Expert Guide: 7 Common BEA IXIO Installation Mistakes & How to Fix Them Fast in 2025

Abstract

The BEA IXIO-DT1, a dual-technology motion and presence sensor, represents a cornerstone in modern automatic door systems, combining microwave radar for activation with active infrared for pedestrian safety. This document provides a meticulous analysis of the sensor's installation and configuration process, specifically targeting common errors encountered by technicians in the European and Middle Eastern markets. It examines seven critical installation mistakes, ranging from incorrect physical mounting to the nuanced misconfiguration of its sophisticated detection fields and safety curtains. The analysis is grounded in the technical specifications of the device and the stringent requirements of the EN 16005 safety standard. By deconstructing the operational principles of both the radar and infrared components, the text elucidates the causal relationship between improper setup and system malfunction or non-compliance. It offers structured, step-by-step corrective procedures, emphasizing the importance of a methodical approach to commissioning, including walk-testing and parameter adjustment via the universal remote control, to ensure optimal performance and uncompromising safety.

Key Takeaways

• Mount the BEA IXIO at the correct height and angle to ensure proper detection field coverage.
• Understand the distinct roles of microwave for activation and infrared for threshold safety.
• Always perform a detailed walk test to fine-tune the sensor's detection and safety zones.
• Configure the infrared safety curtain according to EN 16005 to prevent door contact.
• Use the cross-traffic rejection feature to prevent unnecessary door activations.
• Ensure the power supply is stable and wiring conforms to manufacturer specifications.
• Document all settings and tests as part of the final commissioning process for compliance.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the BEA IXIO: A Matter of Dual Perception
• Mistake 1: Incorrect Mounting Height and Angle
• Mistake 2: Misinterpreting the Dual-Technology Dynamic
• Mistake 3: Improperly Setting the Detection and Safety Fields
• Mistake 4: Neglecting the Nuances of the Infrared Safety Curtain
• Mistake 5: Failing to Optimize for Cross-Traffic Rejection
• Mistake 6: Overlooking Power Supply and Wiring Integrity
• Mistake 7: Skipping the Rigorous Commissioning and Final Walk Test
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Understanding the BEA IXIO: A Matter of Dual Perception

Before we can meaningfully dissect the errors one might make in the installation of a device like the BEA IXIO, we must first cultivate a deeper appreciation for its design philosophy. To view it as a simple "motion sensor" is to miss the elegance of its dual nature. It is more accurate to think of it as a sophisticated perceptual system, one endowed with two distinct senses, each tailored for a specific task, working in concert to create a seamless and safe user experience.

Imagine, for a moment, the responsibilities of a doorman at a grand hotel. His first task is to be aware of the hotel's entrance, to see guests approaching from a distance, and to open the door in a timely, welcoming manner. This is the role of the IXIO's microwave radar. It emits a high-frequency field, and by analyzing the Doppler shift in the reflected waves, it perceives motion. It is excellent at detecting movement over a relatively large, deep area.

However, once the door is open, the doorman's responsibility shifts. His focus is no longer on the approaching street but on the immediate threshold of the door itself. He must ensure the door does not close while a guest is passing through, perhaps pausing to adjust their luggage or speak to a companion. This is the role of the BEA IXIO's active infrared (IR) curtain. It projects a dense pattern of IR beams toward the floor and detects presence by analyzing the reflected light. It is not looking for motion but for the simple, static presence of a person or object within that critical threshold area.

The genius of the IXIO, therefore, lies not just in having these two technologies but in their intelligent integration. It is a system that transitions from a wide, motion-based awareness to a focused, presence-based safety protocol. The errors we will explore are not merely technical slips; they are failures to respect this fundamental duality. They arise from treating the sensor as a monolithic block rather than a system of two complementary intelligences. By understanding this core concept, the logic behind the correct installation procedures becomes not just a set of rules to be memorized but a series of intuitive steps designed to harmonize these two perceptual modes.

