Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence or presence of an object. These sensors are great for sensing long distances and detecting most materials.

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    Pepperl+Fuchs

    912573

    Luminescence Sensor, 330mm Sensing, Discrete & Analog Output, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

    $1,599.36
    $1,599.36
  • pepperl_fuchs_-_132616_-_sensor__74685.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    132616

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, Diffuse Mode, 10-30VDC, 11mm ± 2 mm Range, Teach-In, Light/Dark On, 2 Push-Pull O/P, M12 5 Pin, Nickel Plated Die-Cast Zinc, Plastic Optics, -20 to 60°C Ambient Temp., 41.5 x 49 x 15mm (WHD), IP67

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_206277_-_sensor__38354.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    206277

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, 10-30VDC / 18-30VDC in IO-Link V1.0, 11 mm ± 2 mm Range, Teach In, Light/Dark On, 2 Push-Pull O/P, M12 4 Pin, Nickel Plated Die-Cast Zinc, Plastic Optics, -20 to +60°C Ambient Temp., 41.5 x 49 x 15mm (WHD), IP67

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_418066_-_sensor__78320.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    418066

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, 10-30VDC, 300mm Range, Laser Diode, 650nm, Light On/Dark On Switchable, Push-Pull O/P, PNP, M12 5 Pin Connector, PC (Makrolon), Glass Optics, -10 to +50°C Ambient Temperature, 33 x 85.6 x 60.8mm (WHD), IP67

  • pf_rl28-55-z__75238.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    421144

    Photoelectric, NPN/PNP, DC, Retroreflective, Pol, IP67, Terminal Conn, 17m Sensing, Polarized, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pf_dk50-uv_1__04032.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    912569

    Luminescence Sensor, 190mm Sensing, Discrete & Analog Output, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

    $1,599.36
    $1,599.36
  • pf_dk50-uv_3__96336.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    912571

    Luminescence Sensor, 254mm Sensing, Discrete & Analog Output, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

    $1,599.36
    $1,599.36

Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence or presence of an object. These sensors are great for sensing long distances and detecting most materials.

How Does a Photoelectric Sensor Work?

Generally a photoelectric sensor consists of the following:

  • Transmitter - emits the light beam
  • Receiver - detects the light beam and converts it to an electrical signal

Photoelectric sensors detect changes in the light beam caused by the presence/absence, movement or properties of an object.

Types of Photoelectric Sensors:

  • Through-Beam (Thru-Beam)
    • Transmitter and receiver are two separate units that are directly opposite of each other. The sensor detects when an objects breaks the light beam
    • Great for long distance detection
    • Ideal for conveyors, counting or monitoring door openings
  • Retroreflective (Reflective Mode)
    • Transmitter and receiver are in one housing; light beam is reflected back by a reflector. Detection is triggered when an object breaks the beam.
    • Medium range detection and easier to install than a through beam
    • Ideal for package detection and pallet positioning
  • Diffuse (Proximity Mode)
    • The transmitter and receiver in one housing; the sensor detects light reflected directly off the target object (no reflector needed)
    • Best for short range applications
    • Ideal for detecting objects on assembly lines, verifying presence or checking fill level
  • Specialized Types:

Categories Related to Photoelectric Sensors:

  • Stack lights - signal towers visually communicate the data or alerts that the photoelectric sensors are generating
  • Smart relays - photoelectric sensors provide input signals which can process the data and control outputs
  • Pushbuttons and estops - if your sensor detects a fault, an operator can use a pushbutton to reset the system
  • HMIs - HMIs can dispay the data from the photoelectric sensor which allows you to monitor processes