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_-_fhdk_10_-_diffuse_sensor_-_cable__28408.jpg

    Baumer

    FHDK 10N1101/KS35

    Miniature Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression, Pulsed Red LED, 20-120mm Range Tw, Mech. 5-Turn Adj., 10-30VDC, Light Operate, NPN, <100mA, Flylead Connector M8 3-Pin, 27 x 10.4 x 14mm (HWD), Plastic ASA Housing, PMMA Optics, -25 to +65°C

  • baumer_-_fpdk_10p5135_-_retroreflective_sensor__91145.jpg

    Baumer

    FPDK 10P5135

    Retroreflective Sensor, Miniature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 3.5m Actual Range Sb, 4m Nominal Range Sn, Potentiometer, 240°, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, 2m 4-Pin Cable, 27 x 10.4 x 16.3mm (HWD), Plastic ASA Housing, PMMA Optics, -20° to +65°C,

  • baumer_-_o500w.gp_-_diffuse_sensor_4__36936.jpg

    Baumer

    O500W.SP-GW1J.PVO

    SmartReflect Light Barrier, Washdown Design, Standard Object Detection,10-30VDC, 60-600mm Background Position Sde, Pulse PinPoint LED, 630 nm, Push-Pull, Teach-In and IO-Link, Light/Dark Operate, M12 4-Pin Connector, Stainless Steel Housing

  • baumer_-_o500w.gp_-_diffuse_sensor_7__38188.jpg

    Baumer

    O500W.TR-ZZZZ.PVO

    Thru-Beam Sensor, Emitter, Washdown Design, 10-30VDC, 25m Actual Range Sb, 40m Nominal Range Sn, Pulsed Red LED, 645 nm, M12 4-Pin Connector, Stainless Steel Housing, PMMA Optics, 47.2 x 20.2 x 37.7mm (HWD), -25 to +60°C Operating Temper

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_117302_-_thru_beam_sensor__61246.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    117302

    Safety Thru-Beam Sensor, Transmitter, 0.2-10m Effective Detection Range, LED, 660nm Light Source, Power Supply via Control Unit, Operation on Control Units of SB4 (SafeBox), M12 5-Pin 90° Rotatable Connector, IP67, Returns are subject to Ma

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_117304_-_thru_beam_sensor__82557.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    117304

    Safety Thru-Beam Sensor, Receiver, 0.2-10m Effective Detection Range, LED, 660nm Light Source, Power Supply via Control Unit, Operation on Control Units of SB4 (SafeBox), M12 5-Pin 90° Rotatable Connector, IP67, Returns Subject to Manufactu

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_132616_-_sensor__74685.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    132616

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, Diffuse Mode, 10-30VDC, 11mm ± 2 mm Range, Teach-In, Light/Dark On, 2 Push-Pull O/P, M12 5 Pin, Nickel Plated Die-Cast Zinc, Plastic Optics, -20 to 60°C Ambient Temp., 41.5 x 49 x 15mm (WHD), 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