The Importance of a Standardized Framework: EN 16005

Our discussion would be incomplete without acknowledging the regulatory landscape that governs powered pedestrian doors in Europe. The EN 16005 standard, "Power operated pedestrian doorsets - Safety in use - Requirements and test methods," is the foundational text for ensuring these systems are safe for public use. It is not an optional guideline but a harmonized standard that provides a presumption of conformity with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

EN 16005 dictates the minimum levels of safety required, addressing risks like crushing, shearing, and impact. The BEA IXIO was designed with these requirements at its heart. Its features—the high-density infrared safety curtain, its ability to monitor the door's position, its precise adjustability—are all tools provided to the technician to achieve compliance. Therefore, when we speak of "correctly" installing the sensor, we are implicitly speaking of installing it in a way that satisfies the rigorous demands of EN 16005. Each mistake we analyze is not just a technical error; it is a step away from this legal and ethical obligation to ensure public safety.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Mounting Height and Angle

The physical placement of the sensor is the foundation upon which all subsequent electronic configuration is built. An error here is like building a house on a flawed foundation; no amount of interior decoration can fully compensate for the initial structural defect. The two most common errors in physical placement are incorrect mounting height and improper angle.

The Mistake Explained: A Game of Geometry

The BEA IXIO's datasheet specifies a recommended mounting height range, typically from 2 meters to 3.5 meters. Installing the sensor significantly above or below this range fundamentally alters the geometry of its detection fields.

Imagine holding a flashlight and pointing it at the floor. If you hold it very low, the circle of light is small and intense. If you hold it very high, the circle becomes large and diffuse. The IXIO's microwave and infrared fields behave in a similar fashion.

• Mounted Too Low: The detection fields become compressed and may not extend far enough to activate the door for a person approaching at a normal walking speed. The infrared safety curtain might be too narrow, leaving unprotected zones near the door frame.
• Mounted Too High: The fields become overly broad and less sensitive. The microwave radar may trigger for traffic far away from the door, while the infrared spots on the floor become so spread out that a small child or a piece of luggage could be missed between them.

The angle is equally consequential. The sensor is designed to be tilted slightly forward, typically around 15 degrees, to aim the infrared safety curtain directly into the threshold area. Mounting it perfectly flat (0 degrees) or tilting it too far can misplace this critical safety zone, either in front of or behind the door's path.

Why It Happens: Haste and Misunderstanding

These errors often stem from a rush to complete the job or a simple lack of appreciation for the sensor's operational physics. A technician might mount the sensor at a height that is simply convenient, perhaps aligning it with existing architectural lines without consulting the manual. The angular error often comes from assuming the sensor should be mounted flush against the header, which might not be perfectly vertical. It is a failure to pause and consider the sensor not as a box to be attached, but as an eye that must be precisely aimed.

The Correct Procedure: Measure, Aim, Secure

1. Consult the Manual: Before drilling any holes, consult the installation manual for the specific model of door operator and the BEA IXIO-DT1 sensor. Verify the recommended height range. For most standard applications, a height of 2.2 to 2.5 meters is a good starting point.
2. Measure and Mark: Use a tape measure to accurately determine the height from the finished floor level. Mark the centerline of the door on the header.
3. Position the Mounting Bracket: Place the mounting bracket at the marked height. Use a small spirit level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal.
4. Set the Angle: Attach the sensor to its bracket. Most IXIO brackets have indexed markings for angle. Set it to the recommended starting angle. If no specific angle is given, a 10-15 degree forward tilt is a robust default. This directs the center of the IR curtain just in front of the leading edge of the closed door.
5. Secure Firmly: Secure the sensor, ensuring it does not wobble or vibrate. The vibrations from door operation can cause a poorly secured sensor to drift out of alignment over time.

Consequences of Getting It Wrong

An incorrectly mounted sensor can lead to a cascade of problems. A door that opens too late can be struck by trolleys or fast-moving pedestrians. A door that opens unnecessarily increases the building's energy consumption. Most critically, a misplaced safety curtain creates a direct violation of EN 16005, exposing the owner and installer to significant liability in the event of an accident. The system may appear to "work," but it is not safe.

Mistake 2: Misinterpreting the Dual-Technology Dynamic

A frequent conceptual error is to treat the microwave and infrared functions as redundant or interchangeable. This leads to configurations where one system is set to compensate for the perceived failings of the other, rather than allowing each to perform its specialized task. The result is a system that is inefficient, unreliable, and potentially unsafe.

