Guide to Electrical Pressure Mats

Pressure mats are useful devices that can detect weight or pressure and trigger connected systems such as alarms. They are also commonly used for automatic doors, patient monitoring and seat occupancy detection devices. Here's a quick guide to understanding and wiring up these mats.

Key Features

• Pressure Activation: Detects applied weight. For example our popular PM156 Pressure mat has an operating pressure of 25kg over 50mm²
• Normally Open (NO) Contacts: The circuit activates when under pressure (when the circuit is closed). This is the most common configuration however we do stock alarm receivers suitable for connecting to our RJ-9 Mats that can signal an alarm when pressure is not applied to the mat – commonly used for bed occupation alerts to notify when a patient has left their bed.
• Tamper Loop: Provides security against tampering or damage.
• Four Wires / Flying Leads: The mat does need connecting and wiring into a system. There are four wires - two for the switch connection and two for the tamper loop.
• Sealed Design: The Mat is seem welded PVC which is dustproof and resistant to water splashes but is not fully waterproof.

Wiring Instructions

Step 1: Identifying the Wires

1. Use a continuity meter to test pairs of wires:
• Switch Wires: With no load placed upon the mat the switch connection wires will show an open circuit.
• Tamper/Security Loop Wires: With no load placed upon the mat the security loop wires will show as being closed circuit.

(Refer to the diagram for a visual explanation.)

Step 2: Connecting the Wires

1. Switch Wires:
• Connect to the alarm or control input.
• Activates the circuit when pressure is detected.
2. Tamper Loop Wires:
• Only needed when connecting to an alarm control panel
• Triggers a tamper alert if the loop is broken.
• Can be left disconnect for other applications.

Step 3: Testing the Setup

1. Apply pressure to verify activation.
2. Simulate tampering by disconnecting the tamper loop wires.

Tips for Installation

• Wire Identification: Always confirm functions with a continuity meter.
• Placement: Install on a flat, stable surface for consistent performance.
• Protecting Cable: It is best to avoid stressing the cable where it meets the mat, good cable management is required to ensure the longevity of the mat.

See our range of Pressure Mats here. We stock white and black mats with flying leads or RJ-9 Connectors and also a NC or NO Alarm receiver.