The IRB-EXP is an ATEX-rated, explosion-proof infrared safety photoeye from EMX for petrochemical and heavy industrial environments. NEMA 4 & 7 cast aluminum housing, certified to NEC Class I/II/III, CSA, and CENELEC EExd IIC. Range up to 35m.
Type: Explosion-Proof Infrared Photoeye
Detection Method: Infrared thru-beam sensing
Operating Range: 3–115 ft (0.9–35 m)
Detection Angle: 18°
Power Supply: 12–24 VAC/DC
Current Consumption: TX < 21 mA / RX 23 mA standby, 17 mA detect
Relay Output: Form C contacts (NO / COM / NC)
Relay Contact Rating: 1 A @ 24 VDC / 120 VAC
Gain Adjustment: Potentiometer adjustable
Operating Temperature: -40°F to +170°F (-40°C to +77°C)
Housing Material: Cast aluminum with epoxy finish
Environmental Rating: NEMA 4 & 7 / IP66 / IP68 / Type 4X
Certifications: NEC Class I, II & III / CSA / CENELEC / EExd IIC
Installation Type: Surface mount transmitter & receiver
Application: Explosive environments, industrial doors, gates, barriers, automation systems
In petrochemical plants, refineries, oil and gas terminals, and other heavy industry, potentially explosive atmospheres can form from gases, vapors, or dust. Standard safety photoeyes simply aren't permitted in these zones — electronic equipment must meet strict international explosion-safety standards. EMX Industries' IRB-EXP is an ATEX-rated thru-beam infrared safety photoeye purpose-built for exactly these environments.
As a thru-beam system, the IRB-EXP consists of a separate transmitter and receiver that maintain an infrared beam between them. The moment a vehicle, person, or object interrupts the beam, the sensor prevents a gate or industrial door from closing — essential for both personal safety and compliance in environments where a closing door on a vehicle or worker could have serious consequences. The detection range of 0.9 to 35 meters, with an 18° detection angle, is more than sufficient for gates and barriers at larger industrial sites, while sensitivity can be precisely tuned to the specific installation via an adjustable potentiometer.
The IRB-EXP's defining characteristic is its explosion-proof construction: the housing is built from cast aluminum with an epoxy finish and meets NEMA 4 & 7 standards. The sensor is certified to NEC Class I/II/III, CSA, and CENELEC EExd IIC — the leading international standards for explosion-proof equipment worldwide. The housing additionally provides IP66/IP68 protection (Type 4X), making the sensor resistant to dust, water jets, and even submersion, and it operates reliably across a temperature range of -40°C to +77°C.
The relay output (Form C, NO/COM/NC) makes integration with virtually any gate or barrier controller straightforward, and the 12–24V AC/DC power supply matches most existing industrial installations. Low power consumption (TX <21mA, RX 17–23mA) also makes the sensor suitable for installations with limited power capacity.
Typical applications include gates and barriers at petrochemical plants, refineries, tank storage facilities, offshore platforms, and other ATEX-zoned locations in heavy industry, where standard safety photoeyes cannot be used due to explosion risk. The rugged, corrosion-resistant construction also makes the IRB-EXP suitable for coastal locations and environments with aggressive chemical vapors.
Request a quote from Secumatic B.V. for advice on the right IRB-EXP configuration and certification for your ATEX zone.
