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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    IDEC

    SA2E-BN3-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), 10-350mm/20-350mm Adjustable Sensing Range, Red LED, NPN, 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__75214.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-BN3C

    Miniature Photoelectric Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), 10-350mm/20-350mm Adjustable Sensing Range, Red LED, NPN, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), M8 4-Pin Connector, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls, NCNR

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_cable_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_1__31719.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-BP3-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), 10-350mm/20-350mm Adjustable Sensing Range, Red LED, 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_1__46870.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-BP3C

    Miniature Photoelectric Sensor with Background Suppression (BGS), 10-350mm/20-350mm Adjustable Sensing Range, Red LED, PNP, 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_1__24671.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-DN3L-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Diffuse-Reflective Sensor, Infrared LED, 1m Sensing Range, NPN, 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_2__83279.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-DN3LC

    Miniature Photoelectric Diffuse-Reflective Sensor, Infrared LED, 1m Sensing Range, 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_-_connector_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_3__84291.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-DP3LC

    Miniature Photoelectric Diffuse-Reflective Sensor, Infrared LED, 1m Sensing Range, PNP, 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_3__58618.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-NN3-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Small-Beam Reflective Sensor, 50-150mm Adjustable Sensing Range, NPN, 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_4__75932.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-NN3C

    Miniature Photoelectric Small-Beam Reflective Sensor, 50-150mm Adjustable Sensing Range, NPN, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), M8 4-Pin Connector, IP67, 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5mm (WDH) Excluding LEDs and Controls, NCNR

  • idec_-_sa2e_-_cable_-_photoelectric_sensor_1_1_4__27606.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-NP3-2M

    Miniature Photoelectric Small-Beam Reflective Sensor, 50-150mm Adjustable Sensing Range, 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_5__21747.jpg

    IDEC

    SA2E-NP3C

    Miniature Photoelectric Small-Beam Reflective Sensor, 50-150mm Adjustable Sensing Range, PNP, 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_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

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