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

  • pf_glv18_cable__39062.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    188554

    Photoelectric, 18mm, Dark On, DC, Retroreflective, IP67, 6.5m, 2m Cable, NPN, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pf_ml100_2__52413.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    235962

    Photoelectric Sensor, Diffuse Mode with Rectangular Light Spot for Clear Object Detection, 200mm Range, Red Light, Light/Dark On, Sensitivity Adjuster, DC Version, NPN Output, M8 Plug, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • Leuze_50136253_2.jpg

    Leuze

    50136253

    Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 10-30VDC, 0.5m Range Limit, Autocollimation, Red Laser, 655nm, NPN, Light/Dark, LED, Teach Button, M8 Male 4-Pin Connector, 11.4 x 34.2 x 18.3mm (WHL), Red PC-ABS/PMMA Lens, ECOLAB, -40 to +55C, IP67/69K

  • Leuze_50136263_2.jpg

    Leuze

    50136263

    Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 10-30VDC, 0.5m Range Limit, Autocollimation, Red Laser, 655nm, NPN, Light/Dark, LED, Teach Button, 2m Black PUR 4-Wire Cable, 11.4 x 34.2 x 18.3mm (WHL), PC-ABS with PMMA Lens, ECOLAB, -40 to +55C, IP67/69K

  • Leuze_50144967_2.jpg

    Leuze

    50144967

    Diffuse Sensor with Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 0.005-0.45m Range, Focused Beam, Red LED, 633nm, 2 Switching O/P 1: NPN Light, O/P 2: NPN Dark, 0.2m Black PUR Cable, M12 Male 4-Pin A-Coded Metal Connector, ECOLAB, IP67/69K, 3C Series

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