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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  • Leuze_50129377_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    50129377

    Diffuse Sensor with Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 0.005-0.45m Range, Red LED, PNP, Light/Dark Switching, 0.2m Black PUR Metal Male 4-Pin Cable, M12, 11.4 x 34.2 x 18.3mm WHL, IP67/IP69K

  • Leuze_50129375_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    50129375

    Diffuse Sensor with Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 0.005-0.45m Range, Red LED, PNP, Light/Dark Switching, M8 Metal Male 4-Pin Connector, 11.4 x 34.2 x 18.3mm WHL, IP67/IP69K

  • leuze_ht3cl2_5__05688.jpg

    Leuze

    50129376

    Diffuse Sensor with Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 0.005-0.45m Range, Red LED, PNP, Light/Dark Switching, 2m Black PUR 4-Wire Cable, 11.4 x 34.2 x 18.3mm WHL, IP67/IP69K

  • Leuze_50133690_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    50133690

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

  • Leuze_50133699_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    50133699

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

  • Leuze_50133700_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    50133700

    Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 10-30VDC, 0.5m Range Limit, Autocollimation, Red Laser, 655nm, PNP, Light/Dark, LED, Teach Button, 0.2m Cable M12 Connector, 11.4 x 34.2 x 18.3mm (WHL), PC-ABS with PMMA Lens, ECOLAB, -40 to +55C, IP67/69K

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