PANASONIC SF4D-A — Safety Light Curtains
Panasonic SF4D-A: Type 4 safety light curtain, PL e / SIL 3, ø45 mm, 0.2–9 m (long mode 0.8–15 m), OFF response 10 ms.
Status: In production
Brand: Panasonic
Product: Type 4 safety light curtain (arm/foot protection, 45 mm)
Safety level: Type 4, Category 4, PL e, SIL 3
Minimum sensing object: ø45 mm (40 mm beam pitch)
Operating range: 0.2–9 m (short mode), 0.8–15 m (long mode)
Protective height: 150–1,910 mm (4–48 beams)
Output: 2 × OSSD, PNP/NPN selectable, max. 350 mA
The Panasonic SF4D-A is the arm/foot protection type of the SF4D series: it detects opaque objects of ø45 mm with a 40 mm beam pitch. It is Type 4 to IEC 61496-1/2, Category 4, PL e to ISO 13849-1:2015 and SIL 3 to IEC 61508. The operating range is selected by DIP switch: 0.2–9 m in short mode and 0.8–15 m in long mode. The range covers 16 models with protective heights from 150 mm to 1,910 mm. The aluminium enclosure is rated IP67, IP65 and NEMA Type 13.
Control outputs OSSD 1 and OSSD 2 are set to PNP or NPN by wiring and switch up to 350 mA. The OFF response time is 10 ms or less for a single unit and 18 ms or less when connected in series or parallel. Up to 5 units can be connected in series (256 beams in total). Interlock, external device monitoring (EDM), muting and override are available depending on the cable type. A digital indicator shows the light incidence margin from 1 to 3. Versions with the -01 suffix are for press and paper shearing machines in Japan.
Panasonic SF4D-A technical specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Applicable standards | IEC 61496-1/2 (Type 4), ISO 13849-1:2015 (Category 4, PL e), IEC 61508-1 to 3 (SIL 3) |
| Certifications | CE, UKCA, TÜV SÜD (USA, Canada), Korea KCs (except -01) |
| Safety ratings | |
| PFHd / MTTFd | per model, see variant table |
| SFF / HFT / subsystem type | 99 % / 1 / Type B (IEC 61508-2) |
| Proof test interval (T1) | 20 years |
| Detection | |
| Operating range | short mode 0.2–9 m, long mode 0.8–15 m (selectable by DIP switch) |
| Minimum sensing object | ø45 mm opaque object |
| Beam pitch | 40 mm |
| Effective aperture angle | ±2.5° or less at 3 m or longer (IEC 61496-2) |
| Emitting element | infrared LED (850 nm) |
| Synchronization | line or optical synchronization (selectable by DIP switch) |
| Ambient illuminance | incandescent light: 5,000 lx or less at the receiving surface |
| Electrical characteristics | |
| Supply voltage | 24 V DC +20 / -30 %, ripple P-P 10 % or less |
| Current consumption | per model, see variant table |
| Outputs and indicators | |
| Control outputs (OSSD 1, OSSD 2) | PNP or NPN open-collector transistor (selectable), max. 350 mA |
| Response time (ON→OFF) | 10 ms or less (single unit), 18 ms or less (series/parallel) |
| Response time (OFF→ON) | 50 ms or less |
| Auxiliary output (non-safety) | PNP or NPN open collector, max. 60 mA |
| Functions | test input, interlock (manual/auto reset), external device monitoring (EDM), muting and override (12-core cable), power save |
| Series / parallel connection | series up to 5 units (256 beams total), parallel up to 3 units (192 beams total) |
| Environmental | |
| Degree of protection | IP67, IP65 (IEC), NEMA Type 13 (NEMA 250) |
| Operating temperature | -10 to +55 °C (no condensation or icing) |
| Storage temperature | -25 to +60 °C |
| Ambient humidity | 30–85 % RH (storage 30–95 % 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 aluminium; detection surface polycarbonate resin and stainless steel (SUS304); upper/lower cap nylon |
| Connection | connector (front access cable) |
| Cable extension | up to 70 m total each for emitter and receiver with optional cables |
| Weight (emitter + receiver) | approx. 270–4,800 g, per model |
Panasonic SF4D-A models
| Model | Japanese press compliant | Beams | Protective height | OFF response (single unit) | Current consumption (emitter / receiver) | PFHd | MTTFd | Weight (emitter + receiver) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF4D-A4 | SF4D-A4-01 | 4 | 150 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 120 mA | 8.29×10⁻¹⁰ | 1,577 years or more | approx. 270 g |
| SF4D-A6 | SF4D-A6-01 | 6 | 230 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 120 mA | 9.34×10⁻¹⁰ | 1,378 years or more | approx. 470 g |
| SF4D-A8 | SF4D-A8-01 | 8 | 310 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 120 mA | 1.01×10⁻⁹ | 1,267 years or more | approx. 680 g |
| SF4D-A10 | SF4D-A10-01 | 10 | 390 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 120 mA | 1.11×10⁻⁹ | 1,136 years or more | approx. 890 g |
| SF4D-A12 | SF4D-A12-01 | 12 | 470 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 130 mA | 1.18×10⁻⁹ | 1,060 years or more | approx. 1,100 g |
