure, temperature, cleaning chemicals and connector/seal conditions. A waterproof family name or IP label alone does not establish high-pressure-washdown suitability.

The control cabinet needs a relay (volt-free) output, but the ordered code was NPN/PNP transistor output

Why not: The DCE model-code diagram defines only signal-output letters A/B/C/D (NPN/PNP, NC/NO); no relay ("J"-type) letter is shown there, even though the supply-voltage spec row separately lists an "AC 110-220V (relay output)" version -- so the relay-output ordering path is not fully documented on these pages.

Use instead: Confirm the relay-output ordering code with us before specifying, or select the DQA/DQC series where a relay (J) signal code is explicitly documented in the model-code table.

Ambient temperature outside -10 to +40 degrees C, or condensing conditions

Why not: The DCE operating range is -10 to +40 degrees C, non-condensing. Outside that band, or where the optical faces can condense or ice, detection is not guaranteed.

Use instead: A heated or sheltered enclosure that holds the curtain within spec, or confirm a wide-temperature option with us.

Specifications we do not publish yet

We only publish a figure once we are confident it is true. The items below are still being validated through further testing and real-world customer feedback, so for now we would rather leave them open than guess. If one of them matters to your design, ask us for the latest validated status.

  • Detection accuracy (minimum detectable object) for the 30 mm beam pitch is not printed in the catalog's parameter table (only 10/20/40 mm figures -- 18/28/48 mm -- are given), even though 30 mm-pitch models are listed in the full model table.
  • Relay (volt-free) output ordering code: the supply-voltage spec row mentions "AC110-220V (relay output)", implying a relay-output variant exists, but the DCE model-code diagram only defines signal letters A/B/C/D (NPN/PNP, NC/NO) with no relay/J letter shown.
  • The meaning of the "Q" suffix on the 30 mm-pitch models DCE04/30-90Q through DCE12/30-330Q -- only these five models carry the suffix; the rest of the 30 mm range and all 10/20/40 mm models do not.
  • The "DCEL" designation referenced in the accessory selection guide (the DQCE-04 bracket is listed as being "for DCEL two-end mounting") does not otherwise appear on the DCE pages; its relationship to the DCE series is not documented here.
  • TUV and UL certificate numbers and their exact scope (which DCE pitch/beam-count configurations are covered). Certification documents are available on request.
  • PFHd, MTTFd and DCavg figures needed to integrate DCE into a full ISO 13849-1 machine-level calculation -- the catalog states Category 4 PLd but does not publish these figures.
  • Muting and fixed/floating blanking function availability and configuration are not mentioned on the DCE pages.
  • Cable length options and the full aviation-connector pinout beyond the stated 3-core (transmitter) / 5-core (receiver) core count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What beam pitches and detection capabilities does the DCE series offer?
Beam pitches are 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm. The published minimum detectable objects are 18 mm at 10 mm pitch, 28 mm at 20 mm pitch and 48 mm at 40 mm pitch. The 30 mm-pitch detection figure is not published in the parameter table. Pitch and detection capability are different values; DCE must not be specified as a 14 mm finger-detection device from these figures.
What is the maximum protective height in the DCE series?
The largest listed model, DCE72/40-2840, provides a protective height of 2840 mm.
What is the maximum number of beams available?
Up to 72 beams, available at the 20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm pitch options (e.g., DCE72/20-1420, DCE72/30-2130, DCE72/40-2840).
Does the DCE series support both NPN and PNP output?
The catalogue lists NPN and PNP transistor-output configurations. Dual 7-core cabling applies to the two-output-group models, not every DCE version. Confirm the ordered output, synchronization arrangement, cable core count and pinout against the exact version's wiring diagram.
What does the "Q" suffix mean in model numbers like DCE04/30-90Q?
The Q suffix appears on small-beam-count models at 30 mm pitch (DCE04/30-90Q through DCE12/30-330Q, protective heights 90-330 mm). The specific structural meaning of the "Q" designation is not documented in current source materials.
What mounting accessories are available for the DCE series?
The DQCE-04 end-mounting bracket is supplied as standard for two-end mounting. General-purpose brackets DQCA-01, DQCA-02, and DQCA-03 are also compatible accessories.
Who is the DCE series designed for?
The DCE series is positioned for automation equipment and OEM/machine-builder integration, per its "Automation Safety Light Curtain" naming and its resolution/model range oriented toward equipment openings.

Related Categories and Example Products

Explore other functions that may be needed in a machine or line. The products below are category examples, not pre-validated electrical or safety combinations. Confirm each interface and application separately: Safety Relays · Safety Door Locks & Switches · Press & Press Brake Protection

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