BBC BircherSafety MatsArea Protection

Safety Mats

BBC Bircher Safety Mats detect the presence of people or objects within a defined floor area, providing reliable area protection for machine guarding and industrial vehicle applications. In combination with the EsMatix 3 safety switching device, the mats form a certified system meeting PLe, Category 3 per EN ISO 13849-1 and type-tested to EN 13856-1. The range includes the ESM-52 in eight standard rectangular sizes, the ESM-54 for intermediate dimensions with active grip or smooth surface, and the ESM-57 for custom shapes, sizes, and multiple active zones.

Operating Guide PDF

EN ISO 13849-1Standard & custom shapes

Key Features

With the EsMatix 3 safety switching device: PLe, Category 3 per EN ISO 13849-1 — type-tested to EN 13856-1.
ESM-52 available in eight standard rectangular sizes; suitable for direct floor installation or under carpeting.
ESM-54 covers intermediate sizes with a choice of active grip or smooth surface finish.
ESM-57 produced to custom size, shape, cable outlet position, and multiple active switching zones in contrasting colours.
EMP forklift mat detects presence of driver on standing platform — stops vehicle if driver exits unexpectedly.
ES-Button flat switch for machine control — actuated by hand, foot, or arm; works horizontally or vertically.
Robust design for contaminated and moist industrial environments.

Best Fit Applications

Machine guarding — reduces risk of injury from moving machine parts by detecting personnel entry into the danger zone.
Forklift operator presence detection — stops vehicle if driver leaves the standing platform unexpectedly.
Robot and automated cell area protection where a defined exclusion zone must be monitored.
Industrial door and gate activation in combination with area presence detection.
Custom machine control interfaces using the ES-Button for hand, foot, or arm actuation.

Safety Mats can be combined to protect larger areas — multiple mats connect to a single EsMatix 3 for extended zone coverage.

Product Range

Product	Description
ESM-52	Standard rectangular safety mat — available in eight sizes; can be laid directly on the floor or under a floor covering such as carpet
ESM-54	Rectangular mat for intermediate sizes — available with active grip surface structure or smooth surface; direct floor or undercarpet installation
ESM-57	Custom-shape safety mat produced to specified dimensions, shape, cable outlet position, and multiple active switching zones highlighted in different colours
EMP (Forklift Mat)	Sensor mat for forklift standing platform — detects driver presence and stops the vehicle if the operator exits the platform unexpectedly
ES-Button	Flat button for machine control functions — mounted horizontally or vertically, actuated by hand, foot, or arm; suited for contaminated and moist environments

Technical Specifications

Operating principle	Pressure-sensitive contact mat
Safety standard	EN 13856-1 (type-tested)
Safety level	PLe, Category 3 per EN ISO 13849-1
Safety device	EsMatix 3 safety switching device (required for PLe)

Standard shapes	Rectangular (ESM-52: 8 sizes; ESM-54: intermediate)
Custom shapes	ESM-57 — any size, shape, cable position, multi-zone
Installation	Direct floor or under floor covering (carpet)
Area expansion	Multiple mats combinable on one EsMatix 3 unit

Installation Notes

Connect mats to the EsMatix 3 safety switching device to achieve the PLe, Cat. 3 certified safety system.
ESM-52 and ESM-54 can be installed directly on the floor surface or under a carpet — no special floor preparation required.
For custom applications, specify the ESM-57 with required dimensions, shape, cable outlet location, and switching zone layout.
For forklift applications, mount the EMP mat on the standing platform and connect to the vehicle's drive control circuit.
Combine multiple mats on a single EsMatix 3 to guard larger machine or robot cell areas.

Refer to the operating guide for wiring diagrams, EsMatix 3 connection details, mat sizing tables, and the ES-Button mounting instructions.

Typical Applications

CNC machine and press guarding where personnel entry into the working zone must be detected.
Robot cell perimeter protection requiring a visible, step-on area safety device.
Forklift and pallet truck operator presence detection on standing platforms.
Assembly line access points where a clearly marked floor safety zone is required.

Contact Pantron Automation to discuss mat selection, sizing, and EsMatix 3 integration for your specific machine safety or area protection application.