PANASONIC SF4C-H — Safety Light Curtains
Panasonic SF4C-H: ultra-slim Type 4 safety light curtain, PL e / SIL 3, ø25 mm, 0.1–3 m, 160–640 mm, OFF 7 ms, IP67.
Status: In production
Brand: Panasonic
Product: Ultra-slim Type 4 safety light curtain (hand protection, 25 mm)
Safety level: Type 4, Category 4, PL e, SIL 3
Minimum sensing object: ø25 mm (20 mm beam pitch)
Operating range: 0.1–3 m
Protective height: 160–640 mm (8–32 beams)
Response time (ON→OFF): 7 ms or less (all models)
The Panasonic SF4C-H is the hand protection type of the ultra-slim SF4C series: it detects opaque objects of ø25 mm with a 20 mm beam pitch at 0.1–3 m. It is Type 4 to IEC 61496-1/2, Category 4, PL e to ISO 13849-1 and SIL 3 to IEC 61508. 7 models cover protective heights of 160–640 mm, and the OFF response time is 7 ms or less on every model.
The resin body is laser welded and rated IP67 / IP65; the manufacturer states it is approx. 45 % lighter than the aluminium case type. Standard mounting brackets come preinstalled at the factory. Two versions exist: cable type with a 5 m cable and pigtailed type with a 0.5 m connector cable (-J05), both 12-core. OSSD outputs are switchable between PNP and NPN, max. 200 mA. The ELCA function reduces interference without a line. Muting, override, safety input, EDM and large multi-purpose indicators on both sides are provided.
Panasonic SF4C-H technical specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Applicable standards | IEC 61496-1/2 (Type 4), ISO 13849-1 (Category 4, PL e), IEC 61508-1 to 3 (SIL 3) |
| Certifications | CE, UKCA, TÜV SÜD (USA, Canada), Korea KCs |
| Safety ratings | |
| PFHd / MTTFd | per model, see variant table |
| Detection | |
| Operating range | 0.1–3 m |
| Beam pitch | 20 mm |
| Minimum sensing object | ø25 mm opaque object |
| Effective aperture angle | ±2.5° or less for a range exceeding 3 m (IEC 61496-2) |
| Emitting element | infrared LED (855 nm) |
| Ambient illuminance | incandescent light: 5,000 lx or less at the receiving face |
| Electrical characteristics | |
| Supply voltage | 24 V DC +10 / -15 %, ripple P-P 10 % or less |
| Current consumption | per model, see variant table (large indicator off / on) |
| Outputs and indicators | |
| Control outputs (OSSD 1, OSSD 2) | PNP or NPN open-collector transistor (switchable), max. 200 mA |
| Response time | OFF: 7 ms or less, ON: 90 ms or less |
| Auxiliary output (non-safety) | PNP or NPN open collector, max. 100 mA |
| Functions | ELCA, test input, interlock (manual/auto reset), external device monitoring, safety input (safety contact), muting, override, large multi-purpose indicator |
| Environmental | |
| Degree of protection | IP67 / IP65 (IEC) |
| Operating temperature | -10 to +55 °C (no condensation or icing) |
| Storage temperature | -25 to +60 °C |
| Ambient humidity | 30–85 % RH |
| Vibration resistance | 10–55 Hz, 0.75 mm double amplitude, X, Y and Z for two hours each |
| Shock resistance | 300 m/s² (approx. 30 G), X, Y and Z three times each |
| Mechanical and connection | |
| Enclosure material | enclosure and sensing surface polycarbonate alloy; standard mounting bracket (MS-SFC-1) stainless steel |
| Cable | 0.15 mm² 12-core heat-resistant PVC; cable type 5 m, -J05 type 0.5 m with connector |
| Cable extension | up to 30 m for emitter and receiver |
| Accessories supplied | MS-SFC-1 standard mounting bracket 1 set, SF4C-TR25 test rod 1 pc. |
Panasonic SF4C-H models
| Model (cable type, 5 m) | Pigtailed model (0.5 m) | Part No. (cable / pigtailed) | Beams | Protective height | OFF response | Current (emitter / receiver), indicator off | Current, indicator on | PFHd | MTTFd | Weight, cable type | Weight, pigtailed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF4C-H8 | SF4C-H8-J05 | USF4C3H080 / USF4C3H081 | 8 | 160 mm | 7 ms | 70 / 85 mA | 120 / 135 mA | 8.26×10⁻¹⁰ | 391 years | approx. 610 g | approx. 220 g |
| SF4C-H12 | SF4C-H12-J05 | USF4C3H120 / USF4C3H121 | 12 | 240 mm | 7 ms | 70 / 90 mA | 120 / 140 mA | 1.07×10⁻⁹ | 360 years | approx. 680 g | approx. 360 g |
| SF4C-H16 | SF4C-H16-J05 | USF4C3H160 / USF4C3H161 | 16 | 320 mm | 7 ms | 70 / 90 mA | 120 / 140 mA | 1.27×10⁻⁹ | 339 years | approx. 740 g | approx. 340 g |
| SF4C-H20 | SF4C-H20-J05 | USF4C3H200 / USF4C3H201 | 20 | 400 mm | 7 ms | 75 / 95 mA | 120 / 145 mA | 1.52×10⁻⁹ | 316 years | approx. 800 g | approx. 400 g |
| SF4C-H24 | SF4C-H24-J05 | USF4C3H240 / USF4C3H241 | 24 | 480 mm | 7 ms | 75 / 95 mA | 120 / 145 mA | 1.72×10⁻⁹ | 299 years | approx. 850 g | approx. 460 g |
| SF4C-H28 | SF4C-H28-J05 | USF4C3H280 / USF4C3H281 | 28 | 560 mm | 7 ms | 80 / 100 mA | 120 / 150 mA | 1.97×10⁻⁹ | 281 years | approx. 930 g | approx. 530 g |
