Ecogate Sensors
Workstation Activity Sensors
Our Workstation Activity Sensors, available in several options, are specifically designed to detect when a workstation is actively producing particulates and requires ventilation.
How Ecogate Sensors Work
Connected to the gates, these sensors detect when a machine requires ventilation and when it does not. The gate board conveys sensor status to the control unit, greenBOX, via Modbus communication. Based on signal status from all machines, the greenBOX operates the Automatic Blast Gates, directing airflow to active machines, maintaining minimum transport air velocity in the duct system, and adjusting fan speed through the Variable Frequency Drive. This approach ensures designed suction at active workstations, while keeping inactive workstation gates closed to conserve energy and maintaining the required transport velocities within the ducting.
Sensor Options
Ecogate offers a variety of sensor options. Standard Sensors are the most prevalent, used for over 95% of machines, as they can be connected to a wide range of voltage inputs, and they are simple to install . For more advanced scenarios where Standard Sensors may not suffice, our Premium Sensors offer enhanced capabilities.
Read about which sensor is best for you.
Standard Sensors
AC/DC Volt Sensor
The AC-DC VOLT sensor input can be connected to both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) circuits, with a voltage range of 24 V to 230 V. It's designed for versatility, connecting seamlessly to various machine circuits, including PLC outputs, contactor coils, and with both AC and DC motors. Equipped with input/output LED indicators for easy monitoring. We recommend installation by a qualified electrician for safety.
AC Volt Sensor
Designed to handle a wide range of input voltage from 110V to 690V AC, this sensor is also equipped with input/output LED indicators for straightforward monitoring, alongside protection against overcurrent and overvoltage spikes. It's ideal for machines operating on 120V, 230V, 460V, or 575V AC power. For safety, installation by a qualified electrician is highly recommended.
Industrial Timer
The Intermatic Industrial Timer is a manual wind-up timer that allows operators to set gate opening durations with a simple turn of the knob. It's particularly useful in welding and fume extraction booths that lack electrical panels for VOLT or CURRENT sensor integration. Additionally, this timer can be wired in parallel with VOLT, CURRENT, or other sensors, facilitating after-shift cleaning processes by ensuring gates remain open for a certain duration of time.
Alternative Sensors
Laser Sensor
CLASS 2
The Keyence Laser Sensor, with a detection range programmable anywhere from 2.5 to 196 inches with separately adjustable minimum and maximum distance. This versatility makes it ideal for use with CNCs, edgebanders, welding booths, wide belt sanders, sanding tables, and polishers.
It excels in detecting both material presence at the workstation and operator movement. The CLASS 2 laser emits a visible beam, an advantage in industrial settings for easily verifying sensor alignment and functionality.
Laser Sensor
CLASS 1
Mirroring the capabilities of its CLASS 2 counterpart, this sensor detects both operator movement and product presence within a 2.5 to 196-inch range.
The key distinction of the CLASS 1 laser sensor lies in its invisible laser, unlike the visible beam of CLASS 2 sensors. This feature makes it particularly suitable for school environments, prioritizing safety without compromising detection accuracy.
Hawkeye
Current Sensor
The Hawkeye Current Sensor can read AC current in a wire, without direct connection to the workstation. Installation is simple with its clamp-on design (note: place inside single phase wire only, not a complete 3-phase cable). It's designed to detect AC currents ranging from 0.5A to 175A, offering adjustable sensitivity via a multi-turn potentiometer. This sensor is ideal for workstations that include an internal VFD, as it can operate where a Volt Sensor cannot—at the VFD output. It's also preferable for situations where direct workstation connections are not desired. The output from this sensor is seamlessly integrated with the Ecogate Smart Gate.