Introduction to the PB-100FA Quad Beam Perimeter Sensor
The PB-100FA Quad Beam Perimeter Sensor — 100 m is a purpose-built outdoor perimeter detection solution designed for sites that demand reliable, long-range intrusion detection with minimal nuisance alarms. As a quad (4-beam) photoelectric sensor, the PB-100FA uses synchronised beams, double-modulation and auto-gain circuitry to provide robust detection out to 100 m (330 ft) while tolerating challenging outdoor conditions such as high ambient light and small animal movement. Housed in an IP55 weatherproof enclosure with a polycarbonate cover, this unit is tailored for commercial perimeters, warehouses, utilities and other outdoor environments where continuous protection is critical.
Key features at a glance
- Quad synchronised infrared beamswith AND gating for enhanced false-alarm resistance.
- High light immunityvia double-modulation and phase-locked loop tuning amplifier (up to 50,000 lux).
- Auto-gain control (AGC)and auto-gain lock, plus audible alignment tone and monitor jack for fast commissioning.
- Long protection distance— effective detection to 100 m (330 ft) outdoor.
- Flexible electricals— 12–30 V DC (non-polarity) supply; dry-contact alarm (selectable NO/NC) and tamper outputs.
- Weatherproof build— IP55-rated polycarbonate cover suitable for outdoor installations.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The PB-100FA is engineered to combine long-range performance with practical installer features and durable outdoor operation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most relevant specifications and the real-world benefits they deliver.
- Model:PB-100FA
- Protection distance:100 m (330 ft) — enables protection of large open perimeters and long fence lines with fewer sensor pairs.
- Response time:Adjustable 50–700 ms (standard 50 ms) — configurable to balance detection speed and immunity to transient disturbances.
- Beam adjustment:Wide alignment tolerance (±90° horizontal, ±10° vertical) — simplifies mounting on posts, walls or irregular terrain.
- Light immunity:Up to 50,000 lux thanks to double-modulation and phase-locked loop tuning — keeps performance stable in bright sunlight or glare.
- Indicators:Alignment tone, alarm/memory LEDs and attenuation LED — accelerate setup and troubleshooting on site.
- Enclosure rating:IP55 — resistant to dust and water jets, suitable for most outdoor exposures (avoid full submersion).
- Operating temperature:−35°C to +66°C — wide ambient tolerance for harsh climates.
- Housing:Polycarbonate cover — durable, impact-resistant and UV-tolerant for outdoor use.
- Power supply:12–30 V DC (non-polarity) — allows flexible power sourcing across installations.
- Current consumption:Approx. 105 mA (typical receiver total) — modest power draw appropriate for standalone or networked sites.
- Alarm output:Dry-contact relay, selectable NO/NC, 30 V, 1 A — integrates easily with panel inputs and access control systems.
- Tamper output:NC contact, 30 V, 0.1 A — provides anti-tamper reporting for cabinet or cover removal.
- Functions:Double modulation, AGC, auto-gain lock and monitor jack — ensure reliable detection and help installers achieve optimal alignment.
- Weight:Transmitter ≈ 1200 g; Receiver ≈ 1300 g — rugged but manageable for standard mounting hardware.
Benefits summary: the PB-100FA’s combination of long-range beams, multi-beam AND gating and advanced modulation makes it highly resistant to nuisance triggers from small animals, foliage, rain or transient light. Installation features such as the alignment tone and wide beam adjustment reduce commissioning time and callbacks. Electrical flexibility and conventional alarm/tamper outputs ensure compatibility with most security systems.
Use cases and scenarios where the PB-100FA excels
The PB-100FA is ideal for sites that require reliable line-of-sight perimeter protection at significant distances. Typical applications include:
- Commercial and industrial perimeters:Warehouses, factories and logistics hubs with long fence lines benefit from the PB-100FA’s 100 m reach and low nuisance alarm rate.
