EMX 102-K-GOLD IRB-MON UL325 Photoeye Kit Technical and Monitoring Details
The EMX 102-K-GOLD IRB-MON is a monitored thru-beam infrared photoeye kit designed as a Type B1 non-contact external entrapment protection device for automatic gates, doors, and barriers. The kit combines a separate infrared transmitter and receiver with gold anodized aluminum protective hoods and a receiver sunshield.
The IRB-MON was designed as a universal safety photoeye capable of supporting several different monitored interfaces. This allows the same photoeye family to work with a wide variety of gate and door operators, provided the operator supports one of the IRB-MON monitoring methods and is wired according to the operator and EMX instructions.
What the IRB-MON Does
The transmitter sends an infrared beam across the protected opening to the receiver. When a person, vehicle, or object interrupts the beam, the receiver changes its output so the connected gate or door operator can respond according to its programmed safety function.
- Thru-beam infrared entrapment protection
- Separate transmitter and receiver
- Type B1 non-contact sensor
- UL325-2018 compliant
- Up to 115 ft operating range
- Four supported monitoring interfaces
- Form C relay output for compatible applications
- Adjustable receiver sensitivity
- Green power and alignment indicators
- NEMA 4X housings for indoor or outdoor use
Kit Contents
- IRB-MON infrared transmitter
- IRB-MON infrared receiver
- 2 gold anodized aluminum protective hoods
- Receiver sunshield
This is the gold-hood version of the original IRB-MON kit. Verify current packaged hardware before assuming that posts, conduit fittings, mounting brackets, wire, or other installation accessories are included.
Supported UL325 Monitoring Methods
The IRB-MON supports four different monitoring methods. The correct method is determined by the gate or door operator control board and must be verified from the operator manufacturer's current instructions.
- Normally Closed Monitoring: The operator cycles power to the transmitter while monitoring the receiver's normally closed relay contacts.
- 10K Resistive Termination: Provides a measurable 10K ohm resistance across the normally open contact when unobstructed in the proper fail-safe configuration.
- Two-Wire Pulse - 2 Frequency: Provides a 300 Hz heartbeat when unobstructed and 0 Hz when obstructed over the power wiring.
- Two-Wire Pulse - 3 Frequency: Provides 300 Hz when unobstructed, 2 Hz when obstructed, and 0 Hz when a failure is detected.
Important: Two-wire pulse monitoring requires 6-35 VDC. AC power is not used for the two-wire pulse monitoring configurations. Verify the monitoring method and power supply before wiring the photoeye.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | EMX Industries |
| Part Number | 102-K-GOLD / EMX-102-K (GOLD) |
| Product Family | IRB-MON |
| Product Type | Universal monitored thru-beam infrared photoeye kit |
| Safety Classification | Type B1 non-contact external entrapment protection device |
| UL Compliance | UL325-2018 compliant |
| Configuration | Thru-beam - separate transmitter and receiver |
| Operating Range | 5 ft minimum to 115 ft maximum |
| Power | 6-35 VDC or 12-24 VAC; pulse monitoring requires 6-35 VDC |
| NC / 10K Monitoring Current | Approximately 60 mA with relay activated |
| Pulse Monitoring Current | Approximately 15 mA |
| Relay Output | Form C - NO, COM, NC |
| Resistive Monitoring | 10K ohm termination |
| Monitoring Interfaces | Normally Closed, 10K, 2-frequency pulse, 3-frequency pulse |
| Sensitivity Adjustment | Receiver potentiometer |
| Indicators | Green transmitter power LED and green receiver alignment/detect LED |
| Surge Protection | Thermal fuse |
| Environmental Rating | NEMA 4X |
| Operating Temperature | -40F to 170F (-40C to 77C) |
| Sensor Dimensions | 2.3 x 2.6 x 3.7 in each |
| Approximate Sensor Weight | 0.35 lb transmitter; 0.35 lb receiver |
| Protective Hoods | Gold anodized aluminum |
Gold Protective Hoods
The 102-K-GOLD configuration includes the gold anodized aluminum protective hood set associated with EMX designation IRB-HD-SET. The hoods help protect the transmitter and receiver from physical contact and environmental exposure while maintaining access to the infrared sensing path.
The gold hoods should not be confused with the gray IRB-MON hood option, which uses gray powder-coated steel protective hoods.
Lens-Less Thru-Beam Design
The IRB-MON uses a lens-less infrared design intended to simplify alignment and reduce problems associated with fogging and small objects on conventional lenses. The receiver includes an adjustable sensitivity potentiometer and green alignment indicator to help the installer establish the beam.
The transmitter and receiver must be positioned directly across from one another with a minimum spacing of 5 ft. EMX states that the original IRB-MON should not be used at detection distances shorter than 5 ft.
Monitored and Legacy Operator Applications
The IRB-MON is designed for operators that support monitored external entrapment devices and can also be configured for select older non-monitored applications using its relay output. However, compatibility cannot be determined by voltage or relay type alone.
