BEA 10BODYGUARDT Overhead Prescence Sensor for Automatic Doors

The BEA 10BODYGUARDT is a header-mounted overhead presence sensor built specifically for pedestrian automatic doors. It uses active infrared technology in presence detection mode to protect the threshold while the door is in the open state, preventing a closed door from opening and an open door from closing whenever a person is within the detection zone. The housing is black anodized aluminum with ABS plastic, measuring 12" wide by 2" high by 2" deep, and weighs 1 lb 11 oz. It runs on 12 to 24 VAC or VDC and includes a 4-foot cable.

What the 10BODYGUARDT protects against on automatic doors

Threshold protection is the core job of this sensor. Without a presence sensor at the header, an automatic door has no way to detect a person standing directly in the opening during the door's cycle. The 10BODYGUARDT monitors that zone continuously while the door is open and signals the door control to hold the open state as long as a person remains in the detection area. It also protects in the opposite direction: if the door is closed and begins an opening cycle, the sensor will interrupt that cycle if someone is already in the detection zone on the approach side.

This dual-direction threshold protection is what separates a presence sensor from a simple motion or activation sensor. The 10BODYGUARDT keeps the door from creating a pinch or strike hazard during the transition between open and closed states. Detection patterns for the open and closed door states are configured independently, with separate controls for pattern width, depth, and sensitivity. That separation lets installers tune the sensor's behavior precisely for the geometry of each specific opening rather than applying a single fixed zone to both states.

Door types and installation requirements

The 10BODYGUARDT is compatible with single swing doors, simultaneous door pairs, dual egress configurations, and folding doors. For any application other than a basic single swing, it must be paired with an appropriate interface or lockout device that coordinates the sensor's output with the specific door control system in use.

Installation height is variable up to a maximum of 9 feet, with a recommended range of 6'6" to 8'0" for optimal detection coverage. Mounting angle options are 5 degrees and 10 degrees (factory default is 5 degrees). When installed with the optional BODYMOUNT accessory, a flat 0-degree angle is also available. All pattern adjustments are made using the BEA remote control rather than manual dip switches, which simplifies setup at height and allows fine-tuning without removing the sensor from the header. A visible LED on the sensor indicates whether the connection between the sensor and the door control is active, giving installers and technicians an immediate status check without accessing the controller cabinet.

Monitoring, output, and compatibility notes

The 10BODYGUARDT is fully monitored internally and capable of accepting external monitoring as well, which satisfies the requirements of door control systems that supervise their safety sensor inputs. Output contacts are rated for 60VDC or 125VAC with a maximum contact current of 1 amp and a maximum power of 30W DC or 60VA AC. Relay hold time is adjustable from 0.5 to 9 seconds. The sensor is immune to electrical and radio frequency interference, which matters in commercial environments with high-voltage or wireless equipment nearby. Operating temperature range is -22°F to 140°F.

One installation note: when connecting the 10BODYGUARDT to unmonitored door controls that supply AC voltage or unfiltered DC voltage, BEA's Rectifier Module (Part #20.5411) is required to disable the monitoring function. Confirm your door controller's output type before installation. The full range of BEA sensors is available on this site, and the broader sensors and detectors category covers compatible products for complete automatic door systems. For coordinating door hardware including door closers, those are available separately.