search
close
Pressure Mats were initially designed for security applications to comply with the British standard BS 4737 Part 3: Section 3.9.
Pressure mats will covertly detect a person standing or walking on them. The smaller pressure pads may also be used as a floor mat, operated by hand pressure, in a chair or seat to detect a person sitting.
Many applications have been found for pressure mats/pads, covert detection, sensors for interactive toys, the health care industry, detecting a person sitting in a seat or chair, sensors for interactive multimedia systems, i.e. when a person stands on a floor mat a multimedia presentation is triggered providing accurate targeting. There are many possible applications.
Wea are able to manufacture custom sizes, fit alternative leads upto 3 metres in length with or without custom plugs or connectors.
Pressure mat sensors should not be used in or relied on in safety related applications.
Construction and principles of operation and use
The switch element is welded into a PVC envelope and is completely dust proof and sealed to IP64 (not waterproof).
Pressure mat sensors have a normally open contact which closes or shorts when a person walks onto or stands on the mat which then re opens or breaks as the person moves off of the mat.
Operating pressure guide
The nominal operating pressure for the standard sensitivity pressure mat is 25Kg applied to the surface of the mat over a 50mm disc. The increased sensitivity versions will operate when 16Kg is applied to the surface of the mat over a 50mm disc.
In reality the standard sensitivity pressure mat sensor placed under a carpet will always be sensitive enough to detect a person walking over it. The more sensitive versions would usually be used to detect a lighter weight, hand pressure or detecting a person sitting in a seat or chair.
Fitting and adjustment
Pressure mat sensors should be fitted on a flat smooth surface and covered with a conventional floor covering such as carpet or lay flat rubberized matting. The covering is important to both protect the pressure mat sensor from damage and also to ensure there are no trip or slip hazards. Care should be taken not to stress the cable to pressure mat junction, this is especially important where long leads are fitted.
If fitting a pressure pad to a chair seat the pad must be fitted to the flat rigid base of the seat, covered with a layer of protection, usually cushion foam or padding and then upholstered. As there are variables in foam thickness, density, upholstery material and fitting, customers will need to test for themselves the viability of a pressure pad in this type of application.
