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.

Style:
Product Price Rating Action
  • carlo_gavazzi-er1830npas1__75301.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    ER1830PPAS-1

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, M18, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, 10-40VDC, 3m Range, PNP, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 Plug

  • Baumer_FPAM_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FPAM 18N3151

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 3.2m Actual Range Sb, 4m Nominal Range Sn, NPN, Dark Operate, 2m 3-Pin Cable, 18 x 57mm WH, Cylindrical Threaded, Brass Nickel Plated/PC Housing, PMMA Optics, -25 to +55

  • Baumer_FPAM 18N3151_S14_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FPAM 18N3151/S14

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 3.2m Actual Range Sb, 4m Nominal Range Sn, NPN, Dark Operate, M12 4-Pin Connector, 18 x 67mm WH, Cylindrical Threaded, Brass Nickel Plated/PC Housing, PMMA Optics, -25 t

  • Baumer_FPAM_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FPAM 18P3151

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 3.2m Actual Range Sb, 4m Nominal Range Sn, PNP, Dark Operate, 2m 3-Pin Cable, 18 x 57mm WH, Cylindrical Threaded, Brass Nickel Plated/PC Housing, PMMA Optics, -25 to +55

  • Baumer_FPAM 18N3151_S14_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FPAM 18P5151/S14

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 3.2m Actual Range Sb, 4m Nominal Range Sn, PNP, Dark Operate, M12 4-Pin Connector, 18 x 67mm WH, Cylindrical Threaded, Brass Nickel Plated/PC Housing, PMMA Optics, -25 t

  • Baumer_FPCK_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FPCK 07N6901

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Subminiature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 0.6m Actual Range Sb, 0.8m Nominal Range, Teach-in, NPN, Light/Dark Operate, 2m Cable Rear Side, 17.8 x 8 x 12.6mm Rectangular HWD, Plastic Housing, PMMA O

  • Baumer_FPCK_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FPCK 07N6901/KS35A

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Subminiature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 0.6m Actual Range Sb, 0.8m Nominal Range, Teach-in, NPN, Light/Dark Operate, M8 4-Pin Flylead Connector (200mm Length), 17.8 x 8 x 12.6mm Rectangular HWD,

  • Baumer_FPCK_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FPCK 07P6901

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Subminiature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 0.6m Actual Range Sb, 0.8m Nominal Range, Teach-in, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, 2m Cable Rear Side, 17.8 x 8 x 12.6mm Rectangular HWD, Plastic Housing, PMMA O

  • Baumer_FPCK_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FPCK 07P6901/KS35A

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Subminiature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 0.6m Actual Range Sb, 0.8m Nominal Range, Teach-in, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, M8 4-Pin Flylead Connector (200mm Length), 17.8 x 8 x 12.6mm Rectangular HWD,

  • baumer_-_fpdk_07_-_retroreflective_sensor__47571.jpg

    Baumer

    FPDK 07N6901

    Retroreflective Sensor, Subminiature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 0.6m Actual Range Sb, 0.8m Nominal Range Sn, Teach-in, NPN, Light/Dark Operate, 2m Cable Bottom Side, 17.8 x 8 x 12.6mm HWD, Plastic Housing, PMMA Optics, -20° to +50°C, IP65

  • baumer_-_fpdk_07_-_retroreflective_sensor_1__72716.jpg

    Baumer

    FPDK 07N6901/KS35A

    Retroreflective Sensor, Subminiature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 0.6m Actual Range Sb, 0.8m Nominal Range Sn, Teach-in, NPN, Light/Dark Operate, M8 4-Pin Flylead Connector (200mm Length), 17.8 x 8 x 12.6mm HWD, Plastic Housing, PMMA Optics,

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