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_4__25708.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PC50CND10RP

    Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor, Square, 12-240VDC and 24-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 1m Range, SPDT NO/NC, 2m PVC Cable, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, IP67, 17W x 50H x 50Dmm

  • 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_pc50cnt20rp_1__03055.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PC50CNT20R

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor, Emitter, Square, 12-240VDC and 24-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 20m Range, SPDT NO/NC, 2m Grey PVC Cable, Adjustable Sensitivity, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, IP67, 17W x 50H x 50Dmm

  • cg_pc50cnt20rp__88731.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PC50CNT20RP

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor, Receiver, Square, 12-240VDC and 24-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 20m Range, SPDT NO/NC, 2m Grey PVC Cable, Adjustable Sensitivity, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, IP67, 17W x 50H x 50Dmm

  • carlo_gavazzi_-_pe12cnt15_-_emitter__89305.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PE12CNT15

    Photoelectric Throughbeam Emitter, 15m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 880nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, 5m Cable, ESPE Type 2, EN12445, EN12453, EN12978, UL325, UL508

  • carlo_gavazzi_-_pe12cnt15po_-_receiver__99055.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PE12CNT15PO

    Photoelectric Throughbeam Receiver, 15m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 880nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO, Light Switching, 5m Cable, ESPE Type 2, EN12445, EN12453, EN12978, UL325, UL508

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