The Mistake Explained: Confusing Activation with Safety

The error manifests when a technician, perhaps facing issues with unwanted activations, attempts to "fix" the problem by manipulating the infrared safety curtain. For example, they might extend the depth of the IR curtain far out from the door, hoping it will take over the job of activation. Conversely, if there are safety concerns, they might increase the microwave sensitivity to its maximum, hoping a massive activation field will prevent the door from ever closing on a person.

Both approaches are flawed because they assign the wrong job to the wrong technology. The IR curtain is not designed for long-range activation; its response is too slow, and its field is too narrow. Using it this way means a person has to get uncomfortably close to the door before it begins to open. Using the microwave for close-range safety is even more dangerous. Microwave radar is for detecting motion; it can be blind to a person standing still in the doorway.

Why It Happens: A Flawed Mental Model

This mistake originates from an incomplete understanding of the sensor's internal logic. The technician sees two sets of adjustments and logically, but incorrectly, assumes they can be used to solve any problem. It is a failure to appreciate that the IXIO is not just two sensors in one box, but an integrated system where the radar's job is to say "open" and the IR's job is to say "stay open."

To build a better mental model, consider this: the radar is the "approaching" sensor, and the IR is the "threshold" sensor. They have different goals and different capabilities.

The Correct Procedure: Define and Conquer

The correct approach is to configure each technology independently for its specific purpose.

1. Isolate and Configure Radar: Using the BEA remote, temporarily disable the infrared curtain. Now, focus solely on the activation field. Adjust the width and depth of the microwave field so that it reliably detects a person approaching the door directly but ignores people walking past. Perform a walk test specifically for this function. The goal is a timely activation for intentional traffic only.
2. Isolate and Configure Infrared: Once the radar is set, disable it and enable the IR curtain. The goal here is safety at the threshold. Adjust the width of the curtain so it covers the entire clear opening of the doorway, plus a small margin on either side. Adjust the depth based on the door's opening speed and any specific site risks. The IR curtain must detect a person standing still anywhere in the path of the moving door leaf.
3. Re-enable and Test: Re-enable both technologies. The system should now function as intended: the radar provides timely activation, and the IR provides robust threshold safety.

The following table clarifies the distinct roles and characteristics of each technology:

Consequences of Getting It Wrong

Confusing the roles of the two technologies leads to a frustrating user experience and significant safety gaps. A door that relies on IR for activation feels hesitant and unsafe. A door that relies on microwave for safety is a genuine hazard, as it may fail to detect a stationary person, leading to an impact. This configuration represents a fundamental failure to comply with the principles of EN 16005.

Mistake 3: Improperly Setting the Detection and Safety Fields

Even with the sensor mounted correctly and a clear understanding of the dual-technology concept, the system's performance hinges on the precise shaping of the detection fields. The BEA IXIO offers granular control over the size and shape of both the microwave and infrared zones. A "one size fits all" approach, where default settings are left untouched, is a common and critical error.

The Mistake Explained: The Un-tuned Instrument

This mistake is akin to a musician playing an un-tuned guitar. The notes might be correct, but the sound is jarring and unpleasant. In the context of an automatic door, an un-tuned sensor results in a door that feels "stupid."

• Overly Large Microwave Field: The door activates for people walking down a corridor, cars in the car park, or even movement seen through a nearby glass partition. This is inefficient, causes unnecessary wear on the door operator components like the , and can be a security issue.
• Overly Small Microwave Field: A person must walk very close to the door before it opens, forcing them to slow down or stop. This is known as "body-checking" the door and creates an unwelcoming, sometimes startling, experience.
• Incorrectly Shaped IR Curtain: If the IR safety curtain is too narrow, it leaves unprotected zones near the jambs. A person standing close to the side of the doorway might not be detected. If it is too wide, it might detect objects outside the door's path, holding the door open unnecessarily.

