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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  • cg_pc50cnt20rp_3__07465.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PC50CNP06RP

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, Square, 12-240VDC and 24-240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 6m Range, SPDT NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Cable, Red Polarized Modulated Light 660nm, PC/ABS Housing

  • cg_pc50cnt20rp_2__36362.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PC50CNR10RP

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, Square, 12-240VDC and 24-240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 10m Range, SPDT NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m PVC Cable, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, 17W x 50H x 50Dmm

  • cg_ph18_cable_3__27247.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNP50NASA

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 5000mm (5m) Range, Red Polarized Modulated Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, NPN Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K

  • cg_ph18_plug_13__87371.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNP50PAM1SA

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 5000mm (5m) Range, Red Polarized Modulated Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 Plug, IP67/IP69K

  • cg_ph18_cable_2__14728.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNP50PASA

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 5000mm (5m) Range, Red Polarized Modulated Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K, Manufacturer Mini

  • cg_ph18_plug_9__70580.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNR65PAM1SA

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 6500mm (6.5m) Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 4-pin Plug, IP69K

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