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_ph18_cable_1__31978.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNR65PASA

    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, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP69K

  • cg_ph18_plug_8__60682.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNR65PAT1SA

    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 Grey PUR Pigtail, IP69K

  • carlo_gavazzi_-_pmp12rim_-_sensor__35069.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PMP12RIM

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 12m Range, Polarized Red Modulated Light 660nm, Power Supply 24VDC&24VAC, Relay SPDT, NO+NC, Terminals, IP67

  • pf_pmr10ri__11287.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PMR10RI

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor, 12-240VDC and 24-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 10m Range, SPDT NO/NC, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, 1/2" NPT Cable Gland, Screw Terminal Connection, IP67, 25 x 65 x 81mm Reinforced PC Housing

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_cable_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_1_5__98274.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-PN3-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, Red LED, NPN, 5m Sensing Range (Depends on the Reflector), Opaque Detectable Object, 0.5ms, Single Turn Sensitivity Control, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), 2m Cable, IP67, –30 to +55

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_connector_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_6__09671.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-PN3C

    Miniature Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 1.3 to 5m Sensing Range with Sensitivity Adjustment, NPN, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), M8 4-Pin Connector, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_cable_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_1_6__75518.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-PP3-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 1.3 to 5m Sensing Range with Sensitivity Adjustment, PNP, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), 2m Cable, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_connector_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_7__99595.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-PP3C

    Miniature Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 1.3 to 5m Sensing Range with Sensitivity Adjustment, PNP, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), M8 4-Pin Connector, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls

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