Why It Happens: Over-reliance on Defaults and Lack of Testing

This error is often a symptom of time pressure. A technician might assume the factory default settings are "good enough" and skip the crucial step of tailoring the fields to the specific environment. Every doorway is unique, with different approach patterns, different ambient lighting conditions, and different types of traffic. The default settings are merely a starting point, not a final solution. The failure is not in the initial settings but in the omission of the verification and adjustment process—the walk test.

The Correct Procedure: The Art of the Walk Test

Fine-tuning the detection fields is an iterative process of adjustment and testing. The BEA universal remote control is the essential tool for this task.

1. Visualize the Fields: Before making adjustments, activate the sensor's "visible spots" mode. This allows you to see exactly where the infrared beams are landing on the floor. This visual feedback is invaluable.
2. Set the Radar (Activation) Field:
   • Approach Test: Walk towards the door from directly in front, at a normal pace. The door should begin opening when you are approximately 1.5 meters away. Adjust the radar's depth (sensitivity) until this is achieved.
   • Parallel Traffic Test: Walk parallel to the door, about 1 meter away from the entrance. The door should not open. If it does, narrow the width of the radar field. This may require several adjustments to find the perfect balance.
3. Set the IR (Safety) Curtain:
   • Width Test: With the door open, place the test object (as defined by EN 16005, typically a 700x300x200mm block) on the floor right next to the door jamb, within the clear opening. The sensor must detect it. Check both sides. If it is not detected, increase the width of the IR curtain.
   • Depth Test: The IR curtain needs to cover the entire area where a person could be struck by the moving door leaf. Adjust the number of IR rows and their angle to ensure this entire zone is protected. For a standard sliding door, the curtain should be active through the full opening and closing cycle.
4. Lock the Settings: Once you are satisfied with the performance, use the remote control to lock the sensor's settings with an access code. This prevents tampering or accidental changes by unauthorized personnel.

Consequences of Getting It Wrong

An improperly tuned sensor leads to constant complaints. If it's over-sensitive, building managers will complain about energy loss and security. If it's under-sensitive, users will complain about the door's lack of responsiveness. More importantly, an incorrectly sized safety curtain is a direct and serious safety failure. If an accident occurs and the subsequent investigation reveals the safety fields were not set according to the standard, the liability for the installer is immense.

Mistake 4: Neglecting the Nuances of the Infrared Safety Curtain

While we have touched upon the IR curtain's role, its configuration warrants a more focused examination. The BEA IXIO's IR system is not a simple beam; it is a multi-layered, highly configurable safety device. Technicians who fail to understand and utilize its advanced features are leaving a significant amount of the sensor's safety potential untapped.

The Mistake Explained: A One-Dimensional View of Safety

The most common error is to leave the IR curtain in its default "2-row" configuration in all situations. The IXIO-DT1, for example, can create curtains with 2, 3, or 4 rows of detection spots. Each configuration serves a different purpose and provides a different level of safety.

Another subtle but critical error is misunderstanding the difference between "safety on opening" and "safety on closing." The sensor's logic can be programmed to behave differently during the two halves of the door's cycle. A technician might, for instance, fail to enable the safety curtain during the opening cycle on a door that opens out against a wall, creating a potential crushing hazard.

Why It Happens: Complexity and Complacency

The advanced settings of the IR curtain can seem daunting. The manual describes various modes, immunity levels, and background analysis settings. Faced with this complexity, it is tempting for an installer to stick with the basic setup that appears to work. This is a form of complacency—an assumption that because the door opens and closes, it must be safe. It fails to consider the "what if" scenarios that EN 16005 is designed to address: what if a child falls in the doorway? What if someone on crutches moves slowly through the threshold?

The Correct Procedure: Layering the Safety

Configuring the IR curtain correctly requires a thoughtful analysis of the specific risks present at the installation site.

