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Pepperl+Fuchs
216895
Photoelectric Sensor, Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 4 Pin M8 Connector, Light On, PNP, Non-Metallic, IP57, Visible Red Beam, ML100 Series
$182.56$182.56 -
Carlo Gavazzi
PA18CAR65PAM1SA
Photoelectric, Retro-Reflective, M18 Axial, 10-30VDC, 6.5m Range, PNP NO/NC, M12 Plug
$71.13$71.13 -
Autonics
BTF30-DDTL
Photoelectric Sensor, Diffuse Reflective, 1-15mm, NPN, Light On, Red LED, 12-24VDC
$87.00$87.00 -
IDEC
SA1E-XP1C
Photoelectric, PNP, Light ON, Transparent, up to 2m sensing, M8 connector (Needs Cable), NCNR
$118.54$118.54 -
Takex
AS-U25
Photoelectric Sensor, Thru-Beam, U Shape, NPN, Red LED, 25mm Fixed Detect, 2mm Diameter, Cable
$112.20$112.20 -
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
$109.62$109.62 -
Baumer
FHDK 10P1101/KS35
Miniature Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression, Pulsed Red LED, 20-120mm Range Tw, Mech. 5-Turn Adj., 10-30VDC, Light Operate, PNP, <100mA, Flylead Connector M8 3-Pin, 27 x 10.4 x 14mm (HWD), Plastic ASA Housing, PMMA Optics, -25 to +65°C
$484.29$484.29 -
Carlo Gavazzi
PA18CAD04PAM1WS
Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor, Ø18mm, 10-30VDC, 0.4m Range, PNP NO/NC, M12 Plug
$103.13$103.13 -
Baumer
FHDK 04G6102/KS35A
Subminiature Diffuse Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), Pulsed Point Source LED, 50mm Tw Range, 11-30VDC, Light Operate, Push-Pull, 50mA, 200mm Flylead Connector M8 4-Pin, 44.8 x 4 x 6.2mm (HWD), ASA Housing, PMMA Optics, -10 to +50°C, IP65
$410.80$410.80 -
Available Now! 
Available Now!Carlo Gavazzi
PA18CAR65PASA
Photoelectric, Retro-Reflective, M18 Axial, 10-30VDC, 6.5m Range, PNP NO/NC, 2m Cable
$51.32$51.32 -
Pepperl+Fuchs
216896
Photoelectric Triangulation Diffuse Reflective Sensor with Background Suppression, Miniature Design, 350mm Adjustable Range, Red Light, Light/Dark On, NPN Output, M8 4-Pin Plug
$182.56$182.56 -
Baumer
FHDK 04G6101
Subminiature Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression (BGS), Pulsed Point Source LED, 30mm ±2mm Range Tw, 11-30VDC, Light Operate, Push-Pull, <50mA, 2m 3-Pin Cable, 44.8 x 4 x 6.2mm (HWD), Plastic (ASA) Housing, PMMA Optics, -10 to 50°C, IP65
$399.49$399.49
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:
- Background Suppression: Can ignore objects beyond a set distance, focuses close range
- Color or Contrast Sensors: Detects specific colors or contrast differences
- Distance Measuring Sensors: Mesaure the distance to an object
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