Repairs · Installations · Servicing
CENTURION i5 / PHOTON SMART / GAUTENG
Installation, replacement and fault assessment for gate and garage door safety beams. Compare wired i5 beams with the newer Photon SMART wireless option for compatible CENTURION controllers.
WIRED OR WIRELESS / CHOOSE BY APPLICATION
Newer does not automatically mean suitable for every motor. We check the controller, entrance layout, available cabling and required safety response before selecting the equipment.
WIRED / STILL LISTED BY CENTURION
An established wired beam pair for a suitable gate or garage controller. A broad beam pattern and LED indicators assist alignment.
NEWER FULLY WIRELESS OPTION / SMART CONTROLLERS
A fully wireless beam pair for supported CENTURION SMART systems. Both units are battery-powered, with setup through MyCentsys Pro.
COMPARE THE COMPLETE SYSTEM
| What to compare | i5 | Photon SMART |
|---|---|---|
| Installation type | Wired transmitter and receiver | Battery-powered transmitter and receiver |
| Controller connection | Wired relay connection | Wireless link to a supported SMART controller |
| Published beam distance | Up to 40m | Up to 30m |
| Beam receiver to controller | Subject to correct wiring design | Up to 10m wireless link |
| Battery requirement | No separate beam batteries | 2 × AA alkaline per unit |
| Best starting point | Check power supply, safety input and cabling | Check exact SMART controller and placement |
GATES / GARAGE DOORS / CONTROLLER SUPPORT
For fully wireless Photon SMART, CENTURION lists SDO4 SMART. The older SDO4 is a different operator. Other garage motors need a suitable compatible safety-beam interface.
Explore SDO4 SMART ↗Supported SMART gate controllers can use Photon SMART; suitable wired safety inputs may support i5. The motor label and controller version are needed to confirm the installation.
A beam detects interruption along its path. It does not scan the entire opening. Position, mounting height and additional protection must suit the moving door or gate.
PUBLISHED TECHNICAL INFORMATION
| Power supply | 12–24V AC/DC in the product-page data; verify the supplied unit/manual |
|---|---|
| Transmitter consumption | 21mA |
| Receiver consumption | 43mA at 12V |
| Maximum beam distance | 40m |
| Alignment tolerance | 9m² at 10m, assuming parallel surfaces |
| Output | Potential-free relay; maximum 5A non-inductive per linked guide |
| Temperature | −15°C to +55°C |
| Humidity | 0–90%, non-condensing |
| Enclosure rating | IP54 |
| Power supply | 2 × AA alkaline batteries per unit |
|---|---|
| Maximum beam distance | 30m |
| Receiver-to-controller distance | 10m maximum |
| Battery-low indication | MyCentsys Pro, within supported communication range |
| Temperature | −15°C to +65°C |
| Humidity | 0–90%, non-condensing |
| Housing / lens | ABS / polycarbonate |
| Enclosure rating | IP54 |
| Controller requirement | Supported CENTURION SMART controller |
The linked i5 guide contains version-dependent supply information; confirm the label and instructions for the exact units supplied. Its safety note prohibits mains voltage at any terminal. The relay rating is not permission to connect mains power.
Manufacturer references: i5 product information ↗ · Photon SMART information ↗
ASSESS / INSTALL / TEST
Identify the motor, controller and existing beams. Check the opening, mounting surfaces, cabling or wireless placement and the required protective response.
Fit suitable beam units, align the transmitter and receiver and configure the supported controller functions according to the applicable instructions.
Test interruption response and supported fault monitoring, explain lens cleaning and battery requirements, and include the beams in regular servicing.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Wired versus wireless, existing Photon models, controller compatibility and maintenance.
CENTURION still lists the i5 in its safety-accessory range. We present it as a wired option and confirm local supply when quoting. Photon SMART is a newer fully wireless option for compatible controllers, rather than an automatic replacement for every i5 installation.
The i5 uses wired power and a relay connection to the controller. Photon SMART uses battery power at both beam units and communicates wirelessly with a supported CENTURION SMART controller. The controller, entrance layout and installation requirements determine the right choice.
No. It needs a supported CENTURION SMART controller. CENTURION specifically lists SDO4 SMART for garage-door use. An older SDO4 or an unrelated motor should not be assumed compatible because the product name looks similar.
No. The Photon II arrangement uses a battery-powered transmitter but still has a wired receiver. Photon SMART has battery-powered transmitter and receiver units plus a wireless controller link. Send the model labels when asking about an existing Photon installation.
The published maximum beam distance is 40m for i5 and 30m for Photon SMART. Photon SMART also has a separate published maximum of 10m from its receiver to the SMART controller. These are different distances; site conditions and the product instructions still apply.
No. A single beam pair detects an interruption along its installed beam path. It does not cover the whole opening or replace a complete safety assessment. Position, height, other protective measures and controller response need to suit the actual door or gate.
Certain compatible controllers support intruder-detection or related alarm functions using the beam input. This depends on the controller, settings and any additional equipment. Beams are not automatically a complete perimeter alarm system.
Keep people and vehicles clear and arrange an assessment. Obstruction, dirty lenses, alignment, wiring, power, batteries or controller settings may be involved. Do not bypass the beams to restore normal operation.
Each unit uses two AA alkaline batteries: two in the transmitter and two in the receiver. Follow the manufacturer’s battery requirements; rechargeable batteries are not specified for this product. Battery life varies with use and conditions.
Send your suburb, gate or garage motor model, photographs of the existing beams and labels, entrance width and whether you need installation, replacement or fault finding. This helps us assess the correct beam system and controller compatibility.
HOUSE OF DOORS & GATES / GAUTENG
Send your suburb, gate or garage motor model and the beam model if known. Include the entrance width and whether you need a new installation, replacement or help with a fault.
REQUEST A QUOTATION OR GUIDANCE
Complete the details to prepare a WhatsApp message. Review it before sending.