1. Analyze the Door Type: The type of door dictates the required safety.
   • Standard Sliding Doors: A 3- or 4-row curtain is often necessary to provide dense coverage across the threshold, ensuring that even small objects are detected.
   • Telescopic Doors: These have a deeper threshold area when opening. A 4-row curtain, with its depth adjusted, is critical to cover the entire path of all moving leaves.
   • Swing Doors: While the IXIO is primarily for sliding doors, related BEA sensors for swing doors require careful positioning to protect both the leading edge and the secondary closing edge (the "heel" of the door).
2. Adjust Curtain Density and Position: Use the remote to select the number of rows. Then, use the visible spots and the mechanical angle adjustment to position that curtain precisely in the area of risk. The goal, according to EN 16005, is to make it impossible for the test object to be present in the path of the door without being detected.
3. Set Immunity and Background: The IXIO has settings to improve its immunity to environmental factors like reflective floors, sunlight, or rain. A shiny, polished stone floor can sometimes reflect IR light in unpredictable ways. The sensor's "background analysis" feature allows it to learn the characteristics of the floor and ignore these spurious reflections. Taking a moment to run this learning cycle can prevent future nuisance activations and ensure reliability.

The choice of IR curtain configuration can be summarized in the following table:

Consequences of Getting It Wrong

A poorly configured safety curtain is a hidden danger. The door may operate normally for months or even years, but the underlying vulnerability remains. It only becomes apparent when an unusual situation occurs—a dropped package, a slow-moving person—and the sensor fails to provide the necessary protection. This failure is a direct breach of the installer's duty of care and can have devastating consequences, both for the person involved and for the reputation and legal standing of the installation company. Properly configuring the comprehensive IXIO DT1 unit is not just a technical task; it is an ethical one.

Mistake 5: Failing to Optimize for Cross-Traffic Rejection

One of the most praised features of the BEA IXIO family is its intelligent ability to distinguish between traffic that intends to use the door and traffic that is simply passing by. This feature, often called "cross-traffic rejection" or "lateral motion filtering," is a powerful tool for improving efficiency and user experience. Failing to enable and fine-tune it is a missed opportunity that often leads to client dissatisfaction.

The Mistake Explained: The "Twitchy" Door

This error results in a door that seems overly eager, opening for anyone who walks past, not just those who approach it. This is particularly problematic in locations like busy shopping mall corridors, hospital hallways, or any building entrance adjacent to a public sidewalk. The constant, unnecessary opening and closing cycle is not only irritating to occupants but also leads to:

• Significant Energy Waste: Conditioned air (heated or cooled) is lost to the outside with every needless opening, driving up utility bills.
• Increased Mechanical Wear: The door operator—the motor, the controller, the belts, and the carriage assemblies—is subjected to a much higher number of cycles than necessary, accelerating wear and tear and leading to more frequent maintenance calls and a shorter overall lifespan.
• Perceived Lack of Intelligence: A door that cannot distinguish between intentional and incidental traffic feels unsophisticated and can be a source of constant annoyance for the building's users.

Why It Happens: Ignorance of the Feature

The primary reason this mistake occurs is that technicians are simply unaware that the feature exists or do not understand how to activate it. They may see the unwanted activations, assume it is an unavoidable consequence of using a motion sensor in a busy area, and attempt to mitigate it by shrinking the radar field to an impractically small size. This is a poor compromise, as it often leads to the "body-checking" problem discussed earlier. They treat the symptom (unwanted openings) with the wrong medicine (shrinking the field) because they don't know the cure (cross-traffic rejection) is available.

The Correct Procedure: Teaching the Sensor to Discriminate

The BEA IXIO's cross-traffic rejection works by analyzing the direction of motion within its radar field. It can be set to ignore signals that are primarily moving laterally and only trigger for signals that show a clear component of motion towards the sensor.

1. Access the Advanced Menu: Using the BEA remote, navigate to the sensor's advanced settings menu. Locate the parameter for "Cross-Traffic Rejection" or "Lateral Motion."
2. Enable the Feature: Switch the feature from "Off" to "On." Many IXIO models offer different levels of filtering (e.g., low, medium, high).
3. Start with a Medium Setting: A medium level of rejection is a good starting point for most environments.
4. Perform a Rigorous Walk Test: This is the most critical step.
   • Parallel Test: Walk briskly along your previous parallel path. The door should now remain closed. If it still opens, increase the rejection level to "High."
   • Angled Approach Test: Not everyone approaches a door head-on. Test by approaching the door from a 45-degree angle. The door must still open in a timely manner. If the rejection setting is too high, it might ignore this legitimate traffic. You are looking for the sweet spot where it rejects parallel movement but accepts all reasonable angles of approach.
5. Iterate and Refine: You may need to switch back and forth between the rejection level and the radar field size settings. Sometimes, a slightly larger field combined with a higher rejection level gives a better result than a smaller field with no rejection. The goal is to create a "corridor of activation" that is shaped for the real-world flow of traffic.

