BBC BircherPressure Wave Switch

Pressure Wave Switch

The Pressure Wave Switch uses pneumatic pressure wave profiles to protect people and vehicles from contact with closing doors and gates. When pressure is applied, the enclosed air volume is compressed in a pulsed manner, generating a pressure wave that travels through a hose to the switch, triggering the contact. A pressure of only 3 to 4 mbar is needed for switching. The system is practically failsafe, and requires no maintenance — making it a safety solution for public transport vehicle doors as well as access gates and barriers.

Operating Guide PDF

Key Features

Extremely high response sensitivity — reliable switching at just 3 to 4 mbar of applied pressure.
Pneumatic operating principle protects from practically all directions of contact.
Practically failsafe and maintenance-free design reduces operational costs and downtime.
Excellent price-performance ratio for safety edge applications across a wide range of door and gate types.
When pressure is applied, air is compressed and a pressure wave travels via the hose to the switch to trigger the contact.
Robust and durable — well proven in demanding public transport environments.

Best Fit Applications

Bus, train, and tram access doors requiring sensitive, all-direction closing edge protection.
Automatic gates at industrial sites and access-controlled entry points.
Barriers and vehicle access systems where low-pressure activation is required.
Any door or gate application requiring a practically maintenance-free safety edge solution.

The Pressure Wave Switch system is widely used in public transportation, where its sensitivity, durability, and maintenance-free operation make it the preferred safety edge solution for passenger vehicle door applications.

Operating Principle

Stage	Description
1 — Contact with profile	Pressure is applied to the pneumatic profile from any direction along its length or face
2 — Air compression	The enclosed air volume inside the profile is compressed in a pulsed manner, generating a pressure wave
3 — Wave transmission	The pressure wave travels through the connecting hose from the profile to the Pressure Wave Switch unit
4 — Contact triggered	The switch detects the pressure wave at 3–4 mbar and immediately triggers the output contact to stop or reverse the drive

Technical Specifications

Operating principle	Pneumatic pressure wave
Activation pressure	3 to 4 mbar
Detection directions	Practically all directions
Connection	Pneumatic hose from profile to switch

Maintenance	Maintenance-free
Failsafe	Practically failsafe design
Primary applications	Public transport vehicle doors, gates, barriers
Output	Switching contact on pressure wave detection

Installation Notes

Route the pneumatic hose between the profile and the switch unit, keeping bends gradual to prevent restriction of the pressure wave.
Profile can be mounted to any edge requiring protection — the pneumatic principle eliminates electrical connections at the moving profile itself.
No ongoing calibration or maintenance is required after initial commissioning.
Refer to the operating guide for hose length limits, profile mounting dimensions, and output wiring for integration with door and gate controllers.

Contact Pantron Automation for application assistance and to confirm profile and switch unit selection for your specific door or gate type.

Typical Applications

Bus and coach passenger door closing edge protection.
Train and tram door systems requiring sensitive, all-direction safety detection.
Industrial and access control gate edge protection.
Barrier systems at car parks and loading facilities.

For gate applications requiring a rigid, profile-based safety edge with concealed carrier and modular assembly, see the ExpertSystem XL.