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_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

  • cg_ph18_plug_17__23811.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNB20PAM1SA

    Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor with Background Suppression, M18 Square Housing, 0-200mm (0.2m) Range, Polarity Free Red Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 4-pin Plug, Adjustable Sen

  • cg_ph18_plug_15__53640.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CND10PAM1SA

    Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 1000mm (1m) Range, Red Modulated Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP, NO/NC, M12 4-pin Plug, IP67/IP69K

  • cg_ph18_cable_5__29315.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CND10PASA

    Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 1000mm (1m) Range, Red Modulated Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP, NO/NC, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K

  • cg_ph18_cable_3__27247.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNP50NASA

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 5000mm (5m) Range, Red Polarized Modulated Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, NPN Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K

  • cg_ph18_plug_13__87371.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNP50PAM1SA

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 5000mm (5m) Range, Red Polarized Modulated Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 Plug, IP67/IP69K

  • cg_ph18_cable_2__14728.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PH18CNP50PASA

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Square Housing, 5000mm (5m) Range, Red Polarized Modulated Light 625nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, 2m Grey PVC Cable, IP67/IP69K, Manufacturer Mini

  • 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

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