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_-_obr6000-r103-2ep-io-v31_-_sensor__76030.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    267075-100275

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor with Polarization Filter, Miniature Design, 10-30VDC, 0-6m Detection Range, IO Link, M8 4-Pin Connector, 43.9H x 15W x 26.7Dmm, IP67/69/69K, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • Leuze_50129375_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    50129375

    Diffuse Sensor with Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 0.005-0.45m Range, Red LED, PNP, Light/Dark Switching, M8 Metal Male 4-Pin Connector, 11.4 x 34.2 x 18.3mm WHL, IP67/IP69K

  • cg_pa18cld01to__22055.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PA18CLD01TO

    Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor, M18, 20-250VAC Power Supply, 100mm Range, 2-Wire SCR NO, 2m PVC Cable, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, PBTP Housing, IP67

  • cg_ph18_plug_17__23811.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNB20PAM1SA

    Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor with Background Suppression, M18 Square Housing, 0-200mm (0.2m) Range, Polarity Free Red Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 4-pin Plug, Adjustable Sen

  • pf_obe12m_m8__60838.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    267075-100478

    Photoelectric Sensor, Thru-Beam, Miniature Design, 12m Detection Range, Red Light, Dark On, PNP, 44.5 x 11 x 21.5mm (HWL), IP67 / IP69 / IP69K, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

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