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_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

  • 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

  • cg_ph18_cable_10__65345.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNT20

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor (Emitter), M18 Square Type, 20m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K, UL508

  • cg_ph18_cable_9__04805.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNT20NASA

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor (Receiver), M18 Square Housing, 20m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, NPN Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K, UL508

  • cg_ph18_cable_8__55105.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNT20PASA

    Photoelectric Thru-Beam Sensor (Receiver), M18 Square Housing, 20m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K, UL508

  • 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

  • Leuze_50134281_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    PRK25C/4P-M8

    Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, 10-30VDC, 0.05-12m Range Limit with Reflector TK(S) 100X100, Red LED, 640nm, PNP, Light/Dark Switching, M8 Male 4-+Pin PUR Connector, 15 x 42.7 x 30mm (WHL), Plastic Housing/Lens, ECOLAB, IP67/69K

  • Leuze_50117926_Primary.jpg

    Leuze

    PRK28/2N-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, 15 x 46.5 x 31.8mm (WHL), ABS Body/Plastic Lens, -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