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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  • cg_ph18_plug_9__70580.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNR65PAM1SA

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 6500mm (6.5m) Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 4-pin Plug, IP69K

  • cg_ph18_cable_1__31978.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNR65PASA

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 6500mm (6.5m) Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP69K

  • cg_ph18_plug_8__60682.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNR65PAT1SA

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 6500mm (6.5m) Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 4-pin Grey PUR Pigtail, IP69K

  • cg_ph18_cable_10__65345.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNT20

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor (Emitter), M18 Square Type, 20m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K, UL508

  • cg_ph18_cable_9__04805.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNT20NASA

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor (Receiver), M18 Square Housing, 20m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, NPN Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K, UL508

  • cg_ph18_cable_8__55105.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNT20PASA

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor (Receiver), M18 Square Housing, 20m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K, UL508

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_cable_-_photoelectric_sensor_1__31003.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-BN3-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), 10-350mm/20-350mm Adjustable Sensing Range, Red LED, NPN, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), 2m Cable, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_cable_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_1__31719.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-BP3-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), 10-350mm/20-350mm Adjustable Sensing Range, Red LED, PNP, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), 2m Cable, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_cable_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_1_1__24671.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-DN3L-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Diffuse-Reflective Sensor, Infrared LED, 1m Sensing Range, NPN, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), 2m Cable, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_connector_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_2__83279.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-DN3LC

    Miniature Photoelectric Diffuse-Reflective Sensor, Infrared LED, 1m Sensing Range, NPN, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), M8 4-Pin Connector, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_connector_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_3__84291.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-DP3LC

    Miniature Photoelectric Diffuse-Reflective Sensor, Infrared LED, 1m Sensing Range, PNP, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), M8 4-Pin Connector, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls

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