| SF4D-A14 | SF4D-A14-01 | 14 | 550 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 130 mA | 1.29×10⁻⁹ | 966 years or more | approx. 1,300 g |
| SF4D-A16 | SF4D-A16-01 | 16 | 630 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 130 mA | 1.36×10⁻⁹ | 910 years or more | approx. 1,500 g |
| SF4D-A18 | SF4D-A18-01 | 18 | 710 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 130 mA | 1.46×10⁻⁹ | 840 years or more | approx. 1,700 g |
| SF4D-A20 | SF4D-A20-01 | 20 | 790 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 130 mA | 1.54×10⁻⁹ | 798 years or more | approx. 1,900 g |
| SF4D-A24 | SF4D-A24-01 | 24 | 950 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 140 mA | 1.71×10⁻⁹ | 710 years or more | approx. 2,300 g |
| SF4D-A28 | SF4D-A28-01 | 28 | 1,110 mm | 6 ms | 100 / 140 mA | 1.89×10⁻⁹ | 640 years or more | approx. 2,800 g |
| SF4D-A32 | SF4D-A32-01 | 32 | 1,270 mm | 6 ms | 110 / 140 mA | 2.07×10⁻⁹ | 582 years or more | approx. 3,200 g |
| SF4D-A36 | SF4D-A36-01 | 36 | 1,430 mm | 6 ms | 110 / 150 mA | 2.24×10⁻⁹ | 534 years or more | approx. 3,600 g |
| SF4D-A40 | SF4D-A40-01 | 40 | 1,590 mm | 6 ms | 110 / 150 mA | 2.42×10⁻⁹ | 493 years or more | approx. 4,000 g |
| SF4D-A44 | SF4D-A44-01 | 44 | 1,750 mm | 6 ms | 110 / 150 mA | 2.60×10⁻⁹ | 458 years or more | approx. 4,400 g |
| SF4D-A48 | SF4D-A48-01 | 48 | 1,910 mm | 6 ms | 110 / 160 mA | 2.77×10⁻⁹ | 428 years or more | approx. 4,800 g |
Key features
- Slim, robust aluminium body; downsized internal unit and thicker case
- IP67, IP65 (IEC) and NEMA Type 13 protection against water and coolants
- Digital indicator showing light incidence margin (1 to 3) and error numbers
- OFF response time of 10 ms or less for a single unit
- One model supports PNP and NPN output; polarity selected by wiring
- Series connection of up to 5 units (256 beams total), detachable front access cable
SF4D-A ordering codes
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| SF4D-A4 | arm/foot protection, 4 beams, protective height 150 mm |
| SF4D-A6 | arm/foot protection, 6 beams, protective height 230 mm |
| SF4D-A8 | arm/foot protection, 8 beams, protective height 310 mm |
| SF4D-A10 | arm/foot protection, 10 beams, protective height 390 mm |
| SF4D-A12 | arm/foot protection, 12 beams, protective height 470 mm |
| SF4D-A14 | arm/foot protection, 14 beams, protective height 550 mm |
| SF4D-A16 | arm/foot protection, 16 beams, protective height 630 mm |
| SF4D-A18 | arm/foot protection, 18 beams, protective height 710 mm |
| SF4D-A20 | arm/foot protection, 20 beams, protective height 790 mm |
| SF4D-A24 | arm/foot protection, 24 beams, protective height 950 mm |
| SF4D-A28 | arm/foot protection, 28 beams, protective height 1,110 mm |
| SF4D-A32 | arm/foot protection, 32 beams, protective height 1,270 mm |
| SF4D-A36 | arm/foot protection, 36 beams, protective height 1,430 mm |
| SF4D-A40 | arm/foot protection, 40 beams, protective height 1,590 mm |
| SF4D-A44 | arm/foot protection, 44 beams, protective height 1,750 mm |
| SF4D-A48 | arm/foot protection, 48 beams, protective height 1,910 mm |
SF4D-A accessories
Accessories listed by the manufacturer for this product (ordered separately):
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| MS-SFD-1-5 | beam adjustment mounting bracket (M5), 4 pcs. for emitter and receiver |
| MS-SFD-1-6 | beam adjustment mounting bracket (M6), 4 pcs. |
| MS-SFD-3-6 | dead zoneless beam adjustment mounting bracket, 4 pcs. |
| MS-SFB-2 | intermediate supporting bracket, 2 pcs. |
| SFD-CCB3 | bottom cap cable, discrete wire, 8-core, 3 m (2 cables) |
| SFD-CCB10 | bottom cap cable, discrete wire, 8-core, 10 m (2 cables) |
| SFD-CCB5-S | bottom cap cable, discrete wire, 5-core, 5 m (2 cables) |
| SFD-CCB3-MU | bottom cap cable, discrete wire, 12-core, 3 m (2 cables) |
| SFD-CB05 | bottom cap cable, with connector, 8-core, 0.5 m (2 cables) |
| SFD-CSL05 | cable for series connection, 0.5 m (2 cables) |
| SFD-WL3 | IO-Link communication unit |
| SF4D-TM1 | communication module (for settings with Configurator Light Curtain software) |
| SF-C21 | safety control unit |
| SFB-WY1 | wire-saving Y-shaped connector (for 8-core standard cable) |
| SF4B-TR45 | test rod ø45 mm |
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 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 SF4C-H — Ultra-slim Type 4 safety light curtain (hand protection, 25 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/sf4d, https://industry.panasonic.com/global/en/products/fasys/sensor/safety/number/sf4d-a4, https://industry.panasonic.com/global/en/products/fasys/sensor/safety/number/sf4d-a24, https://industry.panasonic.com/global/en/products/fasys/sensor/safety/number/sf4d-a48 (accessed 25 September 2026).