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
  • Leuze_50122564_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    ET318B.3/2N-M12

    Energetic Diffuse Sensor, 10-30VDC, Red LED Light Source, 620nm, NPN, Light/Dark Switching, Teach Button, M12 Male 4-Pin A-Coded Connector, 18 x 46mm, Plastic Housing/Lens, -40 to +60C, IP67, 318B Series

  • Leuze_50122562_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    ET318B.3/4P-M12

    Energetic Diffuse Sensor, 10-30VDC, Red LED Light Source, 620nm, PNP, Light/Dark Switching, Teach Button, M12 Male 4-Pin A-Coded Connector, 18 x 46mm, Plastic Housing/Lens, -40 to +60C, IP67, 318B Series

  • Leuze_50116857_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    PRK318B/2N-M12

    Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 10-30VDC, 0.02-6m Range Limit with Reflector TK(S) 100x100, Red LED, 620nm, NPN, Light/Dark Switching, M12 Male 4-Pin A-Coded Connector, 18 x 46mm, ABS Housing, Plastic Face, -40 to +60C, 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