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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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    Available Now!

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    905779

    Photoelectric, Light On/Dark On, Retroreflective, IP67, M12 Connector, 3.5m Sensing, DC, Polarized

  • Available Now!
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    Available Now!

    Baumer

    FHDK 14P5101/S14

    Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression (BGS), Pulsed Red LED, 20-350mm Range Tw, Mech. 10-Turn Adj., 10-30VDC, Light/Dark Operate, PNP, <100mA, M12 4-Pin Connector, 43 x 14.8 x 31mm HWD, Plastic Housing, PMMA Optics, -25 to +65°C, IP67

  • Leuze_50129377_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    50129377

    Diffuse Sensor with Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 0.005-0.45m Range, Red LED, PNP, Light/Dark Switching, 0.2m Black PUR Metal Male 4-Pin Cable, M12, 11.4 x 34.2 x 18.3mm WHL, IP67/IP69K

  • pf_glv18__57642.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    188552

    Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Threaded, 10-30VDC, 6.5m Detection Range, NPN, Light On, 4 LED Indicators for 360° Visibility, M12 3-Pin x 1 Connector, PC Housing, PMMA Optical Face, -25 to +60°C (-13 to +140°F) Ambient Temperature, IP67, NCNR

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_295670-100012_-_obr15m-r200-2ep-io-v1_-_photoelectric__36291.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    295670-100012

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, LED, H85-2 Reflector Target, 10-30VDC, 0-15m Range, IO-Link, Smart Sensor Type 2.4, 2 Push-Pull 4-in-1 Signal Outputs, M12 x 1, 4-Pin 90° Rotatable Connector, IP67/69/69K, 50.6 x 15

  • baumer_oadm_20u5440-s14c_28__75391.jpg

    Baumer

    OADM 20I5460/S14C

    Photoelectric Distance Sensor, Laser Point, 30-130mm Range, Analog Output Signal: 4-20mA, 12-28VDC, 100mA, PNP, Quick Disconnect M12 5-pin Rotatable Connector, 0° to +50°C°, IP67, 65 x 20.6 x 50mm (HWD), OADM Series

    $2,721.60
    $2,721.60

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