A Type 2 safety light curtain is a photoelectric protection device designed to safeguard operators working near machines or moving parts in low- to medium-risk applications. It creates an invisible “curtain” of infrared light beams between a transmitter and receiver. When any object — such as a hand or body part — interrupts these beams, the light curtain sends an immediate stop signal to the machine’s control system, preventing potential injury.
Type 2 light curtains follow the international safety standards IEC 61496-1 and IEC 61496-2, and are typically rated for Performance Level PL c or Safety Integrity Level SIL 1. This means they provide reliable protection but with lower diagnostic coverage and redundancy compared to higher-rated Type 4 models. They perform internal self-checks at power-up, but not continuously during operation — which is why they’re suitable only for less hazardous environments.
These devices are commonly used in assembly machines, pick-and-place systems, laboratory automation, packaging equipment, and light industrial workstations. In such applications, the likelihood of severe injury is minimal, and a Type 2 safety light curtain offers an economical yet effective safety solution.
In simple terms, a Type 2 safety light curtain provides basic protective functionality for machinery where the risk level is not critical. It automatically stops machine movement when an operator enters the detection zone, helping maintain safety without the cost or complexity of a high-end system. However, for high-risk machines like presses or robotic cells, a Type 4 safety light curtain is recommended to ensure full compliance and maximum protection.