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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  • baumer-fhdm_12n5001__33077.jpg

    Baumer

    FHDM 12N5001

    Diffuse Sensor With Background Suppression-Miniature, 15...300 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Red LED, NPN, Mechanical (5 Turn), 2 Meter Cable Length (4 Pin), 10...30VDC, IP67

  • baumer-fpdk10_870x630__51560.jpg

    Baumer

    FPDK 10P5130/S35A

    Retroreflective Sensor, Miniature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 3.5m Actual Range Sb, 4m Nominal Range Sn, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, M8 4-Pin Connector, 27 x 10.4 x 16.3mm (HWD), Plastic (ASA) Housing, PMMA Optics, -25° to +65°C, IP67

  • baumer_fsdk14_870x630_8__63904.jpg

    Baumer

    FPDK 14N5101/S35A

    Retroreflective Sensor, Standard, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 7m Actual Range Sb, 7.2m Nominal Range Sn, NPN, Light/Dark Operate, M8 4-Pin Connector, 43 x 14.8 x 31mm (HWD), Plastic (ASA, MABS) Housing, PMMA Optics, -25° to +65°C, IP67

  • baumer_-_fpdk_14p5111-s35a_-_retroreflective_sensor__19677.jpg

    Baumer

    FPDK 14P5111/S35A

    Retroreflective Sensor, Standard, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 3.2m Actual Range Sb, 3.8m Nominal Range Sn, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, M8 4-Pin Connector, 43 x 14.8 x 31mm (HWD), Plastic (ASA, MABS) Housing, PMMA Optics, -20° to +65°C, IP67

  • Baumer_O300_RR_N_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    O300.GL-PV1T.72N

    Diffuse Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), Pulsed Red Laser Diode, 11-30VDC, 30-250mm Sensing Range, qTeach, Light/Dark Operate, M8 4-Pin Connector, IP67, 32.3 x 12.9 x 23mm (HWD)

  • baumer_-_o500.gp_-_diffuse_sensor_-_cable_12__41238.jpg

    Baumer

    O500.GR-GW1T.72CU

    Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 60-550mm Sensing Distance Tw, 30-600mm Sensing Range Tb, Pulsed Red LED, 630 nm, Push-Pull, qTeach, Light/Dark Operate, 2m 4-Pin Cable, Plastic Housing, PMMA Optics, 45 x 18 x 32mm (HWD), -2

  • baumer_oedk-10n51005_1__06929.jpg

    Baumer

    OEDK 10P5105/S35A

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Laser Sensor, Receiver, 11-30VDC, 100mA, 8-10m Range, 270° Potentiometer Sensitivity Adjustment, Light/Dark Operate, PNP, M8 4-pin Connector, IP67, Rectangular 27 x 10.4 x 14mm (HWD)

  • pf_rlk28__82349.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    134129

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor with Polarization Filter, 12-240VAC/DC, 0-17m Detection Range, Light On/Dark On Switchable, -40 to 60°C (-40 to 140°F) Ambient Temperature, 88 x 25.8 x 65.5mm (HWD), IP67

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