Consequences of Getting It Wrong

While not a direct safety failure in the same way as a misconfigured IR curtain, failing to use this feature is a mark of an unprofessional installation. It delivers a sub-optimal product to the client. The resulting complaints about energy waste and the "annoying door" reflect poorly on the installer. In a competitive market like the one for automatic door services in Europe and the Middle East, delivering a system that is not only safe but also intelligent and efficient is a key differentiator. Mastering features like cross-traffic rejection separates the expert technician from the novice.

Mistake 6: Overlooking Power Supply and Wiring Integrity

In the world of sophisticated electronics, it is often the most basic elements that are the source of the most baffling problems. The BEA IXIO is a precision instrument, and like any such instrument, it requires a clean, stable power source and solid electrical connections to function reliably. Errors in wiring and power are common and can produce intermittent, hard-to-diagnose faults that are frequently misattributed to a defective sensor.

The Mistake Explained: Electrical Negligence

This category of error includes several common electrical malpractices:

• Inadequate Power Supply: Using a transformer or power supply unit (PSU) that cannot provide the necessary current, especially during the sensor's peak demand (when both radar and IR are active and communicating). The IXIO's voltage range is typically 12V to 24V AC or DC, but the stability of that voltage is paramount.
• Incorrect Wire Gauge: Using wire that is too thin for the length of the cable run. This results in voltage drop, where the voltage that reaches the sensor is significantly lower than the voltage leaving the PSU. For a 24V system, a drop of even 2-3 volts can be enough to cause problems.
• Poor Connections: Using poorly crimped connectors, loose screw terminals, or simply twisting wires together and covering them with electrical tape. These connections can corrode, work loose due to vibration, and create intermittent opens or shorts.
• Electrical Interference: Running the low-voltage sensor cable in the same conduit as high-voltage mains wiring, or alongside cables for high-powered motors. This can induce electrical "noise" in the sensor's wiring, leading to erratic behavior.

Why It Happens: A Rush to Finish

Wiring is often one of the last steps in an installation, and it can be tempting to cut corners to finish the job. A technician might grab whatever wire is available on the van, rather than calculating the correct gauge for the distance. They might rush the termination process, failing to ensure each connection is mechanically and electrically sound. The problem is that the consequences of poor wiring are not always immediate. The system might work perfectly during the initial test, only to start failing weeks or months later as a loose connection oxidizes or a stressed PSU begins to falter.

A useful mental exercise: think of the wiring not as a simple pipe for electricity, but as the sensor's central nervous system. Any pinch, break, or interference in that system will result in confused signals and unpredictable actions.

The Correct Procedure: A Foundation of Electrical Discipline

1. Select the Right PSU: Ensure the power supply is rated for the total current draw of all connected devices (sensor, electric lock, key switch, etc.), with a safety margin of at least 25%. A high-quality, regulated PSU is always a worthwhile investment. Many modern door controllers, like the Dormakaba ES200, have a dedicated, regulated auxiliary power output specifically for this purpose.
2. Calculate Wire Gauge: Use a voltage drop calculator (many are available online) to determine the appropriate wire gauge. For a typical run of 5-10 meters on a 24V system, 0.5mm² (20-22 AWG) is usually sufficient. For longer runs, a heavier gauge like 0.75mm² or 1.0mm² will be necessary. It is always better to use a wire that is one size too large than one size too small.
3. Make Perfect Connections:
   • Strip wires cleanly without nicking the conductors.
   • Use high-quality crimp connectors and a proper crimping tool.
   • Ensure screw terminals are tightened firmly but not so much that they damage the wire.
   • Solder connections where appropriate, especially for permanent splices.
4. Route Cables Thoughtfully: Keep low-voltage sensor and data cables separate from mains voltage cables. If they must cross, they should do so at a 90-degree angle to minimize interference. Use shielded cable in environments with high electrical noise.
5. Test the Voltage: The final step is to test the voltage at the sensor's terminals with the sensor connected and operating. This is the only way to be certain that it is receiving the correct voltage under load. It should be stable and well within the manufacturer's specified range.