Before ordering or installing the photoeye, check the gate or door operator manual to determine:
- Whether the operator accepts the IRB-MON as an approved monitored device
- Which monitoring method the operator requires
- Whether the input expects NC, 10K, or pulsed monitoring
- Required supply voltage
- Whether the photoeye is being used for open, close, or another protected entrapment zone
Receiver Generation - Blue vs. Red
EMX publishes separate IRB-MON instructions for older blue receiver boards manufactured before June 2020 and red receiver boards manufactured after June 2020. When servicing an existing installation, identify the receiver-board generation before copying DIP-switch settings or wiring from another installation.
The same IRB-MON product family may therefore appear in installations using different receiver-board colors. Always use the instructions that match the actual receiver being serviced.
IRB-MON vs. IRB-MON2
EMX currently identifies the original IRB-MON 102-K kits as products that are being phased out and lists the IRB-MON2 as the enhanced version of the original IRB-MON. The newer IRB-MON2 maintains a 115 ft maximum range and multiple monitoring methods but uses a redesigned housing and connection arrangement.
Do not assume the original IRB-MON and IRB-MON2 have identical housings, hoods, terminal blocks, or replacement accessories. If selecting equipment for a new installation rather than replacing an existing IRB-MON, compare the current IRB-MON2 before ordering.
Also Known As and Related Part Numbers
- EMX-102-K (GOLD) - Manufacturer kit designation
- 102-K-GOLD - Common catalog formatting
- IRB-MON - Photoeye family
- EMX-102-1 - IRB-MON transmitter and receiver set without the full hood-kit designation
- IRB-HD-SET - Gold anodized aluminum protective hood set
- IRB-RX-SH - Receiver sunshield
- EMX-1000-1 - Newer IRB-MON2 thru-beam photoeye kit; not the same physical product
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the required kit is the original EMX IRB-MON.
- Confirm the desired hood finish is gold anodized aluminum.
- Verify the operator's required UL325 monitoring method.
- Confirm whether the operator requires NC, 10K, 2-frequency pulse, or 3-frequency pulse monitoring.
- For pulse monitoring, verify a 6-35 VDC power source is available.
- Confirm the beam distance is at least 5 ft and no more than 115 ft.
- If replacing an existing IRB-MON, identify whether it has a pre-June-2020 blue receiver or later red receiver.
- For new installations, compare the newer EMX IRB-MON2 before selecting the original IRB-MON.
Installation and Safety Advisory
The IRB-MON is an external entrapment protection device and must be installed according to the current gate or door operator instructions, EMX documentation, UL325 requirements, and applicable codes. The required mounting position and monitoring method depend on the operator and protected entrapment zone.
Do not bypass monitoring, defeat a photoeye input, substitute an unapproved relay connection, or use fail-secure configuration to avoid a required safety function. After installation, obstruct the beam at multiple locations and verify that the operator recognizes the safety input and responds correctly before returning the gate or door to service.
If the operator monitoring method, receiver generation, wiring, safety input, or required entrapment protection is unclear, use a qualified gate, garage door, commercial door, or access-control technician.
Product Questions and Answers
What is included with the EMX 102-K-GOLD IRB-MON kit?
The kit includes the IRB-MON infrared transmitter, receiver, gold anodized aluminum protective hoods, and receiver sunshield. Verify current packaged hardware before assuming that posts, brackets, wire, or conduit fittings are included.
Is the EMX IRB-MON 102-K-GOLD UL325 compliant?
Yes. EMX identifies the IRB-MON as a UL325-2018 compliant Type B1 non-contact external entrapment protection device for compatible automatic gates and doors.
What monitoring methods does the IRB-MON support?
The IRB-MON supports monitored normally closed, 10K resistive termination, two-wire 2-frequency pulse, and two-wire 3-frequency pulse monitoring. The operator manual determines which method must be used.
Can the IRB-MON operate from AC or DC power?
The IRB-MON operates from 6-35 VDC or 12-24 VAC for applicable relay monitoring configurations. Two-wire pulse monitoring requires 6-35 VDC and cannot use AC power.
What is the maximum range of the EMX IRB-MON?
The manufacturer specifies a maximum operating range of 115 ft. EMX also states that the original IRB-MON should not be used at a detection distance shorter than 5 ft.
Will the IRB-MON work with any UL325 gate operator?
No universal model compatibility should be assumed. The IRB-MON supports several common monitoring interfaces, but the gate or door operator must accept the specific photoeye and monitoring method being used. Verify the operator manual before wiring.
What is the difference between the original IRB-MON and IRB-MON2?
The IRB-MON2 is EMX's enhanced version of the original IRB-MON and uses a redesigned housing and connection arrangement. Both support monitored thru-beam applications, but their housings, hoods, terminals, and accessories should not be assumed interchangeable.
Why does my existing IRB-MON receiver look different from a newer one?
EMX publishes separate instructions for blue receiver boards manufactured before June 2020 and red receiver boards manufactured after June 2020. Identify the receiver generation and follow the matching EMX wiring and configuration instructions when servicing an existing installation.