- Utilities and critical infrastructure:Power substations, water treatment plants and pump stations often require discrete, reliable detection around large compounds; the PB-100FA provides a robust first line of detection.
- Remote or unmanned sites:Sites without constant patrols gain from dependable detection and simple wiring to alarm panels or remote monitoring systems.
- Temporary or event perimeters:When rapid deployment and quick alignment are needed, the audible tone and wide beam adjustment speed commissioning.
- Integration with multi-layered security:The PB-100FA pairs well with CCTV, lighting and access control — serving as the initial trigger for PSIM, PTZ camera auto-tracking or targeted lighting activation.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating perimeter sensors, buyers typically consider active infrared beam sensors (single, dual or quad beam), microwave barriers, and fence-mounted vibration sensors. Here’s how the PB-100FA compares across common categories.
- Single-beam sensors are simple and cost-effective but more prone to false alarms from birds, foliage or momentary obstructions. Dual-beam setups improve reliability but can still be vulnerable in high-disturbance environments.
- The PB-100FA’s quad synchronised beams with AND gating require multiple beams to be interrupted before an alarm is triggered, substantially reducing nuisance alarms and making it better suited for demanding outdoor perimeters.
- Microwave barriers detect motion by field disturbance and can cover wide swathes, but they are sensitive to environmental clutter and may detect animals or vegetation movement unless carefully tuned.
- Fence-mounted vibration sensors detect tampering or climbing but are limited to direct fence contacts and can be triggered by wind or heavy rain if not calibrated.
- Active infrared beams like the PB-100FA provide a clear, defined detection line that is easy to visualize and align. For many outdoor perimeter deployments, a beam system combined with fence sensors and cameras provides complementary layers of detection.
- High light immunity and double-modulation make it particularly reliable in bright sunlight or locations with reflective surfaces.
- Auto-gain control and audible alignment simplify field setup compared with basic beam sensors that require painstaking manual tuning.
- IP55 weatherproofing and wide operating temperature range make it suitable for harsh environments.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Public customer testimonials for this exact model may be limited depending on region and distributor. However, installers and systems integrators who choose quad-beam solutions commonly report the following positive impressions (synthesized from field experience with similar products and the PB-100FA’s feature set):
- Reduced false alarms:The multi-beam AND gating and double-modulation significantly cut down nuisance alarms caused by small animals and environmental noise compared with single-beam setups.
- Faster commissioning:The audible alignment tone and monitor jack save time during field alignment, especially when mounting on posts at distance.
- Reliable in bright conditions:High light immunity is frequently called out when deploying in open sites with strong sunlight or reflective surfaces.
- Robust outdoors:Installers appreciate the IP55 enclosure and durable materials for long-term outdoor service, provided mounting and routine checks are performed.
Note: These impressions are representative installer observations rather than verbatim customer reviews. Prospective buyers should consult manufacturer datasheets, local references and pilot installations to validate performance for their specific site.
Conclusion: Why choose the PB-100FA for perimeter protection
The PB-100FA Quad Beam Perimeter Sensor offers a compelling balance of long-range coverage, low nuisance alarm rates and practical installer features. Its quad synchronised beams, double-modulation and auto-gain circuitry address the primary challenges of outdoor perimeter detection: environmental noise, wildlife and variable lighting. With flexible power options, conventional alarm/tamper outputs and an IP55-rated enclosure, the PB-100FA is well suited for commercial perimeters, utilities, warehouses and remote installations where dependable first-line detection is essential.
Cost-conscious buyers will note a suggested price of approximately 295.72 (suggested retail) with a cost price of 248.4; the final value proposition depends on site complexity, integration needs and total installed system design. For installations that require reliable long-distance detection with minimal false alarms and straightforward commissioning, the PB-100FA is a strong candidate as part of a multi-layered perimeter security strategy.
For complete technical details, installation procedures and variant options, consult the manufacturer datasheet and engage a qualified technician to ensure proper alignment, wiring and regulatory compliance.