Consequences of Getting It Wrong

The consequences of poor wiring are frustration and wasted time. A sensor with an unstable power supply might spontaneously reset, fail to detect, or generate false signals. A technician might spend hours adjusting the sensor's software settings, or even replace a perfectly good sensor, without realizing the root cause is a 2-volt drop in the power line. These "ghost" faults damage a technician's reputation and erode client confidence. Building a solid electrical foundation is the fastest way to avoid these time-consuming and costly callbacks.

Mistake 7: Skipping the Rigorous Commissioning and Final Walk Test

The final and perhaps most egregious error is to consider the job finished once the door opens and closes. The commissioning process, including a final, formal walk test and the documentation of settings, is not an optional extra. It is a mandatory part of a professional and compliant installation, as explicitly required by standards like EN 16005.

The Mistake Explained: The Uncertified System

Skipping this final step means the installer has no objective proof that the system is safe or that it has been configured correctly. The process involves more than a quick check to see if the door opens. A proper commissioning test is a systematic evaluation of all the sensor's functions and failure modes. It includes:

• Testing all detection zones: Verifying the size and sensitivity of the activation and safety fields from all possible angles of approach.
• Using the standard test object: Ensuring the safety curtain detects the specified test object at all points in the door's path, especially near the closing edge.
• Testing response time: Checking that the door stops or reverses immediately upon detection of an object in its path.
• Verifying fail-safe operation: Simulating a power failure or sensor fault to ensure the door system reverts to a safe state (e.g., stopping or opening).
• Checking signage: Ensuring the correct safety signs ("Keep Clear," "Automatic Door") are in place and visible.

Why It Happens: The "Looks Good to Me" Mentality

This omission often stems from a combination of time pressure and a misunderstanding of its importance. A technician might feel that because they have been careful during the setup, a final formal test is redundant. They trust their own work. However, the purpose of the final commissioning is not just to find errors; it is to provide formal, documented verification that the system complies with all relevant safety standards. It is the final quality assurance step that turns an "installation" into a "certified safe system."

Think of it as a pilot's pre-flight checklist. The pilot may have flown the plane a hundred times, and they may trust the ground crew completely. Still, they go through the checklist every single time, without fail. It is a professional discipline that ensures nothing, no matter how small, is overlooked.

The Correct Procedure: Test, Document, and Hand Over

The commissioning process should be methodical and documented.

1. Obtain a Commissioning Checklist: Many national trade associations and manufacturers provide checklists based on EN 16005. Use one of these to ensure all required tests are performed.
2. Perform the Systematic Walk Test: Go through the checklist item by item.
   • Walk towards the door from the left, right, and center.
   • Walk quickly and slowly.
   • Stop in the doorway.
   • Place the test object (or a suitable substitute like a briefcase) in various positions within the threshold.
   • Test the cross-traffic rejection.
   • Verify the function of any key switches or emergency buttons.
3. Record the Sensor's Settings: Use the BEA remote's "read" function to check the final parameters. Note down the key settings (e.g., radar size, IR rows, rejection level) on the commissioning form. This creates a baseline for future maintenance visits.
4. Sign and Date the Documentation: The technician performing the test should sign and date the commissioning report. This document is the formal record that the installation was tested and found to be compliant on that date.
5. Educate the Client: Take a moment to walk the building manager or owner through the basic operation of the door. Explain the meaning of the safety signs and show them how to use any manual controls. Provide them with a copy of the commissioning report.

Consequences of Getting It Wrong

The consequences here are the most severe. In the event of an accident, the lack of a commissioning report is incredibly damaging. It suggests a lack of due diligence and professionalism on the part of the installer. The legal and financial liability can be catastrophic. Conversely, a properly completed commissioning report is a powerful piece of evidence that the installer acted responsibly and took all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the system. It protects the technician, the company, and the public.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my BEA IXIO door opening for no reason?

