Motorline MF40BAT Gate Safety Sensor | Wireless Safety Photocells
Motorline MF40BAT wireless gate safety sensor with infrared photocells and photo-electric beams. Battery-powered safety photocells for automatic gates up to 20m.

The Motorline MF40BAT Safety Photocells are advanced infrared gate safety sensors designed to protect people, vehicles, and property in automatic gate and door systems. Using a photo-electric beam transmitter and receiver, these safety photocells detect obstacles across the gate opening and immediately stop or reverse gate movement when the beam is interrupted.
The MF40BAT model is specifically designed for installations where running cables is difficult or impossible. Its battery-powered transmitter and wireless operation allow installers to deploy reliable gate safety protection without trenching or wiring.
With a detection range of up to 20 metres, adjustable sensor alignment, and durable outdoor construction, the MF40BAT is ideal for residential driveways, commercial properties, car parks, and industrial gate automation systems across Australia.

“TX” Optic: Works with Wireless Connection, Battery(3,6V)
“RX” Optic: Works With Wire Connection, 12/24 VAC/DC
Wireless battery-powered gate safety sensor – perfect for installations where cabling is difficult
Infrared photo-electric beam technology for precise obstacle detection
Detection range up to 20 metres for wide driveway and gate openings
Adjustable sensor orientation (180° horizontal / 10° vertical) for easy alignment
Compatible with rechargeable batteries and solar panels for long-term autonomous operation
Dual communication channels (10 kHz / 4 kHz) to prevent interference between installations
LED indicators for signal alignment to simplify installation
Weather-resistant IP54 enclosure for outdoor use
Wide operating temperature (-25°C to +70°C) suitable for harsh environments

Safety photocells are an essential component of modern gate automation systems. These infrared photo-electric beams create an invisible safety barrier across the gate entrance.
When a person, vehicle, or object interrupts the beam:
The gate motor immediately stops.
The gate may reverse direction depending on the control board settings.
Potential injury or property damage is prevented.
This makes gate safety sensors mandatory for many automated gate installations and recommended for residential and commercial properties.
The battery-powered transmitter eliminates the need to run wires across the driveway, saving installation time and cost.
The infrared beam instantly detects obstacles, ensuring gates stop or reverse before contact occurs.
Adjustable alignment (180° horizontal rotation) allows installers to easily position the sensors even on uneven surfaces or complex gate layouts.
Rechargeable battery versions can connect to a solar panel for maintenance-free operation, ideal for remote gates and rural properties.
With IP54 weather protection and wide temperature tolerance, the MF40BAT works reliably in Australian residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
The Motorline MF40BAT safety photocells are commonly used with:
Automatic sliding gates
Swing gate automation systems
Boom gates and car park barriers
Industrial access gates
Smart home gate systems
Commercial driveway gates



| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Model | Motorline MF40BAT |
| Sensor Type | Infrared photo-electric beam safety photocells |
| Detection Range | 1 – 20 m |
| Operating Frequency | 940 nm infrared |
| Channels | Channel 1 (10 kHz) / Channel 2 (4 kHz) |
| Orientation Adjustment | 180° horizontal / 10° vertical |
| Transmitter Power Supply | 3.6V AA battery or 3.7V rechargeable battery |
| Solar Panel Compatibility | 4V 150mA monocrystalline solar panel |
| TX Power Consumption | 200–300 µA |
| Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Operating Temperature | −25°C to +70°C |
| Relay Output (Receiver) | 125VAC / 1A – 30VDC / 0.5A |
| Recommended Installation Distance | Up to 20 m |
| Application | Automatic gates and doors |
“TX” Optic: Works with Wireless Connection, Battery(3,6V)
“RX” Optic: Works With Wire Connection, 12/24 VAC/DC
Specifications based on manufacturer documentation.


Infrared safety photocells operate using two components:
1. Transmitter (TX)
Emits an invisible infrared beam across the gate entrance.
2. Receiver (RX)
Receives the beam and monitors the signal continuously.
When the beam is interrupted by a vehicle, person, or object, the receiver triggers a signal to the gate controller to stop or reverse gate movement. This simple yet reliable technology is why photo-electric safety beams are widely used in gate automation systems worldwide.


“TX” Optic: Works with Wireless Connection, Battery(3,6V)
“RX” Optic: Works With Wire Connection, 12/24 VAC/DC
A gate safety sensor is a device that uses infrared photo-electric beams to detect obstacles in the path of an automatic gate. If the beam is interrupted, the gate stops or reverses to prevent accidents.
Safety photocells protect people, vehicles, pets, and property by monitoring the gate opening and preventing the gate from closing when an obstruction is present.
Many modern gate automation systems strongly recommend or require safety photocells to meet safety standards and reduce liability risks.
Reflective safety sensors use a mirror reflector on the opposite side.
Photoelectric beam sensors (like MF40BAT) use a transmitter-receiver pair for greater reliability and longer range.
The MF40BAT provides obstacle detection from approximately 1 metre up to 20 metres, depending on installation conditions.
Yes. The transmitter runs on batteries and can optionally be powered by a solar panel and rechargeable battery, making it ideal for wireless installations.
They are typically mounted on both sides of the gate opening at a height of 400–600 mm, creating a safety beam across the driveway.
This technical table highlights the key distinctions among the 4 models in the Motorline MF40 lineup, helping you find the best option and the ideal variant for your specific gate installation layout.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| MF40 | MF40LED | MF40BAT | MF40BAT-REC | |
| Primary Advantage | Standard Long Range | Integrated Warning Light | Wireless (Dry Battery) | Wireless (Solar/Rechargeable) |
| Technology | Infrared Photocells | Infrared Photocells + LED Signal Light | Wireless Infrared Photocells | Wireless Infrared Photocells |
| Max Detection Range | 40m | 40m | 20m | 20m |
| Installation | Wired installations | Wired installations | Wireless installations | Wireless installations |
| Power Supply TX | 12/24V AC/DC | 12/24V AC/DC | 3.6V Non-Rechargeable Bat | 3.7V Rechargeable Battery |
| Power Supply RX | 12/24V AC/DC | 12/24V AC/DC | 12/24V AC/DC | 12/24V AC/DC |
| Current Absorption | TX: 10mA | RX: 12mA | TX: 45mA | RX: 48mA | 200 – 300 μA | 200 – 300 μA |
| Max Power Output | 0.28W | 0.5W | 1.05mW | 1.05mW |
| Solar Panel Pairing | No | No | No | Yes (4V 150mA Included) |
| Wireless Installation | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Solar Compatible | No | No | No | Yes |
| Integrated LED Signal Light | No | Yes (Amber / RGB) | No | No |
| Horizontal Adjustment | 180° | 180° | 180° | 180° |
| Vertical Adjustment | 10° | 10° | 10° | 10° |
| Channels | 2 (10kHz / 4kHz) | 2 (10kHz / 4kHz) | 2 (10kHz / 4kHz) | 2 (10kHz / 4kHz) |
| Protection Rating | IP54 | IP54 | IP54 | IP54 |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +70°C | -25°C to +70°C | -25°C to +70°C | -25°C to +70°C |
| Best Application | Long-distance wired installations | Long-distance installations requiring visual warning | Wireless retrofit installations | Solar-powered and remote sites |