| SF4C-H32 | SF4C-H32-J05 | USF4C3H320 / USF4C3H321 | 32 | 640 mm | 7 ms | 80 / 100 mA | 120 / 150 mA | 2.22×10⁻⁹ | 265 years | approx. 990 g | approx. 600 g |
Key features
- Ultra-slim body makes the most of the machine opening
- Unified response time on all models (7 ms or less); the safety distance does not change with beam count
- Large multi-purpose indicators on both sides, usable as operation, error or muting lamps via external input
- IP67 protection with a laser-welded resin body
- Standard mounting brackets preinstalled at the factory
- ELCA function and double scanning reduce interference and extraneous light effects
SF4C-H ordering codes
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| SF4C-H8 | cable type (5 m), 8 beams, 160 mm, Part No. USF4C3H080 |
| SF4C-H12 | cable type (5 m), 12 beams, 240 mm, Part No. USF4C3H120 |
| SF4C-H16 | cable type (5 m), 16 beams, 320 mm, Part No. USF4C3H160 |
| SF4C-H20 | cable type (5 m), 20 beams, 400 mm, Part No. USF4C3H200 |
| SF4C-H24 | cable type (5 m), 24 beams, 480 mm, Part No. USF4C3H240 |
| SF4C-H28 | cable type (5 m), 28 beams, 560 mm, Part No. USF4C3H280 |
| SF4C-H32 | cable type (5 m), 32 beams, 640 mm, Part No. USF4C3H320 |
| SF4C-H8-J05 | pigtailed type (0.5 m), 8 beams, 160 mm, Part No. USF4C3H081 |
| SF4C-H12-J05 | pigtailed type (0.5 m), 12 beams, 240 mm, Part No. USF4C3H121 |
| SF4C-H16-J05 | pigtailed type (0.5 m), 16 beams, 320 mm, Part No. USF4C3H161 |
| SF4C-H20-J05 | pigtailed type (0.5 m), 20 beams, 400 mm, Part No. USF4C3H201 |
| SF4C-H24-J05 | pigtailed type (0.5 m), 24 beams, 480 mm, Part No. USF4C3H241 |
| SF4C-H28-J05 | pigtailed type (0.5 m), 28 beams, 560 mm, Part No. USF4C3H281 |
| SF4C-H32-J05 | pigtailed type (0.5 m), 32 beams, 640 mm, Part No. USF4C3H321 |
SF4C-H accessories
Accessories listed by the manufacturer for this product (ordered separately):
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MS-SFC-2 | NA2-N compatible mounting bracket, 4 pcs. |
| MS-SFC-3 | versatile bracket (rear mounting with beam adjustment or dead zoneless center mounting), 4 pcs. |
| MS-SFC-4 | intermediate supporting bracket for versatile bracket, 2 pcs. |
| SFB-CC3-MU | cable with connector on one end for -J05 type, 3 m (2 cables) |
| SFB-CC10-MU | cable with connector on one end for -J05 type, 10 m (2 cables) |
| SFB-CCJ3E-MU | cable with connectors on both ends, emitter, 3 m |
| SFB-CCJ3D-MU | cable with connectors on both ends, receiver, 3 m |
| SFC-WY1 | wire-saving Y-shaped connector for -J05 type |
| WY1-CCN3 | cable with connector on one side for Y-shaped connector, 3 m |
| SF-C13 | slim type control unit, relay output (up to Category 4) |
| SFC-HC | handy-controller |
| SFC-WNC1 | cable set for cable type connection (handy-controller) |
| MS-SFCH-8 | metal protection case (2 pcs.); size per beam count MS-SFCH-□ |
| SF4C-TR25 | spare test rod ø25 mm |
| MS-SFC-1 | spare standard mounting bracket (stainless steel), 4 pcs. |
Other Panasonic Safety Light Curtains
- PANASONIC SF4D-F — Type 4 safety light curtain (finger protection, 14 mm)
- PANASONIC SF4D-H — Type 4 safety light curtain (hand protection, 25 mm)
- PANASONIC SF4D-A — Type 4 safety light curtain (arm/foot protection, 45 mm)
- PANASONIC SF4B-H12C / H96C — Compact Type 4 safety light curtain (hand protection, 25 mm)
- PANASONIC SF4B-A8C / A48C — Compact Type 4 safety light curtain (arm/foot protection, 45 mm)
- PANASONIC SF4C-F — Ultra-slim Type 4 safety light curtain (finger protection, 14 mm)
- PANASONIC SF2C-H — Ultra-slim Type 2 safety light curtain (hand protection, 25 mm)
- PANASONIC BSF4-AH80 — Flameproof Type 4 safety light curtain
- PANASONIC ST4 — Type 4 single-beam safety sensor (sensor head and controller)
Models from other brands: Safety Light Curtains
Is this light curtain right for your machine?
Share the width and height of the opening to be guarded, the required resolution (finger/hand/body), the machine stopping time, the required performance level (PL) and your safety controller; let’s define the right model, safety distance and wiring together.
All product specifications are subject to change without notice. Validation of the safety function and the risk assessment remain the responsibility of the machine builder. Source: Panasonic Industry, https://industry.panasonic.com/global/en/products/fasys/sensor/safety/sf4c, https://industry.panasonic.com/global/en/products/fasys/sensor/safety/number/sf4c-h8, https://industry.panasonic.com/global/en/products/fasys/sensor/safety/number/sf4c-h32 (accessed 25 September 2026).