This issue, often called "ghosting" or false activation, is typically caused by one of three things. First, the microwave radar field may be set too large, causing it to detect movement far away from the door, such as traffic in a hallway or reflections from vibrating objects. Second, it could be a sign of electrical interference or an unstable power supply causing the sensor's electronics to trigger incorrectly. Finally, failure to enable cross-traffic rejection in a busy area will cause the door to open for people simply walking past.

How do I stop the automatic door from closing on people?

This is a critical safety issue that points to a problem with the infrared (IR) safety curtain. Ensure the IR curtain is enabled and its width is set to cover the entire clear opening of the doorway. The density of the curtain (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 rows) should be appropriate for the environment, with more rows providing greater safety. Also, verify that the sensor is correctly monitoring the door and that the door controller is programmed to stop and reverse when the safety sensor is triggered.

What is the difference between the BEA IXIO-DT1 and other models?

The IXIO family includes several models tailored for different needs. The IXIO-DT1 is a popular and versatile dual-technology (microwave and IR) sensor. Other variations might include the IXIO-ST (a single-technology swing door safety sensor), or models with specific certifications for different markets. The core difference usually lies in the combination of technologies (radar, IR) and their intended application (e.g., sliding door activation and safety vs. swing door side-screen safety).

Can I use the BEA IXIO on a swing door?

While the IXIO-DT1 is primarily designed for sliding doors, BEA produces other sensors specifically for the complexities of swing doors, such as the IXIO-ST for hinge-side safety. A swing door requires protection on both the approach side (activation) and the swing path itself to prevent impact. A complete, compliant swing door solution often involves a combination of different sensors.

Do I need the special remote control to adjust the BEA IXIO?

Yes, the BEA universal remote control is an essential tool for properly installing and maintaining the sensor. While the sensor may function with its default settings, you cannot perform crucial adjustments—such as tuning the detection field size, configuring the IR safety curtain, or enabling cross-traffic rejection—without the remote. It is a necessary piece of equipment for any professional technician.

How often does a BEA IXIO sensor need to be serviced?

According to the EN 16005 standard, powered pedestrian doors should be serviced and safety-checked at least once a year by a qualified technician. During this service, the technician will re-run the commissioning tests, check the sensor's alignment and wiring, and ensure all functions are operating correctly. In very high-traffic environments, more frequent checks may be advisable.

What does it mean if the LED on the IXIO is flashing red?

A flashing red LED on a BEA IXIO typically indicates a fault condition. The specific meaning can vary, but it often points to an internal self-test failure, an unstable power supply, or a critical error in one of the detection modules. The first step in troubleshooting should be to cycle the power. If the fault persists, consulting the detailed installation manual or contacting technical support is the recommended course of action.

Conclusion

The BEA IXIO sensor is a remarkable piece of engineering, a testament to the sophisticated technology that underpins the convenience and safety of our modern built environment. However, its effectiveness is not inherent in the device itself; it is realized through the skill, knowledge, and diligence of the technician who installs it. As we have explored, the path to a successful installation is paved with a nuanced understanding of the sensor's dual-technology heart, a respect for the geometric precision of its placement, and a methodical approach to its configuration and testing.

The seven common mistakes detailed here are not isolated technical blunders. They are interconnected symptoms of a departure from a disciplined, safety-first methodology. An incorrect mounting angle compromises the IR curtain's position. A misunderstanding of the dual-technology dynamic leads to improperly shaped fields. Overlooking the integrity of the power supply can undermine the most careful software adjustments. And skipping the final commissioning test leaves the entire system, and everyone who uses it, in a state of unverified risk.

For the professional installer in 2025, operating in the mature and safety-conscious markets of Europe and the Middle East, mastery of a device like the BEA IXIO is a prerequisite. It requires moving beyond a "plug and play" mentality to embrace the role of a systems integrator—one who understands not just the "how" of turning screws and connecting wires, but the "why" behind the stringent requirements of standards like EN 16005. By avoiding these common pitfalls and adopting a rigorous, knowledge-based approach, technicians can ensure that every automatic door they commission is not just functional, but demonstrably safe, efficient, and intelligently responsive to the people it serves.